Science Communication and Excursion Management in Botanical Gardens (Unibas 70846)
| 2026_FS_ScieComBotGardens | |
| 03.03.2026 - 19.05.2026 | |
| 10 x 2 hours | |
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Start registration period: 10.12.2025 End of registration period: 16.02.2026 |
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| Basel | |
| 6 | |
| 6 | |
| Students enrolled in PSC PhD Programs have priority. Free of charge to all Ph.D. students. | |
| Course Description 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). 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. | |
| Prof. Dr. Ansgar Kahmen (University of Basel), Ursina Studer (Board of the Verein Botanischer Garten am Spalentor), Eliane Schneider (President of the Association Grüne Schule Basel), Alexandra Baumeyer (Head of Education & Communication, Merian G?rten), Dr. Lisa Eggenschwiler (Head of Science & Documentation, Merian G?rten) | |
| 1 | |
| PhD Students | |
| Background in natural sciences and biology. | |
| English | |
| Attendance and "pass / fail" of the independently developed guided tour and the associated tour concept. | |
By registering you agree to the PSC course terms and conditions AGBs | |
| Arrange cancellation with the PSC coordination office (psc_phdprogram@ethz.ch): Up to 2 weeks prior to course start without a fine. Later cancellations and incomplete attendance without documented justification will incur a fee of 200 CHF. | |
| Dr. Jelena Rajkov (jelena.rajkov@unibas.ch) | |
| FS26_Science Communication and Excursion Management in Botanical Gardens_unibas.pdfvertical_align_bottom |