The study of educational status of honey bee science in Iran during 2006-2011

In this survey, the status of honey bee education in Iran has been assessed during 2006-2011, using questionnaires consisting of a series of questions for gathering information from respondents in educational centers and research institutes. This survey asked scientists and experts to provide basic demographics information on their academic background, awards, research projects, student theses and dissertations. Our findings showed an increase in the number of assistant scientist (M.Sc.), however, the number of upper levels (Ph.D.) has decreased. The teacher:  student ratio has jumped from 1:4.92 to 1:7.05 during 2006-2009, but this trend has dropped by 1:4.62 in 2011. The number of students in the university diploma level fluctuated up and down through the study period. However, the number of students at Bachelor level (B.Sc.) showed the same trend after a two-year period. Overall, the gender rate was higher for males than females in all degrees. During the survey period, the numbers of males and females which graduated in M.Sc. and/or Ph.D. degrees also were increased in both genders. Collectively, our findings suggest that it is necessary to improve the graduate study programs in honey bee science at universities.