Biology
Associate Prof Grace Kagoro
HOD
The Department of Biology is part of the Faculty of Science and is involved in instruction, research, and service activities in the biological sciences. The Department was established in 1998 with graduate programmes, whose graduates designed the Bachelors and later the Diploma programmes. From such humble beginnings, the Department has become powerful in the delivery of knowledge and skills in Mbarara University of Science and Technology and the region at large.
The Department offers graduate programmes including a Master of Science in Biology and various PhD programmes. The MSc programmes which is offered runs two strands namely: Natural Resources’ Ecology, Management and Conservation; and Microbiology and Parasitology. Applicants to the MSc programme in Natural Resources Ecology, Management and Conservation are expected to hold at least a Second Class upper degree in Bachelor of Science in: Science with Education, Botany and /or Zoology, Agriculture, Forestry, Veterinary Medicine and Environmental or conservation Science. Applicants for the Microbiology and Parasitology strand must have a Bachelor of Science with Education with Biology as a major subject, Biotechnology, molecular Biology, Veterinary Medicine, parasitology and entomology, and Fisheries and aquatic sciences.
The PhD programme is mainly by research. By addressing current concerns in ecology, medicinal plants’ conservation and commercialisation and other natural resources’ management and conservation, climate change & mitigation, environmental management, food security, water quality systems, agri-ecology and postharvest handling, Microbiology and parasitology, the Department’s graduate programme has a strong capacity to solve pertinent challenges in the community through research and outreach programmes.
The Bachelor of Science with Education programme that stated in the year 2000 produces a double trained Scientist who can opt to become a research scientist or a teacher. The foundation in biology at Bachelors level prepares students for graduate studies in some medical and other allied health-related professions, teaching and industry.
The Department of Biology also offers a diploma in Science Laboratory Technology Programme that was established in 2002 to address the critical needs of skills and expertise in general Science laboratory practice.
This foundation in Biology is complemented by significant studies in the areas of Chemistry and Education which further improve our students’ problem-solving and science communication abilities. The Biology Department hence imparts students and staff with biological academic content that enhances teaching capacity, advances and applies biological knowledge, valorises innovation for both students and professionals in the life sciences. The Biology programmes offered thus form a strong training basis for both the undergraduate and graduate students hence producing quality Biology Professionals and skilled researchers for Uganda and beyond.
Programmes
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