The Faculty of Physics at the University of Rijeka offers lifelong learning programmes designed to facilitate the acquisition of additional knowledge, skills, and competences essential for professional advancement and personal development.
Among the key initiatives is the Programme for Acquiring Missing Knowledge, Skills, and Competences for Admission to the Master’s Degree Programme in Engineering and Physics of Materials. The primary objective of this programme is to provide prospective students with the necessary background knowledge and skills required for the successful continuation of studies at the master’s level. The curriculum encompasses fundamental courses in the fields of physics and engineering, thereby establishing a solid foundation for further academic advancement and research activities.
In addition, the Faculty offers a Specialised Programme in Natural Sciences and Mathematics for Primary School Teachers, intended for educators seeking to enhance their competencies in the teaching of natural sciences and mathematics. This programme integrates advanced pedagogical approaches, the application of modern technologies in education, and the development of practical skills, thereby enabling teachers to more effectively transfer knowledge to their pupils.
The lifelong learning programmes at the Faculty of Physics, University of Rijeka, represent a significant opportunity for continuous professional development, aligning with both the evolving requirements of the labour market and the individual aspirations of participants.
Bridging Programme for Admission to the Master’s Degree Programme in Engineering and Physics of Materials
NAME OF THE PROGRAMME
Programme for Acquiring Missing Knowledge, Skills, and Competences for Admission to the Master’s Degree Programme in Engineering and Physics of Materials
FIELD OF THE PROGRAMME
Natural and Technical Sciences
ECTS CREDITS
The bridging programme carries 30 ECTS credits.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Completion of a professional or university undergraduate study programme in the field of technical or natural sciences with a minimum of 150 ECTS credits earned.
Applicants are expected to possess fundamental knowledge in mathematics, physics, materials science, structural elements, technology, technical documentation, and basic computer literacy at the level typically attained through higher education comprising at least 150 ECTS credits.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the programme, participants will acquire the knowledge, skills, and competences in physics and materials science necessary for continuing their studies in the Master’s Degree Programme in Engineering and Physics of Materials.
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
The programme enables participants to meet the requirements for admission to a university master’s study programme, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the labour market, both in the private and public sectors, particularly in the domains of natural sciences and technical competences.
RATIONALE
The programme facilitates admission to the Master’s Degree Programme in Engineering and Physics of Materials. There is a growing demand for experts with such profiles within industry and societal structures in the Rijeka region, as well as more broadly in Croatia.
Sectors of the Croatian economy that, through primary or secondary activities, are engaged in the design, production, processing, or application of materials, or that operate development laboratories, represent potential partners of the programme. These sectors include, but are not limited to, shipbuilding, the automotive and aerospace industries, construction, medicine and pharmacy, and the semiconductor industry.
Professionals in the field of materials science and engineering may also find employment in government institutions and professional services, research institutes, or higher education institutions, all of which are likewise potential partners of this programme.
The proposed lifelong learning programme is fully aligned with the mission, vision, goals, and Strategy of the Department of Physics and the University of Rijeka, with particular emphasis on the development of natural and technical sciences and the facilitation of vertical progression within the education system.
STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME AND COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
The programme consists of five courses, each assessed by examination. Successful completion of the programme requires passing all examinations.
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
A complete description of the programme, including the curriculum and syllabus, is available for download here.
LIST OF COURSES
| Course Title | L | E | S | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Chapters of Mechanics | 6 | 4 | 0 | 6 |
| Selected Chapters of Electromagnetism | 6 | 4 | 0 | 6 |
| Selected Chapters of Mathematical Methods of Physics | 6 | 4 | 0 | 6 |
| Introductory Physics Laboratory | 0 | 0 | 10 | 6 |
| Selected Chapters of Modern Physics and Structure of Matter | 6 | 4 | 0 | 6 |
Specialised Programme in Natural Sciences and Mathematics for Primary School Teachers
NAME OF THE PROGRAMME
Lifelong Learning Programme – Professional Development after the Attainment of an Academic Degree
PROVIDERS
Faculty of Physics and Faculty of Mathematics, University of Rijeka
OBJECTIVE
The programme is designed to enhance the professional competencies of primary school teachers in the application of active learning and teaching. It focuses on introducing and expanding new, additional experimental activities in natural sciences and mathematics, adapted for work with pupils, as well as improving their implementation in classroom teaching.
