Institute of Chemistry, biology and geography

History

The departments of the Institute of Natural Sciences and Tourism at I. Arabaev Kyrgyz State University are among the leading ones in training teachers of biology, chemistry, geography, and specialists in ecology and tourism for secondary schools of the Kyrgyz Republic.

In 1952, when the V. V. Mayakovsky Women's Pedagogical Institute was established, the Department of Chemistry and Biology was the first to be founded. At that time, 25 students were admitted to the department with a 4-year study period, and the department was headed by Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor G.P. Zemlyanaya. In 1956, 18 graduates became the first to receive the specialty "teacher of biology and chemistry." From the 1957–1958 academic year, student enrollment reached 50, and the program duration was extended to 5 years.

Due to growing demands for teachers and increasing student numbers, in the 1968–1969 academic year, the Faculty of Biology was established based on the Faculty of Natural Sciences. It was headed by Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor M.U. Mambetov.

From 1975 to 1984, the faculty was led by graduate of the D.I. Mendeleev Moscow Chemical-Technological Institute, Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Associate Professor T.R. Ryskulov.

From 1984 to 1995, the Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology was S.Sh. Shambetov, a graduate of Kyrgyz State University, biologist by profession, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor.

From 1995 to 1998, the faculty was headed by Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Associate Professor Zh.A. Asanaliev. During that time, the additional specialty "Ecology" was introduced.

From 1998 to 2004, the faculty was led by graduate of Leningrad State University, Candidate of Biological Sciences, University Professor Ch.S. Davletova. Until 2002, it functioned as an independent faculty, and in the 2002–2003 academic year, it became part of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. It was headed by graduate of I.M. Sechenov Moscow Medical Institute, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor G.T. Kurmanbekova.

Starting from the 2005–2006 academic year, the Faculty of Biology and Chemistry was again divided into two separate faculties. Until 2023, the Faculty of Biology and Chemistry was led by Honored Educator of the Kyrgyz Republic, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor Mamatkan Jetimishevich Chorov, and the Faculty of Geography, Ecology and Tourism was headed by Honored Educator of the Kyrgyz Republic, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor Temirbek Makeshovich Choduraev.

As part of current optimization efforts, based on the decision of the Academic Council of I. Arabaev KSU (Protocol No. 10 dated May 26, 2023) and rector’s order (No. 01-8/335 dated May 30, 2023), the Faculty of Biology and Chemistry and the Faculty of Ecology and Tourism were established as part of the Institute of Chemistry, Biology, Geography, and Tourism. The institute was renamed the Institute of Natural Sciences and Tourism based on the decision of the Academic Council (Protocol No. 1 dated September 29, 2023) and the rector’s order (Protocol No. 01-8/618 dated September 29, 2023). Currently, the institute comprises 5 departments:

• Department of General Biology and Teaching Methods – Head: Candidate of Biological Sciences, Acting Professor G.A. Sharshenalieva
• Department of Chemistry and Teaching Methods – Head: Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Associate Professor G.K. Nasirdinova
• Department of Biodiversity named after Prof. M.M. Botbaeva – Head: Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor S.K. Kendirbaeva
• Department of Geography and Teaching Methods – Head: Candidate of Geographical Sciences, Associate Professor D.T. Solpueva
• Department of Ecology and Tourism – Head: Candidate of Geographical Sciences, Associate Professor T.A. Ableshov

Currently, the Institute of Natural Sciences and Tourism is successfully managed by Candidate of Biological Sciences Gulnaz Tajibayevna Jalilova, who is implementing effective programs to improve the quality of education and enhance scientific research.

Department of General Biology and Teaching Methods

Since the 2023–2024 academic year, the Department of General Biology and Teaching Methods has been headed by Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Acting Associate Professor Mayramkul Turganbekovna Kyrbashova.

The department is engaged in various areas, which include: a high-quality teaching staff indicator – 78.5%, including 3 Doctors of Science, 8 Candidates of Science, and 4 Masters of Biology.

Types of teaching practice for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students are conducted under the supervision of Cand. Ped. Sc., Acting Associate Professor M.T. Kyrbashova, senior lecturers N.O. Kazakova and N.D. Niyazova.

The department organizes scientific circles, methodological seminars, trainings, and sessions.

Under the leadership of department tutor and lecturer N.D. Niyazova, the “ECO Generation” circle is actively operating. The “ECO Generation” group is actively involved in ecological activities with the aim of forming ecological culture, engaging youth in environmental protection, and increasing their civic responsibility through education focused on environmental sustainability.

