Нужен перевод. заранее . astrakhan technical institute of fisheries was founded in 1930. the history of its growth, development and expansion of educational and scientific activity is marked by the institute's transforming into astrakhan state technical university (astu) in 1994. astrakhan state technical university is situated in one of the most picturesque places of our town, not far from the great russian river volga. a lovely academic town of the university is situated in, a beautiful parkland. it occupies 9 teaching buildings with up-to-date lecture halls, well equipped laboratories, a computing center and libraries rich in books. various conferences and meetings are held in the assembly hall situated in the main building. here you can also find director's, deans' and other offices. the university possesses several halls for residence (dormitories), on the territory of it you can see cafes, shops, a medical aid center and a club-house. director (or rector, as it is called in russia) is at the head of the university while the work of the institutes and the faculties is headed by directors and deans. the teaching staff of special and academic departments consists of very experienced lecturers and assistant, capable of giving their knowledge and experience to students. permanent aspiration of university's scientists to expand their research provides for the development of the university and increases its role that of an educational establishment and of a scientific center as well. this also results in the growth of teachers' professional skills and the quality of undergraduate training. the university constantly improves forms and methods of framing and offers its teaching staff new opportunities for innovation both in teaching and research. the success of the university's education policy is confirmed by the fact that among its graduates there are governors, managers of large businesses, world-famous scientists. at present, the structure of the university includes several institutes: the institute of distance learning, the institute of marine technologies, power engineering and transport, the institute of biology and nature management, the institute of information technologies and communication, the institute of economics, the institute of oil and gas, mechanical engineering institute. there are several faculties at the university as well: the faculty of law; , the faculty of applicant preliminary training, the faculty of optional vocational training; the faculty of international student preliminary training, the faculty of secondary vocational education. besides, there are several colleges that provide secondary engineering training under the auspices of the university. the opportunity to host different sports events is provided by excellent sports facilities of the university. they include a sports center with two swimming pools; halls for basketball, volleyball, tennis, acrobatics; a stadium, a gym, a football ground.