Archives November 2024

On November 27, 2024, as part of the event “November Days of Statistics,” students from the Geography Study Program and the Spatial Planning Study Program, accompanied by their professor, Dr. Draško Marinković, visited the Republic Institute for Statistics of the Republic of Srpska. The purpose of this visit was to promote the role of statistics in society.

The students were addressed by Mr. Darko Milunović, Director, Željko Asentić, Assistant Director; and Dean Arežina, Head of the Department for Demography and Social Statistics at the Republic Institute for Statistics of the Republic of Srpska. Through a presentation on the Institute’s organizational structure, strategies, planning, and publications, the representatives highlighted the importance of using statistical data in everyday life.

Author of the text: Dr. Aleksandra Petrašević, Full Professor

On November 27, 2024, a workshop titled “Erasmus+ & CEEPUS Adventure: A Step into the World of Student Exchange” was held in the computer room of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Banja Luka.

Students attending the workshop had the opportunity to hear firsthand experiences from their peers who participated in exchange programs. During the panel discussion, students Ana Zrnić, Ana Đurić, and Slađana Radivojević (Erasmus+), as well as Toda Ignjatović and Kristina Knežević (CEEPUS), shared their experiences. They spoke about the application process, travel preparations, academic and cultural experiences abroad, and provided valuable advice for future participants.

In the second part of the workshop, Dr. Milana Grbić, Assistant professor, presented detailed steps for applying to the Erasmus+ program, while Dr. Irena Medar Tanjga, Full professor, explained the procedures for participating in the CEEPUS program.

In addition to students, the workshop was attended by academic coordinators of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, as well as representatives from the Office for International and Interuniversity Cooperation, who offered useful suggestions and guidelines.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics expresses gratitude to all participants of the workshop, especially the students who shared their experiences, inspiring their peers to take advantage of the opportunities offered by Erasmus+ and CEEPUS programs.

Author of the text: Dr. Milana Grbić, Assistant Professor
Photos: Valentina Knežević

On November 20, 2024, the tenth Geography Dictation of the Russian Geographical Society was held at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Banja Luka.

The Geography Dictation has been held since 2015, following the initiative of the President of the Council of Patrons of the Russian Geographical Society, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. Since 2017, the Dictation has had an international character. The Geography Study Program, as in previous years, joined the organization in cooperation with partners of the Russian Geographical Society in Serbia.

Participants of the Dictation were students, faculty members, and associates from the Geography Study Program and the Spatial Planning Study Program.

The author of the text: Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Petrašević

On November 14, 2024, a round table discussion on the topic “Russian Cultural Heritage in the Republic of Srpska” was held at the Faculty of Philology at the University of Banja Luka. In the presence of representatives from the Russian Embassy, the Russian House in Belgrade, and the Russian Scientific Institute in Serbia, participants presented the results of research on Russian cultural heritage. For the first time, multiple institutions and scientific fields were brought together, each using different approaches and methodologies to study the vast and diverse Russian cultural heritage in the area of the Republic of Srpska.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics actively participated in the event. Prof. Dr. Mira Mandić presented the results of her research and identified potential sites significant for certain historical events and figures that have not been explored until now. A documentary film titled “Russian Emigration in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in the Early 20th Century – A Look at Bileća,” produced by the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and authored by Dejan Puhalo, a master of spatial planning, and Prof. Dr. Mira Mandić, was shown to the attendees. The participants agreed that exchanging the results of individual research from various institutions is a good starting point for future cooperation, and that the researched heritage forms the foundation for cultural and other ties between the Russian and Serbian peoples.

The author of the text: Prof. Dr. Mira Mandić

Employees of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Banja Luka, participated in the International Scientific Conference “Geospatial and Environmental Dynamics: Between Fundamental and Applied Scientific Research,” held from November 15 to 16, 2024, at the building of the Branch of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia.

The conference brought together over 300 participants from 26 countries, providing a platform for the exchange of knowledge and innovations in the field of geospatial and environmental dynamics. The focus of the conference included topics such as climate change, sustainable development, remote sensing applications, natural disaster management, as well as new methodologies and technological solutions.

Employees of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Banja Luka, actively participated in the conference. The participants included Prof. Dr. Goran Trbić, Dragica Delić, MSc, and Luka Sabljić, MSc, from the Geography study program, as well as Marko Ivanišević, MSc, from the Spatial Planning study program.

Luka Sabljić, MSc, received an award for presenting the results of scientific research in the section dedicated to doctoral academic studies.

Participation in the conference enabled the strengthening of collaboration with researchers from other countries and contributed to the promotion of the scientific work of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics University of Banja Luka at the international level.

