Department of Biology
About the Department
The tasks of the Department of Biology include teaching and research in the field of biology, as well as providing the methodology for teaching biology. Our aim is to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge and prepare them for teaching activities.
Profiles of the Department:
- teaching students of the Biology teaching study program
- teaching biology-related subjects as part of the teacher training base for students of other teacher study programs (Human biology and basics of first aid, Basics of first aid and biology for teachers, Theory and methodology of ecology and environmental studies, Global environmental problems, Education for health)
- teaching of biology-related subjects for students of study programme Pre-school and Elementary Pedagogy and Teaching for Primary Education (First Aid Basics, Theory and methodology of ecology and environmental education, Basics of science, Basics of science in elementary school, Methodology of science)
- teaching biological and ecological subjects of the Rural Development study programme (Crop production, Horticulture, Animal production, Knowledge from Agriculture, Natural science bases of agricultural production)
- in the framework of the Reformed Theological Faculty, for students of Missiology, Diaconia and Social Care study programme the following subjects are taught: Biodromal development, Social sciences 1, Hereditary diseases and basic genetics, Health science in practice.
The teachers of the department teach botany, zoology, anthropology, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, ecology, geology. Teaching is practical, in addition to exercises and seminars, laboratory exercises and field exercises are organized for students.
The Department of Biology also has laboratories, making it suitable for modern, practice-oriented teaching of the biology study program. The personnel and material conditions of the department ensure the development of the necessary professional knowledge and methodological culture of future teachers, as well as the development of the teaching competences essential for biology teaching.
The Department's scientific activities include research on flora and fauna, genetics of human populations, sustainable development, health and environmental behaviour, ecological factors and dairy farm animals. Employees of the department also publish in the field of pedagogy and biology teaching methodology.
Contact address:
Department of Biology
Faculty of Education
J. Selye University
Bratislavská cesta 3322
P.O. BOX 54
94501 Komárno
Location:
Hradná 21., Komárno, Slovak RepublikGPS coordinates: 47°45'26.7"N 18°08'22.6"E - 47.757417, 18.139611
Teachers
Head of Department:
Ing. Pavol Balázs, PhD.
Professors:
Dr habil. PaedDr. Melinda Nagy, PhD.
Associate Professors:
Ing. Pavol Balázs, PhD.
Dr. habil. Sarolta Zsuzsanna Mészárosné Darvay, PhD.
Assistant Professors:
RNDr. Eva Tóthová Tarová, PhD.
Ing. Iveta Szencziová, PhD.
RNDr. Štefan Balla, PhD.
Assistants:
Research staff
Ing. Pavol Makovický, PhD.
News
International Scientific Conference in Budapest: Challenges and Opportunities in Education, Health, and Life Sciences
On November 19-20, 2024, the international scientific conference "Challenges and Opportunities in Education, Health and Life Sciences" was held in Budapest, hosted by the Domus Hungarica Scientiarium et Artium of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. The event was jointly organised by J. Selye University, the University of Prešov, the Academic Council of Hungarians in Slovakia, and the Department of Hungarians Living Abroad of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
The first day of the conference featured a workshop focused on the innovation of methods and forms of teaching physiology. Participants discussed the latest methodological developments and practical experiences under the leadership of Prof. MVDr. Janka Poráčová, PhD., MBA.
The second day was dedicated to presentations addressing topics such as didactics, inclusion, developing digital competencies, and current issues in the life sciences. The conference aimed to strengthen collaboration between education, health, and scientific fields and to share the latest research findings.
The conference programme can be downloaded here.
https://tkk.ujs.sk/en/structure/departments/department-of-biology.html#sigProId1fbdddb055
Assoc. Prof. Myroslava Demchynska, PhD, from Uzhorod National University in Ukraine, has arrived at the Department of Biology of the Faculty of Education at J. Selye University in Komarno to implement a research project titled 'Ecosystem Adaptation Strategies for Controlling Harmful Organisms in Eastern Europe' as part of the National Scholarship Programme for the Support of Mobility of Students, Ph.D. Students, University Teachers, Researchers, and Artists.
