Togliatti State University
Togliatti State University (TSU) is a prominent public research University located in Samara Oblast, Russia, established in May 29, 2001 as a result of the merger of the Togliatti Polytechnic Institute (founded in 1951) and the Togliatti Branch of Samara State Pedagogical University (founded in 1988). Today, the University is home to over 12,000 students, and more than 67,000 have graduated from the University since its founding.
History
Togliatti Polytechnic Institute dates back to 1951 when the “Zhigulevskaya” hydroelectric power plant was constructed, and there was an urgent demand for highly qualified experts. A part-time study department called the Kuibyshev Industrial Institute was opened in Stavropol (the name of the city up to 1964), and issued diplomas to its first graduates in 1956. In 1961, full-time study programs were launched. In 1966, a new stage in the University’s history began with the construction of the Volzhsky Automotive Plant (AVTOVAZ), when Kuibyshev Industrial Institute was reorganized into the Togliatti Polytechnic Institute which featured an automotive department to provide engineering, design and research work for AVTOVAS.
Professor Aron N. Reznikov, the first Rector of the new institute, gathered the first teaching and research staff, creating a modern institution where more than 30 thousand qualified specialists were trained and 1134 inventions were registered in the variety of fields. In 1979, Professor Vladimir I. Stolbov became the Rector of Togliatti Polytechnic Institute and at this time a unique system of multi-level training was developed. By the beginning of the 1990s the Institute had incorporated five faculties, 38 departments and the number of students reached 6.5 thousand.
In 1988, the Togliatti Branch of Samara State Pedagogical University was founded, and Professor Ivan P. Plekhanov became its first Rector. It initially had four departments but the university grew rapidly and its structure had developed into 32 departments by the end of the 1980s.
In 2001, the first Mayor of Togliatti Sergey F. Zhilkin was appointed the first Rector of TSU, after initiating its establishment. He was reelected twice afterwards. At this time new buildings were built, a swimming pool was opened, and modern learning technologies were introduced.
Institutions
TSU comprises ten Colleges, or "Institutes":
Institute of Mechanical Engineering
The Institute of Mechanical Engineering dates back to 1967 when the first Motor Vehicle Construction Department was established in Togliatti, and offers the nation's top mechanical engineering program, with more than 180 teachers, 77 Associate Professors, and 28 Full Professors. Educational centers at the Institute have been developed centering on Welding, High Energy Technologies in Mechanical Engineering, Testing, Certification, Physical Material Science and Nanotechnology, and Industrial and Environmental Safety, where both students and faculty are engaged in research projects. Students also work in two research laboratories specialized for “Automotive Research” and “Safety”. These research facilities were added to complement the Institutes's educational mission, address the ever-changing needs of industry and society, and contribute to the economic and social development of the region and the nation. The Institute also hosts such international scientific and technical conferences such as "Safety. Technologies. Management,", "Technological and Thermal Aspects of Effectiveness Increase of Mechanical Engineering: Reznikov Readings", and "Brazing and Soldering".
The Institute of Mechanical Engineering is internationally recognized; two educational programs are accredited by the Russian Association for Engineering Education, (a member of ENAEE) and the EUR-ACE quality label confirms the engineering programs compliance with international standards. The Institute successfully collaborates with "Delcam” and “Process Flow”, two foreign firms. The TSU Formula Student team is also an active participant in national and international competitions.
Institute of Humanities and Pedagogy
The Institute of Humanities and Pedagogy was formed as a result of the merger of the Institute of Humanities and the Faculty of Pedagogy in 2011. It covers a broad range of ideas and subjects drawn from philosophy, literature, history, linguistics, social science and pedagogy, comprising 8 departments: Early Childhood Pedagogy and Psychology, Journalism, Sociology, History and Philosophy, Russian Language and Literature, Theoretical and Applied Psychology, Theory and Practice of Teaching Foreign Languages, Theory and Practice of Translation.
The Institute's facilities include computer labs, TV and radio studios, an editing room, a psychological training room, and multimedia lecture rooms, and offers a wide array of academic and extra-curricular events, and seminars.
