The Department of History of Science and Technology of UrFU on the Eve of Its Liquidation

The article offers a retrospective analysis of the forms of scientific and teaching work at
the History of Science and Technology Department that existed at the Ural Federal University (UrFU) from 2000 to 2012, and summarizes the results of its efforts in the period
immediately preceding its dissolution. The Department’s teaching framework that included curricula, teaching aids and learning progress assessment tools, as well as its staff
with their high level of professionalism and dedication are described in detail. During the
years of its existence, the department developed into a competent team expertly performing its teaching and research work, contributing to the students’ patriotic education, helping them develop a broad scientific outlook and understanding of the role of science and
technology in the development of society. Original training courses have been developed
and innovative teaching methods have been piloted.
It retrospect, it becomes obvious that the decision to close the department was a serious
and, unfortunately, yet unrectified mistake. The author believes that the loss of a unique
team of professionals, deeply knowledgeable in the subject and able to pass their knowledge to students, has negatively affected the quality of education.
It is proposed to study and use the department’s experience in the event of introducing a
course in the history of science and technology in a modern higher education institution.
Re-creating such research and teaching center at UrFU would significantly improve the
quality of training of the specialists capable of innovative thinking and effective work in a
modern economy.