Chair of Zoology

The Chair of Zoology was founded by Professor Avetik Ter-Poghosyan in 1921. The latter was the first head of the chair. Among the most outstanding professors of the Chair were S. Tsyuzbashyan, Kh. Gulbekyan, L. Bek-Hovsepyan, N. Akramovsky, A. Minasyan, H. Batikyan, K. Jivanyan, E. Yavruyan, F. Danielyan, and other famous biologists.

In the 1920s, scientific works were carried out in the Chair in the direction of studying the aquatic fauna, mollusks, agricultural pest, and disease-transmitting fauna of Armenia. Still in the 30s., studies have been carried out in the direction of parasite research. Histological and embryological studies were also carried out in the Chair of Zoology. In 1990 a great impetus was given to the research works of the vertebrate fauna (mammals and reptiles), as well as the theory of the hybrid origin of virgin lizards. In 1938 the newly established Chair of Genetics and in  2019, the histological study and Research Group were separated from the Chair of Zoology.

The Chair of Zoology is a center for the development of zoology in Armenia, a leading center for the training of specialists in the field.

The Chair of Zoology prepares specialists who join the ranks of zoologists working in scientific institutions in Armenia and abroad. Today, many former students of the Chair are doctors and candidates of sciences, heads of various zoological and environmental institutions.

The range of scientific research activities of the chair's staff and graduates includes theoretical and applied issues related to zoology. Chair researchers conduct studies in the following directions:

• Zoology of vertebrates: the diversity, evolution, ecology, mapping, and conservation of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are studied;

• Zoology of invertebrates: the diversity of mollusks, arthropods, ecology, and life-giving species are studied,

• Parasitology: diversity, ecology, mapping, and the human and environmental impact of living vectors and zoonotic diseases are studied.

The main research carried out in the chair concerns the diversity of vertebrates and invertebrates and the classification of animals using a variety of methods, including genetic studies. The main directions of the chair research are the process of reticulate evolution (emergence of virgin and hybrid species), phylogenetic studies, modeling of the geographical distribution of invasive and disappearing species sensitive to climate change, ecological research, and conservation of species populations. In addition, animal parasitic species and diseases prevalent among wild animals in ecosystems are studied.

The chair's staff participates in the publication of scientific and popular articles, books, and encyclopedias, the creation of the "Red Book" of animals of Armenia, as well as the national biodiversity report of Armenia, and many monitoring programs organized by the RA Ministry of Environment. The chair's employees participate in various local and international grant programs.

The Chair of Zoology cooperates with many foreign research organizations and leading universities.

The chair also organizes zoological scientific expeditions, in which students, graduates, and post-graduate students of the faculty participate.

The Chair implements "Biology" (full-time, part-time) Undergraduate and "Zoology and Parasitology" Master's educational programs.