Text authors: Dragica Delić MSc and Luka Sabljić MSc

On November 15, 2024, the conference of final thesis presentations by students of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, titled “Knowledge for the Future”, was held. Ten participants presented their final theses from the first and second cycles of studies to their colleagues, assistants, professors, and an audience from other institutions. The audience had the opportunity to get acquainted with the segments of scientific research conducted at our faculty in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, and spatial planning.

During the conference, the presentations were divided into two sections, which were moderated by Dr. Dragojla Golub, Associate Professor and Dr. Snježana Dupljanin, Assistant Professor. After each section, a constructive discussion was held, which contributed not only to further clarification of the presented topics but also to current issues in the field. At the end of the conference, certificates of appreciation were presented to all participants.

The conference was held as part of the celebrations marking the 49th anniversary of the University of Banja Luka. We would like to thank all the participants and guests who contributed to the success of this event!

Text Author: Dr. Dragojla Golub, Associate Professor
Photos: Valentina Knežević

The Central Election Commission of the University of Banja Luka announces student elections for:

1. Application for members of the election commission at faculties/Academy of Arts,
2. Election of members to the Student Parliament of the University of Banja Luka,
3. Election of members to the academic/scientific-artistic councils of faculties/Academy of Arts of the University of Banja Luka from the student ranks.

The elections for members of the Student Parliament and members of the academic/scientific-artistic councils of faculties/Academy of Arts will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, at all faculties/Academy of Arts, from 08:00 to 14:00.

The call for applications for student elections was published on November 18, 2024, and will remain open until November 26, 2024.

Applications should be submitted to the student service of the respective faculty/Academy of Arts. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. The complete text of the call and application forms are available at the UNIBL link.

On November 11th 2024, World Science Day was celebrated at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, organized by the leadership of the Student Organization of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

During the event, guests were able to learn more about the methodology of scientific paper, about innovations such as plasma physics and nanotechnologies, but also hear the experiences of lecturers in their scientific and research careers. At the panel discussion, as the final activity of the event, the conversation revolved around the position of young people in science, how we can improve it, why and for whom mentoring is important, and about the opportunities that young researchers and students have at our University.

We would like to thank the Students’ Parliament of the University of Banja Luka and the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics for their support in the project and to everyone who contributed to the realization of the project!

Text author: Valentina Knežević

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, the Second Seminar for Computer Science Teachers working in primary schools in the Republic of Srpska was held at our faculty. The seminar was jointly organized by the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the Republic Pedagogical Institute of the Republic of Srpska.

Participants of the seminar had the opportunity to exchange their teaching experiences and deepen their knowledge of programming in the C++ programming language. In the first part of the seminar, MSc Aleksandra Stanković, inspector-advisor from the Republic Pedagogical Institute of RS, reminded participants of the importance of algorithms and highlighted practical situations where teachers can encourage algorithmic thinking in students during lessons. Following this, Professor Milana Grbić gave a presentation on using iterative statements to solve interesting problems in C++. In the final part of the seminar, Professor Dragan Matić presented the basic concepts of working with arrays and highlighted the connection between pointers and arrays in C++.

In addition to plenary lectures, participants had the opportunity to discuss learning outcomes, student achievements, and tasks related to the Programming in C++ teaching topic within workshops.

The seminar materials (presentations, problem texts, and program code) are available at this link.

Author of the text: Dr. Dragan Matić, Associate Professor

Workshop Announcement: “Erasmus+ & CEEPUS Adventure: Step into the World of Student Exchange”

All interested students of the FNSM are invited to join us for a workshop dedicated to the Erasmus+ and CEEPUS programs. This workshop is an opportunity to learn more about exchange programs and the application process.

The workshop will take place on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, starting at 12:00 PM in the computer room of FNSM.

Workshop Structure:

The workshop will be divided into three parts:/p>

1. Panel: Sharing Experiences (45-50 minutes):

A group of students who have already participated in the Erasmus+ and CEEPUS programs will share their experiences and advice. Topics will include the application process, preparation for travel, academic and cultural experiences abroad, as well as tips for future participants.

2. Overview of the Formal Application Procedure for Erasmus+ and CEEPUS Programs (40-50 minutes):

Academic coordinators from FNSM and colleagues from the University of Banja Luka’s International Cooperation Office will explain all the steps of the application process, from researching partner universities and preparing documentation to completing the online application and preparing for departure.

3. Q&A Session, Conclusion (15-20 minutes):

All participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and exchange information with all the speakers.

All students who wish to participate in the workshop should fill out the Google form at the link, by November 25, 2024. Take this opportunity to learn everything you need to know about student exchanges and the steps required for participation in the Erasmus+ and CEEPUS programs!

For further information, feel free to send inquiries to milana.grbic@pmf.unibl.org.