Overview
Program Objective
The broad objective of this program is to effectively not only equip students with managerial and technical skills but also hands on ability to adequately serve the Horticulture industry in Kenya through propagation, husbandry, research, extension, marketing and entrepreneurship. On completion the horticultural program graduates will be able to:
(I) Perceive and appreciate the importance of horticultural crops in the national economy.
(II) Contribute to improvement of production and enhance marketing of horticultural products.
(III) Contribute to public awareness of aesthetic value of ornamental plants.
(IV) Contribute to setting up and running of private horticultural enterprises.
(V) Participate in scientific research on various facets of horticultural and other crops.
(VI) Promote domestic, urban and institutional landscapes through design, development and maintenance.
(VII) Promote environmental conservation.
Structure
4. COURSE STRUCTURE AND DURATION
The programme will be offered under two modules; full time (Module I) and through Open Distance Learning (ODL) (Module III) for students who cannot attend regular university programme.
A) FULL-TIME
4.1 The teaching period for the degree programme shall be not less than four academic years or their equivalents. Each academic year shall consist of two semesters of 15 teaching weeks and two weeks of examination.
4.2 A candidate enrolled for the degree shall satisfactorily complete the programme in a period of not more than twice the minimum period for which he/she was registered for the degree.
4.3 A candidate enrolled for the programme shall participate and complete course work and practical assignments that may be applicable to horticulture. Admission to the examination at the end of the semester shall be based on satisfactory completion of such requirements.
4.4 Each student shall be required to undertake industrial attachment after completion of the second semester of the third year of study. During the field attachment, students are expected to embark on a research project, which they have to complete and present at a seminar during the fourth year of study.
B) DISTANCE LEARNING The delivery mode of this program will be use of open and distance education learning modes involving;
4.5 Largely home based media
4.6. Other modes of delivery include:
a) Written self instructional study modules at the registration time
i) Study course materials (booklets etc)
ii) Relevant literature
iii) Interactive devices and self tests
b) Face to face introductory Tutorial
c) Mediated technical learning materials
i) Audio cassettes
ii) E-learning materials
iii) Video clips
d) Limited face-to-face sessions to provide overview of the course at commencement of semester, mid semester and revision period before examinations.
e) Support study centers at the University of Nairobi
i) Access to information through computers at school of computing and informatics, Biometry Laboratory at College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (CAVS) and other centers such as the library
ii) Use of libraries at the University of Nairobi and Agricultural research institutions.
f) Orientation (immediately after registration):
i) Orientation in ODL delivery
ii) Study, reading and computer skills
iii) Time management and techniques in handling assignments
iv) Mentorship, guidance and counseling
v) Emphasis is on satellite centers that serve as a link between the university and the student in the following manner:
- Registration - Collecting reading materials - Collecting results and programmes - Examination information - Posting timetable - Holding meetings.
Duration and the course load of the programmes.
The Distance Learning programme will run for a minimum of 8 semesters of 15 weeks each and a maximum of 16 semesters of 15 weeks each.
There will be two semesters per calendar year therefore the minimum calendar years for completion of the programme would be a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 8 years.
The average course load per semester will be 6 course units studied through the 15 weeks. However, students may be allowed to take a minimum of 4 units per semester.
Each course unit in the programme has a loading of a minimum of 45 hours.
Admission Requirements
2.0 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture shall be: -
(A) Holders of KCSE with mean grade of C+ with passes at C or above in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics
or Physics or Geography, and any one of the following; - English, Kiswahili, Physics (if not included
above), History and Government, Geography (if not included above), Christian Religious Education,
Islamic Religious Education, Hindu Religious Education, Home Science, Art and Design, Agriculture,
Aviation Technology, Computer Science, French, Germany, Arabic, Music, Business Studies.
(B) Holders of K.A.C.E or equivalent with minimum 2 principal passes in Biology and Chemistry and at least
a subsidiary pass in Mathematics. If Mathematics was not offered at K.A.C.E, then it is accepted at
Ordinary Level but with a minimum of a credit pass.
(C) Holders of a Diploma in Biological Sciences or related sciences from a recognized institution with credit
or distinction, with KCSE mean grade of C or above.
(D) Holders of a degree in biological sciences or related sciences from a recognized University.
