Type:
Master
Speciality:
051202.01.7 - Biophysics
Specialisation:
051202.01.7 - Biophysics
Programme academic year:
2025/2026
Mode of study:
Full time
Language of study:
Հայերեն
1. Admission criteria/requirements
Applicants eligible for the Yerevan State University Master’s programme (competitive basis) include individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional qualification from a state or accredited non-state higher education institution in Armenia, according to their specialisation.
2. Programme Objectives
The programme aims to train specialists capable of using theoretical and experimental knowledge in biomedical fields.
3. Educational outcomes of the programme
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Justify the research process and its specifics, and select methods to analyze the obtained data
- Recognize spectroscopic and physicochemical methods for studying biomolecules to view problems from a novel perspective.
- Explain current issues in molecular and cellular biology
- Determine the biophysical and stereodynamic characteristics of nucleic acids and macromolecules
- Justify issues in medical and radiation biophysics
- Present ligand binding to macromolecules under equilibrium conditions and describe interaction mechanisms.
- Classify biophysical problems in membrane processes and describe the complex phenomena occurring in membranes
- Evaluate the application of mathematical methods in biological systems and recognize mathematical models of biological images
- Identify complex mechanisms of biological processes and interactions from a biophysical perspective
- Choose optimal methods to solve biophysical problems, considering macromolecule interactions and radiation effects
- Analyze biophysical characteristics of complex systems
- Explain the biophysical aspects of photobiological processes and describe their features in biological systems
- Apply acquired knowledge to solve situational problems in professional practice
- Propose solutions to improve the efficiency of professional work in their field
- Prepare presentations, present research results, and engage in scientific discussions
- Maintain professional ethical standards and demonstrate high efficiency as both a team member and a leader
4. Assessment methods
Assessment includes:
· Mastery of course modules (2 current assessments).
· Assessment of individual topics within the course.
· Evaluation of independent assignments (homework, projects).
· Evaluation of individual and/or group research work (can replace one current assessment).
· Participation in classes.
· Final evaluation at the end of the course, measuring the achievement of intended learning outcomes.
5. Graduates future career opportunities
Graduates of the Biophysics programme can work in:
Universities:
· Administrative and managerial positions
· Laboratory heads, researchers, lecturers
· Scientific and supporting laboratory staff
Research Institutes:
· Administrative and managerial positions
· Laboratory heads, researchers
· Research engineers
Schools:
· Biology teachers
Hospitals:
· Administrative and managerial positions
· Medical biophysicists
· Medical cyberneticians
Pharmaceutical Companies:
· Administrative and managerial positions
· Laboratory heads
· Other professional roles in the field
Food Industry Companies:
· Laboratory heads
· Other professional roles in the field
Foreign Scientific Institutions:
· Researchers and scientific staff
· Employees in research and research-production sectors
Possible workplaces include:
YSU Department of Biophysics, corresponding departments in state universities, research institutes of the NAS RA, enterprises related to biology, and research-production institutions.
· Universities: Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan State Pedagogical University, Armenian State Agrarian University
· Research Institutes: NAS RA Institute of Molecular Biology, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry
· Relevant laboratories in pharmaceutical and food industry companies
Graduates can continue their studies in PhD programmes at YSU Biophysics Department or other scientific research institutes.
Universities:
· Administrative and managerial positions
· Laboratory heads, researchers, lecturers
· Scientific and supporting laboratory staff
Research Institutes:
· Administrative and managerial positions
· Laboratory heads, researchers
· Research engineers
Schools:
· Biology teachers
Hospitals:
· Administrative and managerial positions
· Medical biophysicists
· Medical cyberneticians
Pharmaceutical Companies:
· Administrative and managerial positions
· Laboratory heads
· Other professional roles in the field
Food Industry Companies:
· Laboratory heads
· Other professional roles in the field
Foreign Scientific Institutions:
· Researchers and scientific staff
· Employees in research and research-production sectors
Possible workplaces include:
YSU Department of Biophysics, corresponding departments in state universities, research institutes of the NAS RA, enterprises related to biology, and research-production institutions.
