B.Sc. in Biological Sciences Nazarbayev University

The Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences program comprises both state-of-the-art theoretical and hands-on laboratory courses in modern areas of the biological and biomedical sciences and technology including but not limited to, cell and molecular biology, bioinformatics, cell, recombinant, microscopy and imaging technologies, molecular genetics, microbiology, immunology, neurosciences, and various others.

The integrated teaching, research, and innovation approach provide outstanding preparation for careers in research, academia, medicine, industry, and related fields. Biological Sciences graduates, who have taken advantage of their elective choices, can find work in different fields related to the economy, education, environment, and health. In these fields, they can grow into senior positions in either scientific/technical or non-technical areas.

Until now about two-thirds of graduates with a BSc in Biological Sciences were admitted to Medical Doctor, Master of Science, or Master of Public Health programs at Nazarbayev University School of Medicine. About 10% of graduates pursued graduate education at reputable foreign institutions in Europe, North America, Japan, Singapore, and Korea. The remaining graduates chose to enter other graduate programs at Nazarbayev University including our Master of Science program in Biological Sciences and Technologies or were offered jobs.

General information

• Campus: Astana, Kazakhstan
• Language: English
• Delivery mode: Full-time, on-campus
• Duration: 4 years
• Total ECTS credits: 24

School of Sciences and Humanities

The academic staff at Nazarbayev University’s School of Sciences and Humanities comprises scholars with doctoral degrees from leading universities around the world. We also have researchers involved in various studies, and our scientists in the natural sciences conduct research in about 90 laboratories. Some of our faculty members even specialize in Eurasian studies. Admitted students of NU SSH can rest assured of tapping from our faculty’s wealth of knowledge and experience, both inside and outside the classroom.

We keep our classes small so students can readily receive one-on-one attention from their instructors. Moreover, instructors can tailor classes to the need of each student for the best learning experience owing to our student-centered learning. Our professors can work with the weaknesses of every student and improve their strengths. Laboratory experience and research involvement are not spared from this approach: our students get practical laboratory experience and collaborate with their colleagues or their professors in research.

Strategic partner

University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA)

Other strategic partners of Nazarbayev University

• Duke University, Fuqua School of Business (USA)
• The National University of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (Singapore)
• The University of Pennsylvania (USA)
• The University of Cambridge (UK)
• Colorado School of Mines (USA)
• The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (USA)
• The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (USA)
• The Oak Ridge Associated Universities (USA)

As per NU policy and Bologna guidelines, the undergraduate degree program requires a minimum of 240 total ECTS credits. Apart from Biological and Chemical courses, students have to take a couple of courses from other disciplines during 1st to 3rd years of study like Kazakh language and History of Kazakhstan courses, Calculus, Programming for Scientists and Engineers courses, etc. A full program outline can be found on the School’s website. Some courses may change from year to year.

Possible career destinations:

• Continue education in Graduate and Post-graduate programs in areas of life sciences, medical sciences, or public health;
• Work in areas of a biological technician, research assistant, scientific laboratory technician, etc.

Graduates of this program will have multiple options to continue their education and acquire a graduate degree from Nazarbayev University or internationally, in various areas of life sciences, medical sciences, or public health.

Until now about two-thirds of graduates with a BSc in Biological Sciences were admitted to Medical Doctor, Master of Science, or Master of Public Health programs at Nazarbayev University School of Medicine. About 10% of graduates pursued graduate education at reputable foreign institutions in Europe, North America, Japan, Singapore, and Korea. The remaining graduates chose to enter other graduate programs at Nazarbayev University including our Master of Science program in Biological Sciences and Technologies or were offered jobs.