All posts by Milana Grbic

On Saturday, April 20, 2024, in the amphitheater of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the SECOND MATHEMATICAL WORKSHOP for the professional development of primary school teachers was held.

The speakers were: Prof. Dr. Duško Jojić, full professor at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Banja Luka, with the topic ‘A Little Geometry: Perimeter, Area, and Volume,’ and Dr. Boris Petković, assistant professor at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Banja Luka, with the topic ‘Elementary Problems in Algebra’.

The workshop was organized by the Mathematical Society of the City of Banja Luka in collaboration with the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Banja Luka. Primary school teachers from all parts of the Republic of Srpska had the opportunity to attend excellent lectures.

The Mathematical Society of the City of Banja Luka plans to organize a new mathematical workshop for primary school teachers in the fall and invites all primary school teachers to join.

Text author: Sara Koljanić, MA

If you’re interested in what you can study at the FNSM, what subjects are covered in the entrance exam, how to best prepare for it, when preparatory classes are held, which documents are needed for enrollment, and you’re unable to visit us in person – no problem, on April 29th, we’re organizing an Online Info Day. On that day, from 12 to 2 PM, Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Petrašević, Vice Dean for academic affairs, and Dr. Milana Grbić, Vice Dean for science and research, will answer all your questions. All you need to do is fill out the Google Form, and you’ll receive a link via email to access the Online Info Day at FNSM.

Join us at the Online Info Day at FNSM and learn about the opportunities to study: biology, geography, GIS, tourism, ecology and environmental protection, mathematics, computer science, spatial planning, technical education, physics, and chemistry at FNSM.

Registration link: https://forms.gle/qcQ44dADEE5GtEnR9

Cover photo: Mile Lekić, FNSM student

The team of the Chemistry Department participated in the final conference of the project “Agricultural Residues and Plastic Waste Materials as a Sustainable Source of Alternative Fuels and Valuable Chemicals” (AGRIPLAST), held from April 8 to 10 in Sombor. This project, supported and financed by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), aims at the chemical characterization and valorization of agricultural and plastic waste, following the principles of the circular economy.

At this conference, which brought together researchers from Serbia, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia, Prof. Milica Balaban held an invited lecture on “Microplastics as a carrier of polluting substances in the environment”. In addition, in part dedicated to the development of possibilities for further activities, Sanja Pržulj, senior teaching assistant, and Dejana Savić, teaching assistant, provided a detailed insight into the situation and perspectives in the Republic of Srpska regarding the issue of plastic waste and waste from the food industry with the presentation topics ” Plastic waste pollution in the countries of the Western Balkans” and “Beer trop as a raw material in pyrolysis processes”.

The presence of representatives of the Chemistry Department and engagement at the conference contributed to spreading knowledge about the importance of sustainable waste management in the region. This conference highlighted the potential for future collaboration between the Chemistry Study Program and other research institutions.

Text author: Dejana Savić, MSc

On April 14, 2024, at the Youth Center in Banja Luka, the event “Student Days of the University of Banja Luka” was inaugurated, representing one of the largest student events in the Republic of Srpska organized by the Student Parliament of the University of Banja Luka and the Union of Students of the Republic of Srpska with the support of the Ministry of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska and the University of Banja Luka.
Through ten days of student activities including Student Sports Games, Faculty Festival, and Open Doors Day, the event will have educational, cultural, and humanitarian aspects.

The ceremonial opening was attended by the Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education, Dr. Željko Budimir, the Rector of Banja Luka University, Prof. Dr. Radoslav Gajanin, Vice-Rectors Prof. Dr. Milica Balaban, Prof. Dr. Kristina Pantelić Babić, Prof. Dr. Dalibor Kesić, Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Ostojić, professors and assistants of the University of Banja Luka, students, and other guests. Representing the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the ceremonial opening of Student Days were the Dean – Prof. Dr. Radoslav Dekić, the Vice-Dean for Teaching – Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Petrašević, and the Vice-Dean for Scientific Research – Dr. Milana Grbić.

For more details, you can read on the website of the University of Banja Luka.

Text author: Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Petrašević
Photographs: UNIBL

We remind all prospective students that the FNSM organizes free preparatory classes in mathematics and chemistry. Preparatory classes are intended for all candidates taking entrance exams in these subjects.

**Preparatory classes in mathematics:**

• May 11th at 9:00 AM – Algebraic expressions. Functions. Proportions;
• May 18th at 10:00 AM – Quadratic equations;
• May 24th at 9:00 AM – Trigonometry;
• May 31st at 9:00 AM – Exponential and logarithmic equations and inequalities;
• June 8th at 9:00 AM – Analytical geometry;
• June 15th at 10:00 AM – Combinatorics.