· Universities: Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan State Pedagogical University, Armenian State Agrarian University
· Research Institutes: NAS RA Institute of Molecular Biology, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry
· Relevant laboratories in pharmaceutical and food industry companies
Graduates can continue their studies in PhD programmes at YSU Biophysics Department or other scientific research institutes.
6. Resources and forms to support learning
Learning is supported by:
· Laboratories equipped with modern instruments and software
· Online and televised lectures
· Electronic resources
· Laboratories equipped with modern instruments and software
· Online and televised lectures
· Electronic resources
7. Educational standards or programme benchmarks used for programme development
· Guide for filling course descriptors, YSU, Quality Assurance Guidelines, 2016
· YSU Master’s admission regulations for full-time and distance learning
· State educational standards for Biophysics
· National Qualifications Framework of Armenia
· YSU Master’s admission regulations for full-time and distance learning
· State educational standards for Biophysics
· National Qualifications Framework of Armenia
8. Requirements for the academic staff
General Competences:
Teaching / Pedagogical
· Ability to prepare course plans
· Knowledge of interactive teaching methods and active learning techniques
Research
· Ability to work with diverse scientific sources, including online resources
· Competence in conducting research in biology
· Ability to supervise student research groups
Communication
· Oral communication with students
· Writing research results
· Foreign language proficiency (at least English B1)
ICT Skills
· Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
· Ability to use modern social platforms
· Preparation and presentation of slides
Other Skills
· Ability to design courses, set learning outcomes, and choose assessment methods
· Efficient preparation of course materials (lectures, manuals, etc.)
· Time management and planning
Professional Knowledge and Skills by Field:
· Understanding of contemporary theoretical problems in general biophysics, the logic underlying their interpretation, and the methods for their implementation.
· Knowledge of the principles of classification of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids; their structural and physicochemical characteristics; as well as the fundamental mechanisms of protein and amino acid metabolism
· A comprehensive understanding of contemporary theoretical challenges in molecular and cellular biology.
· Advanced knowledge of modern techniques for studying biopolymer structures and theoretical frameworks in biothermodynamics
· A thorough understanding of the types and forms of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, their interaction mechanisms with biological systems, the broad spectrum of post-radiation effects, and the fundamental principles of medical biophysics
· Membrane structures, transport processes, protein and polymer chemistry
· Modern experimental methods and safety in laboratories
· Participation in research projects as a researcher
Teaching / Pedagogical
· Ability to prepare course plans
· Knowledge of interactive teaching methods and active learning techniques
Research
· Ability to work with diverse scientific sources, including online resources
· Competence in conducting research in biology
· Ability to supervise student research groups
Communication
· Oral communication with students
· Writing research results
· Foreign language proficiency (at least English B1)
ICT Skills
· Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
· Ability to use modern social platforms
· Preparation and presentation of slides
Other Skills
· Ability to design courses, set learning outcomes, and choose assessment methods
· Efficient preparation of course materials (lectures, manuals, etc.)
· Time management and planning
Professional Knowledge and Skills by Field:
· Understanding of contemporary theoretical problems in general biophysics, the logic underlying their interpretation, and the methods for their implementation.
· Knowledge of the principles of classification of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids; their structural and physicochemical characteristics; as well as the fundamental mechanisms of protein and amino acid metabolism
· A comprehensive understanding of contemporary theoretical challenges in molecular and cellular biology.
· Advanced knowledge of modern techniques for studying biopolymer structures and theoretical frameworks in biothermodynamics
· A thorough understanding of the types and forms of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, their interaction mechanisms with biological systems, the broad spectrum of post-radiation effects, and the fundamental principles of medical biophysics
· Membrane structures, transport processes, protein and polymer chemistry
· Modern experimental methods and safety in laboratories
· Participation in research projects as a researcher
9. Additional information about the programme
The Master’s programme was developed based on an analysis of Master’s programmes at Moscow State University, Saint Petersburg State University, and other Russian universities.
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Tuition Fee: 550,000 AMD
Degree Awarded: Master of Biology
Admission: Oral examination
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Tuition Fee: 550,000 AMD
Degree Awarded: Master of Biology
Admission: Oral examination
