Detailed information about the department of computer science

The history

Foundation of the Department
The Computer Science Department was established in 1975 on the basis of the Computational Mathematics Department at Karaganda State University. Naukhanbai Almukhanbetovich Almukhanbetov initiated its creation and became its first head. He served as an associate professor from 1975 and as acting professor from 1992.
His main fields were the mathematical modeling of geological processes in the mining industry and the training of researchers. N. A. Almukhanbetov published more than 70 research papers and three textbooks and teaching manuals. Under his supervision, five students completed postgraduate study and three defended Candidate of Sciences dissertations. The department developed links with universities and research centers and conducted contract research.
Together with the department’s first lecturers—M. M. Babaliev, Zh. Zh. Zhanabekov, Kh. M. Sagyndykov, M. M. Syurtebaev, Z. N. Birzhanova, A. B. Dyusembina, S. Balkybaeva, and S. A. Boranbaev—he established the foundation for training specialists in applied mathematics. The first research interns were the future academician Shaltay Smagulovich Smagulov and Professor Mukhamediyar Muzdakbaevich Muzdakbaev. N. A. Almukhanbetov also supported the professional development of M. M. Bukenov, K. T. Iskakov, and A. M. Omarov.
Development of Academic Programs
The department gradually introduced Applied Mathematics and Informatics in the 1980s, Information Systems in 2004, and Mathematical and Computer Modeling in 2011. In 2019, it added Informatics, ICT and Robotics; Information Systems and Technologies; and a master’s program in Informatics. The doctoral program in Digital Pedagogy opened in 2020.
The department’s name changed with its academic profile: Computational Mathematics and Computer Software in 1996; Applied and Computational Mathematics in 1997 and 2005; and Computer Science in 2026. Its heads have included N. A. Almukhanbetov, M. M. Muzdakbaev, K. T. Iskakov, Kh. Zh. Khalmanov, D. B. Alibiev, A. M. Omarov, D. A. Kazimova, E. A. Spirina, and A. B. Keldibekova. The current head is Associate Professor N. V. Popova, PhD.
Faculty
Alumni who have worked or continue to work in the department sustain continuity across generations. They include A. B. Serikbaeva, R. I. Dopira, A. N. Adekenova, A. B. Keldibekova, L. V. Ustinova, A. T. Zhumasheva, L. S. Fazylova, R. Muratkhan, Zh. T. Esendauletova, S. S. Kopbalina, N. N. Nikambaeva, and A. A. Khasenova.
At different times, professional and methodological training has been provided by A. E. Slanbekova, N. V. Popova, N. T. Nikhambaeva, I. A. Samoilova, G. N. Tursyngalieva, N. A. Gorbunova, G. Zh. Zhetimekova, S. K. Zhumagulova, M. A. Smirnova, and D. A. Turmuratova. Over the past three years, more than ten young lecturers—graduates of the department’s master’s program and other universities—have joined the faculty.
The department has 32 lecturers, including Candidates of Sciences, PhD holders, and master’s graduates with backgrounds in information systems, informatics, and mathematics. D. B. Alibiev, D. A. Kazimova (2013 and 2025), and E. A. Spirina (2023) received the title Best University Teacher of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The faculty also includes two members of the International Academy of Informatization, two recipients of the A. Nobel Medal for contributions to invention, and a winner of the first international Recognition competition for achievement in science and education in the Scientist of the Year 2016 category.
Laboratories
The former Applied Mathematics and Informatics Department established laboratories for computer systems architecture, local computer networks using Cisco equipment, robotics, and computer graphics and modeling.
Research and Education Projects
•  2017–2022 — International Network Institute for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, implemented with the Federal Financial Monitoring Service, the Ministry of Education and Science, and the Federal Agency for Scientific Organizations of the Russian Federation.
•  2018–2022 — GeKaVoc international research project with Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany.
•  2020–2023 — Erasmus+ international project “Implementing Dual System in Kazakhstan/Kazdual” (618835-EPP-1-2020-10-0KZ-EPPKA2-CBHE-SP).
•  2024–2026 — national applied research project No. 7789-M-26, AP23487789, “Artificial Intelligence Technologies for Adaptive Personalized Learning in Higher Education.” Project leader: Professor D. A. Kazimova, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences.
•  2025–2027 — national applied research project No. 5609-M-25, “Development of a Virtual Robotics Laboratory Using Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) for Immersive Student Learning.” Project leader: Professor E. A. Spirina, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences.
•  2025–2027 — program-targeted funding, topic No. 305-M-26, “Smart.EDU Intelligent Digital System for Higher and Postgraduate Education Organizations.” Task leader: Professor D. A. Kazimova, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences.
Partnerships and Professional Practice
The department cooperates with the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI in Moscow, the Russian State Vocational Pedagogical University in Yekaterinburg, the International Training Centre in Düsseldorf, Tomsk State University, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University in Kaliningrad, and Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics.
More than ten cooperation agreements are in place with IT companies, including Terrikonovaya Dolina LLP, Gexabyte LLP, the WTO Information Technology Center, Orleu Center for Innovative Technologies LLP, PrintShop, and iQ-SOLUTIONS LLP in Astana. Company representatives meet students and conduct seminars and master classes.
Department branches operate at School-Lyceum No. 66, Secondary School No. 16, and the Information Technologies Boarding School-Lyceum. Professional placements are supported by 18 agreements with IT companies and enterprises in the city and region, as well as more than 40 agreements with city schools.