The system of training on biotechnology in bulgaria—features and problems

Abstract

The commencement of Biotechnological education in Bulgaria emerged in the early 1980's when traditional industries—food, beverage and pharmaceutical—were strongly influenced by the ideas of the “new Biotechnology”. Recently, as a consequence of the mass reorganization in the frameworks of the Low for University Autonomy there are six Bulgarian Universities which educate students and award diplomas (Bachelor of Science and Master of Science) in the specialty of Biotechnology. Practically the biotechnological training carries the distinctive features of the different Universities in Bulgaria. According to Bulgarian State Regulations the Universities have adopted the three level structure of training—Bachelor, Master and Doctor (PhD). The specificity of biotechnological education reveal mainly in the set of optional courses. A sustainable trend towards elaborating of PhD Thesis works in the field of biotechnology during the last decade. The diversity of topics at this highest educational degree is logically highly expressed. Some essential problems and disputable topics in the area of biotechnological education in our country are formulated in the present paper. The traditional and developing inter-academic collaboration in the country brings an important impact on overcoming and resolution of the part of listed as well some other real problems in the teaching on Biotechnology. The international collaboration problem takes extraordinary important place in the present situation in Bulgaria, in particular for its science and education. It contributes the biotechnological education quality development and optimization and has a positive effect on the advance of university research activities. © 2007 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.