MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
PROGRAMME TITLE: Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (BSc. Biotech)
March 2010
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………………………
1. JUSTIFICATION (PREAMBLE)………………………………………….........................
2. PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES……………………………………………………………
2.1 Main objective…………………………………………………………………………
2.2 Overall Learning Outcomes of the Programme………………………………...
3. NOMENCLATURE....................................................................................................
4. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS..................................................................................
4.1 Students Recruitment Plans…………………………………………………………
4.1.1 Direct entry…………………………....................................................................
4.1.2 Mature Age Entry Scheme……………………………………………………...
4.1.3 Diploma holders’ entry scheme…………………………………………………
4.2 Credit Transfers………………………………………………………………………...
4.2.1 Diploma Holders…………………………………………………………………….
4.2.2 Undergraduate Students from other Universities……………………………..
4.3 Residence Requirements…………………………………………………………….
5. DURATION…………………………………………………………………………..........
6. COURSE CATEGORISATION/DEFINITION OF TERMS…………………………........
7. GENERAL INFORMATION ON COURSES AND GRADING SYSTEM…………........
7.1 Grading System………..………………………………………………………………
8.0 DEGREE PROGRAMME………………………………………………………………
8.1 Programme Load……………………………………………………………………
8.2 Curriculum structure…………………………………………………………………
8.3 Detailed course descriptions..............................................................................
8.4 Grade Point Average (GPA) for a semester……………………………………..
8.5 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)………………………………………
8.6 Classification of BSc. Biotech Degree……………………………………………
9. EXAMINATIONS…………………………………………………………………….........
9.1 Assessment…………………………………………………………………………......
9.2 Course Assessment…………………………………………………………………...
9.3 Earning credit in a course………………………………………………………….
9.4 Retaking a Course or Courses………………………………………………………
10. ACADEMIC PROGRESS.………………………………………………………….......
10.1 Normal Progress……………………………………………………………………...
10.2 Probationary Progress……………………………………………………………….
10.3 Discontinuation……...…………………………………………………………….....
11. HONOURS LIST…………………………………………………………………….........
12. CERTIFICATE OF DUE PERFORMANCE………………………………………..........
13. ABSENCE FROM EXAMINATION……………………………………………….........
14. GRIEVANCE RELATED TO GRADES……………………………………...................
15. ACADEMIC STAFF AVAILABLE TO EXECUTE THE PROGRAMME………............
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16. FACILITIES IN THE DEPARTMENT…………………………………………………….
17. FORMATION OF LINKAGES……………………………………………………..........
18. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT…………………………………………………………
18.1 Sources of Funding…………………………………………………………………
18.1.1 MSI Grant USD1.25 m……………………………………………………………
18.1.2 Internally Generated Funds……………………………………………………
18.1.2.1 First Semester Income…………………………………………………………
18.1.2.2 Expenditure………………………………………………………………………
18.1.2.3 Budget for the Second Semester……………………………………………
18.1.2.4 Accountability…………………………………………………………………
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JUSTIFICATION (PREAMBLE)
Agricultural production forms the backbone of the economies of most of the
developing countries in Africa whereby it contributes more than half of the gross
domestic product (GDP). However agricultural production is suffering a decline due to
poor soils, unreliable climatic conditions, poor agricultural practices, and a host of pest
and disease constraints. An estimated 35% of the 800 million poor people live in Africa
and are faced with food insecurity characterized by hunger, malnutrition and poverty.
All this is occurring against the background of an escalating human population growth
rate. For example, in Uganda with an annual population growth rate of 3%, the total
population is expected to be 50 million by 2015.
Modern biotechnology is increasingly being recognized as a potentially powerful driver
for socio-economic development countries of the world especially in developing
countries where it offers enormous potential benefits in accelerating the development
of new plant and animal products with improved attributes such as drought tolerance,
pest resistance or tolerance, higher yields, increased nutritional value (protein and
micro nutrients), increased product shelf-life and production of clean planting materials
(e.g. flowers, vegetables, medicinal plants and bananas). In animal production there is
substantial opportunity for development of biotechnology-derived vaccines with
improved efficacy and safety compared to conventional products, diagnostic
techniques targeting diseases which constrain livestock production in developing
regions of the world (e.g. foot and mouth disease and east coast fever) and
improvement of pastures. The contribution of biotechnology to producing ‘biofarm’
animals with improved meat, milk protein and other products such as high quality wool
cannot be underestimated. The medical applications of biotechnology in development
of drugs and vaccines and new cheap cost effective diagnostic techniques have gone
a long way to alleviate hunger poverty and disease.
Biotechnology also has applications in wildlife conservation, processing industry, mineral
extraction through bioleaching, beverages, drug development, environmental
restoration and conservation among others.
The integration of these new and appropriate biotechnologies into the national
development plan of Uganda is an inevitable prerequisite for improving the national
economy and wellbeing of the population through increasing agricultural and industrial
production, improved human health and addressing environmental degradation and
biodiversity loss. Whereas this would go a long way in attaining the Millennium
Development Goals (MDG) by the year 2015, Uganda is yet to develop the critical mass
of biotechnologists to achieve these objectives.
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This new programme of Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (B.Sc. Biotech.) is
therefore aimed at producing graduates with appropriate training and skills to bridge
this human resource gap both in the public and private sectors. Currently, such a
degree programme is not being offered by any University in Uganda.
2.0 PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
2.1 Main objective
The main objective of this programme is to produce graduates with sufficient
knowledge and skills in the field of modern Biotechnology necessary for enhancing
agricultural and industrial production, biodiversity and environmental conservation.
2.2 Overall Learning Outcomes of the Programme
On successful completion of the programme, a graduate with BSc. in Biotechnology
should be able to:
(1) demonstrate the use of Biotechnology as a tool in advancing major scientific
breakthroughs in Pure and Applied Sciences.
(2) describe key processes encompassing the central theme of Molecular Biology and
the use of techniques in Recombinant DNA Technology.
(3) identify and apply appropriate Biotechnology tools for the enhancement of
National agricultural research, production and development under the domain of
the Plan for the Modernization of Agriculture (PMA) in Uganda.
(4) apply appropriate Environmental biotechniques such as bioremediation for
environmental conservation and restoration.