Thus, the staff of the Department of General Biology and Teaching Methods make a significant contribution to the training of future biology teachers for secondary schools in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Professional Practice

In recent years, the department has published and incorporated 46 textbooks and methodological manuals in the Kyrgyz language into the educational process.

Scientific and methodological work is carried out in two directions:

1. “The impact of adverse environmental conditions on biological objects”
2. “Development of forms and content of teaching biological disciplines”

The department has strengthened its material and technical facilities, it is equipped with modern teaching aids, and is continuously expanding. The Mildray-88V biochemical analyzers in the biology lab allow for around 220 biochemical analyses. With the Altami-7 microscope, which magnifies up to 1000–2000 times, classes in cytogenetics, cytology, histology, microbiology, and virology are held; students and graduate students use them in research work.

Department of Geography and Teaching Methods

For over ten years, the department was headed by Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor K.K. Attokurova. The Geography Department was established in 2001 at the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management of I. Arabaev KSPU. In 2006, it was divided into two departments: Physical Geography Department and Social, Economic, and Political Geography Department.

In 2022, an experimental curriculum was developed for the 550100 “Natural Science Education” program based on the qualifications of a geography and biology teacher.

The main goal of the department is to organize educational, methodological, scientific, and educative activities.

Strategic development plans from 2016 to 2022 included the modernization and improvement of the methodological level of practical, laboratory work, lectures, and the preparation of specialists from a scientific and educational standpoint. Effective new integrations with schools were established, and practices and research on innovative approaches were conducted.

As noted in the strategic development plan, in recent years the department’s faculty has worked with foreign countries based on scientific projects.

In 2018, a GIS laboratory was established based on the project "Environmental Protection in Central Asia: Management Using a Broad Range of Methods."

In 2021, seminars and training sessions were held for faculty and students in Kyrgyzstan under the German project "Education for Sustainable Development and Biodiversity Conservation."

Since 2022, two curricula have been developed with higher education institutions in North Atlantic countries under the "Circular Economy" project.

Teaching internships are conducted at secondary schools No. 5, 50, 84, 11, and 56 in Bishkek, as well as in Chuy and Issyk-Kul regions.

Acting Prof. R.T. Akmatov and co-authors prepared the textbook Physical Geography of Continents and Oceans for Grade 7. Department Head Associate Professor D.T. Solpueva and Senior Lecturer N.T. Zhumaliev co-authored the textbook Economic and Social Geography of the Kyrgyz Republic for Grade 9, along with workbooks and teaching aids.

The Department of Geography and Teaching Methods has a GIS Laboratory equipped with modern computers, office equipment, and GPS navigators, enabling faculty, researchers, postgraduates, master's and undergraduate students to carry out research and teaching using GIS technologies.

Highly qualified educators have worked at the department, including Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, Professor K.S. Sakiev; Candidate of Geographical Sciences, Honorary Professor of the Institute, President of the Kyrgyz Geographical Society, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic S.K. Alamanov; and other associate professors such as O.B. Barataliev and N.K. Tenirberdiev.

Outstanding teachers and methodologists of Kyrgyzstan have made invaluable contributions to the training of highly qualified specialists.

Department of Chemistry and Teaching Methods

Since the establishment of the V.V. Mayakovsky Kyrgyz Women's Pedagogical Institute, the Department of Chemistry was initially part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

As of September 2023, the department is headed by Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Associate Professor G.K. Nasirdinova.

The department staff actively conducts scientific research on the topic: "Development of physico-chemical foundations for the synthesis of nano-dispersed materials." Postgraduate students, master's students, and undergraduates are involved in research on the synthesis of nano-dispersed metals, alloys, and carbides. In response to requests from school chemistry teachers, the department's teaching staff, in collaboration with the institute, also conducts professional development courses for teachers.

In line with modern demands, in the 2023–2024 academic year, an English-language group was opened for the specialty "teacher of chemistry and biology", in the 2024–2025 academic year, a program in pharmaceutical chemistry was launched.

Today, alongside advanced scientific analysis and innovative technologies, the department provides the country with competent professionals who receive a high-quality education, combining scientific and practical activities, and trains qualified and competitive specialists with competencies in universal and natural science disciplines.

