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.