Information on educational practice
First-year students enrolled in the Educational Program "6B05208 – Ecology and Nature Management" successfully completed their educational practice at the Applied Ecology Laboratory of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University and the Karkaraly State National Nature Park (Karaganda Region, Kazakhstan).
The educational practice was organized in two consecutive stages. The first stage was conducted from June 1 to June 7, 2026, at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. This stage focused on strengthening the students' theoretical background, familiarizing them with the methodological framework of the practice, laboratory equipment, and modern environmental research techniques, as well as ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety regulations when handling chemical reagents, biological materials, and laboratory instruments. During laboratory sessions, students acquired practical skills in sample preparation and analysis of environmental components, experimental design, data processing, and scientific interpretation of research findings.
The second stage of the educational practice took place from June 8 to June 14, 2026, within the territory of the Karkaraly State National Nature Park, where the principal field investigations were carried out. This stage was aimed at consolidating theoretical knowledge through comprehensive field studies, investigating natural ecosystems, and developing professional competencies in environmental monitoring and ecological assessment.
During the field practice, students conducted comprehensive investigations of the natural complexes of the Karkaraly State National Nature Park. Route-based surveys covered a wide range of ecosystems, enabling students to examine their structural characteristics, biodiversity, and ecological conditions. The research was interdisciplinary in nature, integrating approaches from ecology, botany, environmental chemistry, and entomology. Throughout the practice, students mastered techniques of geobotanical description, biodiversity assessment, environmental sampling, and preliminary evaluation of the ecological status of the study areas.
Particular attention was devoted to investigating the diversity of natural landscapes, including wetlands, coniferous forests, rocky outcrops, and open terrestrial ecosystems. In addition, the level of anthropogenic impact on natural ecosystems was assessed. Field observations revealed several indicators of recreational pressure, including the accumulation of solid household waste and unauthorized inscriptions on rock formations. These observations enabled students to develop practical skills in identifying environmental issues and assessing the influence of anthropogenic factors on natural ecosystems.
The educational practice conducted at the Karkaraly State National Nature Park provided students with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge under real field conditions. Participants were actively involved in environmental monitoring of natural ecosystems, collection of environmental samples for subsequent laboratory analysis, and familiarization with conservation measures aimed at preserving biodiversity and restoring natural ecosystems.
As a result of the educational practice, students significantly expanded their understanding of ecosystem functioning, mastered modern laboratory and field research techniques in ecology, and gained practical experience in environmental monitoring, ecological assessment, and evaluation of anthropogenic impacts. The practice also contributed to the development of professional competencies, research skills, and environmental responsibility, thereby strengthening their preparation for future professional activities in environmental science and nature management.
Upon completion of the practice, all students successfully defended their final reports before the examination committee. During the defense, they presented the outcomes of their research and provided comprehensive and well-reasoned answers to the committee members' questions. The reports were prepared in accordance with the established academic requirements and included practice diaries, illustrative materials, photographs, video recordings, field observation records, and laboratory research results. In their reports, students comprehensively described the objectives and tasks of the educational practice, characterized the practice sites and research objects, provided detailed descriptions of the work performed, presented the obtained results, and formulated scientifically substantiated conclusions based on the conducted investigations.
