Department of chemistry

The Department of Chemistry traces its history back to 1953, when it began its work as part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the Ust-Kamenogorsk Pedagogical Institute. By 1959, 51 students were enrolled in the "Chemistry and Biology" curriculum, in which chemistry was the leading subject. During these years, "Teacher of Chemistry and Biology" specialists were trained with a 5-year period of study.

In 1972, the Department of Chemistry was divided into two independent departments: the Department of Organic and Biological Chemistry (Head — Zhumanazar Auezovich Auezov) and the Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry (Head — Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Viktor Ipatovich Shashkov). The Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry was recognized as one of the three reference departments in the republic.

In 1973–1974, the Department of Organic and Biological Chemistry was headed by Candidate of Chemical Sciences Zinaida Dmitrievna Kovalenok, and in 1975–1976 by Candidate of Chemical Sciences Margarita Petrovna Voronova.

From 1977, there were three departments. The Department of Organic and Biological Chemistry was headed by Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Zinaida Yakovlevna Dolgova, and the Department of Physical Chemistry by Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Associate Professor Nikolai Kharitonovich Pikov.

In 1984, two independent departments were created on the basis of the Department of Inorganic Chemistry: the Department of Inorganic Chemistry and Chemical Technology and the Department of Analytical and Physical Colloid Chemistry. From 1984 to 1992, the Department of Inorganic Chemistry and Chemical Technology was headed by Candidate of Technical Sciences, Professor Yumash Karimovich Uvaliyev. In 1984, Professor Erezhep Alkhairovich Mambetkaziev was appointed Rector of UKPI, and in 1991 the institute was transformed into East Kazakhstan State University.

From 1991 to 1994, the Department of Organic and Physical Chemistry was headed by Associate Professor N. Kh. Pikov, from 1994 to 1998 by Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Natalia Aleksandrovna Strunnikova, and from 1999 to 2000 by Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences Alma Tursyngazinovna Muitunova.

On January 1, 1996, under the guidance of the Dean of the Faculty, Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Associate Professor E. N. Baibatyrov, a master's program in Chemistry was opened together with the teaching staff. From 1998 to 2001, the Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry was headed by Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Professor Aiman Magzumovna Shaldybayeva.

In 2000, under the guidance of the Dean of the Faculty Galina Khadzhi-Bekirovna Kasymova, the department opened a new specialty 090640 — "Chemical, Forensic and Environmental Expertise". In 2001, a postgraduate program in specialty 02.00.05 — "Electrochemistry" was opened (scientific supervisors — Professors E. A. Mambetkaziev, D. Kh. Kamysbayev, A. M. Shaldybayeva). In the same year, on the initiative and with the active participation of Academician E. A. Mambetkaziev and Candidate of Chemical Sciences A. M. Shaldybayeva, the III Beremzhanov Congress was held at the university, attended by chemists from universities of near and far abroad.

In 2000–2001, the Department of Organic and Physical Chemistry was headed by Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Professor D. Kh. Kamysbayev; then Sharbanu Akkazinovna Muzdybayeva served as acting head. From 2001 to 2004, Senior Lecturer Batima Smatayevna Tantybayeva served as acting head of the Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry.

In 2004, the Departments of Organic and Physical Chemistry and of Biochemistry and Life Safety were merged; Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Associate Professor Gulzhan Ekpergenovna Abylkasova was appointed head. From 2004 to 2008, the Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry was headed by Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Associate Professor Roza Ablakimovna Aubakirova. In 2005, the department successfully passed state certification, and in January 2006, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Nikolai Gerasimovich Serba was appointed Director of the Research Institute "Clean Water and New Technologies".

In 2008, as a result of the merger of the Departments of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry and of Organic and Physical Chemistry, the Department of Chemistry was formed, headed by Candidate of Chemical Sciences Gulzhan Ekpergenovna Abylkasova. Honorary Rector of EKSU, Professor Yumash Karimovich Uvaliyev made a great contribution to the development of the department.

From 2009 to August 31, 2026, the Department of Chemistry was headed by Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Bakyt Kaliaskarovna Shaikhova. Since September 1, 2026, the Head of the Department of Chemistry has been Master of Chemistry Nazerke Rashidkyzy Sagdollina.

Today, building on its long-standing scientific and pedagogical traditions, the Department of Chemistry implements bachelor's, master's and PhD doctoral programs in chemistry, chemical education, nanomaterials and chemical forensic examination.