Biology teaching program 
for secondary schools

The scope of the program is 180 credits and is made up of the following: 

• First academic subject (Biology), including subject teaching methodology: 78 credits 
• Second academic subject (of your choice), including subject teaching methodology: 78 credits 
• Supplementary educational science program including three-week orientation internship: 18 credits 

• Bachelor’s thesis: 6 credits 

In the 1st–2nd semester, the focus is on basic scientific knowledge in the field of general, molecular, and organismal biology as well as botany. In the first academic year, you will mainly acquire basic knowledge of the natural sciences in the main biological disciplines. This is partly done in interdisciplinary courses such as lecture series, field courses, or exercise courses. Additionally, you are taught solid knowledge in the subjects chemistry, mathematics, and physics.

In the 3rd–6th semesters, you will cover the fundamentals of chemistry and biochemistry as well as the advanced areas of biology relevant to school biology lessons. These areas include genetics, microbiology, plant physiology, animal physiology, and ecology. Furthermore, you receive theoretical and practical training in subject-specific pedagogy for biology teachers. The Bachelor’s Biology Teacher Program for Secondary Schools concludes with the Bachelor's thesis. 

The Bachelor's thesis is written in the first or second academic subject. In the natural sciences, you can also do the thesis as experimental lab work in one of the science departments. After consultation, it is also possible to complete the Bachelor's thesis at one of our cooperation partners such as the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart or the State Health Office.

You should also ask yourself whether the Biology Teacher Program for Secondary Schools suits your areas of interest and you as a person.  

To get a better understanding of the program, the graphic shows you which school subjects are included in this degree program. Here is a brief overview of the most important interests and skills you should bring with you: 

• Biology, chemistry, and physics 
• Good written and oral expression skills in German 
• Good knowledge of English to be able to read English literature 

Always in balance: Theory and practice 

Theoretical knowledge is good and important—but you also need to be able to apply your knowledge in your career. The focus of a university degree course is on teaching theoretical content and scientific methodological skills. However, the Biology Teacher Program for Secondary Schools cannot do without a strong practical focus. That’s why we aim to optimally combine theory and practice.

Gaining practical experience

Practice comprises a large part of teaching. Even in the 1st semester there are modules with practical parts. In large groups at first, you will learn the anatomy and systematics of the various classes of animals and plants. The modules for getting to know the subdisciplines of biology starting in the 3rd and 4th semesters are also practically oriented so that you learn the typical scientific working methods of the different areas. You will apply these methods in your chosen independent Bachelor’s thesis. Regular lab courses await you starting in the 1st semester. You will also prepare and give seminar presentations on a specialist topic. The Botanical Garden and the greenhouses serve as experimental fields and visualization objects for flora and fauna on campus.

Acquiring new skills

To be successful in a profession, more is needed than just theoretical knowledge. We offer you the opportunity to acquire practice-oriented additional qualifications, for example a training aptitude test as part of “Education and Employee Management,” a laboratory management certificate, a plant protection certificate, or an animal transport certificate. You will also benefit from the university-wide continuing education program to expand your personal, social, and methodological skills.

• Practical elements for students
• F.I.T. further education program

Learning from practice

We maintain close contacts with companies, research institutes, and state institutes. We regularly host events on exciting and practical topics to which we invite lecturers and guest speakers from all over the world.

Learning languages, understanding cultures

Would you like to study and research abroad? Then take advantage of the opportunity to spend a semester in another country. It is guaranteed to be once in a lifetime experience. During this time, you will not only broaden your horizons, but also develop and educate yourself. This is an opportunity to consolidate your language skills and gain intercultural competence. We have over 80 partner universities in Europe and all over the world. A semester abroad also offers you advantages when looking for a job. This is because many international companies prefer applicants who have already studied and lived abroad.

Stays abroad

Gaining experience with start-ups

The “Innovation Greenhouse” is all about sustainable business creation, from idea development and evaluation to the founding and subsequent growth of the company. Here you have the opportunity to staff an exciting start-up or receive support for your own ideas or the company you have founded yourself. 

Innovation Greenhouse

Researching during your studies

In the project “Humboldt reloaded,” you will go through all stages of a real research project, from the preparation of the current state of research and the selection of methods for your own research to data analysis and presentation. 

Humboldt reloaded project: What does the oilseed rape beetle like?