(5) apply suitable biotechnology tools for conservation and sustainable utilization of
plant and animal genetic resources.
(6) apply biotechnologies in line with national and international guidelines formulated
for biosafety and biopolicy for public interest.
(7) contribute to, retrieve and analyze research findings from the end-user scientific
community via Bioinformatics tools.
(8) apply biotechnology knowledge and skills in bio-entrepreneurship in product and
service development.
(9) link bio-sciences, law, ethics, commerce and industry to national and global
development goals.
(10) pursue a higher degree in more specialized areas of Biotechnology.
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3. NOMENCLATURE
Successful graduates from this programme will be awarded the Bachelor of Science in
Biotechnology (BSc. Biotech) degree of Makerere University.
4. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Students Recruitment Plans
High schools and tertiary institutions will be visited to popularize the programme. The
students with a biological background will be selected according to the current
university minimum requirements for direct admission from high schools, diploma
holders, mature age entry scheme and credit transfers from other universities and other
institutions as outlined below.
The Department intends to recruit 100 students split into 60 day and 40 evening
programmes. There will be a slot for 5 international students in the programme. The
second and third intakes will be raised to 150 students. The subsequent intakes will be
decided following the programme review after three years.
4.1.1 Direct entry
For admission to the degree programme under direct entry scheme, a candidate must
have sat for and passed:
i) UCE or its equivalent
ii) UACE or its equivalent with at least 2 principal passes in Biology and either
Chemistry, Agriculture, Physics, or Mathematics
iii) The two essential subjects recommended are Biology and Chemistry
iv) The desired subjects recommended are Agriculture and Mathematics
v) The relevant subjects recommended are Physics and Economics
4.1.2 Mature Age Entry Scheme
For admission to the BSc. Biotech degree programme under mature age entry scheme,
a candidate must have sat and passed the examinations in the aptitude and
biotechnology, biochemistry, botany, or zoology.
4.1.3 Diploma holders’ entry scheme
A diploma holder from a recognised institution in the areas of biotechnology, biology,
agriculture and biomedical sciences may be admitted to the BBT degree programme
provided:
(i) one has attained at least a second class diploma
(ii) one took courses in relevant subjects at the tertiary institutions
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4.2 Credit Transfers
4.2.1 Diploma Holders
Appropriate credits earned EITHER at a tertiary institution OR another university at
diploma level may be used as equivalents for university courses to join the BBT
Programme.
4.2.2 Undergraduate Students from other Universities
Appropriate credits earned from other recognised/accredited universities by
undergraduate students may be accepted provided they are equivalent and relevant
to the Biotechnology Degree Programme offered at Makerere University.
4.3 Residence Requirements
The minimum requirements for obtaining a BBT degree of Makerere University are
earning at least 51-55% credit units at Makerere University. Even though a student may
meet the degree requirements before earning 51-55% at Makerere University, the
award of the degree will not be recommended until the 51-55% credit has been
earned.
5.0 DURATION
The recommended duration of the BSc. Biotech degree programme is three years.
6. COURSE CATEGORISATION/DEFINITION OF TERMS
i) Semester: one standard semester comprises of 15 weeks of classes and 2 weeks of
examinations
ii) Contact hours: a contact hour shall be equivalent to one (1) hour of lecture or two
(2) hours of tutorial/practical/field work.
iii) Credit or Credit Unit: a credit or Credit Unit is the measure used to reflect the relative
weight of a given course towards the fulfilment of appropriate degree, diploma, and
certificate or other programmes required. One Credit Unit shall be One Contact Hour
per week per semester or a series of Fifteen (15) Contact Hours.
iv) Core Course: a Core course is a course, which is essential to an Academic
Programme and gives the programme its unique features. A core course is compulsory
for all students who have registered for a particular programme and must be passed.
v) Elective Course: an Elective course is a course offered in order to broaden an
academic programme or to allow for specialization. It is chosen from a given group of
courses largely at the convenience of the student. All elective courses must be passed.
However, another elective course may be substituted for a failed elective course and
passed.
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vi) Audited Course: an Audited Course is a course taken by a student for which a
credit/credit unit is not awarded. This course enables the student to follow or
understand learning of another subject/course.
vii) Pre-requisite Course: a pre-requisite is a condition (either course or classification),
which must be satisfied prior to enrolling for the course in question. A pre-requisite
course, therefore, is a course offered in preparation for a higher-level course in the
same area of study. In this programme, all courses from Semester I to Semester V are
core. They therefore act as prerequisite courses for those in subsequent semesters.
7. GENERAL INFORMATION ON COURSES AND GRADING SYSTEM.
The different courses in the programme are identified by a unique four-digit number
code assigned to the course e.g. BBT1103. The first digit (1 in the example above)
denotes the year in which the course is usually taken: thus 1, 2, and 3 indicate 1st, 2nd,
and 3rd year courses respectively. The 2nd digit (1 in the example above) denotes the
Semester in which the course is usually taken, thus 1,2 indicate semesters 1 and 2
respectively. The last two digits (0 and 3 in the above example) distinguish the individual
courses.
7.1 Grading System
The overall marks a candidate obtains in each course he/she takes is out of a maximum
of one hundred (100) marks shall be assigned appropriate letter grades and Grade
Points for Bsc. in Biotech is as follows:
Marks
90-100
80-89
75-79
70-74
65-69
60-64
55-59
50-54
45-50
40-45
Below 40
Letter Grade
A+
A
B+
B
C+
C
D+
D
E
EF
Grade Point
5
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.0
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Interpretation
Exceptional
Excellent
Very good
Good
Fairly good
Fair
Pass
Marginal pass
Marginal fail
Clear fail
Bad fail
8.0 DEGREE PROGRAMME
8.1 Programme Load
A normal programme load per semester is 19-21 CU. A normal load for a semester is
defined as one sixth of the total credit units required for the degree towards which the
student is working. Therefore the BSc. Biotech which requires 114 CU, 19 CU is the typical
load per semester. The minimum load to maintain a full time status is 19 CU for all
students. A student enrolled for 17 CU or less is considered to be part-time.
8.2 Curriculum structure
The detailed curriculum structure for the BSc in Biotechnology programme is outlined in
the table below showing the course codes, course names, credit (CU), lecture hours
(LH), practical hours (PH) and contact hours (CH) per semester.
YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1
No.
