Archives 2024

Research Areas

Research is conducted at the FNSM in various scientific fields belonging to natural sciences and mathematics. FNSM is the home faculty for the following scientific fields:

By clicking on a scientific field, you can obtain information about narrower scientific areas within that field.

There are a total of 18 chairs at the FNSM. More about the chairs can be found here.

All information about the parent status of Faculty/Academy of Arts and Study Programmes of the University of Banja Luka is available here.

Academic Year 2023/2024

The academic year at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (FNSM) represents a period in which students and faculty members explore, learn, and share knowledge together. Throughout the academic year, lectures and exams are organized, seminars are held, and student projects are implemented.

Enrollment for the summer semester of the academic year 2023/24 begins on February 19, 2024, and ends on February 29, 2024.

Classes for all three study cycles at the Faculty of Science in the summer semester of the academic year 2023/24 start on February 19, 2023, and will last until June 7, 2024.

More information about all the dates can be found in the academic calendar 2023/24.

Undergraduate Studies

The Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (FNSM) in Banja Luka is an excellent choice for students interested in scientific research and education in the fields of natural, mathematical, and computer sciences.

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Computer science at FNSM

The Computer science at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (FNSM) offers you the opportunity to enter the dynamic world of computer and information sciences and technologies. This program encompasses areas such as programming, software development, databases, web design, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and many more. You will use modern programming languages and technologies such as Python, Java, C, JavaScript, React, and many others that are used in the IT industry.

If you want to share knowledge and skills in computer science with future generations, the mathematics and informatics professor or technical education and informatics professor are ideal choices for you. In addition to informatics areas, these programs will also cover teaching methodology, pedagogical techniques, and the structure of the educational system, enabling you to become a successful educator.

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Chemistry at FNSM

The occupation of chemists in the 21st century is considered one of the most important due to the many challenges modern society faces. In the Chemistry Study Program, students gain modern chemical knowledge and become successful experts in many fields and areas.
B.S. in Chemistry can be employed in laboratories and institutes of public importance, responsible for the safety and healthiness of water, food, widely used items, various materials, and generally the environment. Additionally, many of our colleagues are employed in development and research departments of chemical, pharmaceutical, food, oil, and other industries, as well as in relevant testing laboratories. Graduated chemists also work in production facilities of various industries, ministries, and other institutions. It should be noted that many chemists have chosen a scientific career and are employed in scientific and higher education institutions where they are important members of research teams.
In the Chemistry Study Program, one also acquires the title of B.Ed. in Chemistry. Chemistry professors in elementary and secondary schools are an important link in education and provide students with necessary knowledge from various areas of chemistry, which are crucial for understanding natural processes, as well as for a healthy and safe life.
Both directions provide excellent opportunities for personal and professional development. Enjoy studying in the exciting scientific field Enjoy the student experience and success on the path to acquiring knowledge in the exciting scientific field of Chemistry!

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Biology at FNSM

Are you fascinated by the richness of the living world that exists on our planet? Do you wish to study plants, animals, fungi, or microorganisms in our environment, both near and far? Are you interested in the study of DNA? Do you know how life originated and how cells exchange information among themselves? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, consider enrolling in the general program of the Biology Study Program and obtain the title of a graduate biologist.

If you aspire to become a professor of biology in elementary or high school and convey knowledge from this wonderful natural science, then the teaching track of the Biology Study Program is an ideal choice. This track provides knowledge from biological sciences, as well as psychology, pedagogy, and teaching methodology, as they are essential for a successful career in education. As a future biology professor, you will have opportunities for education and personality formation of young people who will pursue their careers in various fields.

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Ecology at FNSM

Ecology and environmental protection are some of the most important scientific disciplines in our society today. The increasing population of our planet, environmental neglect, scarcity of drinking water, and healthy food are some of the greatest challenges our society faces. To become a good expert in the field of ecology, you must have a good understanding of biology, chemistry, and geography. Therefore, studying this multidisciplinary field of ecology and environmental protection is ideally done in the general track of Bachelor's Program in Ecology and Environmental Protection, leading to the title of graduate ecologist.
If you want to impart knowledge about the importance of ecology and environmental protection to future generations, then the teaching track of Bachelor's Program in Ecology and Environmental Protection, where you become a graduate ecology professor, is for you.

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Geography at FNSM

By studying geography, you'll learn that behind the beauty of the Earth lie geographic processes and phenomena. You'll discover how to uncover, analyze, represent, and manage these processes. Geography will show you how to study population migrations, the development and function of settlements, how to analyze urban and agrarian spaces, and provide answers to emerging problems. This study will enable you to travel through the geological history of the Earth, but also guide you through the processes that change its face daily. This study invites you to explore the real causes and consequences of climate change. Here, you can learn how to analyze all these processes and phenomena through a geographic information system. Upon completion of undergraduate studies as a graduate geography professor, you'll have the opportunity to work in primary and secondary schools, business entities, institutes, agencies, and other state and private institutions.

