The UCF Arboretum provides opportunities for student academics, such as courses and research. Students will learn about the environment

 

Education

BSC 4861L Urban Ecological Field Studies

Urban Ecological Field Studies teaches students how to conduct research by designing experiments and providing insight into urban ecosystem questions. Additionally, students will be guided on how to effectively communicate scientific information, and the important role of science in the world. Students will design and implement a research based project, and publicly communicate the results.

Course Objectives:

  • Develop an understanding of urban ecology including ecological sustainability that involves human interactions (people), economic impacts (profit), and ecological health (planet)
  • Explore how urban ecosystems are connected to natural ecosystems
  • Use research methods to answer real-world questions
  • Communicate scientific information through poster and oral presentations
  • Enhance group communication skills, and personally reflect on strengths and areas of improvement

For more information about how to register, please email Jennifer Elliott at Jennifer.Elliott@ucf.edu

 

BSC 3095 Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping

The biology of honey bees and the craft of apiculture will be examined by exploring the natural history, biogeography and ecology of honeybees. Honey bee anatomy, physiology, colonial social structure, pests/diseases, pollination ecology, management and current topics in beekeeping will be discussed. The lab portion of the class will involve field exercise and hands-on experience in the UCF Apiary.

Course Objectives:

  • Explain the inherent risk and safety requirements of working with live honey bee colonies
  • Explain the similarities and differences between honey bees and other species, including the different types of social behavior among different species
  • Identify the different types of honey bee races, where they come from, and what are their key characteristics
  • Describe the basic biology, anatomy, and physiology of honey bees, including the importance of chemical communication via pheromones in contributing to social cohesion
  • Give a basic overview of the history of beekeeping and development of modern beekeeping practices, including the components that makeup modern hives
  • Apply knowledge of honey bee biology to managing colonies effectively, evaluating of health and strength of colonies, and management techniques to prevent swarming and increase honey production
  • Understand the threats to honey bee health, methods for identifying these threats, and possible action to prevent or treat them
  • Explain how apiculture can be used as a window into broader topics, such as pest transmission, invasive species, ecotoxicology, and agriculture.

For more information about how to register, please email us at: Arboretum@ucf.edu.