Archives March 2024

Are you thinking about the exciting world of information technology? Studying computer science opens the door to endless possibilities, where every line of code becomes a tool for creation and innovation. As a computer science student, you will have the opportunity to explore all the emerging areas of computer science – from artificial intelligence and software development to data analysis. Through lectures, practical projects, and collaboration with top IT experts, you will develop skills that will help you shape the digital era in your own way. You will learn how to solve complex problems, create innovative applications, and contribute to the development of digital society.

Your journey into the world of computer science begins at the Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics, where an exciting adventure awaits you in discovering and creating the digital world.

You can study computer science at the FNSM on the Computer Science track within the Mathematics and Computer Science study program, where you become a graduate computer scientist (more information here).

Upon the initiative of the Teachers’ Society of the Republic of Srpska, with the consent of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the Institute for the Protection of Cultural and Historical Heritage and Natural Heritage at the entrance of the Faculty of Mathematics and Science of the University of Banja Luka, on March 26, 2024, a memorial plaque was unveiled in honor of our distinguished Serbian writer Branko Ćopić, marking the 40th anniversary of his death.

It is important to note that there was already an initiative to place a memorial plaque to our great writer at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and that the first steps in this matter were taken by Prof. Dr. Biljana Babić, the Dean of the Faculty of Philology, University of Banja Luka, as early as 2016.

The unveiling of the memorial plaque on March 26 was preceded by a cultural and artistic program, held at the amphitheater of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, in which students from elementary schools in Banja Luka participated: “Đura Jakšić”, “Petar Petrović Njegoš”, “Jovan Cvijić”, “Georgi Stojkov Rakovski”, “Jovan Dučić”, “Borisav Stanković”, and “Dositej Obradović”. Prof. Dr. Mira Mandić spoke about who Branko Ćopić was, what he loved, his childhood memories, his hometown of Grmeč, education, upbringing, political pressure, his tragic end, and his impatience to find his peace.

Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Prof. Dr. Radoslav Đekić, and President of the Teachers’ Society of the Republic of Srpska, Marina Knežević, ceremonially unveiled the memorial plaque in honor of our Branko.

Text author: Dr. Aleksandra Petrašević, Full Professor

Today, we are proud of the fact that several hundred pupils from Banja Luka high schools visited our faculty on Friday, March 22nd. We have opened the doors of our faculty wide to all who are interested in natural sciences, mathematics, and computer sciences. The pupils showed great interest in the possibilities of studying at our faculty, and our student volunteers, together with teaching assistants and professors, generously shared their experiences and explained to the students what it’s like to be a student at the Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics.

We noticed that the pupils are quite interested in the exercises on the entrance exam, as well as in the subjects that await them in the first year of study. The entrance exams are not difficult, and most subjects are taught from the very beginning.

We are pleased that there is great interest in studying at our faculty, and to all future students, we say: Welcome to the Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics!

Finally, we thank all student volunteers for their participation in this event.

Text author: Dr. Dragan Matić, Associate Professor

Photos: D. Desnica (UNIBL)

The conference on improving the quality of chemistry teaching in secondary schools as part of the Erasmus+ project ChemTeach (101129417-ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CB-VET) began on March 25, 2024 at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics with a discussion of chemistry teachers with business representatives. The opening of the conference was attended by the coordinator of the ChemTeach project, Prof. Dr. Ivan Španik from the Slovak Technical University in Bratislava, as well as teams from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Medical School, Gymnasium, and School of Technology, all from Banja Luka.

Representatives of public and private companies and laboratories, public institutes, higher education institutions, as well as teachers of secondary vocational schools and gymnasiums raised numerous questions during the discussion about the state, quality and perspective of professions in the field of chemistry at the level of secondary and higher education. This activity represents the first step in defining the needs of chemistry teachers in order to improve the teaching process and develop modern experimental and digital teaching tools. On behalf of the host, the opening of the conference was attended by professor Aleksandra Petrašević, PhD, Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs and assistant professor Milana Grbić, PhD, Vice-Dean for Science and Research at the Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics.

In the continuation of the conference, which will last until March 29, 2024, it is planned to hold various workshops in the field of modern teaching methods, which are open to all interested chemistry teachers according to the program.

