Implementation Of A Double-Degree Master's Program With Sechenov University

Under the current Memorandum of Cooperation between the South Kazakhstan Medical Academy (Shymkent, Republic of Kazakhstan) and the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov (Sechenov University, Moscow, Russian Federation), a dual-degree master's degree program in "Pharmaceutical Ecology" is being implemented.
During the fall semester, a group of Sechenov University master's students is studying at the Academy. The program is aimed at developing international academic collaboration, enhancing scientific competencies, and developing professional skills in the fields of pharmaceutical ecology and biotechnology.
During the semester, participants become familiar with the Academy's educational and scientific activities at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, and also take part in lectures and practical classes in the disciplines "Modern Problems of Biotechnology in Solving Global Societal Problems" (teacher - Assistant Professor B.O. Torlanova) and "Medicinal Resource Science" (teacher - Associate Professor Zh.S. Toksanbayeva), and others.

Master's students were introduced to the main research areas of the Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, including:
1. Development and standardization of effective and safe drugs based on domestic plant materials
2. Pharmaceutical ecology: problems of environmental pollution by medicinal substances
3. Development of methods for obtaining and standardizing new biologically active compounds of synthetic origin
4. Chemical and toxicological studies of potent and toxic substances
As part of their research internship, the graduate students visited the treatment facilities of Water Resources Marketing LLC (Shymkent's water utility), where they learned about water purification technology, sample collection and preparation, and analyzed water quality before and after treatment.
Furthermore, the graduate students participated in the 3rd Forum of Young Scientists and Students, which included the 12th International Conference of Young Scientists and Students "Prospects for the Development of Biology, Medicine, and Pharmaceutics." I.V. Sobakina's paper "The Method of Fluctuating Asymmetry of Medicinal Plant Leaves in Environmental Assessment" was highly engaging, and I.A. Voroshilov's paper "Nanopriming as a Method for Increasing the Nutrient Content of Rapini Microgreens" won first place in the sectional session "Priority Areas of Pharmaceutical and Chemical-Toxicological Research."

The internship's cultural program was rich and informative. As part of their introductory activities, the master's students visited the city of Turkestan, the spiritual and cultural center of Kazakhstan, where they learned about historical and architectural complexes, modern infrastructure, and the region's cultural heritage. The students were particularly impressed by the harmonious blend of ancient traditions and the city's modern appearance.
Additionally, the students visited the Shymkent Arboretum, where they were presented with a collection of cultivated and rare plants characteristic of the flora of Southern Kazakhstan. During the excursion, the participants noted the diversity of tree and shrub species and the importance of green spaces in the ecological balance of the urban environment.
Equally interesting was a visit to a banana plantation located near Shymkent. The master's students learned about the specifics of agricultural technology for growing tropical crops in a continental climate, irrigation systems, and methods for maintaining an optimal microclimate in greenhouses.

The stay of Sechenov University master's students at the South Kazakhstan Medical Academy is an important step in strengthening the international scientific and educational partnership between the universities. The master's students express their gratitude to the leadership of both institutions for their active support in implementing the program, the high level of educational organization, and the creation of favorable conditions for professional growth.