Conference INDEHEP
The staff of the Department of Biology UJS participated in the closing conference of the Innovative Digital Development of Health Pedagogics (INDEHEP KA220-HED-3C87E0BD) project on June 20-22, 2024 at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Debrecen, Nyíregyháza, where representatives of the consortium partners reported on the most important results and experiences of the project.
https://tkk.ujs.sk/en/structure/departments/department-of-biology.html#sigProId1c6e726cbb
Open doors for volunteering
On 12 September 2022, the results of the project „Enhancing volunteering and its recognition in higher education curricula and on the labour market in Eastern Europe (VOLEE) – project id: 2020-1-RO01-KA203-079899” were presented at J. Selye University. The event was promoted as a satellite event of XIII. International Scientific Conference of J. Selye University – 2022 with the aim of achieving greater publicity. The project was presented by Dr. habil. PaedDr. Melinda Nagy, PhD., project coordinator in Slovakia, and three project investigators, PaedDr. Terézia Strédl, PhD., ThDr. Lilla Szénási, PhD. and Mgr. Katarína Polya, PhD. The event was attended by many interested visitors.
You can download the programme here.
https://tkk.ujs.sk/en/structure/departments/department-of-biology.html#sigProId820de086b8
Infrastructure of the study program
Spatial, material, and technical provision of the study programme Biology teacher training in combination
a. List and characteristics of the classrooms of the study programme and their technical equipment.
Education in study programme Biology teacher training in combinaton takes place at the Faculty of Education J. Selye University and at the Faculty of Economics and Informatics J. Selye University.
Faculty of Education
T404 (capacity: 100 people)
Faculty of Economics and Informatics
G105 – Laboratory (capacity: 24 people)
G110 (capacity: 120 people)
G202 (capacity: 49 people)
G205 (capacity: 28 people)
G206 (capacity: 28 people)
G207 (capacity: 42 people)
G209 (capacity: 48 people)
G210 (capacity: 122 people)
Equipment of a specialized classroom for teaching biology didactics
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Human torso (set of 38 pieces)
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Educational board: respiratory and circulatory system
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Educational board: botanica (a total 5), mitosis, AIDS, viruses, nuclear-free organisms, nuclear unicellular cells, healthy lifestyle
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USB digital microscope connection for conventional microscopes
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Flir-ONE camera for iOS
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Vernier laboratory equipments (Senzor UVB, Senzor UVA, Temperature Senzor, Spirometer, Soil moisture sensor, Relative humidity sensor, Gas sensor - O2, Hand dynamometer, Goniometer, EKG sensor, Biochamber 2000 (2000 ml, 2 outcomes for sensors CO2 a O2, Gas sensor - CO2, Blood pressure sensor, Go!Wireless handheld heart rate monitor)
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LabQuest Viewer – permanent multi license for school
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Logger Pro 3 - permanent multi license for school
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LabQuest 2 - interface unit controlled by touch screen (3x BTA, 2x BTD, 1x USB imput, USB and Bluetooth 4.0 connection to mobile tools, built-in sensors, WiFi, GPS e.i.)
b. Characteristics of the study programme information management (access to study literature according to Course information sheets, access to information databases and other information sources, information technologies, etc.).
The university library provides physical access to the literature for the study programme, at least to the extent of the compulsory literature listed in the course information sheets. The library uses the DAWINCI library information system, which is a modern library information system that integrates the latest elements from server applications, database systems, document management and, in conjunction with library knowledge and experience, transforms them into a comprehensive multimedia library system. Since 2006, the University Library JSU has also used this library information system to manage the library collection, manage loans and admin system of publication activities. The system provides users with access to individual library collections through the OPAC Online catalogue via the website. The University Library of JSU just like other university libraries, is involved in the central register of the admin system of publication activities for the needs of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Slovak Republic. Access of students and teachers to the necessary databases is also solved by remote access via CVTI SR. This approach provides access to foreign scientific journals available in the online databases of individual publishers. The university library organizes workshops that support orientation in publication databases and work with literary sources.
c. Characteristics and extent of distance education applied in the study programme with the assignment to courses. Accesses, manuals of e-learning portals. Procedures for the transition from contact teaching to distance learning.
