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70846-01 - Lecture with practical courses: Science Communication and Excursion Management in Botanical Gardens (1 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Every spring sem. |
| Lecturers |
Ansgar Kahmen (ansgar.kahmen@unibas.ch, Assessor)
Eliane Schneider (eliane.schneider@unibas.ch) Ursina Studer (ursina.studer@unibas.ch) |
| Content | With the course “Science Communication and Excursion Management in Botanical Gardens,” students are introduced to methods of knowledge transfer between the scientific community and the public. The course consists of a theoretical and a practical component. In the theoretical part, the importance of botanical gardens for society is discussed, and both the history and concept of the Botanical Garden of the University of Basel are explained (one session). In addition, the individual sections of the garden are presented directly on site (two sessions). The basic principles of science communication, as well as methods of object-based communication, are also taught (two sessions). In the second, practical part of the course, students work—under the guidance of instructors—on developing a roughly 15-minute guided tour on a topic of their choice that can be conveyed using the collection of the Botanical Garden of the University of Basel (three sessions including tutoring and feedback). The completed tours are then presented during the final two sessions of the semester as part of the course, held at the Botanical Garden in Basel (five tours per session, including feedback time). Presentation and attendance during the course are essential for the grade (pass/fail). Mit dem Kurs "Science Communication and Excursion Management in Botanical Gardens" sollen die Methoden des Wissenstransfers zwischen Wissenschaft und Öffentlichkeit vermittelt werden. Der Kurs besteht aus einem theoretischen und einem praktischen Teil. Im theoretischen Teil werden die Bedeutung der botanischen Gärten für die Gesellschaft thematisiert sowie die Geschichte und das Konzept des Botanischen Gartens der Universität Basel erklärt (eine Doppelstunde). die einzelnen Abteilungen das Garten direkt vor Ort vorgestellt (zwei Doppelstunden). Zusätzlich sollen die Grundprinzipien der Wissenschaftskommunikation sowie Methoden der Vermittlung am Objekt erklärt werden (zwei Doppelstunden). Im zweiten, praktischen Teil des Kurses sollen die Studierenden unter Betreuung von DozentInnen eine ca. 15-minütige Führung zu einem beliebigen Thema, welches sich durch die Sammlung des Botanischen Gartens der Universität Basel vermitteln lässt, ausarbeiten (drei Doppelstunden inkl. Tutoring und Feedback). Die ausgearbeiteten Führungen werden dann in den letzten beiden Doppelstunden des Semesters im Rahmen des Kurses im Botanischen Garten am Spalentor präsentiert (5 Führungen pro Doppelstunde inkl. Feedback Time). Die Präsentation und Anwesenheit während des Kurses sind ausschlaggebend für die Note (pass / fail). Course Program Tue, 03.03.26, 18:15; Hörsaal Botanik Prof. A. Kahmen Lecture: History, organisation, collections and tasks of the Botanical Garden of the University of Basel (2 h). Language: English Tue, 10.03.2026; 16:15; Hörsaal Botanik Alexandra Baumeyer Lecture & Practice: Fundamentals of Science Communication: Theory, Formats, Visitors (2 hours). Language: English Tue, 24.03.2026; 16:15 Merian Gärten Alexandra Baumeyer and Dr. Lisa Eggenschwiler Lecture & Practice: Science communication: pitfalls & challenges, What constitutes a good guided tour? (2 hours). Language: English Tue, 31.03.2026 and Tue, 14.04.2026; 16:15 Botanical Garden Ursina Studer The plant collections of the Botanical Garden of the University of Basel (2 hours each). Language: English Tue, 21.04.2026, Tue, 28.04.2026 and Tue, 05.05.2026; 16:15 Botanisches Institut Eliane Schneider, Ursina Studer Practice: Development of a guided tour in the Botanical Garden. Language: English or German. Tue, 12.05.2026 and Tue 19.05.2026; 16:15 Botanical Garden Eliane Schneider, Ursina Studer Presentation and feedback: Guided tours in the botanical garden. Language: English or German |
| Learning objectives | The course is designed to provide students with fundamental principles of science communication as well as knowledge transfer through botanical gardens. In the lecture component, students are introduced to relevant methods and concepts, which they then apply by independently preparing and conducting a guided tour in the Botanical Garden of the University of Basel. The course thus establishes important foundations for scientific public outreach and for conducting guided tours in botanical gardens and other scientific institutions. Mit der Lehrveranstaltung sollen den Studierenden Grundlagen der Wissenschaftskommunikation sowie des Wissenstransfers durch botanische Gärten vermittelt werden. Den Studierenden werden in einem Vorlesungsteil die Methoden und Konzepte vermittelt, welche diese dann durch das selbständige Ausarbeiten und Abhalten einer Führung im Botanischen Garten der Universität Basel anwenden können. Der Kurs legt damit wichtige Grundlagen für die wissenschaftliche Öffentlichkeitsarbeit und das Durchführen von Führungen in botanischen Gärten und anderen wissenschaftlichen Institutionen. |
| Weblink | https://www.plantsciences.uzh.ch |
| Admission requirements | Number of Participants: Participation is limited to 10 people. Prior Knowledge: Background in natural sciences and biology. Priority is given to PSC PhD students. |
| Course application | Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center PhD students should additionally register via: https://ethz.ch/staffnet/en/service/courses-continuing-education.html |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| unregelmässig | See individual dates | ||
| Comments | Lectures, practicals and excursions take place at Schönbeinstrasse 6, in the Botanical Garden and in the Merian Gärten |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 03.03.2026 | 18.15-20.15 | Botanik, Hörsaal 00.003 |
| Tuesday 10.03.2026 | 16.15-18.15 | Botanik, Hörsaal 00.003 |
| Tuesday 24.03.2026 | 16.15-18.15 | Merian Gärten, -- |
| Tuesday 31.03.2026 | 16.15-18.15 | Botanischer Garten am Spalentor, -- |
| Tuesday 14.04.2026 | 16.15-18.15 | Botanischer Garten am Spalentor, -- |
| Tuesday 21.04.2026 | 16.15-18.15 | Botanik, Praktikumsraum U1.003 |
| Tuesday 28.04.2026 | 16.15-18.15 | Botanik, Hörsaal 00.003 |
| Tuesday 05.05.2026 | 16.15-18.15 | Botanik, Praktikumsraum U1.003 |
| Tuesday 12.05.2026 | 16.15-18.15 | Botanischer Garten am Spalentor, -- |
| Tuesday 19.05.2026 | 16.15-18.15 | Botanischer Garten am Spalentor, -- |
| Modules |
Courses: Master's Studies Animal Biology (Master's Studies: Animal Biology (Start of studies before 01.08.2025)) Courses: Master's Studies Ecology (Master's Studies: Ecology (Start of studies before 01.08.2025)) Courses: Master's Studies Plant Science (Master's Studies: Plant Science (Start of studies before 01.08.2025)) Doctorate Botany: Recommendations (PhD subject: Botany) Electives Bachelor Biology: Recommendations (Bachelor's Studies: Biology) Module: Courses for Master's Studies in Animal Biology (Master's Studies: Animal Biology) Module: Courses for Master's Studies in Ecology (Master's Studies: Ecology) Module: Courses for Master's Studies in Plant Science (Master's Studies: Plant Science) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Presence and "pass / fail" of the independently developed tour and the associated tour concept. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Science, studiendekanat-philnat@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Integrative Biologie |