Teaching Degree Programme Biology
From cells to ecosystems: biology helps us understand living systems. In the biology teacher training programme at JLU Giessen, you will acquire the technical and didactic tools you need to teach biological topics in a clear and understandable way.
At JLU Giessen, you can study biology to become a teacher at lower-secondary schools (L2), grammar schools (L3), special-needs schools (L5) and vocational schools (BBB).
The programme covers key areas of biology such as cell and molecular biology, genetics, zoology, botany, ecology, evolution and human biology. These specialist subjects are closely linked to biology-specific teaching methodology. The aim is not only to acquire specialist knowledge of biology, but also to be able to adapt it for use in the respective school type.
The programme concludes with the first state examination and forms the basis for the subsequent preparatory service (teaching internship), which ends with the second state examination. This opens the path to a career in teaching.
Composition of the Study Programme
| Modules in the teaching degree programme for biology at lower-secondary schools and special-needs schools | Modules in the teaching degree programme for biology at grammar schools |
|
|
Please note that all modules are held in German.
In the biology didactics modules, you will engage in an in-depth examination of teaching and learning processes in biology lessons. Among other things, you will explore pupils’ typical preconceptions, the selection of appropriate teaching content, the use of models, experiments and media, and the planning of competence-based lesson plans. Current issues such as sustainability, environmental and health education, and ethical questions in modern biology play an important role in this context.
The programme places particular emphasis on practical application. Students gain early experience in conducting biological experiments, using investigative methods and making observations that are suitable for use in the classroom. In doing so, they learn to present biological phenomena clearly, explain them accurately from a scientific perspective, and adapt their teaching to the varying learning needs of pupils. Digital media and learning formats are used specifically to visualise biological content and support learning processes.
The programme is complemented by modules in the educational sciences (pedagogy, political science, psychology, sociology), as well as a practical semester and internships; for the teaching degree programme for special-needs schools, subjects in special education are also included.
You can find fascinating insights into teaching and research in the biology teaching degree programme on the website of the Institute of Biology Didactics (in German).
Practical Semester
During your practical semester, you will apply your subject-specific and pedagogical knowledge comprehensively in a school setting for the first time. You will receive intensive preparation and support from the university. You will plan and deliver your own biology lessons and observe pupils’ learning processes. This will give you valuable insights into your future career and allow you to gain your first teaching experience.
Application
Information on entry requirements, deadlines and the application process for teaching degree programme can be found on the central pages of JLU Giessen.