Both the academic and research divisions of the university are involved in fundamental and applied research in arts, sciences and social sciences, focusing on finding solutions to long-term problems.
The A.B. Kogan Research Institute of Neurocybernetics was founded in 1971. The institute comprises 4 departments and 10 laboratories, with 61 researchers on the staff including 7 Doctors and 34 Candidates of Science. The main research areas are: neurobiology (the study of the physiological, morphological and behavioral mechanisms of neuron systems operation); neuroinformatics (the development of principles and devices for managing and processing information in natural neuron systems); psychophysiology (the study of the nerve mechanisms of human and animal brain formation); biomedical engineering (the development of software-hardware complexes for medical-biological and psychophysiological purposes). The area of research ranges from molecular and cell level processes through the organization of neuron ensembles and brain subsystems to the integrated functions of the nervous system, as well as applications in medicine and equipment. The Research Institute of Neurocybernetics has set up a department of biophysics and biocybernetics in cooperation with the Faculty of Physics. Both undergraduates and graduates have equal opportunity to major at the department. The institute offers postgraduate programs in 3 majors.
The Research Institute of Physical and Organic Chemistry was founded in 1971. There are 198 researchers on the staff including 20 Doctors of Science and 104 Candidates. The main areas of research are: synthesis and study of photochemically active species applied to the system of information recording and energy conversion; the study of synthesis, structure and reactivity of organic natural coordination compounds used to simulate biologically important processes and objects; purpose-specified synthesis, and integrated study of synthetic and modified natural physiologically active substances focused on the development of new specific drugs; search and study of effective organic photo-chromium and luminescent compounds.
The Research Institute of Mechanics and Applied Mathematics was founded in 1971. There are 205 employees on the staff, including 12 Doctors of Science and 57 Candidates. The major area of research are: mechanics of deformable solids, strength and fracture; mathematical processes of continuum mechanics; mathematical modelling of environmental-economic systems; mathematical models of thin-walled structures; development of new construction materials utilizing industrial wastes and resource-saving technologies for erecting bearing structures; analysis, production processes and applications of piezoactive composite materials in ultrasonic devices; and the development of power-efficient gearings. Since 1971 the researchers of the institute have been awarded 2 National State Prizes, they have published 64 monographs and taken out 65 patents, including 18 in foreign countries. International projects within the framework of the INTAS, GLOBE, NATO, and CRDF programs have been completed and new projects are currently under way. Academician Iosif I. Vorovich, Full Member of the Russian Academy of Science, has been the director of the institute since its foundation.
The Research Institute of Physics was founded in 1970 through the reorganization of the research institute of physics and mathematics, which had functioned at Rostov State University since 1936. The institute staff of 314 includes 16 Doctors of Science and 83 Candidates. The main research areas are: X-ray and electronic spectroscopy; atomic and electronic structure of solids; physics of ferroelectric and ferropiezoelectric materials; non-linear physics; theoretical and experimental research into phase transitions in crystals; physical astronomy; cosmology; physics of circumferential space; chronobiology. The institute designs and manufactures piezoelectric transducers and gauges, equipment for ultrasonic medical diagnostics, active and passive UHF devices, metallic vapour lasers, and complex analytic equipment and instruments (Messbauer spectrometers, X-ray spectroscopic equipment, etc.).
The Research Institute of Biology was founded in 1936. There are 85 researchers on the staff, including 2 Doctors and 43 Candidates of Science. The major research areas are: study of molecular and genetic mechanisms controlling metabolism under normal, extreme and pathological conditions; development of genetic, biochemical and biophysical methods of estimating organism conditions; forecasting individuals response to the effect of extreme environment factors; techniques of somatic hybridization aimed at obtaining plastid-chlorophyll and stress-resistant mutations of higher plants and their improvement by selection; techniques of increased production and rational management of natural resources for a more efficient use in the national economy; the monitoring of soils fertility; and the monitoring of the Don river water shed, the Tzimlyansk Reservoir, and the Sea of Azov.
