Univerza na Primorskem Fakulteta za matematiko, naravoslovje in informacijske tehnologije
Presentation of the study
The undergraduate academic programme in Conservation Biology is conducted in Slovenian language.
The programme in Conservation Biology focuses on understanding and protecting biodiversity, which is rapidly declining due to human activities. Biodiversity encompasses species diversity, genetic diversity within species, and ecosystem diversity; therefore, its conservation requires broad and interdisciplinary knowledge. The programme combines classical biological knowledge with content from chemistry, physics, genetics, and bioinformatics, and includes modern tools such as conservation genetics and geographic information systems.
The studies are conducted through lectures, laboratory and field work, project-based learning, and research practice, enabling students to gain direct experience with real-world conservation challenges. The aim of the programme is to educate experts who understand ecosystem functioning, the impact of humans on the environment, and principles of conservation at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels, and who are capable of responsibly contributing to the sustainable management of natural resources.
Programme information
Programme name: Conservation Biology
Type of programme: academic programme, 1st Bologna cycle
Degree awarded: “diplomirani varstveni biolog (UN)” equiv. to B.Sc. in Conservation Biology
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
ECTS-credits: 180
Mode of study: full-time
Language of instruction: Slovene
Place of study: Izola, Koper (partly)
Accreditation: the programme is accredited in accordance with the Higher Education Act and is officialy recognised.
Admission to the first year of study shall be granted to applicants having:
- passed the matura examination; or
- passed the vocational matura examination in a 4-year secondary-school programme and a final examination in a general matura subject; the selected subject cannot be the same as one of the subjects passed in the framework of the vocational matura;
- successfully completed any four-year secondary-school programme before 1 June 1995.
In the case of enrolment limitations, applicants shall be selected on the basis of overall matura, vocational matura or final examination results (70%), and overall results in the 3rd and 4th year of secondary school (30%).
“Transfer between study programmes” refers to a situation in which a student enrolled in a particular study programme does not complete it (i.e. discontinues their studies in the enrolled programme) and enrols directly into a higher year of a new study programme, provided that both the previous and the new programme are at the same Bologna cycle (level). When considering the possibility of transfer to a new study programme, the comparability of the programmes and the student’s completed study requirements in the previous programme are taken into account.
A candidate may enrol in a higher year of the academic study programme in Conservation Biology in accordance with the transfer criteria if they are transferring from a related first-cycle study programme or a former undergraduate study programme (programmes adopted before 11 June 2004), provided that the following conditions are met:
- the candidate meets the admission requirements for the academic study programme in Conservation Biology,
- the completion of the initial study programme which the candidate is transferring from ensures the acquisition of comparable competences to those of the academic study programme in Conservation Biology, and
- other criteria in accordance with the Criteria for Transfers between Study Programmes are met (comparable curriculum of the study programme and completed study requirements of the candidate)
Individual applications for enrolment under the transfer criteria are considered by the Committee for Study and Student Affairs of UP FAMNIT, which, in addition to the (related) field of study, also takes into account the comparability of study programmes in accordance with the Criteria for Transfers between Study Programmes.
A candidate transferring from a related study programme abroad may also be admitted under the transfer criteria, provided that, in accordance with the law, they have been granted the right to continue their studies in the academic study programme in Conservation Biology through the recognition procedure of foreign education.
In case of enrolment restrictions, applicants shall be selected on the basis of the average grade obtained during the study programme they are transferring from.
For enrolment in the next study year it is necessary to collect at least 42 ECTS-credits from courses and exams in the current study year, and to fulfil all the study obligations (60 ECTS-credits) for the previous study year.
In special cases involving individual circumstances (such as illness or extraordinary situations), a student may be allowed to progress to the next year even with a lower number of ECTS credits. In such cases, the decision on enrollment is made by the Committee for Study and Student Affairs of UP FAMNIT.
A student who has not completed all the requirements specified by the study programme for progression to the next year may repeat a year once during their studies. If a student repeats a year, they are not entitled to extended student status (absolvent year), and their student status expires at the end of the 3rd year.
By progressing or repeating a year, a student retains student status and, consequently, the rights and benefits defined by law. In accordance with the law, a student may apply for an extension of student status, but for no more than one year.
During the study programme, students choose three internal elective courses and two external elective courses.
Internal elective courses are selected within the study programme.
External elective courses may be chosen from accredited study programmes at higher education institutions in Slovenia or abroad. Within external electives, students may select courses from study programmes in the natural sciences (especially biology and chemistry), environmental protection, mathematics, and computer science. Depending on the student’s specific interests – usually in connection with the final project thesis (3rd year) – external electives may also be selected from other fields of study. Students may also choose external electives from the list of internal elective courses.
More information on elective courses is available in the document “Curriculum” (see above).
In the 2nd year, students must complete a mandatory study internship worth 6 ECTS and lasting 3 weeks.
The purpose of the internship is to transfer students’ theoretical knowledge into practice, which the student carries out in various companies or public institutions.
General competencies
- Basic knowledge in the fields of biology and conservation biology, including the ability to identify organisms and their functioning at various taxonomic levels, as well as an understanding of the diversity and importance of living environments, and the importance of protecting biodiversity.
- Familiarity with the technical terminology of this study field.
- Proficient use of ICT (information and communications technology).
- The ability for constructive cooperation and the ability to synthesize different skills and multidisciplinary approaches in solving theoretical and practical problems in the conservation of biodiversity; the ability to understand the importance of ecosystems services in the preservation of life.
- Enhanced competence in communicating with the public for effective protection of the environment.
Subject-specific competencies
- The capacity to apply a systematic and comprehensive approach to solving problems in the fields of nature and environmental conservation.
- The ability to evaluate biodiversity at different levels, and to form effective strategies in nature and biology conservation.
- Enhanced capacity to evaluate the quality of natural systems.
- The ability to recognize sources of pollution and harmful substances, and the ability to predict their impact on nature and the environment.
- Enhanced capacity to prepare strategies for biodiversity conservation and for the improvement of living environments.
- The capacity to interpret information about nature conservation, and to supply this information to different target groups such as policy makers, landowners, school populations and farmers.
Graduates are equipped for employment in both private and public sectors involved in environmental and nature conservation:
- as experts and technical staff in administrations (for example, in ministries, inspection services, various institutes, municipal administrations);
- as associates in scientific research institutions and public companies, chambers and agencies (for example, Slovenian Environmental Agency, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia);
- as supervisors in protected areas (for example, landscape, regional and national parks, nature reserves, other protected areas);
- as expert staff in museums (including the Museum of Natural History and regional museums);
- as organisers and expert staff in national and international non-governmental organisations (such as DOPPS and WWF);
- as technical associates in routine and research laboratories;
- in private companies involved in environmental and nature conservation;
- in the area of service activities (ecotourism advisers);
- in the areas of teaching and research.
During the three-year study programme, students will acquire the techniques and knowledge required in industry and commerce, and will therefore also be able to obtain employment in these sectors. With some entrepreneurial spirit and good ideas, they can also apply their knowledge and skills to launching their own enterprise or company.