Implementation of the International Dual-Degree Master’s Program: New Achievements in Pharmaceutical Ecology

As part of the international dual-degree educational program between South Kazakhstan Medical Academy (SKMA) and Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), the training of highly qualified specialists successfully continues. The program operates at the scientific and pedagogical Master's degree level in "Pharmaceutical Ecology" within the framework of the "Pharmacy" (SKMA) and "Biotechnology" (Sechenov University) educational tracks.

Pharmaceutical ecology is a relevant and rapidly evolving branch of applied ecology designed to ensure environmental safety in the field of drug circulation and to address complex issues related to the anthropogenic impact of pharmaceutical substances on the environment. One of the major modern challenges is the ingress of residual amounts of hormonal and pharmaceutical compounds into open water bodies and treatment systems, which requires the development of high-precision analytical methods for environmental control and ecosystem monitoring. This year, our universities have trained 7 graduates under this dual-degree educational program.

The program featured the successful defense of Master's theses dedicated to the pressing issue of environmental monitoring of water resources. SKMA Master's student Gulmira Matayeva conducted a comprehensive study on water quality regarding the content of steroid compounds. The objects of the study included key water bodies and infrastructure facilities of the region: the Koshkar-Ata River, Lake Burzhar, and the city wastewater treatment facilities.

In the course of the research work, modern analytical techniques were mastered and applied, making it possible to identify trace concentrations of biologically active substances. The results of the chemical-ecological analysis revealed the presence of steroid compounds such as testosterone, methyltestosterone, methandrostenolone, and dutasteride in the analyzed water samples.

The experimental data obtained hold high practical value for assessing the ecological state of water bodies in South Kazakhstan, improving existing technological wastewater treatment systems, and minimizing risks to public health.

The thesis defense took place at Sechenov University before the esteemed attestation committee of the A.P. Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy. Following the successful defense, the graduate was awarded a Master's degree and received diplomas from two leading medical universities — South Kazakhstan Medical Academy and Sechenov University.

We express our deep gratitude to the leadership and faculty of the A.P. Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy at Sechenov University and SKMA for the high level of organization, academic support, and the successful development of a promising dual-degree program preparing in-demand professionals for environmental protection in the context of sustainable development.