1
Code
Course Name
BBT1101
Cell Biology
Molecular structure and function of
2
BBT1102
macromolecules
3
BBT1103 Enzymology
Flowering
plant
growth
and
4
BOT1101
development*
5
BBT1105 Basic computer applications
6
ETB1104 Economics for conservation*
SUB-TOTAL
YEAR 1 SEMESTER 2
1
BBT1201 Basic animal physiology
2
BBT1202 Introductory microbiology and mycology
3
BBT1203 Cellular Metabolism
4
BBT1204 Basic Plant Physiology
5
BOT1201 Basic Genetics*
6
BOT1202 Basic Ecology*
7.
BBT1205 Animal growth and development
SUB-TOTAL
YEAR 2 SEMESTER 3
Applications of biotechnology in Seed
1
BBT2301
science and Technology
2
BBT2302 Molecular markers
3
BBT2303 Recombinant DNA Technologies
4
BBT2304 Evolutionary biology
5
BBT2305 Molecular systematics
6
BBT2306 Molecular Evolution
SUB-TOTAL
9
CU
LH
PH
CH
3
30
30
45
3
30
30
45
3
30
30
45
3
30
30
45
3
3
18
30
30
30
30
45
45
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
21
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
45
45
45
45
45
45
30
3
30
30
45
3
4
3
3
3
19
30
45
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
45
60
45
45
45
YEAR 2 SEMESTER 4
1
BBT2401 Research methods
Molecular defense mechanisms in plants
2
BBT2402
and animals
3
BBT2403 Tissue culture
4
BBT2404 Biostatistics and Modeling
5
BOT2202 Plant-water relations and Mineral nutrition*
6
BBT2405 Field Attachment
SUB-TOTAL
YEAR 3 SEMESTER 5
1
BBT3501 Genomics and Bioinformatics
2
BBT3502 Stress Physiology and environment
3
BBT3503 Biosafety, Bioethics and Biopolicy
Plants as Chemical and Pharmaceutical
4
BBT3504
factories
5
BBT3505 Bioprospecting
SUB-TOTAL
YEAR 3 SEMESTER 6
1
BBT3601 Fermentation Biotechnology**
Microbiology,
Plant
Pathology
and
2
BBT3602
Virology**
Product development and
3
BBT3603
entrepreneurship
4
BBT3604 Biotechnology and crop Improvement**
5
BBT3605 Environmental Biotechnology**
6
BBT3606 Research project***
SUB-TOTAL
3
30
30
45
3
30
30
45
3
4
3
3
19
30
45
30
30
30
30
30
30
45
60
45
45
4
4
4
45
45
45
30
30
30
60
60
60
4
45
30
60
4
20
45
30
60
4
45
30
60
4
45
30
60
4
45
30
60
4
4
5
17
45
45
--
30
30
150
60
60
75
GRAND TOTAL = 114 CREDIT UNITS
* = Already existing course; ** = Electives (only two to be selected); *** = Research
Project
The above programme will be taught by staff from the Department of Botany, other
Departments of the Faculty of Science and other collaborating institutions.
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8.3 DETAILED COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
i) Course Name: CELL BIOLOGY
Course Code: BBT1101
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief Course Description:
The course will cover the structure-function relationships of organelles, prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells, cellular functions of molecular traffic, the significance of both somatic
and germ cell cycles, processes of DNA replication, transcription and translation and
characteristics of the standard genetic code
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1. discuss the structure-function relationships of cell organelles
2. distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
3. describe key cellular functions of molecular traffic, division and metabolism
4. discuss the biological significance of the cell cycle in somatic and germ line cells
5. discuss the role of the mitochondria and chloroplasts in extra-nuclear inheritance
6. explain the processes of DNA replication, transcription and translation
7. explain the characteristics of the standard genetic code.
Detailed course description
A cell as the basic unit of life:
Cell sizes and shapes (1 hour), Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells (2 hours)
The cell theory:
Cellular structure and functions (2 hours), Transport across membranes (1 hour),
Structure and function of organelles (1 hour), Cell membrane and its functions (1
hour)
Cell division:
Mitosis and meiosis (3 hours), Continuity of life (1 hour), The cell cycle (1 hour),
Structure and function of the cytoskeleton (1 hour), Ageing and cell death (1 hour)
Structural and functional organization of chloroplasts and mitochondria:
The semi-genetic autonomy of the mitochondria and chloroplasts (1 hour) Structure
and function of chloroplasts and mitochondria (2 hours), Endosymbiotic theory of
the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts (1 hour), Receptors (1 hour)
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Structure and function of genetic material:
DNA and RNA; their properties, functions and differences (2 hours), the genetic
code and its characteristics (2 hours), Chargaff’s rules of DNA base pairing (1 hour),
The process of transcription and translation (3 hours), Comparison of mitochondrial
and nuclear genetic codes (2 hours)
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
This course will consist of lectures, assignments and practicals
Assessment:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (tests, assignments and
practicals) (40%)
READING LIST
1. MCKEE, T and MCKEE, J. R. 1996. Biochemistry: An Introduction. Wm. C. Brown
Publishers. Boston. Chicago. London. Toronto
2. Alberts,B., Bray, D., Hopkin, K., and Johnson, A. 2009. Essential Cell Biology. Third
Edition. Garland Science.
3. Alberts, B., Johnson, A,, Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, Keith., Walter, Peter. 2008.
Molecular Biology of the Cell. 5th Edition. Garland Science
ii) Course Name: MOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF MACROMOLECULES
Course Code: BBT1102
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief course description:
This course will cover the molecular structure and functions of DNA and RNA, structural
differences between DNA and RNA, features of DNA making it the repository of genetic
information, the operon concept in prokaryotic gene expression, gene regulation in
eukaryotes, structural and functional diversity of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1. describe the molecular structure and functions of DNA and RNA
2. describe the structural and functional differences between DNA and RNA
3. discuss the features of DNA which make it a store of genetic information
4. discuss the operon concept in prokaryotic gene expression
5. describe the mechanisms of gene regulation in eukaryotes, and
6. describe structural and functional diversity of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids.
