Master of Science (Applied And Environmental Microbiology)
Introduction
Master of science in Environmental Microbiology is a postgraduate programme that builds on the foundation of basics microbiology and other related biology science, It endeavors to deepen the skills and knowledge of all microorganisms and their economic importance from the environmental perspective. It provides for research, isolation, identification, use and even genetic manipulations of the microorganisms to suit a particular outcome including biomining, bioremediations and green energy.
Rationale
The programme is designed to cover a wide range of areas of Microbiology to develop human resource capacity that is well trained to carry out research for generation of knowledge and their application in solving environmental, agricultural and health problems. It will equip students to adequately cope with the emerging technologies in Microbiology that ultimately promotes innovation in microbial sciences.
Objectives
By the end of the programme, the graduate shall be able to effectively;
- Demonstrate expertise in analyzing and interpreting microbial diversity in various environments, fostering innovative environmental solutions and ecological understanding.
- Apply advanced techniques in environmental microbiology for managing water resources, pollution, and ecosystem sustainability, contributing to environmental conservation and bioremediation.
- Utilize microbiology skills for optimizing microbial processes in biotechnology, fermentation, biofuels, bioremediation, industrial innovations and product development.
- Apply microbiology innovations, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship principles for commercializing microbial-based products and services.
Entry requirements
A student wishing to pursue a Masters degree in Applied and environmental microbiology must satisfy the minimum Kenyatta University and School of Pure and Applied Sciences entry requirements.
A student to be admitted must satisfy ANY of the following minimum requirements:
Must be a holder of Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Education (Science) with at least Second Class Upper Division and has studied a relevant area of specialization at degree level.
Holders of Second Class, Lower Division Degree in the above areas may be admitted provided the candidate can show proven evidence of research ability or have a minimum of two years work experience in a relevant field.
International Students
All international students will apply to the Commission for University Education (CUE) for assessment of their graduate qualifications for recognition and equation of foreign qualifications before enrolling for postgraduate studies.
Mode of Delivery and programme structure
The programme is offered by coursework and thesis. The course work is offered in the first year on a Full Time basis and Continuous Education programme (CEP) through face to face blended with E-learning. A student registered for M.Sc in Applied and Environmental Microbiology will take a total of 11 course units, with one of which will be a thesis. All the units are core. Ten units will be done in year one of study, where a student will take five units per semester. Year two of study the student will develop a proposal, carry out experiments in the laboratory and field, and write a thesis. These shall account for a minimum of 1050 hours.
Curriculum Highlights
The programme offers units like microbial physiology and metabolism, advanced environmental microbiology, water resources and pollution among others.
Fee Structure
Year 1 regular – Ksh. 295 800 (Ksh 147,900 per semester)
Year 2 regular – Ksh. 295 800 (Ksh 147,900 per semester)
CEP
Year 1 regular – Ksh. 295 800 (Ksh 98 600 per semester)
Year 2 regular – Ksh. 295 800 (Ksh 98 600 per semester)
Career Opportunities
M.Sc. (Applied and Environmental Microbiology) graduates pursue careers in the following areas:
Basic research in the various research institutions.
Education: They can be trainers in middle level colleges and can work in the universities as tutorial fellows/Assistant lecturers.
Environmental field. Laboratory managers, environmental scientists, epidemiologist and Public health
Why choose this programme at KU
At KU you will find highly trained and experienced faculty to provide training and research supervision. Kenyatta University has a well-equipped research laboratory . KU also hosts the National Phytotherapeutic Research Centre which is equipped with state-of-the art research facilities which are accessible to the department. Additionally, the department hosts a well-equipped plant transformation laboratory where Global Scale research is carried out. The graduate school process is organized in a manner that facilitates timely completion of our graduate students.