The chair of General Biology and Ecology was founded in 1961. In 1968 two independent chairs were established at its base: the chair of General Biology and the chair of Cytology and Genetics. Since 2001 the chair has got its present name. One of the main objectives of the chair is to provide students with modern concepts of biological diversity and ecology on the basis of the synthesis of classical and innovative approaches. During their first and second years, students of biological subdivision attend a number of general courses: “Ecology”,” Botany”, “Invertebrate Zoology”,” Entomology” and “Vertebrate Zoology”. Courses content reflects the current understanding of the diversity of living organisms. After the second semester, students go for summer practice on botany and vertebrate zoology, while after the fourth semester they have practice on vertebrate zoology. Some students do their practical trainings in exciting expeditions of both the chair and the various institutes of The Siberian Branch of The Russian Academy of Sciences. During the expeditions students choose their research field.

At their 3rd year, the biology students have an opportunity to attend alternative biological courses including two courses in general biology: “Human and animals’ behaviour” and “Paleobiology and paleoecology”.

Founded in 1980 specialization in Ecology provides students with a wide range of opportunities. The base institutes are Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Central Siberian Botanic Garden and Institute of Agrology and Agrochemistry. Graduates gain strong research skills with both innovative and classical approaches in various fields of bioecology.

General courses for medical students are partly overlapped with those for biologists, but as a rule, they clearly reflect the features of training doctors.Special attention is drawn to parasites, infection carriers, medical and poisonous plants and animals.

Courses for chemistry students are meant to assure their comprehension of the role of living organisms in the biosphere. In addition, there are some lecture courses on ecology for students of IT-technologies and Journalism. Various courses on modern scientific research are also offered for students of Further Education Department and for pupils.