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Мath at FNSM

If you aspire to expertise in theoretical and applied mathematics, the track leading to becoming a graduate mathematician and computer scientist is ideal for you. This track covers a wide range of topics, including algebra, analysis, geometry, and probability, as well as advanced knowledge in computer science areas of programming, databases, and data analysis. Students acquire advanced mathematical skills and abstract understanding, preparing for challenging professional paths in scientific research, industry, and education.

If you want to teach and inspire future generations, then the track leading to becoming a graduate mathematics and computer science professor is an excellent choice. This track prepares you to teach mathematics and computer science for elementary and high school. Through the study of educational methods and the specifics of teaching mathematics and computer science, students gain theoretical and practical understanding of mathematics and computer science.

Both tracks open doors to research, teaching, and various applications of mathematics. Continue exploring the world of mathematics at the Faculty of Science and Mathematics and prepare for challenges and successful careers in this demanding yet fascinating field!

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Physics at FNSM

Exploring and interpreting various natural phenomena has attracted the greatest minds throughout history. Figures like Archimedes, Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla, along with hundreds and thousands of other scientists worldwide, dedicated their lives to discovering the laws of physics and their findings significantly contributed to making our lives easier and more enjoyable. In the general track of Bachelor's Program in Physics, leading to the title of graduate physicist, you'll have the opportunity to acquire deep theoretical as well as practical knowledge from various branches of physics and explore the latest challenges in this science.
If you have a desire to share knowledge about physics with younger generations, then the title of graduate physics professor is for you.

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Tourism at FNSM

If you're interested in learning about the geographic characteristics of destinations, climate, topography, natural resources, and cultural-historical aspects, and exploring how these factors influence tourists' decisions when choosing a destination and how tourism itself affects the environment and communities, then the Tourism program is for you, where you can become a graduate geographer - tourismology.

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Spatial planning at FNSM

If your sphere of interest revolves around the space that surrounds us, if you're intrigued by the aspects of social, economic, and environmental development, and you want to explore and understand the interaction of people with space and how spatial planners shape the future, then you're in the right place because you're a future spatial planner. Through these studies, various skills and knowledge in spatial planning science and profession are acquired, mastering spatial analysis techniques, techniques, and methods of creating spatial planning documents, and acquiring the latest theoretical and practical knowledge about rational management of spatial resources. Spatial planners not only deal with the future development of cities, regions, and countries, but they are also mediators between nature, territorial elements, and societal interests on one hand, and the conditions for harmoniously meeting the demands of the population in terms of work, housing, leisure, and recreation, on the other hand.

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GIS at FNSM

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) encompass modern technologies and methodologies for collecting, analyzing, and visualizing geographic data. If you want to familiarize yourself with a range of geo-processing techniques, learn to analyze spatial data, and develop GIS applications, then the GIS program is for you, where you can become a graduate geographer - GIS. In this program, you'll learn how to integrate geographic information with various fields such as urbanization, the environment, transportation, and many others. The specific expertise you gain in the field of GIS will provide you with opportunities for careers in various fields, including urban planning, environmental protection, transportation, research, and development.

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Technical education at FNSM

If you aspire to work in technical education or computer science teaching, then the occupation of graduate professor of technical education and informatics is for you. Embracing the latest technical, engineering, computer science, and pedagogical achievements, this program educates future professors of technical education and computer science, who are qualified to implement, analyze, and improve teaching practices, as well as to solve other professional tasks in the education system, industry, information technology field, and their implementation.

On Friday, December 22, 2023, in the amphitheater of our faculty, the closing ceremony of the successfully implemented project “Small School of Physics” took place.

The project was led by the teaching staff of the Physics Study Program and representatives of the Citizens’ Association “BOSON.” The project was supported by the Republic Pedagogical Institute and co-financed by the City of Banja Luka. Over the past period, about 200 students from seventh, eighth, and ninth grades of elementary schools located in the territory of Banja Luka participated in tailored training to master the procedures and methods of measurement through direct experimental work in the laboratory. Under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Dragana Malivuk Gak, Assoc. Dr. Snjezana Dupljanin, and Mr. Bojan Kovacevic, along with the assistance of associates, laboratory staff, and students, students developed critical thinking skills, and they had the opportunity to master the systematization, analysis, and discussion of results obtained in experiments, with the adapted use of statistical software packages. The preparation and implementation of project activities lasted for six months.

In the introductory part of the program, the project coordinator, Prof. Dr. Dragana Malivuk Gak, addressed the audience with a welcoming speech, expressing gratitude to all project participants for successful collaboration and dedicated work. She expressed satisfaction with the successful achievement of set goals in recent months and presented certificates of appreciation to project partners, school representatives, and all those who enthusiastically contributed to the successful implementation of the project.

Next, astrophysicist Assoc. Dr. Nemanja Rakic delivered a scientific-popular lecture titled “A Short Story about the Universe.” During the lecture, the audience had the opportunity to learn about current findings on the mysterious universe, its structure, galaxies, star formation, supernova explosions, black holes, and numerous objects and phenomena that inhabit this partially visible and known space to us. The lecture aimed to stimulate interest in this area of research, expanding our knowledge of the cosmos and the possibilities to better understand our position and role in this magnificent cosmic environment, leaving room to discover new chapters.