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Detailed course description
DNA as a source of genetic information:
The hierarchal structure of DNA (2 hours), 3-dimensional structure of DNA (1 hour),
Physical and chemical properties of DNA and RNA (2 hours), Bases and
ribonucleotides in RNA (1 hour), Differences between DNA and RNA (1 hour),
Properties and functions of different species of RNA and DNA in the evolution of life
(2 hours), Gene organization, regulation and expression in prokaryotes and
eukaryotes (2 hours), Regulation of gene expression in plant and animal growth and
development (4 Hours), Proteins: Structure and functions (2 hours), Carbohydrates;
their molecular structure and functions (6 hours), Glycosaminoglycans and
glycoproteins (2 hours), Lipids; their classification, properties and functions (3 hours),
Fatty-acid derivatives in plants and animals (2 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery
This course will consist of lectures, assignments and practicals
Assessment:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (tests, assignments and
practicals) (40%)
READING LIST
1. ALBERTS, B, JOHNSON, A., LEWIS, J.., RAFF, M, ROBERTS, K, and PETER WALTER. (2009).
Molecular Biology of the Cell . Wiley Blackwell . London. New York
2. FROMM M., and SCHULZKE J.D. (2009). Molecular Structure and Function of the Tight
Junction. Wiley Blackwell; 1 edition. London.
3. GENNIS R.B. (1988). Biomembranes: Molecular Structure and Function. Springer
4. PATTON, J T. (2008). Segmented Double-stranded RNA Viruses: Structure and
Molecular Biology. Caister Academic Press.
6. VOET, D, VOET, J, and PRAT, C. (2006). Fundamentals of Biochemistry, Life at
Molecular level. 2nd Edition. John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
iii) COURSE NAME: ENZYMOLOGY
Course Code: BBT1103
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief course description:
This course will consist of mode of action of enzymes and factors affecting their
activities, isolation and purification of enzymes, industrial application of enzymes
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Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. discuss factors that affect enzymatic activity
2. isolate and purify crude
3. forms of some enzyme extracts from living tissues
4. demonstrate how a given inhibitor affects the kinetics of an enzymatic reaction
5. discuss industrial applications of enzymes, and (5) describe the mode of action
of allosteric enzymes.
Detailed course description
Definition of an enzyme, Properties, Classification and nomenclature of Enzymes (4
hours), Historical review of Enzymology; Structural organization of Enzymes, Enzyme
specificity (4 hours), Kinetics of Enzyme Reactions; Role of co-enzymes, co-factors,
prosthetic groups (4 hours), Molecular Mechanisms of Enzyme Reactions; Regulation of
Enzyme Activity (3 hours), Factors that affect rates of enzyme catalyzed reactions (6
hours), Kinetics of Enzyme inhibition (6 hours), Multi-component forms of Enzymes;
enzyme biotechnology (3 hours)
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. LEHNINGER, A.L, NELSON, D.L and COX, M.M.(1993). Principles of Biochemistry. 2nd
Edition. Worth Publishers. New York.
2. McKEE, T and McKEE, J.R. (1996). Biochemistry: An Introduction. Wm. C. Brown
Publishers. Chicago. London. Singapore. Sidney. Toronto.
3. PRICE N.C. and Stevens L. (1999). Fundamentals of Enzymology: The Cell and
Molecular Biology of Catalytic Proteins. Third Edition. Oxford University Press, London.
4. ROBERT ALLEN COPELAND. 2000. Enzymes: A Practical Introduction to Structure,
Mechanism, and Data Analysis . Academic Press. New York.
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iv) Course Name: FLOWERING PLANT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Course Code: BOT1101
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief Course Description:
The course will cover seed structure, seed germination; external and internal factors
affecting germination and plant growth and development, importance of plant
hormones in plant production.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course the student should be able to;
1. Describe the process of seed formation
2. Describe structure and chemical composition of seeds and their economic
importance
3. Explain the conditions suitable for germination.
4. Describe the causes and methods of overcoming seed dormancy
5. Demonstrate techniques of measuring growth.
6. Discuss external and intrinsic factors that influence flowing plant growth and
development.
7. Relate the role of extrinsic and intrinsic factors in plant productivity
Detailed Course Description:
Seed structure and chemical composition (2 Hours), Process of seed formation (1 Hour),
Definition of seed germination and types of seed germination (1 Hour), Longevity,
viability and factors affecting seed germination (1 Hour), Concept of seed dormancy (1
Hour), Different types of seed dormancy and how they are overcome (2 Hours), The
genetic basis of growth and development (3 hours), Plant growth (general and
development aspect), parameters of growth (measurable quantities) (4 Hours), Theories
to explain patterns of growth (3 Hours), The genetic control of the synthesis of
phytohormones (2 hours), Hormonal control of plant growth and development (3
Hours), Application of hormones in agricultural production (3 Hours), Environment
factors and their effect on plant growth (4 Hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (tests, assignments and
practicals) (40%)
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READING LIST
1. BEWLEY, J.D and BLACK, M. (1994). Seeds: Physiology of Development and
Germination. Second Edition. Plenum Press. New York
2. CHRISPELS, M.J and SADAVA, D.E. (2003). Plants, Genes and Crop Biotechnology.
Second Edition. Jones and Bartlett Publishers. London
3. HARTMANN, H.T, KOFRANEK, A.M, RUBATZKY, V.E and FLOCKER, W.J. (1988). Plant
Science: Growth, Development, and Utilization of Cultivated Plants. Second Edition.
Prentice Hall Career & Technology. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
4. LEA, P.J and LEEGOOD, R.C. (1997). Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. John
Wiley and Sons. Ltd. Chichester. England
5. MURPHY, T.M and THOMPSON, W.F. 1988. Molecular Plant Development. Prentice Hall
Career & Technology. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
v) COURSE NAME: BASIC COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
Course Code: BBT1104
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief Course Description:
This course will cover basic computer skills, e-based resource materials and application
of computer skills in biological data analysis and modeling.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of this course, the student should be able to:
1. demonstrate basic skills in computer literacy
2. explain the importance and use of e–based resource materials
3. use computer skills in biological data analysis and modeling.
