1. What is biology?
Biology is the science of living beings that studies their physical structure, biochemistry and molecular interaction, physiology and evolution as well as their interaction with the environment?
2. Why is biology important?
Biologists continually create new scientific discoveries and maintain them, where such discoveries may possibly become the basis for further development and advancement of the human race. For instance,
• Molecular biologists have developed numerous molecular-biological methods and devised techniques important for detecting and treating diseases, as well as for improving the health of people and other living organisms.
• In the area of biodiversity and ecology, biology seeks effective methods for protecting endangered species and nature, which are generally important for the survival of life on Earth.
• The application of biology, i.e., biotechnology, leads to various solutions in advancing the production of food, medicines, energy and generally sustainable use of natural resources.
3. What specialisations exist at the Department of Biology and how do they differ?
At the undergraduate level, students can enrol into one or more of the available study programmes: the study programme Biology and Chemistry with a double specialisation and the study programme Biology with a single specialisation. At the current graduate level, students are able to enrol only into the teaching study programme Biology and Chemistry; however, we anticipate the soon opening of our new graduate study programme Molecular Biology to be held in the Croatian and English languages.
4. What is specific for this Department?
We have positioned ourselves uniquely at the University of Split in that we have a long tradition of botanical experts who explore flora and fauna in Croatia as well as the phytochemical compositions and biological activities of special plant metabolites. Within the scope of the Department of Botany, our focus is also on the Botanical Garden on Marjan where our students study botanical courses in direct contact with plants. Zoologists at the Department of Biology have established valuable collaboration with institutions throughout Croatian and abroad, actively researching biology and ecology of fisheries in the Adriatic Sea, marine invertebrates and caves in karst formations.
Scientists at the Laboratory for Histological and Electron Microscopy explore histological features of animal and plant tissue using light microscopy along with histochemical, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques and explore ultrastructure of tissue using transmission electronic microscopy (TEM).
The scope of work at the Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology involves researching genetic and epigenetic changes occurring after spontaneous and induced polyploidisation and hybridisation in plants, and the significance of such process for physiology, ecology and the evolution of vascular plants. Moreover, research is also directed to the biological activity of phytochemicals in autochthonous Dalmatian plants in regulating gene expression in human cells, preventing damage to DNA and other biological macromolecules in humans and the associated possible anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging potential uses. Our microbiologists are the only ones in Croatia researching healthcare issues involving the resistance of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics in maritime environments, for which a comparative analysis of metagenomic data is performed to determine the phylogeny, taxonomic composition and functional prediction of microbic communities resistant to antibiotics. Moreover, long-term collaboration with institutions abroad has resulted in very successful identification, designing and testing of new antimicrobic peptides as potential antibiotics. As scientists at the Department of Biology, our research endeavours to make a contribution to the advancement of global know-how which can be summarised into the Life Science, with the aim of continually following the latest scientific methods and achievements.
5. What are the conditions like for premises and infrastructure at the Department of Biology?
We have six specialised practicums and five scientific-research laboratories. These are already well furbished with high quality scientific and research equipment. This level of equipment and organisation is continually increasing. We also anticipate a large improvement in equipment levels by procuring all equipment as planned in the Infrastructure Project, financed by the European Union, and which should be completed soon.
The procurement of state-of-the-art electron microscopes, devices for whole-genome sequencing and analyses of DNA, proteins, cells and tissues, including other capital equipment and minor inventory is currently underway.
6. What can students expect if they decide to enrol into Biology?
• A demanding and interesting study programme. In addition to lectures and seminars, students undertake autonomous laboratory work incorporating the practical sections of lectures. Field classes often include travelling to and undertaking research in nature in addition to essential visits to museums, zoos and botanical gardens, museum collections and the like.
• Students have the opportunity to register for Professional (Work) Practice at one of the Faculty’s personnel teaching bases (institutes, museums, and the like) where they can acquire practical knowledge and establish contacts with potential employers. Travelling abroad through the Erasmus Exchange programme is also a possibility giving students the opportunity to receive professional training.
• Student can participate in various extracurricular activities such as international summer schools which are regularly organised to commence in early September.
• Students have the opportunity to register their own student projects for financing from the student council at the University of Split.
• Students can join numerous activities which popularise science such as the Science Festival, Open Days, the Arboretum and Botanical Garden Days, working with high school students and the like.
• Participating in state competitions and gatherings with students from related areas (so called “Primatijada” or STEM games).
7. What knowledge and skills do students acquire at the Department of Biology?
• Besides acquiring much foundational and applied biological knowledge, skills and competences, students also acquire ample interdisciplinary knowledge and skills, especially in biology from related and important areas of chemistry, physics, mathematics, informatics, biomedicine and biotechnology.
• We develop in students so called transversal or transferrable skills, such as skills in communication, leadership, critical thinking, all of which are exceptionally important for further job positions.
• We endeavour to raise awareness among students of the need for lifelong learning and the possibilities of developing their own careers.
8. What are employment opportunities after completing the study programme Biology?
• Our graduate students obtaining employment in protection areas, national parks, nature parks, botanical gardens and zoos, museum collections, state and local institutions for environmental protection, in agency conducting inspection activities and the like.
• Other opportunities in gaining employment are offered by private and public scientific and research institutions, biomedical and medical companies, biotechnological and pharmaceutical companies as well as companies involved in the production and quality control of food, water, environmental protection, production and sale of scientific equipment and the like.
• Some graduates are employed in various scientific-research projects and other types of projects and centres of excellence where they have the opportunity to do their doctoral dissertation and continue further development of their scientific career.
• The best and most capable students can pursue a post-academic career and establish start-up or spin-off companies. Concerning these endeavours, they can certainly count of support from the University and use the business incubator which is currently being completed.
9. With which scientific-research institutions in the country and the world does the Department of Biology collaborate? What benefits do students have from this collaboration?
Scientists from the Department of Biology have established numerous contacts with scientists colleagues from other EU member states, which has resulted in concluding numerous Erasmus bilateral agreements, offering students the opportunity to study abroad or undertake professional (work) practice in those countries. For this purpose, the Department of Biology collaborates with institutions from Germany, Austria, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, USA and many other countries.
10. Message to potential students
Biosciences are rapidly increasing in popularity and developing throughout the entire world, offering numerous opportunities for employment and career development. As academic personnel at the Department of Biology, we are here to support you, offer you the academic knowledge necessary for your professional training and career development. You can always seek out the teaching personnel at the Department of Biology, as well as other personnel at the Faculty of Science for support, assistance and advice. Visit us and convince yourselves – you won’t be disappointed. You’ll later proudly say you were a student at this Faculty and part of a community called the Faculty of Science (PMF) students and professors in Split.