Master of Science In Plant Breeding and Biotechnology

Philosophy of the Programme

The programme is set to contribute to the sustainable development goals by reducing poverty levels, hunger and quality education by providing plant improvement solutions through education and leadership skills as well as link the program to the industry. It is also set to address economic and social pillars of Kenya Vision 2030, anchored on foundations of plant breeding and biotechnology by educating and providing stewardship to stakeholders in research and development to improve livelihoods and take moral responsibility for Kenya and its neighbours.

Rationale of the Programme

Needs assessment/market survey/situation analysis

Agriculture is the backbone of developing countries contributing above 25% of the national gross domestic product but there is still high malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, effects of climate change, biotic/ abiotic stresses and others affecting production. Although many new varieties have been developed over time in Kenya and region, new challenges arise that need development of new cultivars/ varieties. In addition, newer, faster and higher precision methods are being developed and applied to reduce time taken to develop superior lines. There is therefore a need to improve on content for the current programme to respond to emerging national and global issues in plant breeding that will contribute to addressing food security, poverty, effects of climate change and other sustainable development goals. The common regulations for the Master’s degree of the University of Nairobi and Faculty of Agriculture shall apply.

1. Holders of a degree with at least Upper Second Class Honours in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Horticulture, Botany and Zoology, Environmental Sciences, Forestry, or related plant science degree or Bachelor of Education in Science with Botany and Zoology option and any other relevant subject from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by Senate.
2. Holders of a degree with at least Lower Second Class Honours in any of the degrees specified in (i) above with two years of relevant experience or a postgraduate diploma in (i) above or equivalent qualification from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognised by Senate.
3. Holders of a pass Bachelor’s degree in disciplines specified in (1) above and a postgraduate diploma or its equivalent from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by the senate.
4. Holders of a pass degree in the disciplines specified in (1) above with at least five years relevant work experience in agricultural related fields.

Mode of Delivery

The programme shall be offered through face-to-face and Open, Distance and Electronic Learning (ODeL) modes of delivery.

Face-to-Face Mode

The face-to-face method of delivery will be through class room lectures, seminars, discussions, tutorials, guided practical experiments and demonstrations.

1. A candidate shall take a minimum of 2 academic years and a maximum of 3 academic years.
   1. Each academic year shall be divided into two semesters and each semester shall consist of 15 weeks inclusive of teaching and examinations.
   2. A candidate shall be required to undertake training and complete all course work and practical assignments that are prescribed for the Master of Science in Horticulture.
   3. During the second year of study, a candidate will be required to develop a research project proposal relevant to any field of horticulture. The project proposal shall be executed and a thesis submitted for examination to the graduate school. A candidate shall be expected to consult their supervisors while developing and executing the project proposal and preparing thesis for examination.
      • Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL)

The open, distance and electronic learning (ODeL) modes of delivery will be through:

1. Use of various media and largely home based.
2. Written self-instructional study modules issued at registration time
   1. Study course materials like booklets
   2. Relevant literature
   3. Online interactive devices and self-tests
3. Mediated technical learning materials for example:-
   1. Audio visual
   2. e-learning materials
4. The University of Nairobi study support centres and libraries at the University of Nairobi and other institutions.

• Blended learning

The blended learning mode of delivery will combine face-to-face and online learning approaches.

1. Use online tools and resources such as Google Classroom, YouTube, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Moodle and Blackboard.
2. Hands-on practical exercises in the laboratory or field, face-to-face group work in a classroom and face-to-face tutorials between online lessons.

Use of cloud-based content and learning course management system application to connect with students online. The online platforms will allow students to access videos of lectures, track assignments, interact with the lecturers and classmates, and review supporting materials such as PowerPoint presentations and scholarly articles.

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