Detailed course description:
Introduction to computing (3 hours), Definitions, computer components, classification
Introduction to basic computer packages (10 hours), Common graphic and statistical
packages (Adobe illustrator and Photoshop, SPSS, STATA) (8 hours), Internet (2 hours)
MacIntosh, Windows and Linux software (3 hours), Introduction to basic principles of
modeling in biology (4 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (tests, assignments and
practicals) (40%)
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vi) COURSE NAME: ECONOMICS FOR CONSERVATION
Course Code: ETB 1104
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief course description:
The course will consist of basic principles of economics and their application in the
sustainable utilization of plant and animal resources.
Specific learning outcomes:
By the end of the course the students should be able to:
1. describe the basic principles of economics
2. apply economic principles in utilization of plant and animal resources
3. demonstrate and relate the role of economics in conservation of resources
4. apply appropriate tools of economic analysis to utilisation of plant resources
5. discuss and apply the concepts of the flow of income and outputs in an
economy
Detailed course description:
Micro-Economics:
Basic principles of economics (2 hours), Fundamental economic problems of man
(2 hour), Economic questions and scarcity of resources (2 hours), Tools of
economic analysis (1 hour), Market concept (1 hour), Demand and supply theories
(2 hours), Price determination (1 hour), Elasticity of demand and supply
(1 hour), Price mechanisms, fluctuations and controls (2 hours), Consumer
behavior and application of price mechanisms to the factor market (2 hours)
Production economics (5 hours), Opportunity cost (5 hours), Efficiency in
production (5 hours)
Macroeconomics:
Economic growth (1 hour), Central authorities (1 hour), Endogenous and
Exogenous factors (1 hour), Static and dynamic analysis (1 hour), Economic flows
and stocks (1 hour), National income (1 hour), Gross income and net income Gross
domestic product (GDP) and gross national product (GNP) (3 hours), Monitory
policy (1 hour), Keynesians and Classical (1 hour), The law of comparative
advantage (1 hour), International trade (1 hour). Economic planning (1 hour),
Project planning (1 hour).
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
17
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (tests and assignments)
(40%)
READING LIST
1. MANKIW, N. G. (2003). Principles of Economics –3rd Edition. Thomson Publishers
London.
2. ROGER, A. A. Microeconomics. 2009. 7th Edition
3. TAYEBWA, B and MUGISHA, B. 2001. Basic Economics. 4th Edition
vii) COURSE NAME: BASIC ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY
Course Code: BBT1201
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief Course Description:
This course will consist of description of biological body systems, intrinsic and extrinsic
factors controlling body functions, integration of individual and animal populations with
the environment.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1. describe the biological body systems that support the integrity of the body
2. explain how the intrinsic and extrinsic factors control body functions
3. explain the proximate and ultimate factors in the integration of individual and
animal populations in the environment.
Detailed course description:
Nutrition (6 hours)
Types of heterotrophic nutrition and modes of feeding, mechanisms of digestion,
absorption and assimilation
Osmoregulation and excretion (4 hours)
Osmoregulation in fresh and marine protozoans, marine fish and terrestrial animals,
including earthworms, snail, arthropods, insects, amphibians, birds and mammals;
types of excretory products
Circulatory systems (5 hours)
Types and characteristics of circulatory systems in animals, types of oxygen carrying
pigments
Gaseous exchange (5 hours)
Different types of respiratory surfaces and their characteristics in promoting gaseous
exchange
18
Locomotion (5 hours)
Modes and types of locomotion in various media, efficiency of various types of
locomotion in animals
Coordination and Homeostasis in animals (5 hours)
General functions of coordination in lower and higher animals, nervous and
chemical coordination, control of respiratory gases, regulation of blood sugar in
mammals, thermoregulation
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (tests, assignments and
practicals) (40%)
READING LIST
1. HILL R W, WYSE ,G A and ANDERSON, M. (2004) Animal Physiology 1ST Edition Sinauer
Associates
2. McKEE, T and McKEE, J.R. (1996). Biochemistry: An Introduction. Wm. C. Brown
Publishers. Chicago. London. Singapore. Sidney. Toronto.
3. SCHMIDT-NIELSON, K. 1997. Animal Physiology. 5th Edition. Cambridge UP, Cambridge
viii) COURSE NAME: INTRODUCTORY MICROBIOLOGY AND MYCOLOGY
Course Code: BBT1202
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief course description:
The course will consist of basic structure and significance of phytoplasma, viruses,
bacteria and fungi, roles of bacteria in N2 metabolism in plants, plant pathogens and
their economic importance, symptoms-based diagnosis of pathogen-related plant and
animal diseases.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1. describe the basic structures and significance of phytoplasma, bacteria, fungi,
and viruses
2. explain the roles of bacteria in nitrogen metabolism in plants with respect to
plant productivity
3. identify and describe specific plant pathogens of economic importance
19
4. explain the roles of mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia in plant productivity, and
5. make a symptom-based diagnosis of pathogen-related plant and animal
diseases.
Detailed course description:
Definitions of Microbiology and Mycology:
Historical review of Microbiology and Mycology (1 Hour)
Bacteria:
Morphology and classification (2 hours), Growth, reproduction and economic
importance of bacteria in industry and medicine (3 hours), Bacterial diseases and their
control (1 hour), Cyanobacteria , Occurrence, morphology, classification and
reproduction (2 hours), A comparative analysis of Cynobacteria and ‘true bacteria’ (1
hour), Economic significance of cyanobacteria (1 hour),Phytoplasma (1 Hour),
Occurrence, morphology, Impact on plants (1 hour),
Fungi:
Fungi morphology, (1 hour) diversity, (1 hour) reproductive modes (1 hour), nutritional
requirements (1 hour),
growth and ecology (1 hour), Isolation and identification (2 hours), Classification (1
hour), Economic significance of fungi in plant and animal production (2 hours), Plant
and animal viruses Definition & History (1 hour), Architecture (1 hour), diversity and
classification (1 hour), Chemical composition (1 hour), Histo-pathological effects (1
hour), Transmission (1 hour), Isolation and Host range (1 hour).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1.. DEACON, J. W (1997) Introduction to Modern Mycology. 3rd Edition. Wiley-Blackwell
2. HERITAGE. (2007) Introductory Microbiology. Cambridge University Press India
3. MADIGAN, M.T, MARTINKO, J.M and PARKER, B. (2000). Biology of Microorganisms. 9th
Edition. Prentice Hall International. Inc.
