TEMPUS CD_JEP-17099-2002 ‘Development/up-dating of curricula/courses in Biological Sciences in Tirana University (back) (Tempus achievements continua …)

During the last decade, teaching programs have been updated and new subjects developed within the two existing curricula, Biology and Biology-Chemistry, i.e. Biotechnology, Biostatistics, etc. It was achieved even thanks to the EU support, especially within the previous Tempus JEP ‘Biotechnology and Environment’ (yrs. 1995-1997). However, the existing structure and teaching methodologies of the two graduate curricula in Tirana University and in all Albanian Higher Education system, as well, were not sufficiently updated... Compared with most other EU countries, the graduate experts in Biology do not fit well with the professional needs in Albania. Moreover, the existing postgraduate system suffers from a lack of properly qualified teachers, infrastructure and equipment.

Tempus project: CD_JEP-17099-2002

Therefore, finding the solutions of these needs was the aim of the Tempus Joint European Project, No: CD_JEP-17099-2002 ‘Development/up-dating of curricula/courses in Biological Sciences in Tirana University’ started since September 2003, until July 2006 (442.000 Euro). The main aim was to restructure the curricula at the UT, in accordance with changing needs in Albania and to bring the existing curricula into line with recognized EU standards. Thus, establishing the credit transfer system compatible with the European Credit Transfer System was one of the main goals. In the following section, there is information about the project and achievements of the reform in biological sciences in UT.

Project Consortium

Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Germany, as the main Contractor, Priv.-Doc. Dr. Klaus - J. Appenroth, Institute of General Botany and Plant Physiology

Study University of Bari, Italy, Prof. Francesco Macchia, Museo Orto Botanico, Department of Plant Sciences and Production

Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Tirana University, Prof. Aleko Miho as project coordinator

Other EU experts

Dr. Thomas HUEBENER, University of Rostock, Germany, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Biosciences

Dr. Carmine COLACINO, University of Basilicata, Italy, Department of Biology, Protection and Agro forestry Biotechnology

Prof. Fernando TAMMARO, Department of Architecture and Urbanity, Faculty of Biotechnology, Study University of Aquila, Italy