Department of Ecology and Tourism

On May 14, 1999, the Department of "Social and Cultural Services and Tourism" was established at the Institute of European Civilizations of I. Arabaev KSU.

The Department of Environmental Management was established in 2000 as an independent unit under the leadership of Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor A.M. Mursaliev.

In May 2006, the Department of "Ecology and Tourism" was established through the merger of the "Environmental Management" Department from the Faculty of Geography, Ecology, and Tourism, and the "Social and Cultural Services and Tourism" Department from the Institute of European Civilizations.

From 2014 to 2024, the department was headed by Candidate of Geographical Sciences, Acting Professor T.A. Ableshov.

Currently, the acting head of the department is Senior Lecturer G.R. Toktalieva. The department includes 3 Doctors of Science, 2 Professors, 3 Acting Professors, 6 Candidates of Science, 7 Associate Professors, 6 Senior Lecturers, and 6 Lecturers.

At the Institute of Natural Sciences and Tourism, students of all specialties take advanced courses in a foreign language (English) and information technologies.

In addition to language courses, one-third of specialized classes are conducted in foreign languages, which enhances graduates' competitiveness in the labor market. During their studies, students successfully master the English language. In the 2024–2025 academic year, under the 600200 specialty "Tourism," subject-specific groups are to be taught in English and Kyrgyz.

Students complete field internship in the most beautiful areas of the country, including forest ecosystems, specially protected national parks, and on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake.

Professional internships are conducted at various service enterprises and tourist companies in Kyrgyzstan under the guidance of experienced professionals and instructors.

The department's faculty actively participates in various seminars, trainings, round tables, and conferences on the development of ecology and tourism in Kyrgyzstan within programs such as NABU, the Mountain Alliance in Central Asia, the Union of Hiking Tourism, and Helvetas.

Department of Biodiversity named after Professor M.M. Botbaeva

In 2002, the Department of Biology and Ecology was split into two departments: Biodiversity Department and General Biology Department. The purpose of creating the Department of Biodiversity is to preserve the biological diversity of plant and animal communities and to study their taxonomy.

In 1992, 153 countries signed the International Convention on Biodiversity in Rio de Janeiro. Each country is tasked with preserving biodiversity within its territory. In 1996, the Kyrgyz Republic ratified the International Convention on Biological Diversity.

Kyrgyzstan, although small in size, is a biologically rich region in Central Asia and a natural habitat for wild species of plants and animals. On every 1,000 square kilometers, there are approximately 0.4 mammal species, 1.8 bird species, 0.14 reptile species, and 0.23 fish species—figures significantly higher than in neighboring republics.

The department’s faculty has a scientific qualification level of 73.4%. Since 2018, the department has been headed by Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor S.K. Kendirbaeva.

Over the past five years, the department has prepared and published numerous educational and methodological materials.

Scientific seminars and a student club are held regularly. On the International Day for Biological Diversity in 2010, an international conference titled "Biodiversity: Achievements, Challenges, and Prospects of Research" was held. In celebration of the Biodiversity Day on May 22, the department organized international scientific-practical conferences in 2010, 2017, 2023, and 2024.

Students of the department conduct various scientific seminars and workshops on topics such as "Long-distance signaling in plants: myths and truths about the plant nervous system," "The art of Ikebana," and "Methods of collecting, drying, and preserving herbarium specimens."

The department operates based on international and national agreements in the scientific-technological, educational, and scientific-innovative fields.

National partnerships include:

1. Institute of Biology, National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic (2023–2028)
2. E. Gareev Botanical Garden (2023–2028)
3. Sary-Chelek State Biosphere Reserve (Jalal-Abad region)
4. Saimaluu-Tash State Nature Park (2021–2026)
5. Kulun-Ata State Reserve (2021–2026)
6. Kan-Achuu State Nature Park in Toguz-Toro (2021–2026)
7. Karatal-Zhapyryk State Nature Reserve (2021–2026)
8. Issyk-Kul Biosphere Area (2021–2026)
9. Alatay State Nature Park (Jalal-Abad region, 2022–2027)
10. Institute of Chemistry and Phytotechnology, NAS KR (2023–2028)

International partners include:

1. Belarusian State Technological University, Minsk, Republic of Belarus (open-ended agreement)
2. M. Nazarshoev Khorog State University, Republic of Tajikistan (2024–2029)
3. Research Institute for Biological Safety Problems, Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Zhambyl (2024–2029)
4. Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2024–2029)