OPPORTUNITIES OF USING CARTOGRAPHIC METHODS IN TEACHING BIOLOGY IN HIGHER EDUCATION.
Keywords:
Keywords: Cartography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), biology education, higher education, spatial thinking, interdisciplinary teaching, thematic mapping, geovisualization, didactic methods.Abstract
Abstract: The integration of interdisciplinary approaches in higher education is
pivotal for enhancing the quality of biological sciences instruction. This article
explores the significant yet underutilized opportunities presented by cartographic
methods—the science and technology of making and using maps—in teaching biology
at the university level. The modern biological sciences, encompassing ecology,
genetics, anatomy, and biogeography, are inherently spatial disciplines. Cartographic
techniques, particularly Geographic Information Systems (GIS), thematic mapping,
and geovisualization, provide powerful tools to visualize, analyze, and interpret
complex biological data. This paper analyzes the didactic potential of these methods
for improving spatial thinking, fostering interdisciplinary understanding, and engaging
students in active, research-based learning. The analysis concludes that the strategic
implementation of cartographic tools can transform biology education from a static,
fact-based discipline into a dynamic, analytical, and problem-solving oriented field,
thereby preparing students for the challenges of modern scientific research and
environmental management.
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