Biology
Biology (Teaching degree)
Studying biology for a teaching degree program (Lehramt) gives you a comprehensive overview of all biology-related topics in order to allow you to spark your pupils’ enthusiasm for biology. The degree program covers plant and animal biology, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, human biology, ecology and field trips.
- Degree
- Teaching degree
- Duration of studies in semester
- 9/7
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Study location
- Erlangen, Nuremberg
- Number of students
- 50-150
- Subject group
- Teaching Degree, Mathematics, Natural sciences
- Teaching language
- completely in German
- Admission Requirements
- With NC (RS) and no admissions restrictions- registration (GS,MS,GYM)
What is the degree program about?
During the teaching degree program, you gain a comprehensive overview of all biological issues and areas of knowledge that will later enable you to pass on your fascination for biology to your pupils. Unlike the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs, the subject-specific content of the program is largely prescribed by the Bavarian Ministry of Education. In addition to the biology of plants and animals and an introduction to microbiology, genetics and biochemistry, you will also learn about human biology (the evolution and biology of human beings) and ecology (biological relationships in different habitats), unlike students in the Bachelor’s degree program. The program also includes the option to take part in several field trips. These can give you inspiration for how to teach biology outdoors.
As a biology teacher, you will not just need to know your subject but also how to teach, and therefore the program includes a teaching methodology component tailored to teaching and learning biology. For example, you will learn about the educational value of biology, how to teach pupils to think and work in a way that is appropriate for the natural sciences, which teaching methods are appropriate in which cases, the curricular framework for teaching biology, and how to plan successful biology lessons.
Detailed information about teaching degree programs and the different types of schools is available on our information page for teaching degree programs.
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Teaching at secondary school (Gymnasium)
- Basics of cell biology, genetics and developmental biology
- Organizational forms and ecological adaptations of animals and plants
- Physiology and biochemistry of organisms
- Molecular biology, microbiology and genetics
- Ecological and systematic diversity of organisms
- Human biology
- Ecology
- Research-oriented work placement with seminars
- Teaching your subject
Teaching at secondary school (Realschule)
- Animal biology
- Plant biology
- Plant physiology
- Microbiology, genetics and genetic engineering
- Ecology
- Human biology and physiology
- Seminar on main topics of biology with a focus on zoology and botany
- Teaching your subject
Teaching at middle school (Mittelschule) and elemantary school (Grundschule)
- Animal biology
- Plant biology
- Plant physiology
- Microbiology, genetics and genetic engineering
- Ecology
- Human biology and physiology
- Teaching your subject
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You do not need any specific previous knowledge, although any special courses related to biology that you have taken at school will be an advantage. The most important thing for a teaching degree in biology is that you are interested in questions concerning living nature and enjoy working with children and young people.
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- The combinations available for teaching degree programs at secondary school (Gymnasium) are biology and chemistry and biology and computer science.
- If you study the degree program to teach at a Realschule you can only choose biology in combination with chemistry. For this reason, it is not suitable for those who do not like chemistry.
- You will find it easier if you have an interest in sciences in general, as certain sub-disciplines of biology (e.g. physiology, biochemistry) also require you to have basic knowledge of chemistry, physics and mathematics.
- You will need to be good at organizing your own time as the study plan for teaching degree programs is not completely set out for you. You must make some decisions yourself as to which courses and examinations fit into your study plan best and make sure that you do not take on too much at once.
Under certain conditions, students in all teaching degree programs (Lehramt) can attain the academic degree of “Bachelor” pursuant to LAPO on application usually after 6 semesters. The type of Bachelor degree awarded depends on the type of school you are studying for and the subjects chosen, if applicable. Further information is available on the Center for Teacher Education (ZfL) website.
Subject combinations:- Grundschule (elementary school)
- Mittelschule (lower secondary school)
- Realschule (secondary school)
- Gymnasium (grammar school)
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- Admission requirements (first semester)
- With NC (RS) and no admissions restrictions- registration (GS,MS,GYM)
- Admission requirements (higher semester)
- With NC (RS) and no admissions restrictions (GS,MS,GYM)
- Application deadline winter semester
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15.07.
- Details and notes
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In addition to the general qualification for university entrance qualification (allgemeine Hochschulreife – Abitur), there are other entrance qualifications that allow you to study at FAU.
Do you need help or more information?
Our Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is the central point of contact for all questions about studying and starting a degree programme. Our Student Service Centres and subject advisors support you in planning your studies.