Biology & Ecology (e-books)

E-publication
Michal Goga-Marko S. Sabovljević-Martin Bačkor-Dajana Kecsey-Deepti Routray
A comprehensive guide that introduces you to the fascinating diversity and systematics of lower plants. These practical lessons are designed to provide hands-on training, allowing students to engage directly with the interesting study of Cryptogams by observation, analysis, and identification and experimentation. Beginning with the overall idea of cryptogam in a field trip near by the vicinity of Botanical garden then followed by the basics of microscopy in, will help to gain essential skills in understanding the components and proper usage of a microscope, a fundamental tool in botanical studies.
Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-publication

Beáta Valkay ed.
Ivana Slepáková-Lenka Maliničová a kol.

The publication EFFUSE – Educational Materials for the Public was developed within the EFFUSE project and focuses on current environmental issues of river landscapes. It emphasizes the importance of water as an irreplaceable resource and the need to protect it. Special attention is given to bioindicators – organisms whose presence or absence reflects the state of the environment. Monitoring bioindicators makes it possible to detect ecosystem changes before serious damage occurs. The publication highlights that biodiversity is essential for ecosystem stability and health. As such, it serves as a valuable educational resource for the public, raising environmental awareness and encouraging active involvement in nature conservation.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-publication

Beáta Valkay ed.
Ivana Slepáková-Andrej Mock a kol.

The publication EFFUSE – River Landscape, Volume 2: Guidelines for Experts, developed within the EFFUSE project, is intended for professionals in the field of environmental sciences. It provides recommendations for research in river landscapes and highlights their importance for understanding ecological processes. The text presents bioindicators as a key tool for assessing landscape health and biodiversity conservation. A dedicated section explains why studying river landscapes as natural laboratories is essential. The publication also includes a practical manual for the Olympus DSX-1000 High End Model microscope, expanding opportunities in scientific education and research. In this way, it combines theoretical guidelines with modern technologies that enhance environmental knowledge.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-publication
Beáta Valkay ed.
Ivana Slepáková-Andrej Mock a kol.

The textbook EFFUSE – River Landscape, Volume 1: Scientific Education for Everybody, developed within the EFFUSE project, explores the importance of water for living organisms and the specific features of water in the Transcarpathian region. It addresses the issue of water pollution and presents bioindication as an effective method of environmental research. The publication explains how the ecological status of rivers and water quality can be assessed using aquatic plants, insects, fish, and amphibians. It also raises awareness about the microbial composition of water and offers guidance on protecting oneself from waterborne infections. Finally, it highlights the significance of environmental education and awareness in strengthening the relationship between humans and the natural environment.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-publication

Beáta Valkay ed.
Ivana Slepáková-Monika Balogová a kol.

EFFUSE - Scientific Education for Advanced is an educational material designed for university students interested in ecological sciences, biology and environmental protection. The publication was developed as part of the EFFUSE project and focuses on the scientific investigation of living organisms in the river ecosystem, with an emphasis on their ecological role and importance as bioindicators. The river ecosystem is a dynamic environment where a wide range of organisms can be studied, from algae and phytoplankton to aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians and reptiles. This publication presents a detailed study of their adaptations, life cycles, reproductive strategies and their importance for ecological balance. Particular attention is paid to fish and amphibians, whose environmental demands and sensitivity to pollution make them important indicators of water quality and environmental status. The publication also provides guidance on how to integrate their study into university education in the form of practical research. It also includes a chapter on science education in the context of sustainable development, which is often absent from university curricula in Slovakia and Ukraine. This material promotes the link between theory and practice and develops students' scientific thinking in order to prepare them to meet the environmental challenges of the future.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-publication

Beáta Valkayed.
Ivana Slepáková-Lenka Maliničová a kol.

