A study trip exploring the flora and fauna of an extremely arid region

As part of the General Studies module (FÜS), students, under the guidance of Prof. Klaus Birkhofer, examined the global decline in biodiversity, human-wildlife conflicts and the country’s colonial past.

In March 2026, the Ecology chair successfully ran the FÜS module “Ecological Excursion” in Namibia for the sixth time. Alongside students from BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg studying the Environmental Sciences study programme, the ERM study programme, Environmental Engineering and Architecture, students from the University of Leipzig also took part in the seminar and the two-week excursion. During the two-week excursion, the students explored the flora and fauna of an extremely arid region. Key topics of the module include the global decline in biodiversity, human-wildlife conflicts and the colonial past.

BTU student Theresa Klunkert was there and says: ‘The Namibia field trip was simply brilliant: two weeks filled with stunning natural beauty, incredibly informative discussions and activities, and a wonderful sense of community – I still look back on it fondly.’

The next module on this topic will take place in the 2026/2027 winter semester. It is expected to be run in collaboration with the University of Hamburg.

The General Studies programme imparts knowledge that goes beyond the subject-specific curricula and serves to develop students’ skills. It supplements the content of the respective study programme with subject-independent aspects and is freely selectable by students. The credits earned can be counted towards the curriculum.

Contact
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Klaus Birkhofer
Chair of Ecology
T +49 (0)355 69-3235
klaus.birkhofer(at)b-tu.de

Press contact

Susett Tanneberger
Kommunikation und Marketing
T +49 (0) 355 69-3126
susett.tanneberger(at)b-tu.de

Students on the move — A walk along a riverbed in the Naukluft Mountains (Photo: Prof. Klaus Birkhofer)

Climb through a gorge — The climb up to the Waterberg Plateau (Photo: Prof. Klaus Birkhofer)

A view of the Namibian landscape — View of the Pontok Mountains next to the Great Spitzkoppe (Photo: Prof. Klaus Birkhofer)

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