The Institute of Biosphere Geochemistry was founded in 1991. The staff of 38 includes 1 Doctor and 1 Candidate of Science. The main areas of research are: environmental protection and rational nature management; migration and concentration of chemical elements in natural and technogenic landscapes; forecasting and mineral resources prospecting by means of geochemical techniques; and the accumulation problems in various landscapes under various geochemical conditions. During the 9 years of its operation the researchers of the Institute have made two scientific discoveries. These were colloborated by the International Association of the Authors of Scientific Discoveries. 8 monographs and manuals have been published, and research is being done within the framework of both Russian and foreign grants (CRDF inclusive).
7. Discussion Points
7.1 What new information have you learnt about higher education in Russia? About Rostov State University?
7.2 Work in groups of 3 - 4. Find information about one of the departments at your faculty and prepare a poster presentation of it. Include the following topics:
- history of the faculty;
- prominent scientists and teachers working at the department, famous graduates;
- scientific research carried out by the department fellows.
7.2 Comment on the statements
1. Warsaw University served the basis for Rostov State University.
2. At present Rostov State University is an educational, scientific and production unit.
3. Rostov State University is a large scientific centre.
4. The teaching staff of the university has high scientific and academic potential.
5. The University offers good education opportunities.
6. The degree structure in the Russian system of higher education follows the US and the UK pattern.
SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE USA
1. Before you start
1.1 Answer the following questions:
1. Do you think that studying abroad is a good idea? Why?
2. Would you like to study abroad?
3. Which institution of higher education would you choose to study at?
4. Do you have any friends who study abroad? Do they like it?
2. Pronunciation
2.1 Read and practise the pronunciation of the following words:
| collegiate [k« @li:dZIIt] | sophomore [ @sf«m:] |
| admission [«d @mIS(«)n] | senior [ @si:nj«] |
| criteria [kraI @tI«rI«] | survey [ @s«:veI] |
| scholastic [sk« @lQstIk] | average [ @Qv(«)rIdZ] |
| standardize [ÛstQnd«daIz] | determined [dI @t«:mInd] |
| essay [ÛeseI] | failure [ @feIlj«] |
| overwhelming [«Vv« @welmIN] | trustee [trÃs @ti:] |
| adequete [ÛQdIkwIt] |
3. Reading
1.1 Read the text to know more about the system of higher education in the United States.
Higher Education in the United States
There is no national system of higher education in the United States. Basically, American higher education developed its own pattern by the adaptation of two traditions: the collegiate tradition of England and the university tradition of the continent.
In the USA there is no consistent distinction between the terms “college” and “university”. The general tendency, however, is to call a college a higher educational institution offering courses of instruction leading to the Bachelor’s degree; a university is a college or a group of colleges or departments offering courses of institution leading not only to the Bachelor’s degree but also to the Master’s and the Doctoral degrees.
There are two types of universities and colleges in the United States -private and public (state). High quality institutions are found equally among public and private universities. The principal difference is funding.
State universities fall into two categories: Research universities and Land Grant and Sea Grant universities. State Research Universities in addition to offering undergraduate education stress research as well as teaching. Land Grant and Sea Grant Universities provide a broad general education in many fields and emphasize the application of knowledge in such fields as agriculture and engineering.
The cost of going to the University in the USA is at least several thousand dollars a year and can exceed $ 20.000 a year at many private colleges and universities, and amounts to $2.000-10.000 at state schools. But it is an investment that will reward you all of your life.
Admission to colleges and universities is based on several criteria, including the results of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). It is an examination in school subjects that high school students must take before they can go to college or university. SAT results tell only the part of the story. Most schools will also ask for personal information; a transcript of high school grades; a Standardized Freshman Application Form; teachers’ recommendations; essays in various topics.
The admission process is complex, no single factor carries overwhelming weight and the final decision is based on many factors, both academic and non-academic. The three basic requirements for admission to educational institution in the US are: a strong academic background, adequate financial resources and a command of the English language.
A Bachelor’s degree program lasts four years. Students are classified as freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. A freshman is a first-year student, a sophomore – a second-year student, a junior – a third-year student, and a senior – a forth-year student. A student working toward a Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) is called an undergraduate; one working toward a Master’s (MA or MS) or Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) is called a graduate student. Some students receive scholarships that pay all or part of their tuition. A person on such a fellowship is called a university fellow.
