Overview of the programme
The Master of Science Degree in Developmental Biology is a two-year graduate program that studies the molecular, genetic, cellular, and integrative aspects of building an organism. Gamete production, Fertilization, Embryo development, Adult organism emergence, Senescence, and Death. Developmental biology has evolved from the fields of embryology, morphology, and anatomy. It involves the use of the same cellular mechanisms and signaling pathways throughout an organism's lifespan. Understanding developmental processes can help explain developmental abnormalities and other conditions such as cancer. Some of the topics covered in this programme include. Gametogenesis and fertilization, Cleavage, Gastrulation and formation of primary and organ rudiments, organogenesis, differentiation and growth, Morphogenetic processes and molecular biology among others.
Rationale of the programme
Developmental Biology provides a comprehensive understanding of the processes that shape life, offering students an opportunity to contribute to scientific advancements, address health-related challenges, and embark on fulfilling careers in research and innovation. It provides students with a deep understanding of the biological processes that govern the growth, differentiation and development of animals from a single cell to a complex multicellular animal. Students have an opportunity to apply knowledge in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and developmental genetics. It contributes to understanding of the origin of diseases and congenital disorders and their potential therapies and interventions. Kenyatta University has resources to support the program. Needs assessment was carried out as part of stakeholder surveys involving employers and consumers of the programme. The stakeholders engaged strongly endorsed the programme. The review of M.Sc. (Developmental Biology) programme was carried out in consultation with stakeholders to ensure that the programme equips graduates with skills relevant to the current and foreseeable job market. Stakeholders were drawn from institutions of higher learning, research institutions, and former graduates. The views of the stakeholders ranged from skills and competencies required to produce competent graduates, to preparedness of the university to offer the programme. One of the recommendations of the stakeholders was to include the unit “One Health Principles and Practice” in the programme. The programme equips the learners with the tools needed to make meaningful contribution to scientific research in animal development, innovation and the betterment of society while also offering a platform for personal and professional advancement. The MSc. (Developmental Biology) programme at Kenyatta University cuts across all aspects; human health, livestock, wildlife species, avian biology, aquatic species as well as lower invertebrates. The Kenya Vision 2030 identifies health, natural biodiversity and blue economy as key pillars in national development. In addition, the Kenya Vision 2030 identifies human capacity building in these areas as a priority. Kenyatta University has multidiscipary experts in the School of Pure and Applied Science and School of Health Sciences who will support the programme. The review of M.Sc (Developmental Biology) programme was carried out in order to ensure that the courses are rich and are in line with current demands of the job market and the emerging global trends in developmental biology and health issues. It will enhance employability of the graduates and their capacity to tackle issues facing society.
Objectives of the programme
The goal of the programme is to empower students with knowledge of the fundamental processes that shape life and provide them with skills and knowledge needed to conduct research and innovate in the area of developmental biology. The programme aims at training graduates in the relevant aspects of Developmental Biology that have impacts in solving problems in human health and other areas of Zoology.
Mode of delivery for the programme
The programme is delivered through both face-to-face as a regular programme and in a blended method as a Continuing Education Programme (CEP) A variety of approaches including lectures, tutorials, discussions, assignments, student presentations, laboratory and field-based practical lessons, and Thesis Research Project taken after the course work.
Admission requirements for the programme
The common regulations for all Masters’ degrees in the University shall apply. The general regulations for master’s degrees in the School of Pure and Applied Sciences shall apply. The following shall be eligible for registration in the Master of Science (Developmental Biology):
- A holder of a Bachelor of Science degree with at least an upper second class Honour’s with Zoology as a single subject or as one of the two science subjects;
- A holder of a Bachelor of Education degree who has studied Zoology courses to degree level and has attained at least an upper second class Honour’s degree;
- A holder of a Bachelor’s degree in any other relevant areas of study such as Biology, microbiology, molecular biology, medical laboratory science; Biochemistry, Medicine among other biological degree courses with at least an upper second Honour’s degree (or pass where applicable) and has taken units related to Immunology.
- A holder of Bachelor’s degree with a lower second class may be considered with grade C in the area of specialization.
Career opportunities for the programme Graduates holding M. Sc. in Developmental can pursue careers in:
- Research or diagnostic laboratories
- Biotechnology firms
- Government agencies
- Agribusiness
- The medicolegal area