Biology - Undergraduate Studies

The curriculum of the study program of Biology was created with the aim of enabling students to apply their skills and knowledge in practice. This is achieved through an interdisciplinary approach, i.e. by establishing a connection between natural and computer sciences and mathematics for the purpose of dealing with specific problems occurring within the domain of Biology.

The main goal of this study program is for the students to acquire the knowledge, skills and expertise needed for their future work. Upon graduating from this program, they can offer expert work in educational institutions, various types of laboratories, institutes for nature conservation and similar establishments of both local and national significance.

The curriculum of undergraduate studies in Biology is part of a modern education system in line with our national educational strategies. The content and structure of the syllabus will not only allow students to immediately begin to work and establish a successful career, it will also allow them to continue their education through postgraduate studies. Their skills and knowledge can be further improved through Master’s studies, which would deem them qualified for working in education.

Students who complete this program will acquire knowledge in the field of biology which will give them the ability to effectively use professional literature, apply knowledge within the domain of their profession, transfer knowledge to others, continue their studies and prepare them for effective teamwork.

A detailed analysis of students' progress from the very beginning will improve the efficacy of the study program, increasing the number of students to successfully graduate. The best of them will be able to continue their studies, and all students will benefit from the program’s teaching methods and organization in that they will be able to find employment. The students will put their knowledge into practice by preparing a final thesis. The study program will continually be adjusted through the means of self-evaluation so that it fits the global standards.

The goals of the study program are aimed at acquiring academic skills, developing creative abilities and achieving expertise in the field of biology; they are in line with the modern requirements of the labor market and with the basic aims and objectives of education at the Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Priština.

To fulfil the teaching goals of the Biology study program, a curriculum which would bring all subjects into connection was created.

The classes are in the form of lectures with practical activities in the form of fieldwork and laboratory classes. Greater efficiency of the study process is by making all courses last one-semester. Depending on the course, 30-70% of the results are obtained by completing course assignments (exercises, seminar papers, colloquia, tests, fieldwork, etc.).

The role of students in achieving the goals of the study program is varied. The organization of the curriculum allows the students to independently create their educational profile, not only through choosing elective courses, but also through involvement in the evaluation of the program, the quality of teaching and teachers, thus initiating changes in the study program and the teaching methods of biology.

Graduates of the biology study program will be able to quickly and easily broaden the acquired knowledge. They will develop the ability to analyze and synthesize, and will improve their planning and organizational skills. In addition to this, they will establish a basis for good oral and written communication. In addition to the acquired professional competencies, the students will also gain a good general knowledge and understanding of natural and mathematical sciences: physics, chemistry, mathematics and informatics.

The primary level of studies is defined within the program of undergraduate academic studies and is intended for students primarily interested in applied practical work in the field of biology. By completing the studies, the students will acquire abilities and competencies such as: detailed knowledge and understanding of botany and zoology, physiology, biochemistry and other sciences; knowledge about various laboratory instruments and equipment for fine biological measurement; the use of experimental methods and procedures and their application; the importance of recycling secondary raw materials with special emphasis on environmental protection; the use of computers and other technological equipment; a habit of becoming acquainted with the latest innovations in the profession; development of professional ethics, responsibility and punctuality in work.

The basic expected outcomes of the study program result from the mentioned competencies. According to these, graduate biologists will acquire a range of skills that they can demonstrate and that are necessary for their employment. The structure of the study program places an emphasis on professional competencies, that is, the learning outcomes towards which the graduates are directed.

Courses such as Pedagogy and Biology Teaching Methodology 1 during the third year of study, as well as Psychology and Biology Teaching Methodology 2 during the fourth year of study (among other compulsory and elective theoretical-methodological subjects), will help the graduates gain skills and knowledge necessary for working in educational institutions. They will have the opportunity to further develop these skills and knowledge through master’s studies by which they will be considered suitable for working in scientific research organizations, institutes, biological laboratories, institutes, as well as in institutions dealing with the protection and improvement of the environment in industry, local and organizations of national importance.

Given that environmental damage in recent decades continues to approach a critical point and threatens to lead to disturbances in the biosphere with unforeseeable consequences, it is necessary to increase efficiency and quality in protecting, restoring and improving the environment. The need for biological personnel of various profiles is very pronounced both in our country and in the world.

The study program of Biology (undergraduate studies) contains all the elements necessary for a quality curriculum in the field of biological sciences. In similar forms, it is present in nearly all institutions of higher education throughout the world. This study program is in line with the contemporary global trends and the course of scientific research in the domain of mathematics and natural sciences, and is comparable to similar programs in foreign higher education institutions, especially within the European domain of education.

All four years of the study program Biology, undergraduate academic studies (first degree studies) contain the elements essential to a biology curriculum, which is conducted at many higher education institutions of this type in our country and in the world.

Nearly all its aspects follow the standards set by most European higher education institutions, involving but not limited to academic titles, duration of studies, ECTS system of credits, course names and contents, methods of taking exams and teacher competencies.

To ensure the compatibility of this study program and those within the European domain, it was subjected to a detailed analysis and assessment. The compatibility was achieved by retaining the enrollment requirements, the basic structure and contents of the curriculum.

A significant rise in the quality of this study program is evident, as well as the contemporary character and the degree of compatibility between this and other curricula of the same type worldwide.

Finally, we would like to point out that this curriculum was created having in mind the positive experience of other European higher education institutions that have already implemented the Bologna reform with success.