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NONAC05034

Biosecurity, Pests and Diseases of Honey Bees

Non-accredited Short Course

Take your beekeeping skills to the next level! Our Intermediate Beekeeping Course covers hive health, pest and disease management, and biosecurity—essential knowledge to protect your bees, especially against Varroa mite. Join today!

Apply now
Print course information
STUDY LOCATIONS Gold Coast
WAYS TO STUDY On campus
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 31 May 2025 Duration: 2 weeks View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$350
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Course overview

Healthy bees are easier to manage, and recognising pests and diseases early is key to effective control. Understanding whether an issue is a pest or a disease and knowing how to handle it makes all the difference. Practising good beekeeping means staying informed about biosecurity and taking the right steps for prevention and treatment. This course is essential for the well-being of your bees and the wider beekeeping community, especially now as we tackle the challenges posed by the Varroa mite.

Topics Covered:

  • Causal agents of disease
  • Endemic brood diseases
  • Adult bee diseases (endemic & exotic)
  • Types of pests
  • Record keeping
  • Special focus on: Identification, testing, and management of Varroa destructor

Biosecurity & Colony Inspection Procedures:

  • Monitor, identify, and manage major endemic pests and diseases to minimize impact
  • Understand the IPM (Integrated Pest Management) pyramid
  • Promote awareness and surveillance of exotic pests and diseases threatening Australian beekeeping
  • Gain insight into The Biosecurity Code of Practice

Practical Skills:

  • Hive surveillance & brood examination
  • Sampling procedures for diagnostics:
  • Brood and honey sampling
  • Adult bee collection for testing
  • Mite and beetle control

This is an intermediate-level course.

Course outcome:

Statement of Participation

Ways to study
Choose your study location

  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Robina
On Campus
31 May 2025
2 weeks
Part time 1 day per week 9am - 4pm with excursions off-site
Saturday
  • Full fee: $350

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

More Apply
demo

Robina

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

31 May 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

2 weeks
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 1 day per week 9am - 4pm with excursions off-site
Saturday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $350

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more


Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

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Biosecurity, Pests and Diseases of Honey Bees (NONAC05034)

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Biosecurity, Pests and Diseases of Honey Bees

COURSE CODE: NONAC05034
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Resources required

  • This course includes practical work with live honey bees.
    In the afternoon of both lessons, there will be an excursion & tour to an operating commercial Apiary.
    Details will be provided at the beginning of the class. You will need to provide your own transport to and from this local Apiary.
  • Pen and paper for note taking.
  • BYO lunch.
  • If you have one, bring your bee suit, however basic PPE will be provided.
  • If anaphylactic, please bring your Epipen and health management plan.

Important information

  • We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes early to get checked in and settled as class starts on time.
  • Course commencement is subject to minimum enrolment numbers.
  • The Seedpod Cafe on site at our Robina Campus is not open for business on the weekend or in the evenings so you are advised to bring your own refreshments.
  • The Green Fields bar & restaurant is on site - Level 4 Rooftop of our Robina Campus, for opening hours please see Green Fields information.

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.