20
ix) COURSE NAME: CELLULAR METABOLISM
Course Code: BBT1203
Course Credit: 3CU
Brief course description
This course will cover photosynthetic diversity, processes utilizing various metabolites,
synthesis of non-carbohydrates, synthesis of secondary plant products, regulation of
cellular metabolism.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. discuss the photosynthetic diversity in plants with respect to carbon fixation
pathways
2. describe cellular processes of utilizing chemical energy in various metabolites,
3. explain how glucose is synthesized from non carbohydrate sources,
4. describe lipid metabolism,
5. describe the biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites in plants,
6. describe nitrogen metabolism, and
7. explain how cellular metabolic processes are regulated.
Detailed course description:
Experimental approaches to cellular metabolism (2 hours); Photosynthesis: C2, C3 C4
and CAM pathways (3 hours); Chemosynthesis (2 hours); Metabolite partitioning and
sink-source relationship (2 hours); Photorespiration (2 hours); Role of plant biotechnology
in enhancing plants’ photosynthetic potential (3 hours); Biosynthesis of sucrose, starch,
and glycoproteins (1 hour); Starch breakdown (1 hour); The Glycolytic pathway and
the Fate of pyruvate (2 hours); Catabolism of hexoses other than glucose (2 hours); The
tri-carboxylic acid (TCA) cycle (2 hours); Pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) (1 hour);
Electron transport system (1 hour); β-oxidation of fatty acids (1 hour); Role of acetylcoA (1 hour); Biosynthesis of fatty acids and plant oils (2 hours); Gluconeogenesis (1
hour); Nitrogen metabolism and biosynthesis of amino acids (2 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
21
READING LIST
1. LEA, P.J and LEEGOOD, R.C. (1997). Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. John
Wiley and Sons. Ltd. Chichester. England
2. MCKEE, T and MCKEE, J. R. (1996). Biochemistry: An Introduction. Wm. C. Brown
Publishers. Boston. Chicago. London. Toronto
3. TAIZ, L and ZEIGER, E. 2006. Plant Physiology. Third Edition, Sinauer.
x) COURSE NAME: BASIC PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
Course Code:
BBT1204
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief Course Description:
This course will cover nitrogen metabolism, importance of nitrogen and carbohydrate
metabolism and their relationship in plants, chemical composition of seeds and their
economic importance
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1. describe the process of nitrogen metabolism in plants
2. explain the importance of nitrogen metabolism to plants
3. describe the process and importance of carbohydrate metabolism to plants
4. review the relationship between nitrogen metabolism and carbohydrate
metabolism
5. describe the mechanism of carbohydrate synthesis by gluconeogenesis
6. review the photosynthetic process and factors affecting it
7. give an overview of respiration and factors affecting it
Detailed course description:
Nitrogen fixation by symbionts (1 hour), free-fixers (1 hour), Factors affecting N2-fixation
by micro-organisms (3 hours), Nitrogen Metabolism: Sources of nitrogen for plant use (2
hours), Utilization of nitrogen in the formation of a diversity of organic compounds (2
hours), The relationship between nitrogen compounds and other physiological functions
in plants (2 hours), Synthesis of amino acids (1 hour), Uses, general reactions and
properties of amino acids (2 hours), Proteins, their classification and general properties
(1 hour). Influence of nitrogen on plant growth (3 Hours), The influence of
carbohydrate/nitrogen compound ratio on flowering behaviour of plants (2 hours).
Carbohydrate metabolism: Biosynthesis of carbohydrates by gluconeogenesis and
photosynthesis (1 hour), Factors affecting photosynthesis (2 hours), Efficiency of
photosynthesis (2 hours), Respiration, respiratory substrates and, quotients and their
significance (3 hours), Intrinsic and extrinsic factors controlling respiratory rates in plants
and animals (2hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
22
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. BRAY, C.M. (2006). Nitrogen Metabolism. Longman. London. New York
2. DENNIS, D.T.(1990). Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology. Longman Scientific
and Technical
3. SALISBURY, F.B and ROSS, C.W.
(1991). Plant Physiology. Fourth Edition.
Wadsworth Publishing Company. Belmont, California
4. TAIZ, L and ZEIGER, E. (2006). Plant Physiology. Third Edition. Sinauer.
xi) COURSE NAME: BASIC GENETICS
Course Code:
BOT1201
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover Mendel’s law of inheritance, deviation from the expected patterns
Mendelian inheritance, the concept of linkage and gene mapping, concept of
multiple allelic inheritance, the roles of environmental and genetic factors in sex
determination, causes and consequences of mutation.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. compare and contrast Pre-Mendelian and Mendelian theories of inheritance
2. apply Mendel’s first and second laws of inheritance to solve related genetic
problems
3. explain the causes of deviations from expected patterns of Mendelian
Inheritance,
4. describe the concept of multiple allelic inheritance,
5. discuss the concept of linkage and gene mapping based on recombination
frequencies between genes
6. discuss the role of environmental and genetic factors in sex determination
7. discuss the different types, causes and consequences of the different types of
mutations.
23
Detailed course description:
Pre-Mendelian genetics (1 Hour)
Pre-Mendelian theories of inheritance
Strengths and weaknesses of the different theories
Introduction to Mendelian genetics (3 Hours)
Brief biography of Gregor Mendel, Survey of characteristics of a good genetic
organism, Advantages of garden peas over other species as genetic organisms,
Reasons for Mendel’s success in breeding genetics, Outline of Mendel’s classic
experiments and his results, Mendel’s monohybrid crosses and formulation of his first
law of inheritance, Reciprocal and test crosses,
Modifications of Mendelian monohybrid genotypic and phenotypic ratios (2 Hours)
Incomplete dominance, Co-dominance, Lethal genes, multiple alleles, Cytoplasmic
inheritance, Pleiotropy
Patterns of Dihybrid inheritance (3 Hours)
Definition of dihybrid inheritance, Description of Mendel’s dihybrid crosses,
Introduction to probability concepts as they relate to predicting outcomes of
dihybrid crosses, The Punnett square method, The concept of independent
assortment. Mendel’s second law of Inheritance, The dihybrid test cross
Modifications of Mendelian dihybrid genotypic and phenotypic ratios (3 Hours)
Incomplete dominance, Co-dominance, Lethal genes, Epistasis, Reciprocal gene
interaction
Multiple Allelic inheritance (3 Hours)
Coat color inheritance in rabbits, ABO blood groups in man, Practical applications
of blood group typing, Rhesus factor inheritance and its implications, ABO blood
group system and disease susceptibility, Inheritance of self incompatibility alleles in
plants
Gene linkage (2 Hours)
Concept of linkage, Types of linkage, Crossing over: detection, advantages and
disadvantages
Gene mapping (3 Hours)
Recombination frequencies / cross over values, Triangulation method of determining
gene order, Factors affecting recombination frequencies between genes,
Sex determination in plants and animals (3 Hours)
Environmental sex determination, disadvantages of environmental sex
determination, Genetic sex determination, abnormalities of sex determination and
their symptoms, Chromosomal non-disjunction
Inheritance related to sex (3 Hours)
Sex influenced characteristics, Sex limited characteristics, holandric characteristics,
Sex linked characteristics, Pedigree analysis,
24
Mutations (4 Hours)
Definition and classification of mutations, Causes of mutations, Types of mutagens,
Gene mutations, Frameshift and non-frameshift mutations, Chromosome mutations,
aneuploidy and euploidy
Practical (30 Hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. BURNS, G.W. (1980). The Science of Genetics: an introduction to Heredity. Macmillan
Publishing Company Inc. New York, 4th edition.