Text: Prof. Milica Balaban, PhD
Photos: Dejana Savić, MSc

The World Water Day and World Meteorological Day events are traditionally organized by The Republic Hydrometeorological Institute, with the support of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics of the University of Banja Luka, and the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund of the Republic of Srpska. This year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, and the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction, and Ecology joined the organization, and support was provided by UNDP representatives. The gathering took place on March 20, 2024, in the amphitheater of the Faculty of Science.

The United Nations passed a resolution to mark March 22 as World Water Day and draw attention to water-related problems worldwide on that day. Every year, World Water Day emphasizes a specific aspect of water; this year’s theme is “Water for Peace”, exploring opportunities based on natural solutions and the challenges we face in the 21st century. During the gathering, it was emphasized that water is not an unlimited resource and that it is necessary to use it rationally. Climate change and its consequences were also highlighted, with the message that we are increasingly exposed to climatic extremes and the negative effects of climate change, underscoring the role of humans in preserving the environment. The aim of the meeting was to emphasize the importance of meteorological, hydrological, and climatic characteristics.

Text author: prof. dr Aleksandra Petrašević

If you are a high school graduate or a high school student interested in natural sciences, mathematics, or computer science, come to the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics on March 22, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On that day, the faculty opens its doors and organizes the event “Get to Know the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and Enter the World of Science”.

You will have the opportunity to visit a series of workshops and, together with professors and students of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, carry out various experiments, analyze interesting exhibits, and get acquainted with the beauty of natural, mathematical, and computer sciences. On that day, the aquarium and planetarium of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will be open, and presentations will be organized to showcase what you can study at the faculty.

We invite all interested students to come to the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and learn about the possibility of studying: biology, geography, GIS, tourism, ecology and environmental protection, mathematics, computer science, spatial planning, technical education, physics, and chemistry.

Do you want to explore the depths of the universe, understand the fundamental laws of nature, and create innovations that change the world and contribute to global progress? We invite you to explore the world of physics!

By studying physics, you develop critical thinking, analytical skills, the ability to adapt while solving new problems or creating models/developing existing ones. Through laboratory exercises and theoretical analyses, you gain tools that enable you understanding of complex phenomena, but also the opportunity to apply your knowledge in numerous fields. Physicists are in demand in research institutions, laboratories, educational institutions, industry, medicine, finance, and even in areas dealing with artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

You can study physics at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in the Physics Study Program. After completing your studies, you can become a Bechelor of  Science in Physics (read more here) or a Graduate Teacher of Physics (read more here).

It is the right time to join the community of physicists and the exciting discipline that allows you to develop your potential!

The University of Banja Luka has recently announced two open calls for international student exchange within the Erasmus+ (KA107) program – credit mobility. More details regarding the target recipients of these calls and the required documents for application are available here and here. For assistance in preparing application documents, students can contact the relevant international cooperation coordinator and academic coordinators from their study programs. The list of academic coordinators and their contacts can be found on the International Cooperation page, under the Contacts tab.

Addiko Bank, one of the business partners of the Faculty, is organizing an interactive lecture with a workshop on the topic of financial literacy. The aim of these lectures is to understand the importance of financial literacy, a skill considered one of the key competencies of the 21st century. The lectures will emphasize the importance of making important financial decisions, developing good money habits, such as the importance of saving, investing, and long-term financial planning for the future.
The lecture will be held on Friday, March 29, 2024, in the amphitheater of the FNSM, starting at 10:00 a.m. The lecture is intended for all students of the FNSM, regardless of study program and year of study, as well as other interested individuals. Registration to attend the lecture is mandatory through the Google Form, which must be completed no later than Wednesday, March 27.

More information about the lecture is available on the poster.

Text author: prof. dr Dragan Matić

Imagine an adventure of learning that takes you through the fascinating world of tourism! Studying tourism gives you the opportunity to explore different cultures, develop skills for exploring tourist destinations, and create unforgettable journeys. This program allows you, as a future student, to embark on a journey of discovering the world and build a career in the dynamic hospitality industry. Become part of the global travel community and open doors to exciting professional opportunities. Your future in tourism awaits for you to explore!

You can study Tourism at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics – Study program of Geography, Tourism specialization. Find out more here.