The Faculty of Science, Safarik University Kosice, (SUK) currently offers a variety of study programmes (currently with 1600 registered students) in science (mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, geography, informatics, general ecology) as well masters programmes in science teachers training. SUK takes particular research interest in dealing with aspects of long-life learning and has successfully developed networks, via their graduates, with research institutions and industries, both within Slovakia and abroad, as well as an established co-operation with science teachers teaching at different schools in Slovakia. These activities are realised through a science teachers’ club, an association of teachers who regularly partake in in-service teacher training courses offered by the faculty that are accredited by the Ministry of Education of Slovak Republic.
The Faculty also publishes a journal, “Mathematics-physics-informatics” in cooperation with the Educational centre in order to support the professional development of teachers. Each year there are about 300 teachers who join different activities of teachers´ training offered by the faculty The Faculty of Science has a leading position in the field of science teachers’ long life learning concerning the implementation of informatics and communication technologies into education (e.g. INFOVEK, VECIT, PIRŠ), ECDL courses for teachers, teachers´ training in special fields (international project TEMPUS Phare AC-JEP 14327-1999), the use of e-learning in teachers´ training (e.g. LMS Moodle environment), EVO/VRVS videoconference system for on-line education, and project coordination.
Role in the Project: The Faculty of Science, University of Kosice, has much experience in preservice and in-service training for teachers and will contribute significantly to the development and analysis of suitable IBSE units (WP1-5) with regard to physics, and the development of e-learning materials. They will also contribute to all other WPs where appropriate.