Teaching

We lead the delivery of curricula for majors at BSc and MSc levels in Geography and Earth System Science and minors in Geography, Earth System Science and Spatial Data Science. Our students are exposed to a wide range of concepts, theories and methods across the breadth of Geography and Earth System Science and work in the field and lab using methods spanning qualitative and quantitative approaches from the social, natural and computational sciences. Our study programs are appreciated by students for their broad and attractive curricula and the chance to spend time in the field. 

Curriculum development

Aim

At a time of rapid change we will maintain rigorous training in fundamental geographic concepts, theories and skills, while taking advantage of new developments (especially with respect to generative AI), increasing inclusivity, teaching critical thinking and reflecting on best practice in evaluation

Measures

• We will introduce regular (4-yearly) reviews of study programs to identify strengths, share learnings and reduce redundancies
• We will monitor teaching loads across thematic areas, groups and individuals to ensure loads are equitably distributed
• We will reevaluate guidelines and template rubrics to be used in formative and summative assessment across our curricula, using internal and external expertise to anticipate rather than respond to change
• We will audit existing field courses for accessibility, sustainability, efficiency and affordability and identify opportunities for increasing our offering of field courses integrated within existing modules

Student recruitment and retention

Aim

Attracting and retaining students across our study programs is key to our success and we will develop measures to advertise and promote our study programs across all levels and maintain or increase student numbers.

Measures

• We will develop and implement a marketing plan for our study programs

• We will provide support to incoming and existing students across all study programs by providing clear information in English and German about processes related to reasonable accommodations and any additional requirements