Mordovia plans to open a special course in microbiology and genetics in schools

150 children are expected to be involved in the study of the Future Biochemist program.

TASS, June 18. The Biochemist Plant (part of Promomed Group of Companies) in Mordovia expects to expand the Future Biochemist course next academic year with programs in biology, microbiology and genetics. In total, 150 schoolchildren are planning to study the course "Future biochemist". Evgeny Alexandrov, Director of Personnel at Biochemist JSC, told TASS about this.

"We have launched the Future Biochemist course for advanced study of chemistry and mathematics on the basis of 2 Saransk schools - gymnasium No. 19 and school No. 17. In total, 8 classes are engaged in this course, children from 8th to 11th grade in 2 schools. Next year, we plan to expand this program and develop training programs in biology, microbiology, and genetics. There will be an additional 3 classes, that is, we expect to involve about 150 people in the training," said the agency interlocutor.

He clarified that the course "Future Biochemist" was developed jointly by school teachers and teachers of the Ogarev Mordovian State University (MSU). The curriculum includes experiments in organic and inorganic chemistry, lectures by university researchers and practitioners from the Biochemist plant, and Olympiads and competitions. The classrooms were equipped with all the necessary equipment and reagents for practical work. "We wanted to introduce the guys to practical chemistry, to show them how formulas on paper and available ingredients produce medicines, and that if they immerse themselves in chemistry now, they will be able to create state-of-the-art medicines in the very near future," said Evgeny Alexandrov.

After completing the course, there is a target enrollment in four chemical universities in the country - Ogarev Moscow State University, Mendeleev Moscow State Technical University, Evdokimov Moscow State Technical University and St. Petersburg Chemical and Pharmaceutical University. Students can choose the most interesting thing for themselves, and then return and work at a pharmaceutical company. "This year we have 16 graduates, 10 of them plan to enroll in universities under targeted contracts from our company," said the HR Director of Biochemistry.

Pharmaceutical personnel

Promomed Group implements educational programs not only in schools, but also offers internships and internships to students together with partner universities and colleges. Thus, in 2018, the basic Department of Chemistry and Technology of Physiologically Active Substances and 2 educational and scientific laboratories were opened at the Ogarev Moscow State University with the assistance of JSC Biochemik. Promomed ensures the operation of laboratories, organizes internships for students at the Biochemist plant.

"Now there is a rather serious personnel problem, so we are launching similar projects. Last year, the first bachelor's degree was graduated, and now the guys are studying for a master's degree. Already this year, 16 people will come to work for us," said Evgeny Alexandrov, HR Director of Biochemist JSC.

The company plans to train future biochemists from kindergarten. Starting from September 1, children will study at the Young Chemist laboratory at the Child Development Center Kindergarten No. 17 in Saransk. There are a dozen places equipped, each equipped with a microscope and a set of all the devices necessary for conducting real experiments. For example, children will be able to grow shrimps in an incubator on their own, and observe the entire growth process of live shrimps from eggs in a special solution. 

1. https://tass.ru/v-strane/18051715