Archives 2024

A visit to the Water Factory in Novoselia was organized for the students of the Chemistry, Biology, Ecology and Environmental Protection Study Programs on Thursday, April 18th, 2024.
Leading engineers of “Vodovod. a.d.” have provided expert guidance to our students from the water intake on the bank Vrbas River, through the water conditioning plant, the Water Quality and Ecology Department and the wastewater laboratory. All production segments from raw water treatment to drinking water distribution are explained in detail. Special emphasis is placed on the quality control importance, compliance with prescribed procedures and instrumental methods that used. By visiting the wastewater laboratory, the students gained a complete insight into the process of preparing and ensuring the quality of drinking water, the responsibility of the employees and the scope of their work.

Text author: Dr. Zvjezdana Sandić, Associate Professor

Within the Project “Sustainability of Protected Areas – SPA” financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Development Program in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNDP), the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Banja Luka participates in the implementation of the project “Preparation/updation of management plans protected areas that integrate climate change adaptation measures for Sutjeska National Park, Kozara National Park, Drina National Park, Una Nature Park and Orjen Nature Park”.
The goal of the project is to offer Management Plans with Action Plans, as a proposal for a sustainable alternative to the management of selected protected areas in the Republic of Srpska, with an emphasis on reducing the effects of climate change on the rich biodiversity of our country.
Representatives of the Project Working Team of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Banja Luka, led by the dean prof. Dr. Radoslav Dekić and project coordinator Prof. Dr. Goran Trbić, in the period from April 9 to 17, 2024, presented the working version of Management Plans and Action Plans for protected areas at working meetings with representatives of managers of five selected protected areas in the territory of the Republic of Srpska. The working meetings were also attended by representatives of UNDP, representatives of local communities and other associates of the management.
The final documents are being prepared, which will be presented at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, to representatives of the competent Ministries in the Government of the Republic of Srpska, the Republic Institute for the Protection of Natural and Cultural and Historical Heritage, the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency of the Republic of Srpska, managers, donors, partners and interested parties.

Text author: Prof. Dr. Goran Trbić, The project coordinator
Cover photo retrieved from https://www.undp.org/bs/bosnia-herzegovina/projects/spa-projekat

Chemistry teacher training aimed at improving the quality of chemistry teaching in secondary schools, within the Erasmus+ project ChemTeach (101129417-ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CB-VET), was held in the period from April 8 to 12, 2024 in Bratislava ( Slovakia) and Pardubice (Czech Republic). The courses were attended by Professor Saša Zeljković from the Faculty of Science and Mathematics and chemistry teachers from the Gymnasium, Medical, and Technological Schools in Banja Luka.
During the visit to the High School of Chemistry from Bratislava (Stredná odborná škola chemická, Bratislava), the teachers visited the laboratories and attended professional subject classes. The topics of lectures and workshops included professional education and training in EU countries, teaching and evaluation using digital tools, and extracurricular professional activities as a form of professional development. The visit was also an opportunity to talk with students participating in chemistry competitions and with students doing professional practice. The hosts paid special attention to the presentation of their promotional activities, and Erasmus+ projects were highlighted as an important part of professional education.
At the Higher Secondary School of Chemistry in the Czech city of Pardubice (Střední průmyslova škola chemická Pardubice), emphasis is placed on the application of digital tools in the teaching of chemistry and laboratory work. The focus of the presentations and discussions was on methods that can be used to promote chemistry and attract future students.

Text author: Prof. Dr. Saša Zeljković
Photos: Prof. Dr. Saša Zeljković

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

If you are fascinated by the magical world of numbers and solving various mathematical problems, then studying mathematics at the FNSM is the right choice for you! Mathematics is much more than simple calculations – it is the language that reveals the laws of nature, advances technology, and finds solutions to the most complex problems.

At the FNSM, you have the opportunity to learn from top experts in the field of mathematics who will impart their knowledge to you through interactive lectures, exercises, and engaging mathematical projects. With their support, you’ll be able to explore the latest mathematical concepts and discover the hidden world of the queen of all sciences.

Studying on the general mathematics and computer science at the FNSM opens doors to many career opportunities – from jobs in banking, finance, to research in academic institutions, and much more.

If you aspire to become professor and inspire new generations to learn and like mathematics as you, enroll in the teaching mathematics profile and fulfill your dreams.

See you at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics!

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.