Assistant professor in Life Science Education at the School of Education, Faculty of Subject Teaching, University of Iceland (since 2021)
Research
My research spans two main areas: marine mammal ecology and science education. In marine ecology, I study the behaviour, communication, physiology, and feeding ecology of whales, with a current focus on baleen whale migration and foraging in a changing ocean. In science education, I explore higher education development, quality in science teaching, outdoor learning, nature connection, and education for sustainability.
Here you can find a sorted list of my publications as well as my ORCID and IRIS pages
Teaching
My teaching at the University of Iceland is diverse and interdisciplinary, spanning biological sciences, pedagogy, sustainability, field- and place-based learning. A central aim of my teaching is to connect theory and practice, foster action competence and transformative learning, and prepare future science teachers for the challenges of sustainability, enhance nature-connection and obtain competence in outdoor education.
More about my teaching emphasis
I have coordinated and taught courses such as Climate Change and Education (Ice. Loftslagsbreytingar og menntun) and Pedagogy of the Life Sciences (Ice. Kennslufræði lífvísinda), with a strong emphasis on outdoor learning, sustainability, scientific literacy, and students’ connection to nature. I have supervised students across all levels, including PhD, master’s, and bachelor’s projects, focusing on ecology, climate change, and science education. Beyond the classroom, I have developed new interdisciplinary initiatives, such as the upcoming Urban Biodiversity course (Aurora network, 2026) and the Science Bridge project linking education with natural sciences.
Courses taught Autumn 2025
SNU103G – Náttúruvísindanám og -kennsla í nærumhverfinu (Place-based natural science education)
SNU024G – Erfðir og þróun (Genetics and evolution)
SNU701 – Kennslufræði lífvísinda (Life Science Education)
LAN17G – Náttúra Íslands (Icelandic Nature)
Courses taught at the University of Iceland
MEX020G – Icelandic Nature and Cultural Legacy
SNU009G – Nám og náttúruvísindi á 21. öld
SNU202M – Stjörnufræði og þróun lífs
SNU205G – Náttúruvísindanám og –kennsla á vettvangi
MEX020G – Icelandic Nature and Cultural Legacy
SNU701M – Kennslufræði lífvísinda
SNU103G – Náttúruvísindanám og -kennsla í nærumhverfinu
SNU103F – Kennsla náttúrufræði og stærðfræði og vettvangsnám 1
Conference presentations
Science communication
In addition to teaching and research, I am deeply committed to science communication and outreach. I have regularly participated in Vísindavaka (the Icelandic Researcher’s Night hosted by Rannís), a highly popular event where researchers share their work with the general public. I view such engagement as an invaluable opportunity to connect the university with society, inspire younger generations, and contribute knowledge to informed public debate.
More
I have also been actively involved in outreach initiatives aimed at children and young people. Since 2012, I have annually taught zoology with a focus on mammal interactions and the evolution of whales in the University of Young People (Háskóli ungafólksins), a summer program where schoolchildren attend diverse courses led by University of Iceland specialists. In addition, I have taken part in the University Train (Háskólalestin), a traveling version of the same initiative, where groups of researchers visit different regions of Iceland to offer workshops for schoolchildren. I participated in the University Train in 2011, 2015, and 2016. My courses in these programs have consistently been well attended and received very positive feedback from students.
- Vísindavaka – Researcher’s Night
- Háskóli Ungafólksins – University of Young People
- Háskólalestin – The University Train
- Hvalavinnusmiðja Norrænahússins (2024) – Whale workshop in the Nordic House
- Nýjasta tækni og vísindi (RÚV) – Cutting-Edge Science and Technology (Co-host in TV series on the latest science and technology in Iceland)
- Europe from above: Iceland – National Geographic (S3E6)
Edda Elísabet Magnúsdóttir, PhD 