Type:
Master
Speciality:
051101.15.7 - Biology
Specialisation:
051101.15.7 - Genomics and medical cytogenetics
Qualification awarded:
Master of Biology
Programme academic year:
2025/2026
Mode of study:
Full time
Language of study:
Հայերեն
1. Admission criteria/requirements
Admission is conducted in accordance with the admission procedure for the master’s degree program (Full-time form of the study) at Yerevan State University, which can be found at the following link:
2. Programme Objectives
· to provide in-depth, advanced professional knowledge of modern achievements in both fundamental and applied fields of genetics and genomics, as well as of emerging methods and technologies,
· to prepare specialists capable of conducting scientific research who meet the modern demands of the labor market through strong theoretical and practical competencies, are able to apply contemporary genetic methods in practice, and can effectively carry out pedagogical activities in schools and higher education institutions.
· to prepare specialists capable of conducting scientific research who meet the modern demands of the labor market through strong theoretical and practical competencies, are able to apply contemporary genetic methods in practice, and can effectively carry out pedagogical activities in schools and higher education institutions.
3. Educational outcomes of the programme
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- describe the genetic mechanisms regulating cellular vital activity based on current understanding of genome organization and function, chromosome structure, and the spatial arrangement and dynamics of the interphase nucleus,
- describe the fundamentals of cytogenetics, molecular cytogenetics, and cytogenomics, as well as contemporary methods for analyzing chromosomal instability, chromosomal abnormalities, and gene mutations applied in clinical practice,
- explain the interactions between the genome and the environment, including normal and pathogenic cellular responses to environmental factors underlying somatic mutagenesis, as well as the ecological challenges and nature conservation issues of Armenia,
- present contemporary methods and key findings in the study of genome structure, gene localization, gene architecture, and gene expression,
- present the genetic mechanisms underlying behavior, aging, and longevity based on whole-genome studies, and identify the major challenges in biomedical science, particularly in pharmacogenetics, pharmacogenomics, nutrigenetics, and nutrigenomics,
- cover contemporary aspects of biomedicine, nanobiology, immunology, radiobiology and synthetic biology, biotechnologies, as well as discuss and present advances in biology at seminars,
- introduce cellular, genomic, and post-genomic technologies, along with their applications.
- demonstrate the ability to use computer programs and develop databases to address professional challenges,
- perform cell culture, conduct molecular cytogenetic analyses of chromosomal aberrations, DNA copy number variations, and mitochondrial DNA, apply PCR and FISH techniques in preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and carry out automated chromosome analysis using the Isis and Ikaros programs (MetaSystems),
- demonstrate the ability to apply real-time PCR techniques to address research questions and support disease diagnosis,
- perform the isolation, transformation, transduction, and conjugation of plasmid and phage DNA, conduct gene mapping in bacteria, and identify plant genes,
- perform targeted gene knockout at specific genomic loci using CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing technology, applying human and microbial genomics methods,
- conduct statistical analyses of genetic data using SPSS (version 19) and STATGRAPHICS Centurion 16.2, and summarize and present the results at seminars,
- apply the principles of biodiversity conservation in practice and use biological knowledge to address biomedical problems.
- use professional literature sources in English and apply information technologies (internet resources, electronic libraries, and scientific articles) in their work,
- conduct experimental and theoretical scientific research,
- use modern equipment, computer programs for biological image analysis, and statistical software packages in professional activities,
- organize training on modern scientific advances in the field of education using information technologies,
- analyze, summarize, and present the results of scientific research, and conduct scientific discussions.
4. Assessment methods
The assessment includes the following components:
1. assessment of mastery of the course’s (study module) sub-sections (2 mid-term exams),
2. ongoing tests of individual topics of the course (study module),
3. check and evaluation of the performance and completion of independent tasks provided for in the educational program (independent work),
4. assessment of the performance of independent and/or group research work provided for in the educational program (research work that replaces one of the ongoing examinations),
5. evaluation of participation in the course (participation),
6. Final assessment of the entire course (study module) during the examination period, involving evaluation of the level of achievement of the educational outcomes set for the course.
Based on the workload of the courses (study modules) envisaged by the curriculum of the educational program, the form of training, teaching methods, and taking into account the importance of the course in the formation of the student's professional knowledge and abilities, the courses are divided into 4 groups according to the assessment method:
1. with final assessment,
2. without final assessment,
3. without ongoing exam assessment,
4. with tests.
The course assessment components and their assigned points (expressed in percentages) are selected by the teaching lecturer, based on the nature of the course's teaching and learning methods and the expected educational outcomes, and approved by the department. The methods of conducting assessments and examinations are specified in the course description, in the course summary.
1. assessment of mastery of the course’s (study module) sub-sections (2 mid-term exams),
2. ongoing tests of individual topics of the course (study module),
3. check and evaluation of the performance and completion of independent tasks provided for in the educational program (independent work),
4. assessment of the performance of independent and/or group research work provided for in the educational program (research work that replaces one of the ongoing examinations),
5. evaluation of participation in the course (participation),
6. Final assessment of the entire course (study module) during the examination period, involving evaluation of the level of achievement of the educational outcomes set for the course.