- Literature Lab headed by Semen Krasnov, a member of the Russian Union of Writers;
- The Journalist Organization, a branch of the Russian Union of Journalists of the Samara region.
- The Pedagogical group Uspekh which works with orphans and disabled children and organizes volunteer actions.
The Institute is also home to a wide range of student organizations, clubs and festivals, such as the humor festival Penguin, the anime club Minna No Kai, the creativity workshop Zateya which is aimed at reviving national traditions, and the Togliatti Chamber Arts Youth Festival.
Institute of Architecture and Construction
Established in 1951, The TSU Institute of Architecture and Construction is one of the oldest schools in the Samara region for construction engineering education. The Institute has trained more than 5000 engineers, architects and designers, and today is home to over 1500 students. The Institute has five departments: Water Supply and Draining, Urban Construction and Economy, Design and Engineering Graphics, Industrial and Civil Engineering, Heat and Gas Supply, and Ventilation. Students, staff and faculty are engaged in a variety of research projects in collaboration with professional bodies, and industrial and public organizations, and has modern laboratories which have unique experimental facilities, designed and manufactured by the students.
Major research areas for the Institute include: Urban planning (urban engineering systems and communications), graphic and environmental design, construction and maintenance of various buildings, heating and gas supply networks, ventilation, water supply and draining networks, application of gas radiant heating, efficiency of natural ventilation of residential buildings with “warm attic”, reinforcement of ferroconcrete structures, testing of construction materials; technology of new composites, and utilization of industrial waste.
The institute is also active internationally, and over the last 7 years it has held the following international events:
- International Forum of Design and Architecture “NEW CITY”;
- Russian-Italian photo exhibitions “CONTACTS”;
- Series of international projects, seminars and workshops;
- International Forum of Art Initiatives;
- International business meetings “Inter-Volga”.
Institute of Finance, Economics and Management
The Institute of Finance, Economics and Management was established in 2006 to provide a solid foundation for individuals entering the financial services industry or the management field. The Institute offers undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs in Economics, Finance, and Management including Quality Management, HRM, Logistics, Accounting, Financial Analysis and Audit.
Currently, the Institute has four departments: Accounting, Analysis and Audit, Finance and Credit, Management of Organization, and Merchandising and Commercial Establishment Management. Research and education in the “Economics and Management” center facilitates research activity in the following areas: analysis of financial and economic activity of an enterprise; international standards of accounting; assessment of HRM systems; certification and audit of quality management systems; modeling and development of quality management systems; ecology-related quality management; the economic foundation of urban ecological systems; and investment mechanisms of industrial systems and bank management.
Since 2007 the Institute has been successfully developing and implementing a joint minor course “International Business and Finance” in cooperation with INHOLLAND University, the Netherlands, held in English both in Togliatti and in Rotterdam. The Institute also collaborates with numerous enterprises in Togliatti, such as JSC Avtovaz, Tax Administration, VTB 24 Bank, NTB Bank, Sberbank and many others.
Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Information Technologies
The Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Information Technologies was established in 2011 from a merger of three university departments: the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, the Department of Theoretical Physics and the Institute of Physics and Mechanics. Its main purpose is to train professionals for the IT industry, to conduct research and to teach. The Institute offers undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs and its alumni are trained to work as specialists in applied mathematics and programmers capable of creating mathematical models, information systems and developing information technologies, or to work as University professors and teachers of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics.
The Institute has had active participation internationally—since 2004 its professors have been involved in the INTEL Education for the Future program and a number of joint activities with the regional branch of “Net Cracker” company, a world leader in the field of telecommunications. The Institute also has links with universities from the United States, Great Britain, Poland, France, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan and with the European Association "Eurotalant", and the International Federation for Developing and Game-based Pedagogy “FIDJIP”, France.