The EFFUSE Teacher's Guide is a practical educational material for primary and secondary school teachers who want to develop environmental awareness with their pupils through field-based learning. It is based on the concept of the EFFUSE project (‘Environment for the future by science education’), which aims to link science, research and education with environmental protection. The manual provides teachers with methodological support for planning and implementing outdoor activities aimed at observing and documenting organisms around the Laborec River and the Uh River. It contains instructions for working with real samples, basic biomonitoring procedures and offers the opportunity to participate in the creation of a virtual laboratory that mirrors the state of the local aquatic ecosystem. Through these activities, pupils will learn to understand the links between human activity and the state of the environment, while learning the basics of how scientists work in the fields of biology and ecology. The guide also motivates teachers to become agents of positive change, inspire the younger generation to be active and engage the community in conservation. It is a challenge and an opportunity to create a space for meaningful learning in line with current trends in environmental and digital education.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-publication

Beáta Valkay ed.
Ivana Slepáková-Lenka Maliničová a kol.

EFFUSE - A Guide for Students is an interactive educational resource for primary and secondary school students to help them better understand how their daily activities affect the environment. The handbook was developed within the EFFUSE project (‘Environment for the future by science education’) and motivates young people to take a greater interest in the nature around them. It focuses on practical field activities during which they will explore the ecosystem of the Laborec and Uh rivers, observe and document organisms and work with real samples from nature. At the same time, they will learn about the work of scientists - botanists, zoologists and microbiologists - and learn basic biomonitoring methods. The manual will also guide them through the process of creating a virtual laboratory to display the results of their investigations of an aquatic ecosystem. It will help them understand the importance of sustainable development and encourage them to behave responsibly towards nature. It is their opportunity to learn about their surroundings in a new way, to learn to think scientifically and to become active creators of positive change for their community and future generations.

Download the e-book for free(pdf)

E-publication

Terézia Hudáková-Ján Šalagovič-Jozef Židzik

The Textbook of Medical Biology and Genetics for Bachelor's Study Programs is a comprehensive academic resource tailored to the curriculum of undergraduate courses at the Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice. Each of the 15 chapters begins with a concise theoretical overview, followed by a carefully selected set of practical exercises and model examples designed to promote active learning and critical thinking. This publication aims to serve as an essential companion for students, supporting their understanding of key concepts and enhancing their preparation for coursework and examinations in designated bachelor's programs.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-publication

Michal Goga-Marko S. Sabovljević-Martin Bačkor-Dajana Kecsey-Deepti Routray

A comprehensive guide that introduces you to the fascinating diversity and systematics of lower plants. These practical lessons are designed to provide hands-on training, allowing students to engage directly with the interesting study of Cryptogams by observation, analysis, and identification and experimentation. Beginning with the overall idea of cryptogam in a field trip near by the vicinity of Botanical garden then followed by the basics of microscopy in, will help to gain essential skills in understanding the components and proper usage of a microscope, a fundamental tool in botanical studies.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-publication

Eva Slabá-Helena Mičková-Jozef Židzik-Lucia Klimčáková-Janka Vašková

Teaching texts „Practical Lessons in Medical biology“ provide the theoretical foundations of microscopy, various microscopic techniques and preparation of microscopic slides in an understandable form. The chapters of the teaching texts contain model questions and tasks from cytology, molecular biology and genetics enabling students to acquire new knowledge from individual thematic areas and provide instructions for the implementation of tasks during laboratory lessons in medical biology. Teaching texts are primarily intended for the practical lessons in the subjects Biology 1 and Biology 2 for foreign students of the first year of General Medicine and the subjects Medical Biology and Genetics and Regenerative Medicine for foreign students of the first and second year of Dental Medicine at P. J. Šafárik University in Košice – Faculty of Medicine.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-publication

Eva Slabá-Helena Mičková- Terézia Hudáková-Janka Vašková

Teaching texts „Praktické cvičenia z lekárskej biológie“ provide the theoretical foundations of microscopy, various microscopic techniques and preparation of microscopic slides in an understandable form. The chapters of the teaching texts contain model questions and tasks from cytology, molecular biology and genetics enabling students to acquire new knowledge from individual thematic areas and provide instructions for the implementation of tasks during laboratory lessons in medical biology. Teaching texts are primarily intended for the practical lessons in the subjects Biológia 1 and Biológia 2 for Slovak students of the first year of General Medicine and the subjects Lekárska biológia and Genetika a regeneratívna medicína for Slovak students of the first and second year of Dental Medicine at P. J. Šafárik University in Košice – Faculty of Medicine.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-kniha

Pavol Mártonfi - Lenka Mártonfiová (eds.)

