Competences

a. Introduce the members of the hive and their different biological and anatomical difference;
b. Sustain the functions of the bee colony, types of hives, hive preparation and management;
c. Master the prevention and cure of the main bee pests and diseases;
d. Manage bee reproduction and swarming prevention;
e. Appreciate the products from the hive. 

Knowledge 

a. Understand the difference between of the members of the hive, the queen the workers and the drone;
b. Foster the knowledge of the biology of the bee and genetics;
c. Communicate about the bee anatomy and physiology and the main body parts;
d. Understand the function of the bee in nature and pollination;
e. Associate pests, parasites and diseases with the damage of a bee colony;
f. Understand the bee reproduction cycle and genetics;
g. Know the favourable conditions which trigger swarming and swarm prevention;
h. Determine the differences between different types of hives and apiculture equipment;
i. Be familiar with the products of the bee hive.

Skills

a. Determine the role of the members of the hive;
b. Demonstrate the three factors that affect the annual cycle of a bee colony in the Maltese Islands;
c. Illustrate the bee main body parts and their function;
d. Show how bees communicate with each other in the hive when they find a nectar or pollen source and how they do it when preparing to swarm;
e. Draw the life cycle of the Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) and how can this kill a bee colony;
f. Show how keeping apiary equipment clean can prevent lot of pest and diseases;
g. Design an apiary and its best site selection;
h. Produce a diagram showing different types of hives used around the word;
i. Conclude which are the bee hive products;
j. Know the main characteristics of a bee main body parts;
k. Observe signs in the bee hive that indicates that a colony is going to swarm;
l. Examine frames to check for pests, parasites and disease;
m. Evaluate the effect of a queen less colony;
n. Assess the differences in different types of hives;
o. Know the health benefits of the different bee hive products;
p. Discuss how bee collect pollen and honey;
q. Explain the natural bee reproductive cycle;
r. Describe how to construct one type of bee hive;
s. Discuss the theory behind artificial swarming;
t. Describe how pest and disease can affect honey production;
u. Understand the terms used in the construction of a hive;
v. Undertake further studies on the prevention of parasites, pests and diseases;
w. Start a new colony from an artificial swarm;
x. Use a camera to capture images of the different stages in the life cycle of a bee;
y. Play video clips to learn different techniques in how to capture a swarm;
z. Keep records on PC or laptop.