Institute of Fine, Decorative and Applied Arts
This Institute was established in 1989 as a part of Togliatti branch of Samara State Institute of Pedagogics, and became a part of TSU in 2001. The Institute consists of three departments: Department of Decorative and Applied Arts, Department of Fine Arts and Department of Painting. Classes are held in painting, drawing, graphic design, sculpture, applied arts, designing, metal working, stone working, plastic and computer modeling workshops, including casting, enamel work, filigree, and engraving. The History of Arts classroom has a hybrid library which contains media materials, books, magazines and course books which are available for students and teachers.
This Institute also includes the Sharonovs’ School of Jewelry Design, one of the leading jewelry schools in Russia recognized internationally. Faculty includes members of the International Designer’s Union and Creative Artist’s Union of Russia. Practical training includes plein-air, museum and in-company internships.
Institute of Physical Education and Sports
This Institute dates back to the opening of Physical Education Department in 1989, and provides the region with professionals in the field of physical education, sport, and adaptive physical education. In 2011 the department was restructured into the institute, and is now composed of the Department of Adaptive Physical Education, and the Department of Physical Education and Sports. Classes are held at the TSU sport complex which comprises fitness classes, a swimming pool, gyms, a therapeutic physical training room, a ski depot and a massage room. Top priority is given to research work and training of PhD students.
Institute of Chemistry and Engineering Ecology
The history of the Institute of Chemistry and Engineering Ecology dates back to 1963 when Chemistry and Technology Department was opened in Togliatti Branch of Kuibyshev Polytechnic Institute. In 2002 Chemistry and Biology Faculty was established in Togliatti State University and on May 15, 2008, the Institute of Chemistry and Engineering Ecology was opened on the basis of the Department.
Among the Institute’s international partners there are Riga Technical University (Latvia), the University of Florence (Italy), the Second University of Naples (Italy), the Sapienza University of Rome (Italy), company Vie En.Ro.Se. Ingegneria (Italy) and others.
Today the Institute consists of two departments:
- Department of Engineering Environmental Protection and Chemistry and Chemical Technology;
- Department which comprises “Chemical Machine Building” section
. More than 10 lecturers with Post Doctor degree and more than 25 lecturers with PhD degree teach in the institute. In 2007 the Department of Engineering Ecology and Ecological Monitoring of Samara Scientific Center of Russian Academy of Science was established in the Institute. Scientific School of Engineering Ecology, Ecological Monitoring and Complex Problems of Theoretical Engineering, headed by prof. Andrey Vasiliev, has been awarded the status of the Leading Scientific School of Russia.
Major Research Areas:
- Improvement of ecological, operational and consumer characteristics of energy machines;
- Ecological monitoring;
- Physical chemistry and electrical chemistry of super ionic conductors;
- Chemical and industrial waste analysis and processing;
- Nanocatalysis;
- Synthesis of catalysts and carbohydrates conversion process development;
- Methods of food products expertise.
The Institute is home to a number of major events: International Congress ELPIT and All-Russia scientific conference “Korshunov’s Readings”. In 2010 and 2012 International Summer School “Built Environment: Structure, Protection, and Security”.
Institute of Electrical and Power Engineering
The Institute of Electrical and Power Engineering was established on the basis of TSU oldest department – the Faculty of Electrical Engineering.
Nowadays the Institute comprises five departments:
- Department of Power Supply and Electrical Engineering;
- Department of Industrial Motor-Equipment and Mechanics;
- Department of Industrial Electronics;
- Department of Power Plants and Control Systems;
- Department of Automation of Technological Processes and Production.
The Institute of Electrical and Power Engineering offers undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs in such popular engineering fields as Industrial Electronics, Electrical Power Engineering, Electronics and Microelectronics, Electrical Equipment and Electrical Industry, Electrical Mechanics, and Electrical Technology. The programs are focused on electrical engineering principles along with supporting knowledge of mathematics, science, computing, and engineering fundamentals.
Modern approaches to engineering education are applied, including application of AutoCAD, MathCAD, Electronic Work Bench, and MatLAB systems. The emphasis is made on the technologies of today and tomorrow mirroring the vibrant industrial scene found in the Volga River region. The high level of the Institute proficiency makes it possible to carry out applied research. Its Energy Audit Center provides services to local and regional enterprises.