3.0 TRANSFER OF CREDITS AND EXEMPTIONS
(A) CREDIT TRANSFER
A candidate from a recognized university, or any other equivalent institution recognized by the University of Nairobi senate, wishing to transfer to B.Sc. Horticulture programme at the University of Nairobi shall be allowed to transfer credits from his/her University if those credits are deemed relevant and meet the required minimum contact hours. A University of Nairobi student who obtains a credit or credits from a recognized university shall also be allowed to transfer those credits to the University of Nairobi. The transfer of credits shall not be more than a third (1/3) of the total prescribed credits and/or course units required for the award of B.Sc. Horticulture degree.
(B) EXEMPTIONS
Senate may exempt students from some courses on recommendation of the Faculty Board provided that: -
3.1 Such candidates had taken those courses in a recognized University or equivalent institution and had achieved a pass grade.
3.2 Candidates seeking such exemption submit a duly completed senate approved form specifying the courses for which exemption is desired and attach evidence of 3.1 above, showing contents of what was studied.
3.3 Courses specified in 3.2 are to satisfy the requirements of the first year of study only. Candidates requiring exemption from 2nd, 3rd and 4th year courses shall in the absence of credit transfer be required to sit university examination and attain at least pass grade, which will then be used in the degree classification.
3.4 Course units recommended for exemption should not exceed 1/3 of the total units in the degree programme.
3.5 A non-refundable course exemption fee as determined by the University be paid with each application for exemption.
Careers
Horticulture
Fees and Funding
| YEAR 1 -15UNITS | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Yearly total |
| TUITION | 162,000.00 | 162,000.00 | 324,000.00 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000.00 | - | 7,000.00 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 7,000.00 | 8,000.00 | 15,000.00 |
| CAUTION - (ONCE) | 5,000.00 | - | 5,000.00 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000.00 | - | 4,000.00 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | - | 1,000.00 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250.00 | 2,250.00 | 4,500.00 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | - | 1,000.00 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500.00 | - | 6,500.00 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000.00 | - | 2,000.00 |
| Total Bachelor Of Science-Horticulture - year 1 | 197,750.00 | 172,250.00 | 370,000.00 |
| YEAR 2 -14UNITS | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Yearly total |
| TUITION | 162,000.00 | 162,000.00 | 324,000.00 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000.00 | - | 7,000.00 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 7,000.00 | 7,000.00 | 14,000.00 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250.00 | 2,250.00 | 4,500.00 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | - | 1,000.00 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000.00 | - | 4,000.00 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | - | 1,000.00 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500.00 | - | 6,500.00 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000.00 | - | 2,000.00 |
| Total Bachelor Of Science-Horticulture- year 2 | 192,750.00 | 171,250.00 | 364,000.00 |
| YEAR 3 -16UNITS | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Yearly total |
| TUITION | 162,000.00 | 162,000.00 | 324,000.00 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000.00 | - | 7,000.00 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 8,000.00 | 8,000.00 | 16,000.00 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250.00 | 2,250.00 | 4,500.00 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000.00 | - | 4,000.00 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | - | 1,000.00 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | - | 1,000.00 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500.00 | - | 6,500.00 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000.00 | - | 2,000.00 |
| Total Bachelor Of Science-Horticulture - year 3 | 193,750.00 | 172,250.00 | 366,000.00 |
| YEAR 4 - 16UNITS | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Yearly total |
| TUITION | 162,000.00 | 162,000.00 | 324,000.00 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000.00 | - | 7,000.00 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 8,000.00 | 8,000.00 | 16,000.00 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250.00 | 2,250.00 | 4,500.00 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000.00 | - | 4,000.00 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | - | 1,000.00 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | - | 1,000.00 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500.00 | - | 6,500.00 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000.00 | - | 2,000.00 |
| Total Bachelor Of Science-Horticulture- year 4 | 193,750.00 | 172,250.00 | 366,000.00 |
| Grand Totals | 1,466,000.00 |
Exam Regulations
5.0 EXAMINATION REGULATIONS
The conduct of examinations shall be governed by the following regulations:
5.1 No candidate shall be permitted to sit an examination unless he/she has satisfactorily attended two- thirds (2/3) of the prescribed course of study.
5.2 For purposes of these regulations, Field Practice (Attachment) shall be deemed to be part of the
fourth year.
