One of the earliest known images of human/bee interaction is from an 8,000, year-old Mesolithic cave painting of honey hunters in eastern Spain. Bees have not only provided honey, beeswax and pollination services, they have impacted human society throughout history; creatively, culturally and spiritually. Bee colonies have complex systems for organization, and a remarkably democratic decision-making process. Honeycomb is an astonishing feat of engineering and strength. Bees are a powerful metaphor for life; a lens through which we can explore art, design, science and culture. This course will investigate the world of the honeybee in all of its complexity. Through hands-on learning, readings, lectures, fieldtrips and design-led research, participants will explore one of the most remarkable insects on the planet and how they relate to natural science, sustainable systems, social history, gastronomy, art and design.