The Institute strives to keep its programs up with the requirements of the national and international professional community. Its Energy Supply program is accredited by the Russian Association for Engineering Education, the member of ENAEE. The EUR-ACE quality label confirms the engineering program compliance with international standards. Every year the Institute hosts the international scientific conference “Energy Efficiency and Safety of Production Process”.
Major Research Areas:
- On-board computers for motor vehicles;
- Impulsive energy source for prospecting seismology of oil fields and gas deposits;
- Vibro- and impulse technologies;
- Electromechanical converters;
- Electromagnetic compatibility of semi-conducting converters and other electrical installations;
- Power supply sources;
- Lamps with electronic start-regulating device.
The programs of the Institute are designed to prepare students to become professional engineers and industry leaders. The graduates can carve a career in a diverse range of areas in industries such as electricity supply, automotive, chemicals, processing, and many others. Electrical Power engineers are engaged in a variety of activities including design, manufacturing, research, development, testing, construction, operation, sales, management, consulting and teaching.
Vladimir Shapovalov, Director of the Institute of Electrical and Power Engineering, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor
Institute of Law
The Institute of Law is the youngest unit of Togliatti State University. It was established in September 2007. The Institute offers a balance of theoretical and practical legal education.
The Institute houses a variety of study rooms: “Court Hall”, “Criminalistics Room”, “Law Systematization Room”, “Criminological Diagnosis Room”, “Room of International Law Systems”, and multimedia rooms.
The Institute of Law comprises five departments:
- Department of Civil Law and Process
- Department of State and Law History
- Department of Business and Labor Law
- Department of State and Law Theory
- Department of Criminal Procedure and Criminalistics
The Institute hosts a number of scientific events, including International scientific conference "Crime and Legal Responsibility".
Major Research Areas:
- Infringement of the law and legal liability;
- Legal systems;
- Problems of public authority implementation in Russia;
- Legal regulation of intellectual property;
- Problems of lawmaking and law enforcement in Russia;
Dmitry Lipinsky, Director of the Institute of Law, Doctor of Juridical Sciences, Professor
International Cooperation
Togliatti State University has always placed special emphasis on the process of internationalization. Establishment of national and international links has become one of its main objectives.
TSU is implementing the main principles of Bologna Process: introduction of the three-cycle system, education based on competences and learning outcomes, development of student and teacher mobility. Cooperation with international partners makes a major impact on adopting Bologna principles.
Togliatti State University has cooperation agreements with universities and institutions across the world in the areas of research, education collaboration and student mobility. It currently cooperates with over 20 universities and institutions in Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, France, the UK, Poland, China, the USA, Kazakhstan, and the Ukraine. A major emphasis is made on developing joint courses and programs:
Joint minor International Business and Finance, jointly developed and taught in English by TSU and INHOLLAND University since 2007 ERASMUS Intensive Program: Local Decision Making
TSU students take part in major international events, such as II International Student Forum in Rome, Italy, and III International Student Forum in Berlin, Germany.
International preparatory department for foreign citizens
Togliatti State University (TSU) - the largest state university in Togliatti and one of the most important universities in the Volga region provides an opportunity for foreign citizens to gain a comprehensive education in the Humanities and Education, Technical and Natural sciences.
The participants of the program will learn:
- - to listen and take notes of the lectures in Russian
- - to communicate on professionally oriented topics
- - to participate in discussions on various issues
Additionally the foreign students are provided with classes:
- - the history and culture of Russia
- - the intercultural communication
- - the basics of law and social science
- - special subjects to choose from (mathematics, physics, etc.)
Russian Language & Culture Summer School «INTERVOLGA»
The course is designed to allow acquisition or fast improvement of the language skills, while being immersed into the authentic Russian culture. You will have an opportunity to be involved in a variety of interactive educational projects to experience the Russian cultural diversity and to get an idea of the economy, geography and history of Volga Region.