Based on the workload of the courses (study modules) envisaged by the curriculum of the educational program, the form of training, teaching methods, and taking into account the importance of the course in the formation of the student's professional knowledge and abilities, the courses are divided into 4 groups according to the assessment method:
1. with final assessment,
2. without final assessment,
3. without ongoing exam assessment,
4. with tests.
The course assessment components and their assigned points (expressed in percentages) are selected by the teaching lecturer, based on the nature of the course's teaching and learning methods and the expected educational outcomes, and approved by the department. The methods of conducting assessments and examinations are specified in the course description, in the course summary.
5. Graduates future career opportunities
Graduates of the “Genomics and Medical Cytogenetics” program can pursue employment and career development in organizations operating in the field of biology, holding the following positions:
Universities and research institutes
· scientific and educational laboratory assistants,
· researchers and lecturers,
· administrative and managerial positions.
Medical genetics, forensic laboratories and hospitals
· medical geneticist,
· genetic expert,
· administrative and managerial positions.
Environmental organizations
· genetic toxicologist,
· administrative and managerial positions.
Food production organizations
· genetic toxicologist,
· administrative and managerial positions.
Below are institutions operating in the Republic of Armenia where graduates of the “Genomics and Medical Cytogenetics” Master’s degree program may find employment:
Universities
· Yerevan State University,
· Yerevan State Medical University,
· Yerevan State Pedagogical University,
· Armenian National Agrarian University,
· Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University.
Research Institutes and Centers
· Institute of Molecular Biology of NAS RA,
· Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology of NAS RA,
· Institute of Biochemistry of NAS RA,
· “Voskehat Winemaking Training and Production Center” of Armenian National Agrarian University,
· “Agrobiotechnology Scientific Center” Branch, Armenian National Agrarian University,
· Orbeli Institute of Physiology of NAS RA.
Medical genetic laboratories.
Forensic laboratories.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) medical centers.
Environmental organizations.
Food production companies.
Graduates of the program may continue their studies in postgraduate (PhD) programs at the Department of Genetics and Cytology of Yerevan State University or at other research institutes.
Universities and research institutes
· scientific and educational laboratory assistants,
· researchers and lecturers,
· administrative and managerial positions.
Medical genetics, forensic laboratories and hospitals
· medical geneticist,
· genetic expert,
· administrative and managerial positions.
Environmental organizations
· genetic toxicologist,
· administrative and managerial positions.
Food production organizations
· genetic toxicologist,
· administrative and managerial positions.
Below are institutions operating in the Republic of Armenia where graduates of the “Genomics and Medical Cytogenetics” Master’s degree program may find employment:
Universities
· Yerevan State University,
· Yerevan State Medical University,
· Yerevan State Pedagogical University,
· Armenian National Agrarian University,
· Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University.
Research Institutes and Centers
· Institute of Molecular Biology of NAS RA,
· Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology of NAS RA,
· Institute of Biochemistry of NAS RA,
· “Voskehat Winemaking Training and Production Center” of Armenian National Agrarian University,
· “Agrobiotechnology Scientific Center” Branch, Armenian National Agrarian University,
· Orbeli Institute of Physiology of NAS RA.
Medical genetic laboratories.
Forensic laboratories.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) medical centers.
Environmental organizations.
Food production companies.
Graduates of the program may continue their studies in postgraduate (PhD) programs at the Department of Genetics and Cytology of Yerevan State University or at other research institutes.
6. Resources and forms to support learning
The following supporting resources are used in the learning process:
· the Laboratory of General and Molecular Genetics and the Armenian-German Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics of the “Biology” Research Institute, equipped with modern equipment and software,
· educational and scientific electronic resources.
· the Laboratory of General and Molecular Genetics and the Armenian-German Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics of the “Biology” Research Institute, equipped with modern equipment and software,
· educational and scientific electronic resources.
7. Educational standards or programme benchmarks used for programme development
· National Framework of Educational Qualifications of the Republic of Armenia, approved by the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia No. 714-N of July 7, 2016.
· The decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of November 30, 2021 on approving the "Biology" sectoral framework of qualifications of the Republic of Armenia.
Other program guidelines:
The University of Edinburgh, Master Degree Programme Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis,
The University of Sheffield, Master Degree Programme Human and Molecular Genetics,
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Master Degree Programme Molecular and Cellular Biology,
Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Master Degree Programme Molecular Life Sciences and Master Degree Programme Molecular Medicine.
· The decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of November 30, 2021 on approving the "Biology" sectoral framework of qualifications of the Republic of Armenia.