The book of abstracts from the conference with international participation contains 33 contributions authored by 71 researchers affiliated with botanical institutions from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary. The publication offers an overview of current knowledge and research experience in the field of plant biodiversity in the context of climate change. In addition to botany and nature conservation, the abstracts also address topics such as plant physiology, the production of secondary metabolites, environmental studies, management of protected areas, botanical art, and other current research issues. The central paper is dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the UPJŠ Botanical Garden, highlighting its history and present-day activities, and was prepared by the garden’s director. The volume is complemented by contributions from the garden’s staff, focusing on the current state of research and educational activities within the institution.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Lenka Mártonfiová - Pavol Mártonfi (eds.)

Katalóg zbierkového fondu rastlín obsahuje súpis 4437 druhov, poddruhov a kultivarov rastlín rastúcich voľne alebo pestovaných v Botanickej záhrade Univerzity Pavla Jozefa Šafárika v Košiciach (Slovensko). Medzi nimi sa v botanickej záhrade pestuje 659 druhov chránených na základe Dohovoru o medzinárodnom obchode s ohrozenými druhmi voľne žijúcich živočíchov a rastlín (CITES) a 42 autochtónnych druhov je chránených legislatívou Slovenskej republiky.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Monika Balogová - Viktória Vargová - Kristián Gulyás - Natália Pipová - Dalibor Uhrovič -Marcel Uhrin

A peer-reviewed publication dealing with the biology and ecology of the European green toad, bringing new findings through scientific research on the roosting ecology, spatial activity and dispersal of this protected species in urban environments. The subject matter of this publication is highly topical, as amphibians represent the most threatened vertebrate group in the world. This work is suitable not only for university students interested in batrachology, amphibian ecology, and vertebrate zoology, but also for conservation workers, municipalities, and specialists directly involved in the reconstruction of urban areas with green toads. Last but not least, this publication is suitable for enthusiasts with an interest in nature and its conservation.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Jozef Židzik - Terézia Hudáková - Martina Šemeláková - Ján Šalagovič

Methods in human genetics and molecular biology encompass various experimental, diagnostic and analytical techniques used to investigate the structure, function, expression, and regulation of genes, as well as general molecular processes in human cells. The university textbook Methods in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology provides a comprehensive overview of classical and modern experimental and analytical procedures. In fifteen chapters, it addresses methods such as PCR, RFLP, FISH, Western blot, DNA sequencing, DNA microarrays, molecular cloning, cytogenetic analysis, and forensic genetic analysis. The book is primarily intended as study material for the course of the same name taught in the 2nd year of study at the UPJŠ Faculty of Medicine, but it can also be used by all university students in the fields of biology, biotechnology, and related disciplines.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Lenka Mártonfiová

Index The Index Seminum 2025 of the Botanical Garden of the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University contains a list of 243 seed samples offered for the international exchange among botanical gardens on the world. It includes seeds collected from the wild plants in natural localities of Slovakia with a detailed description of the localities with coordinates and date of collection (66 samples) and seeds of plants grown in the Botanical Garden (46 samples) and seeds from Exposition of the Tatra Mountain Nature of the State Forests of Tatra National Park, Tatranská Lomnica (73 samples) as well as 58 seed samples from Hrádocké Arboretum of the Secondary Forestry School of Jozef Dekret Matejovie in Liptovský Hrádok. The index includes a desiderata table that can be used when ordering seeds.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Katarína Cechlárová (ed.)

In 2018, the Student Scientific Conference was held on April 18, 2018, in 16 sections covering biology and ecology, chemistry, physics, geography, mathematics, computer science, and their subject didactics. There were 110 registered contributions from bachelor's and master's students. Additionally, eight high school students participated outside of the competition; these students already visit our alma mater at a young age, work in our laboratories, and prepare for further studies under the guidance of our enthusiastic teachers. The day also included a programming competition and the IHRA competition in three categories, where students from PF UPJŠ competed alongside pupils from elementary and secondary schools.

The abstracts of the Student Scientific Conference contributions convincingly demonstrate that PF UPJŠ students study their field not only theoretically but also actively engage in solving partial scientific problems that are part of the research goals at PF UPJŠ institutes. This collection provides an overview of scientific activity at the faculty, which we believe will be interesting for the broader public as well.

