History of the Department of Computer Science

The history of the Department of Computer Science dates back to 1997, when the Department of Mathematical Methods in Economics was established at the Almaty Institute of Railway Transport Engineers (AlIIT).

The department’s formation and development are closely connected with the history of the institution, which evolved from AlIIT and KazATC to ALiT and the modern ALT University. At each stage of structural transformation, educational programs were enhanced, fields of study were expanded, and academic and research capacity was strengthened.

In 2005, the Department of Mathematical Methods in Economics was divided into two independent units: Computer Engineering and Software and Information Systems.

In 2008, the two units merged to form the Department of Computer Engineering and Information Systems. In 2018, following its merger with the Department of Automation and Control, the Department of Automation and Information Technology was established.

In September 2019, the unit was reorganized, and one of the newly established departments was named IT Engineering. In 2021, the Departments of Radioelectronic Technologies and IT Engineering merged to form the Department of Telecommunications and IT Engineering.

From September 15, 2021, the academic unit operated as the Department of Information and Communication Technologies. In 2026, it entered a new stage of development under its current status as the Department of Computer Science.

Leadership and contribution to development

Over the years, the following academics worked at the unit and contributed to its development:

• A. Tashev, Candidate of Technical Sciences and Associate Professor;
• T. Utepbergenov, Professor;
• R. Kuandykova and A. K. Iskakova, Candidates of Technical Sciences and Associate Professors;
• A. Baimuratov and A. Zh. Toigozhinova, PhD holders;
• N. Nurgulzhanova, Candidate of Technical Sciences and Associate Professor at KazATC.

Each of them made a significant contribution to educational, research, and methodological development, the strengthening of academic capacity, and the establishment of professional traditions.

Since December 2021, the academic unit has been headed by D. T. Kassymova, PhD and Associate Professor at ALT University. Today, the department brings together highly qualified academic staff with extensive teaching and practical experience.

Educational programs

Code	Educational program
Bachelor’s programs
6B06116	Information Systems
6B06118	Software Engineering
6B06126	Applied Artificial Intelligence
6B06172	Big Data Technologies
6B06328	Information Security Systems
Master’s programs
7M06128	Information Systems
7M06135	IT Systems Management (professionally oriented, 1 year)

The department’s educational programs combine fundamental knowledge with practice-oriented training. Particular attention is given to modern digital technologies, analytical thinking, and professional competencies that are in demand in today’s labour market.

Research activities

The department’s academic staff are actively engaged in research, participate in international and national conferences, and publish their findings in academic journals and conference proceedings. Particular emphasis is placed on continuous professional development, advanced training, and the integration of modern digital technologies into education.

Cooperation with partners

The department actively cooperates with research institutions, industrial enterprises, and representatives of the IT industry. To strengthen practice-oriented education, branches have been established in cooperation with:

• the Institute of Information and Computational Technologies of the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• QSTEM LLP;
• Knew IT;
• other specialized partner organizations.

The branches implement elements of dual education in specialized disciplines for first- and second-year students. This cooperation enables students to become familiar with real production processes, apply their knowledge in practice, and develop professional skills from the first years of study. The department continues to strengthen its educational and research capacity, expand partnerships, introduce innovative technologies, and prepare specialists for the rapidly evolving digital economy.

For students of the B057 – Information Technologies group of educational programs, classes in profile disciplines are provided on the basis of the following partner organizations:

• RSE on PHV “Institute of Information and Computing Technologies” of the National Academy of Sciences of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• ТОО «KnewIT LLP;
• QSTEM LLP;
• ТОО «Qazaq Investment Company»;
• ТОО «QAZTEX QAZTEX Innovations LLP.».

In these branches, students take training and production practices, as well as practical and laboratory classes in the conditions of a real production process. This allows students to consolidate their theoretical knowledge, gain experience working with modern technologies and tools, and get acquainted with the corporate culture and industry requirements.

In addition, introductory tours and field lectures are organized for junior students, aimed at expanding their professional horizons and early immersion in the field of information technology.