The first two years are mainly devoted to general education. The program includes broad survey courses for general knowledge from which the student can go on to a specialized interest in the junior year. This interest is usually termed a “major” or a “field of concentration”. A second field of interest, in which one takes almost as many courses, is often called a “minor”.
The American academic year usually runs from the middle of August to the beginning of May or June. Most schools divide the academic year into 3 terms or 2 semesters (Fall and Spring semesters). Achievement is measured by grades which are given on papers and tests during the course of the semester and a final examination at the end of the term. The final grade is based on all the work done for the course.
A grade point average (GPA) is determined at the end of a term to show the student’s overall achievement. College grades, determined by each instructor on the basis of class work and examinations, are usually on a four-point scale, with letters to indicate the level of achievement. “A” is the highest mark, followed by “B”, “C”, “D”, “F”, the last one denotes a failure. This system is unlike that of most European countries.
Higher education institutions are governed usually by a board of regents or a board of trustees.
(Adapted from the Internet sites)
3.2 What new facts about American Universities have you learnt from the text?
4. Comprehension check
4.1 Answer the following questions:
1. What is the pattern of higher education in the USA?
2. What is the difference between a college and a university?
3. What difference can be found between private and public universities?
4. What are the entry requirements at institutions of higher education in the USA? Are they complex?
5. Does the cost of study vary among higher educational institutions?
6. What are the highest degree titles at American Universities?
7. What is the student’s major? Minor?
8. When does the American academic year start? How long does it last?
9. How is the student’s progress evaluated? What is a grade point average?
10. Who runs the educational institutions in the USA?
4.2 Agree or disagree with the following statements:
1. American higher education system is unique.
2. Practically there is no difference between the terms “college” and “university”.
3. Both Land Grant and Sea Grant universities concentrate on research as well as teaching.
4. Studying at American educational institutions is free.
5. Only SAT results are required for admission.
6. The program for obtaining Bachelor’s degree lasts more than 4 years.
7. Examinations are usually held in writing.
8. The system of assessment is similar to that in most European countries.
5. Vocabulary
5.1 Give English equivalents of the following words and word combinations:
четкое различие; уделять внимание как обучению, так и исследовательской работе; государственные и частные университеты; зачисление; копия аттестата; стандартный бланк заявления; хорошая учебная подготовка; владение английским языком; программа обучения для получения степени бакалавра; ученая степень магистра; главная специализация; дополнительная (вторичная) специализация.
5.2 Match words in the left column with their definitions:
| 1. Degree | a) A person who has completed a four-year-course of study at a higher school, and now attends a college or University, but hasn’t yet received a degree. |
| 2. Graduate | b) The subject or area of studies in which students concentrate. |
| 3. Full-time student | c) One who is enrolled in an institution and is taking a full load of courses. |
| 4. Major | d) A student who has completed a course of study either at the higher school or college level. |
| 5. Junior | e) A third-year-student at a higher school. |
| 6. Master’s degree | f) Diploma or title conferred by a college, university or professional school upon completion of a prescribed program of studies. |
| 7. Sophomore | g) A second-year-student at a higher school, colleges, university. |
| 8. Undergraduate | h) Degree conferred by an institution of higher learning after students complete academic requirements which usually include a minimum of one-year study beyond the Bachelor’s degree. |
5.3 Complete the sentences:
1. The pattern of American Higher Education system was developed by …
2. There are two types of universities and colleges in the United States: …
3. Admission to the university is based on …
4. The academic year is divided into …
5. A Bachelor’s degree program lasts …
6. The first two years are devoted to …
7. Achievement is measured by …
8. Higher Educational institutions are governed by …
6. Supplementary reading
6.1. Read the text to know more about Private and State Colleges and Universities.
Private and State Colleges and Universities
Harvard College was established in 1636, with the principal purpose of providing a literature ministry for colonial churches. It was a small institution, enrolling only 20 students in 1642 and 60 in 1660. It soon became more than a theological training school and established itself as a liberal arts college. The next institution of higher learning established in the American colonies was the College of William and Mary, which opened in 1693 at Williamsburg, Virginia. Other colleges were founded in the next century, but all of them remained small schools for long periods. Students entered at the age of 14 and remained until they were 18, and the curriculum, while rigidly academic and classic was by modern standards rather secondary in nature.