Overview

Applications for January 2025 are now closed.

In this micro-credential, we aim to provide beekeepers with the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to identify the criteria needed to raise healthy honeybees. Key to this is good animal husbandry and knowledge of pests and diseases of the honeybee. Being able to assess the risks associated with poor apiary hygiene, disease hot spots, overstocking and habitat loss, puts the beekeeper in control. A clear benefit of the micro-credential is increased productivity (under the right weather conditions) which is reflected in the amount of surplus honey available to the beekeeper should they choose to harvest it.

At the end of the micro-credential, subject to numbers (approximately 25-30), learners will be invited to campus for a practical on the identification of disease with Dr. Mary Coffey, expert from DAFM (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine).

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be over 21 years of age.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the mechanisms of immunity in Apis mellifera.
2. Identify current parasites of honeybees in Ireland and more widely, considering potential threats to honeybee health from imported bees and other products.
3. Describe the life cycle of the main honeybee pathogens.
4. Explain the importance of plants to honeybee health.
5. Link the diversity of microbes associated with honeybees with their influence on honeybee health.
6. Discuss human-mediated factors involved in decline of honeybee health.
7. Apply best practice in apiary management hygiene and notifiable disease protocols

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (60%)
• Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (40%)

Contact

If you have any questions about this course, please contact:

Arts & Humanities,
Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development

Email: Arts & Humanities

How to Apply

Applications for January 2025 are now closed.

From the 1st October 2025, you can apply for any University of Galway Micro-credential through our Online Application Portal.

Learn more about our application process.

Apply here: Online Application Portal

When completing your application please make sure to select the following categories:

Academic level: Micro-credentials and CPD
College/Interest type: Micro-credentials/CPD Undergrad Level 7 and 8
Academic programme: Science & Engineering Micro-credentials – CPB15

You will need to manually enter the Module Name and Code under ‘Module Name’ on the second page of your application. Please copy the name and code below:

Honey Bee Health (Apiculture) - ZO1202