Biology & Geography

The Didactics of Biology and Environmental Education, as well as Geography and Economics, at the Department of Environment and Biodiversity at the University of Salzburg, bridge the gap between scientific research and the practice of teaching and learning. Their goal is to design educational processes for schools and universities that address both current needs and future challenges. A key area of focus is Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and climate change education. These topics play a vital role in equipping students and educators to understand and actively address pressing ecological and social challenges. The didactics teams work to transform complex content into clear and engaging learning experiences, ensuring that students can not only comprehend the material but also take meaningful action in response. In addition to sustainability topics, the departments also explore digitalisation in education, research-based learning, the cultivation of argumentation skills, and the integration of socio-economic concepts into teaching. Their overarching aim is to foster the competencies—both for educators and students—necessary for effective and sustainable teaching practices. With their work, specialised didactics make a significant contribution to further developing the quality of teaching and education and opening up future-oriented perspectives.