Overview of the programme
The master of science degree in Applied Parasitology is a two-year graduate program that studies the parasites of medical importance. Students learn Protozoology and Helminthology, Control of parasites, medical microbiology, and immunology of parasitic and infectious diseases among other topics. The course work is completed during the first year of study and students engage in research and write a Thesis during the second year of study.
Rationale of the programme
With the emerging parasitic diseases and the associated problems of controlling parasitic diseases in developing countries including Kenya there is need to train more manpower to help mitigate these challenges. The is currently also the problem of zoonosis which has brought in place ONE HEALTH aspect which also requires that we have trained personnel in this aspect to control such infections. Needs assessment was carried out as part of stakeholder surveys involving employers and consumers of the programme. The review of M.Sc. (Applied parasitology) programme was carried out in consultation with stakeholders to ensure that the graduates are equipped with skills relevant to the current and foreseeable job market. Stakeholders were drawn from institutions of higher learning, research organizations, governmental departments, community-based organization and former students. The M. Sc. in Applied Parasitology programme will train scientists who will be equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge on diagnostic techniques of human and animal parasites, protozoa and bacteria and control measures. The programme seeks to produce graduates capable of research and management of the parasitic infections that tropical countries are endowed with. It was designed to enable the graduates have the required skills and knowedge to deal with the myriad of parasitic infections facing the world today including challenges in diagnosis, development of vaccines, reduction in transmission, drug development and control measures in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the economic and social pillars of the Kenya vision 2030. The review of M Sc in Applied Parasitology programme was carried out in order ensure that the courses are rich and are in line with current demands of the job market and the emerging global trends in improvement of human health through reduction of new infections, improvement of current treatment regimens and better diagnostic techniques and control measures such vaccines development among others. The graduates of M.Sc. in Applied Parasitology will be equipped with current information to enhance their employability and tackle issues facing society.
Objectives of the programme
The goal of this programme is to train student to become graduates capable of undertaking cutting- edge research and innovations in parasitology.
Mode of delivery of 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 (Applied Parasitology):
- 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 Applied Parasitology have a wide range of career paths including working in:
- Inter-governmental organizations
- Non-governmental organizations
- Universities and colleges
- Education and government departments
- Medical institutes
- Research organisations
- Veterinary colleges
- Fisheries and marine life institutes
- Pharmaceutical companies