For the first time, "Honey Bees: Their Intriguing Biology and Interactions with Humans (ENTOM 2030)" will be offered during Summer Session 2023. 

This online course, taught by Dr. Marina Caillaud, a lecturer in the Department of Entomology,  will examine the lives of bees, their contribution to humanity through the ages, as well as the threats they are currently facing.

“Honey bees have been an object of fascination for mankind since prehistoric times,” said Dr. Caillaud. “Along with many wild bees, they are essential coworkers in agriculture and they are increasingly important partners for sustainable agriculture that limits the use of pesticides.” 

Students will explore topics including chemical ecology, insect physiology, beekeeping, behavioral ecology, pollination biology, sociobiology and conservation biology.

The three-credit course, run by Cornell’s School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions (SCE) from June 20 to July 28, is open to all students, including those in high school.

Dr. Caillaud spoke to SCE about what students can expect from the course.

What do you hope your students come away with by the end of the course?

Besides coming away with college credits, I hope that students will gain an increased understanding, respect, and appreciation for forms of life most people ignore or fear—bees. Equally important to me is to raise their ability to question myths and misconceptions about bees and critically evaluate the information they find online on controversial topics such as...

Read the entire story on the SCE news site.