New teaching laboratories open at YSU Faculty of Biology

New conditions and opportunities have been created for university members with the opening of three new teaching laboratories at the YSU Faculty of Biology. These facilities will allow knowledge to be applied in a contemporary practical setting, giving students the chance to put their learning into practice and develop their skills in a real research environment.

The teaching laboratories, renovated with funding from Yerevan State University—including the Research and Teaching Laboratory for Fungi and Plant Diversity and Bioactivity Assessment, the Research and Teaching Laboratory of Histology and Developmental Biology, and the Teaching Laboratory of Molecular Genetics—will provide more conducive conditions for scientific research and enhance students’ professional preparedness.

Among the attendees at the opening ceremony of the laboratories were the university's rector, vice-rectors, the faculty dean, as well as representatives of the faculty's academic staff.

Emphasizing the significance of the laboratories' modernization, YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan stated that they will substantially improve the quality of the educational process and contribute to the creation of a research environment that meets international standards.

Karen Ghazaryan, Dean of the YSU Faculty of Biology, highlighted that the new laboratories will allow students not only to acquire knowledge but also to study in a pleasant and inspiring environment.

"Previously, conditions were very limited. The newly established facilities will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the quality of students' knowledge," he said, adding that the faculty regularly participates in grant programs to acquire not only microscopes but also other equipment necessary for teaching and research.

Faculty representatives noted that the opening of the laboratories is an important step toward expanding the university's scientific capabilities and aligning with international educational standards. The new laboratories will enable students to conduct high-quality research and participate in innovative scientific projects.

Siranush Nanagyulyan, Head of the Chair of Botany and Mycology at the YSU Faculty of Biology, stated that YSU is the only institution training mycologists, making this a valuable opportunity to carry out educational and research work in an even more comfortable environment. She also noted plans to establish a fungal barcoding center at the faculty through grant programs.

Anna Grigoryan, Assistant at the Chair of Human and Animal Morphology and Physiology, speaking about the courses held in the Research and Teaching Laboratory of Histology and Developmental Biology, emphasized that students will study human, animal, and bird tissues using microscopes.

"I believe students will begin studying with much greater interest. The conditions here allow them to view the material simultaneously on a screen—the lecturer can demonstrate the tissue or object to be examined and also teach students to use the microscope independently, select the correct field of view, and understand the structure," she added.

Tigran Harutyunyan, Associate Professor at the Chair of Genetics and Cytology, noted that both theoretical and practical courses related to genetic engineering will be conducted in the Teaching Laboratory of Molecular Genetics.

"Much more favorable conditions have now been created, and the laboratory has been significantly upgraded. Students will have the opportunity to work in an environment that is both convenient and aligned with scientific processes," he said.

Thus, the opening of the new laboratories represents another step toward a modern and competitive education.