**Preparatory classes in chemistry:**

• May 11th, 2024, at 10:00 AM – General and inorganic chemistry (Measurement in chemistry; Periodic table of elements and atomic structure; Chemical bonds; Theories of acids and bases; Acidic and basic oxides);
• May 18th, 2024, at 10:00 AM – General and inorganic chemistry (Quantitative composition of solutions; Gas laws; Chemical equations);
• May 25th, 2024, at 10:00 AM – Organic chemistry (Nomenclature of organic compounds; Molecular, empirical, structural formulas and spatial isomerism);
• June 1st, 2024, at 10:00 AM – Organic chemistry (Obtaining and reactions of organic compounds;) Chemistry of natural products.

Advance your knowledge and prepare for the entrance exam in the best possible way!
For more information, follow updates on the FNSM website and our Instagram page.

Studying the living world that inhabits the immediate surroundings, regions, or distant corners of planet Earth is the domain of biologists. If your interest lies in further education regarding various types of microorganisms, fungi, plants, or animals, then enrolling in the Biology study program is the right choice for you. Through diverse educational contents, you will get acquainted with the living world at all biological and ecological levels of integration, starting from the molecular, cellular, morpho-anatomical, population, species-specific ecosystem level, and finally at the level of the biosphere. Knowledge and skills in the Biology study program are acquired through theoretical, practical, and experimental teaching. The special charm of studying biology lies in fieldwork, in various types of ecosystems, organized at the end of each year of study, but also very often as part of the diploma thesis.

If you wish to transfer the acquired knowledge to students in primary and secondary schools, you can enroll in the teaching track within the biology studies. Thanks to a group of subjects related to this track, you acquire the skills necessary for the teaching profession.

You can study biology at the FNSM in the Biology study program, either in the general track where you become a Bechelor of Science in Biology (more information is available here) or in the teaching track where you become a Graduate Teacher of Biology (more information is available here).

On Friday, March 29th, an interactive lecture with a workshop on financial literacy was held in the amphitheater of the FNSM. The session was led by colleagues from Addiko Bank Banja Luka – Sanja Lazarević, the Head of the Credit Risk Management and Development Team, and Milka Čadjo, the Director of the Retail Banking Department. Focused on the significance of financial literacy in the 21st century, the lecture emphasized the importance of making financial decisions, developing good money management habits, and the advantages of saving, investing, and long-term planning. Alongside the lecture and workshop, a discussion involving active participation from students, professors, and colleagues from the bank enriched the exchange of ideas and experiences. The event was open to all students and interested parties. We extend our gratitude to our colleagues from Addiko Bank and look forward to future collaboration.

Text by: Dr. Milana Grbić, Assistant professor
Photographs by: Addiko Bank

Are you ready to dive into an exciting adventure of new technologies and innovations? Explore the world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at our faculty.

By studying GIS, you will discover the intersection of geography and modern technologies. You will learn how GIS integrates spatial data to address challenges and issues in space. From its use in urban planning to environmental protection, the possibilities are endless!
As a GIS student, you will delve deeper into spatial analysis, remote sensing, and spatial database management. You will master the most advanced software and tools necessary for various industries, including jobs in transportation, agriculture, telecommunications, architecture, spatial planning, environmental protection, natural disaster management, and many other sectors.

With GIS, you open the doors to a wide range of employment opportunities! Whether you see yourself shaping sustainable cities, tracking wildlife habitats, contributing to humanitarian efforts in natural disasters, GIS equips you with skills for impactful and diverse jobs worldwide. Your skills will be highly desired in fields such as transportation network planning, agricultural production optimization, telecommunications network management, spatial and urban development design, as well as many other areas.

Join us in shaping the future with GIS. Enroll in the GIS program at the Study program Geography and become part of a community actively working on solving problems and achieving positive changes in space through GIS technologies.

More about enrollment and entrance exam can be found here or send us an email at gis@pmf.unibl.org for more information.

From April 3rd to April 5th, the International Trade Fair “Banja Luka EXPO 2024” will take place at the University City. The organizing committee of the event invites interested professors, students, and staff of the University of Banja Luka to visit the event with free admission. The fair will be open from 10:00 to 18:00.

The fair will feature 200 exhibitors from the Republic of Srpska, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Austria, Switzerland, and the Republic of Serbia. The partner country of the International Trade Fair is the Republic of Serbia.
On Thursday, April 4th, from 12:00 to 14:00, the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will also be presented at the fair.

Photograph taken from https://banjalukaexpo.com/

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