This book conveys the fundamentals and concepts for a contemporary, competency-oriented biology education. Goals, learning processes, and performance assessments are discussed in detail, along with effective media use, methodological approaches, and philosophical and ethical questions. The authors place great emphasis on incorporating empirical findings and evaluating statements in an international context. Over 1,200 literature references were analyzed for this purpose. Thanks to the new, practical format and updated graphics, this 5th revised edition, like its predecessors, serves as a foundational work for educators and students, as well as a current information source for all practicing subject teachers.