Other program guidelines:
The University of Edinburgh, Master Degree Programme Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis,
The University of Sheffield, Master Degree Programme Human and Molecular Genetics,
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Master Degree Programme Molecular and Cellular Biology,
Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Master Degree Programme Molecular Life Sciences and Master Degree Programme Molecular Medicine.
8. Requirements for the academic staff
1. General abilities
Teaching/pedagogical
· the ability to develop a course work plan (schedule),
· knowledge of interactive teaching methods and the ability to apply active learning techniques.
Research
· ability to work with a wide range of scientific sources, as well as to use online information resources,
· ability to conduct research in the fields of genomics and medical cytogenetics,
· ability to lead a student research group.
Communication
· ability to communicate effectively with an audience orally,
· ability to present research results in written form,
· knowledge of a foreign language at an academic level.
ICT application
· computer skills (proficient in the MS Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint),
· proficiency in using modern social media platforms,
· skills in preparing and presenting slideshows.
Other abilities
· knowledge of course design, including defining learning outcomes and selecting appropriate teaching and assessment methods,
· ability to effectively design course materials (courses, newsletters, manuals, etc.) and ensure student interest and engagement,
· time planning and management skills.
2. Professional skills and subject-specific knowledge
· knowledge of the fundamental principles and current developments in genomics and medical cytogenetics,
· expert knowledge of cellular ultrastructure and functional dynamics, as well as of chromosome organization and the interphase nucleus, based on current understanding of genome structure and function,
· professional knowledge of the fundamentals of cytogenetics, molecular cytogenetics, and cytogenomics, as well as modern methods for analyzing genomic instability,
· professional knowledge of genome-environment interactions and the genetic aspects of Armenia’s ecological challenges and nature conservation issues,
· professional knowledge of contemporary methods and key findings in the study of genome structure and expression,
· professional knowledge of the genetic mechanisms underlying behavior, aging, and longevity, as well as human pathologies, based on whole-genome studies,
· professional knowledge of biomedicine, nanobiology, immunology, radiobiology, and synthetic biology,
· professional knowledge of cellular, genomic, and post-genomic technologies.
3. General requirements
Academic degree
· an academic degree and/or title in the field of biological sciences, or, in certain cases, a master’s degree in the given or a related specialty obtained from a foreign university,
· availability of at least 3 scientific and/or methodological publications within the past 5 years.
Pedagogical experience
· at least 3 years of experience in organizing and implementing professional training courses,
· participation in local or international training and/or professional development courses within the past 5 years.
Practical work experience
· at least 5 years of work experience in the field of genetics.
Other requirements
· teaching portfolio: availability of online materials for at least 50% of the courses taught,
the average score based on student survey results is at least 4.0 (for current lecturers).
Teaching/pedagogical
· the ability to develop a course work plan (schedule),
· knowledge of interactive teaching methods and the ability to apply active learning techniques.
Research
· ability to work with a wide range of scientific sources, as well as to use online information resources,
· ability to conduct research in the fields of genomics and medical cytogenetics,
· ability to lead a student research group.
Communication
· ability to communicate effectively with an audience orally,
· ability to present research results in written form,
· knowledge of a foreign language at an academic level.
ICT application
· computer skills (proficient in the MS Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint),
· proficiency in using modern social media platforms,
· skills in preparing and presenting slideshows.
Other abilities
· knowledge of course design, including defining learning outcomes and selecting appropriate teaching and assessment methods,
· ability to effectively design course materials (courses, newsletters, manuals, etc.) and ensure student interest and engagement,
· time planning and management skills.
2. Professional skills and subject-specific knowledge
· knowledge of the fundamental principles and current developments in genomics and medical cytogenetics,
· expert knowledge of cellular ultrastructure and functional dynamics, as well as of chromosome organization and the interphase nucleus, based on current understanding of genome structure and function,
· professional knowledge of the fundamentals of cytogenetics, molecular cytogenetics, and cytogenomics, as well as modern methods for analyzing genomic instability,
· professional knowledge of genome-environment interactions and the genetic aspects of Armenia’s ecological challenges and nature conservation issues,
· professional knowledge of contemporary methods and key findings in the study of genome structure and expression,
· professional knowledge of the genetic mechanisms underlying behavior, aging, and longevity, as well as human pathologies, based on whole-genome studies,
· professional knowledge of biomedicine, nanobiology, immunology, radiobiology, and synthetic biology,
· professional knowledge of cellular, genomic, and post-genomic technologies.
3. General requirements
Academic degree
· an academic degree and/or title in the field of biological sciences, or, in certain cases, a master’s degree in the given or a related specialty obtained from a foreign university,
· availability of at least 3 scientific and/or methodological publications within the past 5 years.
Pedagogical experience
· at least 3 years of experience in organizing and implementing professional training courses,
· participation in local or international training and/or professional development courses within the past 5 years.
Practical work experience
· at least 5 years of work experience in the field of genetics.
Other requirements
· teaching portfolio: availability of online materials for at least 50% of the courses taught,
the average score based on student survey results is at least 4.0 (for current lecturers).
