Bees are a charismatic group of insects with important roles in human society. They are critical crop and wild flower pollinators, and have been cultivated for pollination, honey, and wax production for thousands of years. Some bee species live in social groups, including the honey bee, which lives in one of the most complex societies in the animal kingdom. This course will focus on bee biology, diversity, behavior, and basic beekeeping to teach students about scientific approaches in diverse areas of biology. We will also address the ways in which scientific consensus is reached around controversial issues, particularly those that threaten bee populations.