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Welcome to the Department of Biological Sciences.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENTOMOLOGY

Admission requirements
a)    The common regulations for all Master of Science degrees in the University shall apply.
b)    The general regulations for all Master of Science degrees in the Department of Biological Sciences shall apply.
c)    The following shall be eligible for registration for the Master of Science degree in Entomology in the Department of Biological sciences.
(i)    A holder of at least Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in Biological Sciences having studied Biological sciences as a major or regular subject from University of Embu or its equivalent from a University recognised by the Senate.
(ii)    Under exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the Department, a holder of a Second Class Honours (Lower Division) degree in Biological Sciences having studied Biological sciences as a major or regular subject may be admitted. Such a candidate shall produce evidence of having conducted research or having worked in a relevant area from an institution recognised by the University for a period of at least two years.
(iii)    At the discretion of the Department, any other qualifications considered equivalent to i and ii may be considered.

Duration of Study
Two academic years

Expected learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program students will be:
1.    Provide specialized services such as identification, surveillance, control and management of arthropod vectors of diseases, insect pests and other practical aspects of Entomology.
2.    Well versed with current trends in Entomological research.
3.    Competent to undertake doctoral studies in Entomology.

Career prospects
Entomology postgraduates are employable in academic institutions, inter-governmental organizations, government ministries, parastatals, research institutes, non-governmental organizations and the industry.   They are also capable of initiating their businesses as manufacturers and processors of insect-based products or providing consulting services in various aspects of entomology.   

Coursework requirements.
A student is required to attend at least two thirds of class attendance to be allowed to sit the final examination.

Duration and Pattern of the Course
i)    The minimum duration of the Master of Science course shall be at least TWO academic years (18 months) from the date of registration.
ii)    No candidate for the degree of Master of Science shall be registered as a full-time student for more than four (4) academic years or as a part-time student for more than five (5) academic years without submitting his thesis, except by permission of the University.
iii)    Master of Science course in Entomology shall be by course work, examination and thesis.
iv)    In the first year students shall take 10 units which shall be assessed by course-work and examination. A student may take up to two additional units during the first year.
v)    A candidate may opt do composite microbiology where s/he becomes conversant with all aspects of microbiology by taking the prescribed units or may choose to specialize in one of the options as prescribed.
vi)    Each unit shall comprise lectures which shall include tutorials, discussions and practicals.  In addition the students will be required to attend/present Departmental seminars.
vii)    In the second year students will undertake research, seminar presentation (at least two seminars on their research work) and thesis writing.
viii)    That the departmental regulations for thesis shall apply.

Courses/Unit Distribution for Master of Science in Entomology
First Year

Core Units

   

Unit Code

Unit Title

Contact Hours

Status/ Remarks

SZL 515

Research Methodology

45

Senate approved

SBZ 545

Biostatistical Methods

45

Senate approved

SZL 516

Principles of Arthropod Classification and Morphology

45

Senate approved

SZL 517

Comparative Arthropod Physiology

45

Senate approved

SZL 519

Entomology Field Course

45

Senate approved

SZL 520

Arthropod Behaviour and Ecology

45

Senate approved

SZL 526

Integrated Pest/Vector Management

45

Senate approved

SZL 542

Entomological Techniques

45

Senate approved

 


Elective Units

a)        Medical & Veterinary Entomology

   

Unit Code

Unit Title

Contact Hours

Status/ Remarks

SZL 521

Vector Biology

45

Senate approved

SZL 575

Applied Molecular Biology and Immunology of Parasitic infections

45

Senate approved

SZL 577

Epidemiology of Parasitic Infections

45

Senate approved

 

b)       Agricultural Entomology

   

Unit Code

Unit Title

Contact Hours

Status/ Remarks

SZL 524

Biology of arthropod Pests of Agricultural importance

45

Senate approved

SZL 527

Pesticide Science, Application and Ecotoxicology

45

Senate approved

SZL 530

Beneficial Insects

45

Senate approved

SZL 569

Geographical Information Systems & Remote Sensing

45

Senate approved

 

Second year
Core

Unit

Unit Title

Contact

Status/ Remarks

Code

 

Hours

 

SBE 600

 Thesis

540

Senate approved

 

Requirements for graduation
To be considered for the award of a Master of Science degree in Entomology
a)    A candidate must have been admitted into the program and taken ten (10) required units. After fulfilling the required 10 units, a student can opt to take two (2) additional units at the discretion of the Department.
b)    A candidate must undertake a research project, submit a written thesis and pass all respective examinations.

Award of Degree
A Master of Science in Entomology shall be awarded.