Universität Wien

300157 VU Introduction to the ecology, classification and determination of wild bees (2026S)

(Zoology)

5.00 ECTS (3.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie
Continuous assessment of course work

This course belongs in module MNB3 to subject area Animals.
Moodle
Fr 20.03. 14:00-18:00 Übungsraum 1.3 Mikroskopie 3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.049, Ebene 1

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 20 participants
Language: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Friday 06.03. 14:00 - 18:00 Übungsraum 1.3 Mikroskopie 3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.049, Ebene 1
  • Friday 13.03. 14:00 - 18:00 Übungsraum 1.3 Mikroskopie 3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.049, Ebene 1
  • Friday 27.03. 14:00 - 18:00 Übungsraum 1.3 Mikroskopie 3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.049, Ebene 1
  • Friday 17.04. 14:00 - 18:00 Übungsraum 1.3 Mikroskopie 3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.049, Ebene 1
  • Friday 24.04. 14:00 - 18:00 Übungsraum 1.3 Mikroskopie 3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.049, Ebene 1
  • Friday 08.05. 14:00 - 18:00 Übungsraum 1.3 Mikroskopie 3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.049, Ebene 1
  • Friday 15.05. 14:00 - 18:00 Übungsraum 1.4 Mikroskopie 4, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.048, Ebene 1
  • Friday 22.05. 14:00 - 18:00 Übungsraum 1.3 Mikroskopie 3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.049, Ebene 1
  • Friday 29.05. 14:00 - 18:00 Übungsraum 1.3 Mikroskopie 3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.049, Ebene 1
  • Friday 05.06. 14:00 - 18:00 Übungsraum 1.3 Mikroskopie 3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.049, Ebene 1
  • Friday 12.06. 14:00 - 18:00 Übungsraum 1.3 Mikroskopie 3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.049, Ebene 1
  • Friday 19.06. 14:00 - 18:00 Übungsraum 1.3 Mikroskopie 3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.049, Ebene 1
  • Friday 26.06. 14:00 - 18:00 Übungsraum 1.3 Mikroskopie 3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.049, Ebene 1

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Of the more than 20,000 species of bees described worldwide, around 707 are found in Austria. These insects, which are by far the most important pollinators of wild and cultivated plants, are of great scientific and economic interest, and their pollination services play a major role in nature conservation considerations and the preservation of valuable biotopes. However, bees can rarely be identified directly in the field and are very challenging to classify taxonomically. In addition, there is a growing shortage of experts on individual bee groups. The wild bee identification course offers an introduction to the identification of bee genera and species found in Austria and neighboring countries, their biology, ecology, and role in nature conservation. In addition to teaching how to handle museum material, basic morphological knowledge, the evolution, phylogeny, and systematics of bees, the biology and ecology of wild bees, lifestyles, flower pollination, and nature conservation aspects are also covered in theory lectures. In the laboratory, students practice preparation and labeling, with a focus on practical identification using a stereomicroscope and working with scientific material.

The aim is to enable students to independently identify species down to genus level. Identification down to species level will be practiced using material collected by the students themselves, thereby enabling them to familiarize themselves with this group of insects. Students are encouraged to start their own working collection and may bring along any bee material they have already collected. If desired, participants can also begin to familiarize themselves with a specific genus, preferably using material from the University of Vienna's insect collection.
The course will be taught in German.

Assessment and permitted materials

Face-to-face teaching with attendance monitoring (two unexcused absences), two written partial exams, a final exam with an identification section (specifying the identification method), a written section, and an oral section.
Identification is carried out using the identification literature and stereo microscope provided, whereby a wild bee specimen of unknown genus must be identified down to the genus level, specifying the identification method.
The final grade can be improved through active participation in the course.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Minimum attendance requirement: Attendance at the first teaching unit is required for admission to the course and the allocation of remaining places. Any absence must be notified in writing at least 24 hours in advance.

The pi-LV requires regular attendance by participants, as in addition to the introductory lectures and participant involvement, practical exercises and identification using the wild bee material provided are also required and necessary for successful completion.
Two unexcused absences are permitted. Repeated absences without good reason will result in a negative assessment.

Minimum requirements (partial performance to be achieved):
For a positive overall assessment, successful participation in two written partial examinations and the final test is required.
The latter consists of a practical identification section using a stereo microscope (identification of a bee specimen down to the genus), a written theoretical section, and an oral section with three questions on the entire exam material.

In the event of illness or a negative result in the final test (partial performance), a replacement date is scheduled within 4 weeks, which will be announced in the course and sent to all participants by email.

Assessment criteria: Assessment is based on a points system, with a maximum of 100 points available. The two partial exams are worth 20 points each, and the final exam is worth 50 points (20 points for the written section, 20 points for identification, and 10 points for the oral section). An additional 10 points can be earned through active participation (attendance counts too!). The minimum score required to pass the course is 51 points.

Please note that interested parties should only register if they are able to attend all courses, as experience has shown that it is difficult to catch up on the material later.

Examination topics

The introductory lectures for each teaching unit are made available as PDF files via Moodle.
In the first two units, the necessary course materials on morphology, including a glossary and bibliography, as well as a species identification key, are handed out (contribution towards printing costs, excess).
The two partial exams and the written part of the final exam will test the content of the lectures from the previous teaching units.
The entire lecture material is relevant for the oral part of the final exam.

Reading list

An updated bibliography on the individual topics and supplementary material will be provided in the lecture units or via Moodle.

Association in the course directory

MEC-9, UF MA BU 04, MNB3, MZO W4, MNB6

Last modified: Th 05.03.2026 10:07