The studies focus on cooperation and communication as well as on learning and memory in social insects. Honey bees, other social bees such as bumblebees and the tropical stingless bees, ants and termites serve as model systems. Production, propagation, perception and processing of chemical, visual, acoustic and vibratory signals are investigated. Methods used include gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, bioacoustic methods such as LASER Doppler vibrometry, and molecular methods.
The biology and control of parasites is studied on honey bees. The main focus is on the mite Varroa destructor. Side effects of pesticides on honeybees, bumblebees and solitary bees are studied in the field and in semi-field and laboratory experiments. Another focus is on forensic entomology.
We investigate various aspects of biological and scientific teaching and learning processes at all levels of education - from pupils and students to trainee teachers and teachers. We combine established methods of empirical teaching-learning research with physiological measurements (e.g. hormone analysis, heart rate variability). We are particularly interested in how various factors influence the understanding of biological content. We investigate influencing factors at the levels of the learning environment, the teachers and the learners themselves.
Our research interests include:
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Last update: Aug 27, 2024
