Department of Biology and School Gardening
Our teaching focuses on organismic zoology, botany and the fundamentals of human biology. Our aim is to prepare students as practically and realistically as possible for the various career paths within biology. In addition, we conduct research in the fields of aquatic ecology, humans and biodiversity, the design and testing of innovative teaching and learning formats, and the use and impact of the school garden as a learning environment both within and outside school.
Teaching
In our teaching, we focus on organismic zoology and botany; here, our main aim is to highlight the diversity that evolution has produced.
In the Biology for Teacher Training programme, we also place great emphasis on the fundamentals of human biology – which are essential for trainee teachers. Our aim is not only to equip future teachers with a solid subject-specific knowledge, but also to ensure they always consider how the content can be effectively conveyed in the classroom. In doing so, we take as practical and hands-on an approach as possible.
In addition to the programmes for teacher training students, there is the option to study the Master’s programme in Biodiversity and Environmental Education at our institute. Biodiversity, sustainable species conservation and environmental education are central components of this programme.
Research
Our areas of research in the field of biology education include the use and impact of out-of-school learning environments – in particular the school garden – the implementation of digitally supported biology lessons, and the design of innovative teaching and learning formats for outdoor learning. In the field of specialist science, we conduct research into topics such as aquatic ecology, biodiversity, invasive species, and the promotion and development of species knowledge.
Institute team
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
A302
Phone
Availability
By arrangement
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
B207
Phone
Availability
By arrangement
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
A304
Phone
Availability
Office hours for the summer term 2026:
Tuesday 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
B209
Phone
Availability
Please sign up here:
https://studip.ph-karlsruhe.de/studip/dispatch.php/consultation/admin?username=lieflaenderka
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
B209
Phone
Availability
Consultation hours: Please arrange by email or register via StudIP
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
B203
Availability
By arrangement
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
B201
Phone
Availability
Tuesday 10:00–11:30 am
and by arrangement
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
A305
Phone
Availability
By arrangement
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
A305
Phone
Availability
By arrangement
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
B206
Phone
Availability
By arrangement
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Availability
By arrangement
Partnerships
Our institute works in partnership with various regional organisations.
Responsible for the content: Prof. Dr Andreas Martens mailto:andreas.martens@ph-karlsruhe.de
Updated on 22 October 2026 by Central Web Editorial Office