2. FANSWORTH, M.W. (1978). Genetics. Harper international edition. Harper and Row
Publishers Inc.
3. GREEN, N.P.O, STOUT, G.W and TAYLOR, D.J. (1998). Biological Science Vol. I & II.
Cambridge University Press, United Kingdom.
4. HARTL, D.L and JONES, E.W. (2001). Genetics: analysis of genes and genomes. Jones
and Bartlett Publishers, United States, 5th edition.
5. MUSCHEL, L. H. (1966). Blood Groups, Disease, and Selection. Bacteriological Reviews,
30: 427-441.
6. NEWMAN, S.A. (2005). The pre-Mendelian, pre-Darwinian world: Shifting relations
between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in early multi-cellular evolution;
Journal of Biosciences 30: 75–85
7. STRICKBERGER, M.W. (1968). Genetics. The Macmillan Company, New York.
xii) COURSE NAME: BASIC ECOLOGY
Course Code: BOT1202
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover ecological principles and concepts, natural ecosystem
interactions, natural resources and the environment.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course the student should be able to:
1. define and explain ecological principles and concepts,
2. explain natural ecosystem and interaction between living and non living things,
25
3. relate natural resources and environment and demonstrate skills for their
management.
Detailed course description:
Definition of ecology, scope, meaning and importance of ecology (2 Hours),
Ecosystem, habitat, niche and guild concepts (3 Hours), Structure of ecosystem (biotic
and abiotic) components, examination of interrelationships (symbiosis) (4 Hours), Studies
on representative ecosystems e.g. grasslands, wetlands, soil, forests (5 Hours), Functions
of ecosystems: autotrophy, heterotrophy and decomposers (4 Hours), Biogeochemical
cycles – mineral cycles or nutrient cycles, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus (3
Hours), Ecosystem development: succession, climax community concepts, ecological
diversity stability and ecosystem (5 Hours), Ecology of populations: define a population,
sampling population density and dynamics, regulation of population (2 Hours)
Uses and application of ecology to human life (2 Hours)
Practicals and field work (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals, field work and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, field report,
tests and assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. LARCHER, W. 1995. Physiological Plant Ecology. Third Edition. Springer. Berlin. New
York. Hongkong. London.
2. LÜTTGE, U. 1997. Physiological Ecology of Tropical Plants. Springer. Berlin. New York.
Hongkong. London.
3. ODUM, E.P. Fundamentals of Ecology. W.B. Saunders Company. Philadelpia. London
xiii) COURSE NAME: ANIMAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Course Code: BBT1205
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover importance of sexual reproduction, blastulation and gastrulation,
comparison of developmental stages among different classes of animals, changes in
the egg of chicken.
26
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of this course, a student should be able to:
1. outline the importance and significance of reproduction and sex
determination,
2. describe the process of, blastulation and gastrulation,
3. compare and contrast the developmental stages among amphioxus, frog, pig
and man,
4. examine and describe the changes in development of the chick,
5. describe the development of the human embryo from fertilization till birth
Detailed course description:
Embryology and development of Amphioxus: blastula formation (3 hours), gastrulation
(2 hours), germ layer formation (3 hours); Embryology of Amphibia: blastula formation (3
hours), gastrulation (1 hour), germ layer formation (2 hours); Embryology and
development of organ systems of the chick (4 hours), the establishing of the body and
laying down of the organ systems (4 hours); Embryology of mammals: blastula formation
(2 hours), gastrulation, germ layer formation (3 hours); human embryo development (3
hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. COHEN, J. and MASSEY, B.D. (1967). Living Embryos: An Introduction to the Study of
Animal Development. 3RD Edition. Pergamon Press, Oxford
2. SANDHU, G.S. and BHASKAR H. (2005) Textbook of Chordate Zoology. Campus Books
international, New Dehli.
3. SUSSMAN, M. (1960) Animal growth and development. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.,
Prentice-Hall
27
xiv) COURSE NAME: APPILCATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN SEED SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
Course Code: BBT2301
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover floral development process, extrinsic and intrinsic factors in seed
germination, importance of seeds in conservation of genetic diversity, basic principles
of seed technology, hybrid seed production, quality control and marketing.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. describe the floral development process,
2. explain seed formation, development and maturation,
3. explain intrinsic and extrinsic factors in seed germination,
4. describe the importance of seeds to conservation of plant genetic diversity,
5. describe basic principles of seed technology, hybrid seed production, quality
control and marketing.
Detailed course description:
Seeds as products of sexual reproduction (4 Hours), Seeds as nutritional reserves to
support the growing seedling (3 Hours), Seed maturation and entry into quiescence (2
Hours), Seed germination and seedling establishment (6 Hours), Seed production and
crop improvement (3 Hours), National seed systems and seed sector development (3
Hours), Seed certification and seed quality (1 Hour), Seed banks and conservation of
genetic diversity (4 Hours), Seeds as the major delivery system for plant biotechnology
(4 Hours),
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. BEWLEY, J.D and BLACK, M. (1994). Seeds: Physiology of Development and
Germination. Second Edition. Plenum Press. New York and London
2. CHRISPELS, M.J and SADAVA, D.E.( 2003). Plants, Genes and Crop Biotechnology.
Second Edition. Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Sudbury, Massachusetts. Boston.
