University of Banja Luka ECTS Implementation Reform

1. CURRICULA HARMONISATION AT UNIVERSITY OF BANJA LUKATEPMUS PROJECT “Introduction of the ECTS at B&H Universities”UM_JEP-18041-2003 Tuzla, 16/17.02.2006

2. Realized activities in the scope of reform process at University of Banja Luka Legislative changes of Law on Higher Education RS in 2005th Implementation of Bologna Declaration Introducing ECTS system at University of Banja Luka as obligation Three cycling system in higher education in RS - First cycle lasting from 6 to 10 semesters/ 180-240 ECTS credits - Second cycle lasting form 2 to 4 semesters/ 60 -120 ECTS credits, depending from realized number of credits in first cycle - Third cycle lasting at least 6 semesters/ 180-240 ECTS credits

3. Realized activities in the scope of reform process at University of Banja Luka • Reducing of student workload in first cycle in range from 20 to 25 hours of lectures • Total engagement of student 40 hours/week • All courses are one-semester • Introduction of optional subjects depends from faculty • Fund of optional-subjects hours is approx. 30% of total fund of hours • Law changes introduced a self-evaluation and participation of students in Scientific Board

4. Realized activities in the scope of reform process at University of Banja Luka • Significant changes in number of hours of practical lectures in relation to number of hours of theoretical lectures • Changes in way of examination of students and giving marks (2-3 written exams during the semester, exercises, term paper, field work, attendance and activity on lectures) • Marking: 10%attendance and activity on lectures, term paper 20%, exercises 15%, oral exam 40-50%, periodic written exam 10%

5. Realized activities in the scope of reform process at University of Banja Luka • Conventional system of marks (5-10) is in use, but Law allows introducing of non-numeric marks at University!! • Different Faculties on different level of reform conduction (Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Faculty of Mechanical Engineering started before 2-3 years ago) • Problem: there is no united opinion at University regarding 3+2 or 4+1 system (Technical Faculties 4+1, only Faculty of Economics and Faculty of Agriculture 3+2)

6. Introduction of ECTS at Faculty of Technology • Adopted 4+1+3 system • New curricula and study programmes for first and second cycles (4+1) was made • In scope of different TEMPUS projects Faculty of Technology is conducting reform of curricula, together with other B&H Universities: TEMPUS 1. - New curricula and new study profiles was made (BL- Food quality and safety; TZ- Food engineering) TEMPUS 2. - Advancing curricula in order to increase and modernize a knowledge of students, according to requirements of stakeholders (Participants: Faculty of Technology from Banja Luka and Tuzla, Faculty of Agriculture form Sarajevo and University of Mostar)

11. Problems in implementation of ECTS • Opposition of part of academic community • Some professors are refusing new model • Low level of implementation of QA system in UBL • Lack of equipment and other means which can improve the quality • Big problem regarding equipment of libraries • Ministry of education is not included enough in reform process • Students do not understand seriously enough reforms and ECTS system • Misunderstanding of some terms and definition

12. Following activities • Further reform of curricula • Improve the comparability of study programs and qualifications • Training of professors and administrative staff • Developing the elements of evaluation system • Developing of new methods • Introduction of students evaluation • Negotiations with Government in order to provide additional financial means for conduction of reform

13. Thank you for your attention! Prof. dr Radoslav Grujić Mr Djordje Markez