For the needs of distance education or education by a combined method, the university has 4 BigBlueButton video conference servers in operation. An alternative tool for distance learning is the MS Teams platform, as part of the Office 365 A1 for faculty package, which is available to all teachers and students. In 2015, an e-learning system based on the open-source LMS Moodle was created and put into operation at JSU. Moodle continues to offer the possibility of publishing study and additional materials for individual courses, the possibility of assigning homework and electronic testing of knowledge in the authorised zone. In addition to the possibility of cable connection, which is available in the halls of residence, UL and other selected places, students in all JSU buildings have access to the Internet via WiFi connectivity. The person's authentication (login name and password) is required to connect to the network. In 2016, a centralized print system was introduced, which is also available to students.
d. Institution partners in providing educational activities for the study programme and the characteristics of their participation.
Main institution partners in providing educational activities for the study programme are practising schools and kindergartens which contribute the pedagogical praxis for students of study programme as trainee teachers.
The Faculty of Education is in collaboration with more than 30 practising schools and kindergartens in Slovakia. There are practising schools not only in Komárno, but in Dunajská Streda, Veľký Meder, Galanta, Nové Zámky, Rožňava, Kráľovský Chlmec, Bratislava, Šahy, Štúrovo, Veľké Kapušany, Kolárovo and Rimavská Sobota as well.
In the course of pedagogical praxis students observe and analyse the process of education, learn how to apply theoretical knowledge, and acquire essential skills for the pedagogical profession.
e. Characteristics of the possibilities for social, sports, cultural, spiritual and social activities.
The conditions of providing scholarships from the state budget as well as from JSU's own resources are regulated by the JSU Scholarship Rules and Regulations. During their studies, JSU also provides its students with a stimulating environment. JSU effectively manages and operates JSU Halls of Residence (Dormitories), where it provides comfortable accommodation to university students with suitable conditions for quality housing with adequate hygienic standards and safety. In the area of the Halls of Residence there is a multifunctional sports ground enabling students to meaningfully spend their free time and play sports. JSU also provides students with catering services in the building of the JSU Conference Centre. In the university’s Sports Centre, students have the opportunity to play sports and carry out other leisure activities.
The university also aims to provide opportunities for cultural, social and spiritual activities. Young talents will find their place in the Cantus Iuventus choir. Students also have the opportunity to visit a chapel established in the Čajka Hall of Residence.
f. Possibilities and conditions for participation of the study programme students in mobilities and internships (indicating contact details), application instructions, rules for recognition of this education.
J. Selye University offers its students foreign student mobility opportunities within the mobility programmes Erasmus+, Makovecz and CEEPUS.
The Unit for International Relations of Rector´s Office in cooperation with the faculties of JSU regularly organizes information Erasmus+ days and workshops and offers the possibility of personal or online consultations. Promotional materials, leaflets and brochures are distributed to JSU students. At the same time, the Unit for International Relations of Rector´s Office regularly publishes information on its activities on the website and shares information to students, teachers and employees of JSU through the information tools of the university.
Partner institutions
https://www.ujs.sk/en/international-activities/our-partner-institutions.html
Erasmus+
http://erasmus.ujs.sk/en
Other mobility programs
https://www.ujs.sk/en/international-activities/other-mobility-programmes.html
https://tkk.ujs.sk/en/structure/departments/department-of-biology.html#sigProIdd3a7cc94ae
Research
Enhancing volunteering and its recognition in higher education curricula and on the labour market in Eastern Europe (VOLEE)
Project id: 2020-1-RO01-KA203-079899
2020 – 2022
There have been occasional solutions to the problem of recognition of volunteering until now. This innovative project is the first time to develop a systematic process of enhancing volunteering and elaborating a system of its recognition in higher education in the form of certification and curriculum development to fit the activities carried out by volunteering students. The efforts to recognize volunteering as professional experience is also innovative. Graduates have been struggling with the problem of lacking professional experience and thus being refused by potential employers, however, no solution to this problem has been offered until now. Our project seeks to reduce unemployment among young graduates by proposing to recognize volunteering as professional experience, facilitating labour market integration. Also, the internationalization of local volunteering experience is a new vision. This aim is to be accomplished through the elaboration of a uniform volunteering portfolio to be usable throughout the European Union.
Ágnes Sántha PhD., Universitatea Sapientia Din Municipiul Clujnapoca, Romania
Dr. habil. PaedDr. Melinda Nagy, PhD., Univerzita J. Selyeho, Slovakia
Renáta Jávorné Erdei, PhD., Debreceni Egyetem, Hungary
