Authors : Nelya A. Shamelkhanova, Gulnara T. Shokobayeva and Alma M. Uskenbayeva
Abstract: The study presents organizational experience of Nanotechnology Education (NTE) in Kazakhstan, oriented on Competency-Based Model of modern specialist’s profile. The model determines reference points of appropriate education based on real Nanotechnology (NT) development. Although, modest the scale of NT development in Kazakhstan is growing as it is the government’s key priority and interest to achieve an industrial-innovative breakthrough. This is evidenced by the initiatives and state programs as well as substantial funds allocated with the objective to match countries with highly competitive economies. In this case, the main question of NT development in Kazakhstan becomes: how is it possible to accelerate and develop NTE in weak NT market conditions and uncertain demand from employers? The purpose of the research conducted was to develop professionally required NT specialist’s competencies which would be able to serve as a guidance to those who prepare specialists capable of working in knowledge-intensive industries including NT. Methodologically substantiated approaches for the creation of a future NT specialist’s profile were used in close connection with the requirements of scientific schools operating at the universities. Competency requirements imposed by scientists within scientific schools were taken as the main purposes of NTE. Main characteristics of specialists in the form of competencies matrix were reflected in purposes and tasks of educational programs of NTE that contain a specific set of study disciplines used by engineering course designers. As a result, it was possible to ensure purposeful training in transition period of the formation of NT branch.
Nelya A. Shamelkhanova, Gulnara T. Shokobayeva and Alma M. Uskenbayeva, 2014. Competency-Based Model of Nanotechnology Specialist’s Profile (Kazakhstan’s Experience of Nanotechnology Education). Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 9: 324-335.