Welcome at the Faculty of Biology / Chair of Geobotany
The Chair of Geobotany at the University of Freiburg focuses on the environmental interactions of plant organisms, the response of terrestrial ecosystems to global change factors (particularly land-use change and climate change), and the spatiotemporal dynamics and functional significance of biodiversity. We also conduct research into ecoacoustics and soundscape ecology.
We explore these topics in greater depth in our courses within the BSc and MSc Biology programmes.
News
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Teaching
Our courses focus on plant and vegetation ecology. We teach the theoretical foundations and combine these with practical fieldwork and laboratory exercises.
Team
In our team, we bring together a variety of research perspectives, methods and ideas. We have an international network and are deeply rooted in the local community.
Research
We investigate the functional significance of biodiversity, the responses of plants and vegetation types to environmental changes, the phylogeny and systematics of selected plant groups, and the ecophysiology of plants. We also investigate the role of biodiversity in human health within the framework of the ‘planetary health’ approach and in the acoustic signature of ecosystems (soundscape ecology).
Infrastructure
We have a high-performance research infrastructure and equipment for addressing issues relating to plant ecology and physiology, vegetation science, soil ecology and ecoacoustics.
Publications
Our team’s publications provide an insight into our research findings and methods.
Certificates in Species Identification Skills
Is a certificate proving my species identification skills really necessary? Well, there is a demand in the job market for people with knowledge of plant, animal and fungal species and their habitats. During your studies, you can acquire the basics and explore certain aspects in greater depth. Public, nationally standardised examinations at three levels provide transparent and reliable proof of achievement. At the Chair of Geobotany, we have been involved in developing the programme and offer certificate examinations through the University of Freiburg’s Department of Educational Transfer since 2000.