The competences in natural sciences and mathematics acquired during teacher education studies provide an excellent foundation for further development, particularly in areas where pupils’ interest has stagnated over recent decades, despite their crucial importance for the scientific and technological advancement of society.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the programme, participants will be able to:
- apply knowledge of recent scientific findings to foster the development of pupils’ concepts in natural sciences and mathematics
- further develop existing competences in conducting simple natural science experiments using readily available teaching aids
- methodically shape pupils’ understanding of natural sciences and mathematics through a richer and more diverse set of hands-on activities
- enhance existing competences in designing educational and engaging activities in natural sciences and mathematics by integrating them into thematic workshops
- acquire additional competences for the preparation and presentation of mathematical content, including the advanced use of computers (dynamic geometry software).
LIST OF COURSES
The programme is organised into three courses, each with an assigned number of hours for lectures (L), exercises (E), and seminar classes (S):
| Course Title | L | E | S |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACTIVE LEARNING OF NATURAL SCIENCES Introductory course aimed at sensitising participants to the issues and importance of scientific literacy, and motivating them to undertake concrete activities for its development among primary school pupils. Content: Concept of scientific literacy and recommendations of the EU Commission; examples of its importance in modern society; research results regarding the decline of pupils’ interest in science; assessment of scientific literacy; formal and informal education in the development of scientific literacy. | 8 | 0 | 5 |
| PRACTICAL EXERCISES IN NATURAL SCIENCES A course that builds upon participants’ existing competences in designing active learning in natural sciences through simple experiments conducted with readily available teaching aids. | 0 | 12 | 5 |
| SELECTED TOPICS IN MATHEMATICS: MATHEMATICAL LITERACY AND THE USE OF COMPUTERS IN MATHEMATICS TEACHING This course trains participants in the use of dynamic geometry tools for teaching mathematics in the first four grades of primary school, while also enhancing their competences in proper mathematical expression and mathematical literacy in general. Content: Advanced application of computers in mathematics teaching for the first four grades of primary school; overview of free ICT tools; dynamic geometry software; mathematical literacy and mathematical expression; mathematics workshops for lower primary grades. | 7 | 8 | 5 |
VENUE
University Departments Building, University Campus Trsat, Radmile Matejčić 2, Rijeka
SCHEDULE
Classes will be organised on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings.
The programme comprises 50 hours of classroom instruction, including: 15 hours of lectures, 15 hours of seminar classes and 20 hours of practical exercises (natural sciences laboratory exercises and computer-based activities). Participant obligations include regular attendance, preparation for exercises and practical classes, as well as tasks assigned within courses (homework, seminar papers).
CREDITS (AZOO and ECTS)
Participants who successfully complete the programme will be awarded a certificate recognised by the Agency for Education (AZOO) as professional teacher training. The programme carries 4 ECTS credits.
APPLICATIONS AND ENROLMENT
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. The following documents must be submitted with the application: proof of citizenship, birth certificate, and diploma of a completed relevant degree (original or certified copy).
Written applications should be sent to: University of Rijeka, Faculty of Physics, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka.
Enrolment will take place after the application deadline, provided that the minimum required number of participants has applied.
FEE
The tuition fee is EUR 450, payable in two instalments.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Tel: 051/584-600
051/584-771
WWW: http://www.phy.uniri.hr
Programme Coordinator: prof. dr. sc. Rajka Jurdana Šepić, jurdana@phy.uniri.hr