Department history

22.12.2025 33

About the Department of Biology and Fisheries

The Department of Biology and Fisheries has a rich history that began with the establishment of the biological program in 1964. Over the decades, the department has developed, merged, expanded, and shaped its scientific and pedagogical directions, which today ensure the training of highly qualified specialists in the fields of biology and fisheries.

           Historical Development of the Department

Formation of the Biological Program (1963–1980)

In 1963, based on the Guryev Pedagogical Institute, the Department of “Fundamentals of Biology and Agriculture” was opened within the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics. This became the first step toward the creation of a full-fledged Faculty of Biology.

In 1964, the institute began admitting students to the specialty “Biology and Chemistry.” The only biology department at that time was headed by Senior Lecturer R.K. Kabulov. Throughout different years, the department employed V.I. Krutko, M.Sh. Shakirov, R.Kh. Kozhasova, A.D. Dosymbaev, among others.

The teaching staff actively expanded: in 1965–1967, young specialists K.A. Azhigaliev, R.K. Karazhigitova, T.K. Kenzhegalieva, as well as qualified biologists I.A. Melnichuk, I.A. Zavyalova, S. Khamidullin, G. Abiltaev and others were invited to work.

In 1967–1968, the Faculty of Biology was structured and divided into three independent departments:

  • Zoology
  • Botany
  • Chemistry

 

During this period, future leaders and prominent scholars of the department joined: A.K. Daribaev, M.Zh. Aldabergenova, K.K. Kammatov, N.K. Aldabergenov, Zh.S. Sadykov, B. Kazieva, B.G. Gapueva, D.N. Baibulatova.

Heads of the Department of Zoology in Different Years

  • A.K. Daribaev – Candidate of Biological Sciences (1967–1973)
  • Zh.S. Sadykov – Candidate of Biological Sciences (1973–1976)
  • N.K. Aldabergenov – Candidate of Biological Sciences (1976–1982; 1984–1993)
  • B.G. Gapuov – Acting Head of Department (1982–1983)
  • S.Kh. Khamiev – Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, Professor (1993–1997)
  • M.Zh. Aldabergenova – Candidate of Biological Sciences (1997–2005)

 

 

 

Emergence of New Departments and Mergers (1980–2005)

In the 1980s, the Department of “General Biology and Methods of Teaching Biology” was established and functioned until 1997.

In 1997, the departments of “Zoology” and “General Biology” were merged and renamed the Department of “Zoology, Biology and Ecology.”

In 2005, the Department of “Ecology and Environmental Protection” was separated from it.

           Renaming and Structural Changes (2005–2023)

* 2005–2010 — the department functioned under the name “Zoology and General Biology.” Head: Candidate of Biological Sciences U.K. Bisenov.

* 2010 — the department of “Agriculture” was opened within the structure of two departments (zoology and botany). From that moment, the unit was renamed “Department of Biology.” The heads during this period were:

            •           Candidate of Agricultural Sciences Kh. Kuspanalieva (2010–2013)

            •           Candidate of Biological Sciences G. Atalikova (2013–2014)

* 2014 — merger with the Department of Chemistry and formation of the “Department of Chemistry and Biology” (Acting Head: Candidate of Biological Sciences B. Kalimanova).

* 2015 — establishment of the “Department of Biology and Agricultural Disciplines.” Heads in different years:

  1. M. Makhambetov (2015)
  2. U.K. Bisenov (2016)
  3. S. Maden (2016)
  4. E. Gabdullin (2017)
  5. N. Zamzamova (2019)
  6. G. Atalikova (2020)
  7. G. Zhumatova (2020–2025)

 

  • In November 2023, the department received its current name: “Department of Biology and Fisheries.”
  • Since September 2025, the department has been headed by PhD Aiman Kalidullaevna Nurgalieva.

 

 

 

Academic and Teaching Staff of the Department Today

             Doctors of Science

  • Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor S.Z. Sagyndykova
  • Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor D.A.S. Irzagaliev

 

PhD Holders

  • PhD A.K. Nurgalieva
  • PhD Sh.Zh. Tapeshova

 

Candidates of Science

  • Candidate of Biological Sciences U.K. Bisenov
  • Candidate of Agricultural Sciences Kh. Kuspanalieva
  • Candidate of Biological Sciences G.A. Saparova
  • Candidate of Biological Sciences G.B. Atalikova

 

Senior Lecturers

 

  • Maden S.S.,
  • Zhumatova G.G.,
  • Berzhanova M.I.,
  • Sakparova A.K.,
  • Kopasheva A.A.,
  • Zamzamova N.T.

 

Lecturers

 

Satibek A.K.,

Garifullina A.R.

 

 

 

Support Staff

 

  • Izbasarova R.Sh.,
  • Zholdygalieva S.N.,
  • Sarsengazieva A.S.,
  • Mukhatzhiev B.Zh.

 

Laboratory Assistants (in different years)

 

  • M.A. Chapurina (1965–1993)
  • Zh. Bektengalieva (1965–1993)
  • K. Ispusinova (1970–1990)
  • K.A. Bazhekenova (since 1979)
  • A.K. Sakparova (since 1988)
  • G.N. Karabauova (since 2004)
  • M. Tazhgaliyeva (since 2023)
  • L.B. Tulegenova (since 2025)

 

Educational Programs

Bachelor’s Degree

 

  • 6B01505 – Biology Teacher
  • 6B015110 – Biology (IP)
  • 6B05101 – Biology
  • 6B08401 – Fisheries and Ichthyology

 

Master’s Degree

 

  • 7M01505 – Biology in Education
  • 7M05101 – Biology with Fundamentals of Microbiology

 

 

 

The department has been training bachelor students according to the three-tier education system since 2005.

Master’s training in “Biology” has been conducted since 2003.

Since 2022 — training of scientific-pedagogical master’s students under the program 7М01505.

            Scientific, Educational and Social Work

Research Activities

The academic staff actively participates in:

  • grants of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic of Kazakhstan,
  • intra-university research projects,
  • scientific research commercialization programs.

 

Students annually win prizes in Olympiads, contests, and conferences.

Participation in National Research Projects

The department is engaged in major national research initiatives, including the project:

BR28713197

“Caspian Center for Sustainable Innovations: Scientific and Academic Promotion of Alternative Solutions for the Region’s Transition to a Greener Future”

(Program-targeted funding, 2025–2027)

Project Leader:

  • Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor S.Z. Sagyndykova

 

Project Contributors from the Department:

  • PhD, Associate Professor A.K. Nurgalieva
  • Master, Senior Lecturer G.G. Zhumatova
  • Master, Senior Lecturer N.T. Zamzamova

 

 

 

 

The project strengthens the department’s research potential, expands cooperation, and promotes innovative approaches in ecology, biodiversity, and sustainable natural resource management in the Caspian region.

 

Educational and Methodological Work

The teaching staff publishes:

  • textbooks,
  • study guides,
  • monographs,
  • methodological recommendations.

 

Educational and Social Activities

The department regularly conducts:

  • intellectual competitions,
  • scientific and creative contests,
  • student events,
  • ecological and field campaigns.

These activities contribute to the comprehensive development of students

Material and Technical Resources

The department includes:

  • Atyrau Sturgeon Hatchery Branch
  • Branch at Secondary Multi-Level School No. 34