Bee Biology and Pollinator Behaviour (College Certificate)

Bees and other pollinators are essential to healthy ecosystems, global food systems, and biodiversity. This online course offers a comprehensive introduction to the biology and behaviour of these remarkable insects, with a focus on their ecological roles, life cycles, and interactions with plants.

Over five engaging classes (four online & one in-person event), you’ll explore topics such as bee anatomy, social and solitary species, the science of honey, communication methods, and the threats facing pollinator populations. Welcoming students to the beautiful Newbattle Abbey College campus, the visit day in mid-September will consist of a laboratory science session, in which students can use microscopy and other techniques to explore both pollen and honey, followed by a hands-on beekeeping session led by the Newbattle Beekeepers Association.

Designed for a broad audience, this course is ideal for nature enthusiasts, aspiring beekeepers, students, and anyone interested in the natural world. No prior scientific knowledge is required—just a curiosity about the creatures that help keep our planet blooming.

This five week course is a collaboration between Newbattle Abbey College, the Scottish Schools Education Research Centre (SSERC), and Newbattle Beekeepers Association.

Join us online and gain a deeper appreciation for the tiny pollinators making a big impact.

Proposed course schedule: course runs from 6pm – 8pm.
Tuesday, 19th August – ‘Bee Anatomy and Communication’
Saturday 23rd August, Newbattle Abbey College 1pm – 3pm – In person hands-on apiary session
Tuesday, 26th August – ‘Health, Variety and Fraud in the World of Honey’
Tuesday, 2nd September – ‘Reproduction and Disease in Pollinators’
Tuesday, 9th September – ‘Tools, Techniques and Challenges in Modern Beekeeping’

Cost:
Adults £78, Concession £68 (students, 60+, unemployed)