Online Beekeeping Course
the University of Delaware

Note from the webmaster: Please be aware that this page is from 2007 - I was advised in 2010 that this course is no longer being offered... however I have choosen to keep this page in place as it serves as a record of what the web site looked like for the 2007 EAS Conference.

Have you ever wanted to take a college-level course in beekeeping? The University of Delaware’s popular course, Apiology and Apiculture (ENWC 214), taught by entomology professor Dewey M. Caron is now offered online through UD Online, the University of Delaware's Distance Learning program.

Apiology and Apiculture is an introductory-level college course covering basic bee biology with an emphasis on bee colony management. This scientific approach to studying the life of honey bees includes bee biology, anatomy, physiology, behavior, bee botany, and communication. The course additionally covers an introduction to beekeeping, including techniques for practical bee care, bee culture/stewardship, and managing honey bees for honey/products and/or crop pollination services.

To participate in the course, you will need a computer with e-mail, an Internet connection, and the required textbook, Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping. And of course your interest and enthusiasm. You can progress through the course at your own pace, viewing lectures via the Web and following course activities outlined in the syllabus. Access to a bee colony is recommended, but not required. Throughout the course, you will be communicating with fellow students and with Professor Caron.

If you wish to earn University of Delaware academic credit, you can enroll in the course as a Continuing Education student. You will not need to apply for admittance to the University. UD Online credit courses are regular University courses and listed on a college transcript with no distinction from on-campus courses. [If you are a student at another college or university, we recommend you check with your advisor in advance to be sure the credits can transfer and be applied to your specific degree program.]

Beekeepers may want to take this course on a noncredit basis. The noncredit option is more appealing if you are interested in the course for personal or professional development and do not plan to apply it toward a degree. This option offers additional time and more flexibility in choosing course activities with assignments/projects designed to fit your schedule and interests.

For more information about the credit version of ENWC 214 Apiology and Apiculture, you can view a course demonstration and the sample course syllabus by searching for ENWC214 at www.continuingstudies.udel.edu/udonline/search/. If you visit this site and are unable to view the demo because of issues with your computer's set-up, that doesn't mean you can't take the course. UD Online technical support can help resolve most accessibility issues over the phone, or the course can be completed using the CD-ROM format.

Tuition for the 2-credit course option is charged at the regular University of Delaware rate for Delaware residents, or at a “site participant” rate for nonresidents. For current tuition rates, visit www.continuingstudies.udel.edu/udonline/registration/. The credit course is offered in the Spring 2007 semester which begins February 5, 2007 and ends May 16. Registration begins on November 20, 2006. It is also offered in the Fall semester, August 28 to December 5, with registration opening April 30th plus in summer (June into 1?2 July) or during January each year (our Winter Semester)

Tuition for the noncredit option is $295 per person, and enrollment is available at anytime begining January 3, 2007. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive an official University of Delaware Certificate of Completion. For either option, enrolled students can purchase the required textbook online from the instructor or from Bee Supply dealers.

For additional information or for instructions on how to enroll, please contact Melanie Rehberg, UD Online Program Manager, at (302) 831-1079, (1-800) 597-1444 (press 5 and ask for Melanie), or MelanieR@udel.edu. Contact Dr Caron at dmcaron@udel.edu.

Note from the webmaster: Please be aware that this page is from 2007 - I was advised in 2010 that this course is no longer being offered... however I have choosen to keep this page in place as it serves as a record of what the web site looked like for the 2007 EAS Conference.

Posted January 2007