Head of Department: Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Viktor O. Fedorenko

Department of Genetics and Biotechnology was founded in Lviv Ivan Franko National University in 1976. The Department trains the bachelors, specialists and masters of genetics as well as the post-graduates on the specialty 03.00.15 “Genetics”. The distinctive feature of the teaching activities at the Department is that the primary attention is paid to the study of the theoretical basis and the methods of

molecular genetics genetics of ontogenesis genetic and cell engineering

genetics and selection of microorganisms biotechnology genetic aspects of environmental conservation

The student scientific society “Genetic Club” and genetics study group of Minor Academy of Sciences function at the Department.

The main scientific activities of the Department are:

• the investigation of the genetic control of antibiotics’ biosynthesis and resistance, genetic and gene-engineering construction of antibiotic-producing actinomycete strains.
• the study of the mechanisms of genetic instability induced by ionizing radiation and chemical compounds in Drosophila, neurogenetics of Drosophila.
• the research of genotoxic pollution of water reservoirs in the ecologically endangered districts of Ukraine, the development of test-systems for the discovery of mutagens in the environment.

The Department also includes: the research Laboratory of Antibiotic Producers’ Genetics, Selection and Gene Engineering, the museum of microorganisms cultures, producing biologically active compounds and Drosophila genetic lines museum. The graduates of the Department work as the research assistants in the research institutions of genetic-selection, biochemical, medical and agricultural types, breeding stations and medical-genetic consultations, as laboratory assistants and technologists in biotechnological industry, and as teachers of secondary and higher educational institutions.