Higher Education in IT: An Overview of Nazarbayev University

We tell you about the features of studying at the Department of Computer Science at one of the leading universities in Central Asia — Nazarbayev University.

The Department of Computer Science consists of 30 faculty members and 1,200 students.

The faculty are graduates of leading universities around the world, which guarantees students a world-class education.

The Department of Computer Science offers four programs:

— Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

— Master of Science in Computer Science

— Master of Science in Data Science

— PhD in Computer Science.

Curriculum

The curricula were developed in collaboration with iCarnegie. They comply with ACM and IEEE recommendations.

The university follows a learning by doing approach: it provides students with practical experience that complements theoretical knowledge. Courses encourage collaborative and interdisciplinary interaction and promote research opportunities in various areas of computer science.

The department provides access to research in various fields, including artificial intelligence, intelligent systems, data science, mobile devices, computer networks, the Internet of Things, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, big data, data analytics, machine learning, deep learning, information security, cyber forensics, and system modeling and verification.

Faculty

The university’s faculty members are active researchers who not only impart knowledge but also actively participate in scientific research. They regularly publish the results of their projects in ranked journals, making their teaching more relevant. Professors are always up to date with new ideas and current trends in their disciplines, and students receive the most up-to-date information.

Scientific Publications

Students can participate in research projects from their first year. This helps them develop skills, apply acquired knowledge in practice, and contribute to the development of the industry. Many scientific publications include at least one student author, and this number is constantly growing.

Features of Undergraduate Programs

In accordance with NU policy and the Bologna Process, the undergraduate program requires at least 240 ECTS credits. In the first two years of study, students focus on core computer science courses. In subsequent years, they can choose from various technical disciplines, including courses from other departments such as mathematics, physics, and robotics. Students can also diversify their knowledge with natural and social sciences or free elective courses.

Features of Graduate Programs

The Master of Science in Computer Science program is a two-year program aimed at in-depth mastery of core disciplines in computer science and exposure to new fields such as mobile and pervasive computing, multi-factor authentication, and others.

The program features a progressive curriculum that includes more credits than a standard program, more courses, and a requirement to write a research thesis.

The program offers the physical resources needed for study: laboratories and equipment, and a diverse faculty.

The Master of Science in Data Science program covers databases, data mining, big data, business analytics, artificial intelligence, information retrieval, machine learning, deep learning, image and video processing, bioinformatics, cybersecurity, data analysis and visualization, mathematical and statistical modeling, data storage, processing infrastructure, and cloud solutions.

The PhD in Computer Science program is designed to provide advanced skills and in-depth knowledge for individuals planning a career in academic, industrial, and research environments in any subfield of computer science and engineering. It focuses on developing a deep understanding of the nature, implementation, and evaluation of principles and applications of computing, as well as on developing research skills.