5.3 All examination procedures shall be governed by the following: -
a. Each course examination shall be scored out of a total of 100%.
b. The pass mark in each course examination shall be 40% and graded as follows: -
70 - 100% = A
60 - 69% = B
50 - 59% = C
40 - 49% = D
39% and below = FAIL
c. Written examination in each course shall be a 1 x 2 hour paper and shall constitute 70%.The Continuous
Assessment Tests (CATs) shall constitute the remaining 30%, which shall be divided as follows: written
CATs/term papers 20% and practical/field trip reports 10%.
d. Field Practice/Attachment shall be examined by oral examination and written reports.The grades shall be
used in the degree classification. Evaluation of the students performance while in the field shall constitute
30%, written reports 40% and oral presentations 30%.
e. The Special Projects and Seminars shall be examined by written reports and presentations and shall be
graded for use in the degree classification.The seminars and project proposal shall constitute 30%, the
special project report shall constitute 60%, and oral presentation shall constitute 10%.
f. The course ACP 402 (Diagnostics of crop diseases) shall be examined by laboratory practicals for both
CATs and final examination, where CATs constitute 30% but as described under 5.3 (c) and final
Examination shall constitute 70%.
g. For purposes of regulations 5.3 (a)-(f) herein, all papers shall carry equal weight.
h. A candidate who fails to attain the pass mark in seven or more of the course units taken in any year shall
on recommendation of the Faculty Board and approval by Senate be discontinued from the degree
programme.
i. A candidate who fails to attain the pass mark in five or six course units taken in any academic year shall
be required to repeat the academic year of study.
Candidates who repeat the year shall sit examinations in failed courses only.
Candidates shall have the option to repeat the year externally, whereby they sit CATs and final
examinations in the failed courses without attending classes.
Candidates who repeat the year externally shall be required to pay examination fess and any other fees
that the University may deem applicable. Candidates who opt to attend classes in the failed courses shall
be required to pay the required tuition fees for the failed course units, examination fees, and any other
necessary charges as may be determined by the University.
j. A repeating candidate who fails to attain the pass mark in any of the failed courses shall, on
recommendation of the Faculty Board and approval by Senate, be discontinued from the degree
programme.
k. In any year, a candidate who fails to attain the pass mark in any of the four course units or less may on
recommendation of the Faculty Board and approval by Senate be allowed to sit supplementary
examinations in the failed courses within three months after official release of results.
l. Supplementary examinations shall be marked out of 100% but the pass grade shall be recorded 40%.
m. A candidate shall be allowed to carry forward a maximum of four supplementary or resit supplementary
course unit examinations in a year of study. Examinations in all courses carried forward shall be taken
three months after University Examinations. Failed courses may be carried forward for a maximum of one
academic year. A candidate, who fails to sit examination(s) carried forward at the expiry of one academic
year, shall on recommendation of the Faculty Board and approval by Senate be discontinued from the
degree course, unless failure to sit examination(s) was on medical grounds, based on medical report(s)
from University of Nairobi.
n. A candidate who fails to attain the pass mark in a supplementary examination shall on recommendation of
the Faculty Board and approval by Senate be allowed to re-sit the examination, ONCE ONLY as long as
the total of such examinations does not exceed four in number during any one sitting for that particular
academic year.
o. A candidate who fails a re-sit supplementary shall on recommendation of the Faculty Board and approval
by Senate be discontinued from the degree programme.
p. For purposes of evaluation of all supplementary examinations,regulation 5.3(l) shall apply.
q. No candidate shall be allowed to repeat any year of study more than ONCE, for academic reasons.
5.4 The final degree of Bachelor of Science in Horticulture shall: -
a. Be awarded to candidates who have completed and passed examinations in all courses of study
including Field Practice/Industrial Attachment.
b. Be based on the average score of all examinations of courses taken in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years of
study.
c. Be classified into First Class Honours, Second Class Honours (Upper or Lower) Division and Pass,
provided that in order to qualify for the award of Honours Degree, a candidate shall not have repeated the
2nd, 3rd or 4th year(s) of study for academic reasons or had re-sit supplementary in any of the courses
given in any year of study excluding the first year.
5.5 In arriving at the decision as to the degree classification for each candidate, the Faculty Board of
Examiners shall consider, while observing regulation 5.4(c) above, the overall mean mark obtained by
the candidate and shall apply the principle that a mean score of:
70 - 100% merits First Class Honours.
60 - 69% merits Second Class Honours (Upper Division).
50 - 59% merits Second Class Honours (Lower Division).
40 - 49% merits a Pass.
