Studying at the Junior Professorship for Plant Utilization

The teaching at TU Dresden links plant science and plant use already from the first semester. Lectures convey basic knowledge, yet we always aim to learn together and engage in discussion. Some of the events will therefore take place outdoors on campus — from walk‑around lectures to the first voluntary practical assignments. The knowledge acquired is deepened in design and identification exercises, as well as in accompanying exercises on the use of plants. You can find the current content in the overview of the various modules in this department.

For woodland surveys in the field, it is necessary to be able to identify species both in winter and summer conditions. The department offers tutorials for this purpose. Weekly tours led by student assistants enable students to learn Latin and German names at eye level and simultaneously get an overview of the existing vegetation on campus and in the Botanical Garden. As part of ongoing learning assessment, plant knowledge in the basic course is tested at the end of the semester through a shrub or herb identification test.

In specialized modules, students work on certain topics from plant use. Here they either study theory or learn through practical activities. In the theoretical focus, they evaluate literature on outdoor plant science and use, present their findings in scientifically grounded texts, give oral presentations, and defend their conclusions in discussions. In practical activities involving plant use, theoretical content is implemented through tasks on campus, and valuable insights into design with plants and development of plantings are tested through maintenance.

Advanced projects are an integral part of the studies at TU Dresden. In the third semester of the Master’s programme, students deal with practical and object‑related topics, either in planning or in theory. These are often closely related to open space planning tasks or situations.

Excursions are particularly important for the field of plant use, in order to vividly convey different sites, natural environments, and usage situations through their vegetation characteristics. Excursion destinations include show gardens, urban plantings, and experts who share their knowledge with the students and offer insight into possible career paths.

Through guest lectures, the department provides insights into special questions concerning plant use and the maintenance of plantings. They show different planting styles or address special topics such as rainwater management and the role of vegetated areas in urban spaces.