Beekeeping: A first course for Aspiring Beekeepers

Name: Beekeeping: A first course for Aspiring Beekeepers
Rating: 4.7 (125 reviews)

Designed specifically for the non-beekeeper. Explore beekeeping as a new, exciting and rewarding lifetime activity.

Created byThomas Carroll, PhD

Last updated 7/2025

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

The many wonderful benefits of bees and bee keeping and why you should consider becoming a beekeeper
The requirements needed to become a beekeeper
The challenges involved in starting any new activity or hobby and how to overcome them
The basic equipment you will need to start beekeeping and basic costs involved
What it is like to inspect a hive of bees

Course content

5 sections • 24 lectures • 1h 22m total length

Welcome!5:31
In this lecture I introduce myself and cover a bit of my background in beekeeping. I cover the overall topics of the course as well as reviewing materials and assignments the students can expect.
My story - how I became a beekeeper7:06
In this lecture I cover how I got started in beekeeping and the lessons that can be learned from my experience.
Who can be a beekeeper?2:12
In this lecture we reflect on who you need to be and what you need to have to become a beekeeper.
Activity: Reflect on what interests you about bees and beekeeping0:27
Before we go any further lets do a bit of reflection. What draws you to/interests you about bees and beekeeping?
Activity: Introduce yourself0:07
This is your opportunity to introduce yourself to other course participants.
Review of section 11:08
This lecture provides a recap of what we have covered in the first section and takes a look at what is coming next.

Introduction to section 20:29
I cover what topics students will learn about in this section.
Basic beekeeping equipment part 1 - the beehive6:28
This lecture looks at the first key piece of beekeeping equipment that you will need - the beehive.
Basic beekeeping equipment part 2 - other equipment, costs and suppliers3:26
This lecture looks at other key pieces of beekeeping equipment - the beesuit, smoker, hive tool and bee brush.
Get ready to inspect a colony of bees11:26
This lecture looks at the key elements in preparing to inspect a colony of bees - light the smoker, put on the beesuit and prepare to go to the beehives……
Opening a hive of bees and inspecting the bee colony16:16
The lecture, with a live bee colony, takes you through approaching the beehive, where to stand, smoking the hive, opening the hive and inspecting the bees.
Review of section 20:17
This lecture recaps what students have learned in section 2 and looks ahead to section 3.

Introduction to section 30:21
This lecture introduces section three of the course.
Three important reasons why you should learn about bees and beekeeping9:59
This lecture covers three key benefits of bees and beekeeping and why you should learn about bees/keep bees…
Activity: Observe bees!0:44
This activity is designed to increase your awareness of the bees around you on a daily basis.
Activity: Seek out Bee Products0:46
This activity will increase your knowledge and awareness of bee products. You can learn a lot by reading the labels!
Review of section 30:33
This lecture recaps what we have learned in section 3 of the course and looks ahead to section 4 which is the final section of the course.
Test your knowledge of what we have learned so far in the course

Introduction to section 40:48
This lecture gives an overview of the 4th section of the course.
General challenges to starting any new activity, hobby or enterprise1:29
This lecture looks at the process of starting anything new (including beekeeping) and the challenges which are likely to be encountered. The lecture will help the student prepare to start beekeeping.
Let's Review8:59
This lecture reflects back on the major topics we have covered in the course.
Activity: Self Reflection0:24
This activity will guide you through a structured process to assist you to reflect on what you have learned in this course and the next steps you will take to deepen your knowledge of bees and beekeeping.
Resources for additional learning0:20
Attached to this lecture is a downloadable PDF file of additional beekeeping resources.
Congratulations!1:17
This lecture is the final lecture to congratulate and thank you for completing the course. Check out the bonus lecture for details of follow-on courses.

Requirements

No - just an interest in bees or in starting beekeeping

Description

Are you interested in bees? Have you ever considered becoming a beekeeper? This short course will introduce you to the subject and the key reasons why you should actually consider becoming a beekeeper.

You will learn a little bit about honeybees and the basic equipment needed to start and the basic costs. You will get a taster of what beekeeping is like as you watch the instructor open and inspect a colony of live bees.

The course will give you a basic overview without having to wade through loads of detail provided in other 'masterclass' type courses.

Who this course is for:

Those who wish to take up beekeeping as a new and exciting hobby in 2022 - prepare now!
Non beekeepers who are curious about bees and beekeeping
Non beekeepers who want a quick overview of beekeeping without having to plough through a longer course
Absolute beginners who have an interest in starting beekeeping as activity but have no idea where to start
Anyone interesting in exploring beekeeping as a possible new, interesting and all absorbing and educational activity
Anyone generally interested in the natural world and curious about bees

Beekeeping: A first course for Aspiring Beekeepers

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction to the course6 lectures • 17min

An introduction to practical beekeeping6 lectures • 38min

Why beekeeping is such an engaging activity5 lectures • 12min

Course Conclusion6 lectures • 13min

Bonuses1 lecture • 2min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: