Type:
Master
Speciality:
051101.11.7 - Biology
Specialisation:
051101.11.7 - Zoology and parasitology
Programme academic year:
2026/2027
Mode of study:
Full time
Language of study:
Հայերեն
1. Admission criteria/requirements
Admission to the Yerevan State University (YSU) Master's program through a competitive process is open to individuals who hold a bachelor's degree or a qualified specialist diploma from state or professionally accredited non-state higher education institutions in Armenia, according to their field of study.
Admission within the same field of study is conducted without entrance examinations, while applicants from related fields are required to pass the final comprehensive examination of the corresponding bachelor's program.
The format of the entrance examination is oral.
The list of questions can be found in the
Admission within the same field of study is conducted without entrance examinations, while applicants from related fields are required to pass the final comprehensive examination of the corresponding bachelor's program.
The format of the entrance examination is oral.
The list of questions can be found in the
2. Programme Objectives
1. To develop students’ analytical and integrative skills in animal taxonomy, ecology, and faunistic research, with emphasis on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem dynamics, and the impacts of climate change on species distribution and host-parasite relationships.
2. To equip students with the competencies to design and conduct research in zoology and parasitology, including the monitoring, risk assessment, and management of zoonotic diseases and their transmission pathways.
3. To train students in modern field and laboratory methods for studying parasites and zoonotic pathogens, with a focus on surveillance of emerging and re-emerging diseases in the context of climate change and increasing human-wildlife interactions.
4. To develop practical skills in biodiversity conservation and invasive species management, particularly in relation to their role in the spread of parasites and zoonotic diseases, and to enable students to solve complex scientific and applied problems using interdisciplinary approaches
2. To equip students with the competencies to design and conduct research in zoology and parasitology, including the monitoring, risk assessment, and management of zoonotic diseases and their transmission pathways.
3. To train students in modern field and laboratory methods for studying parasites and zoonotic pathogens, with a focus on surveillance of emerging and re-emerging diseases in the context of climate change and increasing human-wildlife interactions.
4. To develop practical skills in biodiversity conservation and invasive species management, particularly in relation to their role in the spread of parasites and zoonotic diseases, and to enable students to solve complex scientific and applied problems using interdisciplinary approaches
3. Educational outcomes of the programme
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the morphology, anatomy, physiology, reproduction, homeostatic mechanisms, behavior (ethology), taxonomy, bioacoustics, geographical distribution, and ecological characteristics of invertebrate and vertebrate animals.
- Clarify key concepts of evolutionary theory, speciation, the historical development and formation of the animal kingdom, and the historical and contemporary interactions between organisms and their environment.
- Interpret issues related to the origin, structure, and host–parasite relationships of parasitic invertebrates.
- Present the comparative and developmental characteristics of organ systems across different taxonomic groups of invertebrate and vertebrate animals.
- Apply modern methods in zoological fieldwork and laboratory research.
- Conduct scientific research independently, including the collection of data and biological material in field and laboratory settings, and the processing and analysis of research results.
- Carry out organizational activities in nature conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources, and assess the impacts of human activities on the environment.
- Identify animal species common in the Republic of Armenia, including those listed in the International and RA Red Books of Animals.
- Implement measures for the prevention, monitoring, and diagnosis of parasitic diseases, including those of zoonotic importance affecting humans and domestic animals.
- To recognize the tissues and organs of different animals under a light microscope, their constituent elements, and to distinguish certain stages of embryonic and post-embryonic development of animals.
- Demonstrate curiosity about and observational skills in the study of nature.
- Assess, manage, and ensure quality control in research and professional activities.
- Demonstrate adaptability, confidence, and composure in challenging situations.
- Prepare reports, present research findings, and engage in scientific discussions and debates.
- Apply knowledge to provide first aid in emergency situations.
4. Assessment methods
The assessment includes the following components:
1. Evaluation of mastery of the course (study module) subsections through two ongoing examinations.
2. Ongoing tests on individual topics of the course (study module).
3. Verification and assessment of the completion and mastery of independent assignments required by the educational program.
4. Assessment of independent and/or group research work included in the educational program (this research work may replace one of the ongoing examinations).
5. Evaluation of participation in the course.
6. Final assessment of the entire course (study module) during the examination period, which measures the achievement of the educational outcomes specified for the course.
Based on the workload of the courses (study modules) in the educational program, the form of instruction, teaching methods, and the course’s importance in developing the student’s professional knowledge and skills, courses are classified into four groups according to the form of assessment:
1. Courses with a final assessment.
2. Courses without a final assessment.
3. Courses without ongoing examination assessments.
4. Courses assessed via tests.
The components of course assessment and the points allocated to them (expressed as percentages) are determined by the course instructor based on the nature of teaching, learning methods, and expected educational outcomes, and are approved by the department. The methods of conducting assessments and examinations are defined in accordance with the educational program’s regulations.
1. Evaluation of mastery of the course (study module) subsections through two ongoing examinations.
2. Ongoing tests on individual topics of the course (study module).
3. Verification and assessment of the completion and mastery of independent assignments required by the educational program.
4. Assessment of independent and/or group research work included in the educational program (this research work may replace one of the ongoing examinations).
5. Evaluation of participation in the course.
6. Final assessment of the entire course (study module) during the examination period, which measures the achievement of the educational outcomes specified for the course.
Based on the workload of the courses (study modules) in the educational program, the form of instruction, teaching methods, and the course’s importance in developing the student’s professional knowledge and skills, courses are classified into four groups according to the form of assessment:
1. Courses with a final assessment.
2. Courses without a final assessment.
3. Courses without ongoing examination assessments.
4. Courses assessed via tests.
The components of course assessment and the points allocated to them (expressed as percentages) are determined by the course instructor based on the nature of teaching, learning methods, and expected educational outcomes, and are approved by the department. The methods of conducting assessments and examinations are defined in accordance with the educational program’s regulations.
5. Graduates future career opportunities
Graduates of the “Zoology and Parasitology” program can pursue careers in zoology, parasitology, and environmental protection, holding positions in the following types of organizations:
Research Institutes
Research staff members in zoology and parasitology laboratories.
Educational Institutions
Lecturers in primary, vocational, secondary, and higher education institutions.
Laboratory assistants in higher education institutions.
Environmental and Conservation Organizations
Zoologists and specialists in national parks, protected areas, zoos, botanical gardens, and natural history museums.
Zoologists and specialists in ecological services and environmental organizations.
Agricultural and Sanitary-Epidemiological Organizations
Specialists in parasitology and animal health monitoring, focusing on the prevention and control of parasitic and zoonotic diseases.
Medical and Public Health Organizations
Specialists in parasitology and zoonotic disease monitoring. Graduates may also pursue advanced studies at the master’s or doctoral level in zoology, parasitology, ecology, or related fields, contributing to scientific research, conservation, and public health initiatives.
Research Institutes
Research staff members in zoology and parasitology laboratories.
Educational Institutions
Lecturers in primary, vocational, secondary, and higher education institutions.
Laboratory assistants in higher education institutions.
Environmental and Conservation Organizations
Zoologists and specialists in national parks, protected areas, zoos, botanical gardens, and natural history museums.
Zoologists and specialists in ecological services and environmental organizations.
Agricultural and Sanitary-Epidemiological Organizations
Specialists in parasitology and animal health monitoring, focusing on the prevention and control of parasitic and zoonotic diseases.
Medical and Public Health Organizations
Specialists in parasitology and zoonotic disease monitoring. Graduates may also pursue advanced studies at the master’s or doctoral level in zoology, parasitology, ecology, or related fields, contributing to scientific research, conservation, and public health initiatives.
6. Resources and forms to support learning
The following learning support resources are used in the educational process:
Laboratories equipped with modern instruments and software.
Lectures delivered via distance learning and online platforms.
Electronic resources.
Laboratories equipped with modern instruments and software.
Lectures delivered via distance learning and online platforms.
Electronic resources.
7. Educational standards or programme benchmarks used for programme development
State educational standard for Biology, Master’s Degree
8. Requirements for the academic staff
General Skills
· Ability to develop a course plan (including a calendar plan).
· Knowledge of interactive teaching methods and ability to apply active learning techniques.
· Competence in working with various scientific sources and online information resources.
· Skills in conducting biological research.
· Ability to lead a student research group.
· Effective oral communication skills.
· Ability to present research results in writing.
· Knowledge of a foreign language (minimum B1 level in English).
· Computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
· Ability to use modern social platforms effectively.
· Skills in preparing and presenting slideshows.
· Knowledge in designing courses, defining educational outcomes, and selecting appropriate teaching and assessment methods.
· Ability to effectively prepare course materials (lectures, newsletters, manuals, etc.) and engage students actively.
· Time management and planning skills.
Professional Skills and Knowledge by Field
· Knowledge of the basic principles and current developments in biology.
· Professional understanding of the taxonomy, structure, biological activity, diversity, distribution, applications, and other aspects of plants, fungi, animals, and bacteria.
· Knowledge of human and animal histology, anatomy, and physiology.
· Professional knowledge of plant, fungal, and bacterial physiology and biotechnology.
· Expertise in ecology, nature conservation, and biodiversity protection.
· Knowledge of genetics and cytology.
· Familiarity with experimental methods, laboratory safety rules, planning experimental work, and analyzing results.
· Ability to participate as a researcher in ongoing research projects within their field.
General Requirements
· Academic degree and/or professional title in biological sciences, or in some cases, a master’s degree in a related specialty from a foreign university.
· At least 3 scientific and/or methodological publications in the last 5 years.
· Participation in at least 3 conferences and/or workshops over the last 5 years.
· At least 3 years of experience organizing and conducting professional training courses.
· Participation in local or international trainings and/or professional development courses in the last 5 years.
· Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a biological science field, such as ecology and natural resource management, biotechnology and microbiology, genetics, botany and mycology, zoology, human and animal physiology, etc.
· Teaching portfolio: availability of online materials for at least 50% of taught subjects.
For current lecturers: an average student survey score of at least 4.0
· Ability to develop a course plan (including a calendar plan).
· Knowledge of interactive teaching methods and ability to apply active learning techniques.
· Competence in working with various scientific sources and online information resources.
· Skills in conducting biological research.
· Ability to lead a student research group.
· Effective oral communication skills.
· Ability to present research results in writing.
· Knowledge of a foreign language (minimum B1 level in English).
· Computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
· Ability to use modern social platforms effectively.
· Skills in preparing and presenting slideshows.
· Knowledge in designing courses, defining educational outcomes, and selecting appropriate teaching and assessment methods.
· Ability to effectively prepare course materials (lectures, newsletters, manuals, etc.) and engage students actively.
· Time management and planning skills.
Professional Skills and Knowledge by Field
· Knowledge of the basic principles and current developments in biology.
· Professional understanding of the taxonomy, structure, biological activity, diversity, distribution, applications, and other aspects of plants, fungi, animals, and bacteria.
· Knowledge of human and animal histology, anatomy, and physiology.
· Professional knowledge of plant, fungal, and bacterial physiology and biotechnology.
· Expertise in ecology, nature conservation, and biodiversity protection.
· Knowledge of genetics and cytology.
· Familiarity with experimental methods, laboratory safety rules, planning experimental work, and analyzing results.
· Ability to participate as a researcher in ongoing research projects within their field.
General Requirements
· Academic degree and/or professional title in biological sciences, or in some cases, a master’s degree in a related specialty from a foreign university.
· At least 3 scientific and/or methodological publications in the last 5 years.
· Participation in at least 3 conferences and/or workshops over the last 5 years.
· At least 3 years of experience organizing and conducting professional training courses.
· Participation in local or international trainings and/or professional development courses in the last 5 years.
· Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a biological science field, such as ecology and natural resource management, biotechnology and microbiology, genetics, botany and mycology, zoology, human and animal physiology, etc.
· Teaching portfolio: availability of online materials for at least 50% of taught subjects.
For current lecturers: an average student survey score of at least 4.0