Download the e-book for free  (pdf)

E-book

Katarína Cechlárová - Eva Pitoňáková (eds.)

Proceedings of Abstracts from Contributions by Participants of the Student Scientific Conference at the Faculty of Science, UPJŠ in Košice, Held on April 26, 2017

This is the fifth edition of the proceedings from the Student Scientific Conference (ŠVK) at the Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice. We are pleased that ŠVK has become an integral part of faculty life and a showcase for the quality of education provided. In 2017, ŠVK took place as part of the traditional Science Days on April 26, 2017. 105 students from the Faculty of Science presented their work. Contributions were organized into 15 sections, supplemented by an open programming competition involving 17 students and the final round of the IHRA competition, which included 27 teams from across Slovakia.

The abstracts in this proceedings demonstrate that students at the Faculty of Science, UPJŠ, acquire knowledge and skills in their field not only through theoretical study of disciplines but also through active engagement in solving partial scientific problems aligned with research goals at the faculty’s institutes. These abstracts also provide an overview of the faculty’s scientific activity, which we believe will be of interest to the broader public.

doc. RNDr. Gabriel Semanišin, PhD.

Dean of the Faculty

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Martin Bačkor - Miriam Bačkorová

The proposed text focuses on the history of studying biology, medicine, and pharmacy as scientific disciplines from prehistoric times through antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the modern era. The text chronologically organizes the most significant figures in the history of biological scientific disciplines, outlines key characteristics of major historical discoveries, and reevaluates their significance from the perspective of 21st-century science.

The educational text is chronologically divided into the most significant periods of civilization development. The last two completed centuries—the 19th and 20th—are subdivided into major life science fields due to the unprecedented growth of biological disciplines and the resulting volume of acquired information.

Since it can sometimes be challenging in science to define what constitutes the past versus the present of a particular discipline, we have excluded significant biological discoveries from the early 21st century, which are typically regarded as the “present” of biology.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Dušan Barabas - Alena Labunová

These study materials aim to provide basic information about biogeographical issues from a geographical perspective, i.e., a perspective focused primarily on the aspect of spatial differentiation of the biosphere. The basis for the division of the biosphere is its historical development, during which individual taxa and communities were formed.

The historical development of the biosphere did not occur under stable, constant conditions, but rather in ever-changing conditions caused by the position of our planet within the solar system, the position of the Earth's axis relative to the ecliptic, and also the position of the solar system within the galaxy. All changes in the Earth's position, together with the movement of continents (drift) and climate changes, created the prerequisites for the spatial expansion of the biosphere. The historical development of the biosphere, various perspectives, the hierarchical level of differentiation, and the causes of differentiation are incorporated in this study material, whose aim is to outline the basic principles of this division.

The goal is also to highlight certain differences in the understanding of terminology, as well as to point out some fundamental relationships operating within the landscape system in the broadest sense of the word. The section devoted to the ecological principles of the functioning and formation of the landscape system, according to MIČIAN and ZATKALÍK (1984), outlines the issues of understanding the terms ecosystem and geosystem. For this reason, the presented text includes chapters that attempt to explain the understanding and approach to some basic concepts.

These study materials are intended for students of single-subject, interdisciplinary, and supplementary studies as basic teaching material. By expanding the knowledge from this study material with further information, which is elaborated in more detail in the literature listed in the bibliography of this text, graduates will gain a comprehensive view of biogeographical issues.

Authors

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Božena Velebná

The following material has been created during the two years of teaching English for Chemists at the Faculty of Science of the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University and is therefore designed to meet the needs of this course. The main motivation was the lack of appropriate materials, especially as the groups generally comprise students with a very diverse level of English. This diversity therefore became the main criterion determining both the form and the content of this text.

In the ten units that provide material for a one semester course, the emphasis is put on teaching the students vocabulary and terminology, which is introduced via authentic texts, depending on the topic of each unit. Students are encouraged to learn the meaning of new words in context. Grammar is included too, with the aim of demonstrating and explaining grammatical rules by means of examples taken directly from the texts. For the more advanced students, grammatical exercises in this material can serve for revision while the beginners might need more supplementary materials.

I hope that this material, the preparation of which has been a challenging as well as enjoyable experience will be useful for future teachers and the students of this course.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)