Toronto. London. Singapore
28
3. FENNER, M. (1993). Seeds: The Ecology of Regeneration in Plant Communities. CAB
International.
4. HARTMANN, H.T, KOFRANEK, A.M, RUBATZKY, V.E and FLOCKER, W.J. (1988). Plant
Science: Growth, Development, and Utilization of Cultivated Plants. Second Edition.
Prentice Hall Career & Technology. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
5. LEA, P.J and LEEGOOD, R.C. (1997). Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. John
Wiley and Sons. Ltd. Chichester. England
6. MURPHY, T.M and THOMPSON, W.F. (1988) Molecular Plant Development. Prentice
Hall Career & Technology. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
xv) COURSE NAME: MOLECULAR MARKERS
Course Code: BBT2302
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover different types of molecular markers, germplasm, genetic
resources and biodiversity, importance of gene bank, gene bank technologies for in situ
and ex situ germplasm conservation, design of conservation strategies for endangered
species.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. compare and contrast the different types of molecular markers,
2. explain the terms germplasm, genetic resources and biodiversity,
3. identify activities that promote sustainable utilization of plant and animal genetic
resources,
4. discuss the importance of Gene Bank technologies applied for in situ and ex situ
plant and animal germplasm conservation,
5. design conservation strategies for a threatened/endangered species.
Detailed course description:
Methods of DNA extraction, purification and amplification: DNA sample preservation,
the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA extraction kits (3 Hours)
Molecular markers, their choice, relative advantages and disadvantages: Isozyme
analysis, DNA sequence analysis, DNA hybridization, RAPDs, Microsatellites, AFLPs, RFLPs,
SNPs (10 Hours)
Meaning of Germplasm, Plant and animal genetic resources and their diversity (2
Hours), Centers of origin and diversity (2 Hours), Molecular tools for genetic resource
conservation (2 Hours), Marker assisted selection (MAS) in plant and animal breeding (3
Hours), Conservation, enhancement and sustainable utilization of plant and animal
germplasm: in situ and ex situ technologies (3 Hours), Meaning of genetic vulnerability,
29
consequences of genetic erosion (2 Hours), Role of biotechnology in conservation (3
Hours)
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. BROWN, T.A. 2001. Gene cloning and DNA Analysis. 4th Edition. Blackwell Publishers
2. Avise (2004). Molecular Markers, Natural History, and Evolution. Second Edition.
Sinauer Associates.
3. Srivastava P.S., Alka Narula, Sheela Srivastava (2004) Plant Biotechnology and
Molecular markers. Kluwer Academic Publishers, The Netherlands
4. ANGELA KARP, PETER G. ISAAC, DAVID S. INGRAM (2001) Molecular tools for
screening biodiversity: plants and animals. Kluwer Academic Publishers. Netherlands.
xvi) COURSE NAME: RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNOLOGIES
Course Code: BBT2303
Course Credit: 4 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover isolation and purification of nucleic acids, mechanisms of gene
cloning, practical aspects of recombinant DNA technology, model organisms in
recombinant DNA technology, recombinant gene expression systems.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1. isolate and purify nucleic acids for routine laboratory procedures,
2. explain the underlying mechanisms of gene cloning,
3. discuss the practical aspects of applying recombinant DNA technology,
4. explain the significance of model organisms in recombinant DNA technology,
5. describe recombinant gene expression systems.
Detailed course description:
Principles of genetic manipulation (3 hours); Isolation of total genomic DNA (3 hours);
Meaning of recombinant DNA technology (2 hours); Restriction and ligation of DNA
molecules (3 hours); Amplifying recombinant DNA (3 hours); Molecular cloning (2
hours); Strategies of bacterial transformation (3 hours); Selective markers (2 hours):
30
Shortgun cloning and cDNA libraries (2 hours); Cell competency (1 hour); Screening
libraries (2 hours); Electrophoresis and hybridization techniques (2 hours); Quantitative
and real-time PCR techniques (3 hours); Different DNA sequencing strategies (3 hours);
Model organisms (1 hour); Reverse and forward genetics (2 hours); Gene expression
vector systems (1 hour); Expressing eukaryotic genes in bacteria (2 hours); In vitro
mutagenesis (1 hour); Reporter gene technology (3 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. BROWN, T.A. (2001). Gene cloning and DNA Analysis. 4th Edition. Blackwell Publishers
2. LEA, P.J.(1997). Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. John Wiley and Sons.
Chichester. New York. Brisbane. Toronto. Singapore
xvii) COURSE NAME: EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
Course Code: BBT2304
Course Credit: 4 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover the role of heritable variation in natural selection, factors and
evolutionary changes in panmictic populations, the role of polyploidy in speciation,
different mechanisms of speciation.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. demonstrate the role of heritable variation, as a raw material for
natural selection,
2. discuss the factors that affect evolutionary changes in panmictic
populations,
3. explain the significance of different breeding systems,
4. explain the role of polyploidy in speciation,
5. distinguish between the different mechanisms of speciation
6. describe the path of evolution of some economically important crop plants.
Detailed ccourse description:
31
The different concepts of a species (1 hour); weaknesses and strength of the different
species concepts (2 hours); Origins of new species (2 hour); reproductive isolating
mechanisms (1 hour); Variations in populations (2 hours); Forces of natural selection (2
hours); Effects of natural selection in populations (2 hours); the different types of
selection (1 hour); Polymorphisms and polymorphic traits (2 hours); Natural breeding
systems (2 hour); Evolutionary significance of breeding systems (2 hour); Basic principles
of population genetics: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium conditions (2 hours); factors
which affect the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (1 hour); Gene flow between wild and
domesticated plant populations (2 hour); Euploidy, polyploidy and speciation (1 hour);
Abrupt speciation (1 hour); Evolution of some selected tropical crop plants: Maize (Zea
mays), Wheat, Sorghum, Banana (Musa spp), Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), and
Cassava (Manihot esculenta) (4 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. DOBZHANSKY, T, AYALA, F.J, STEBBINS, G.L and VALENTINE, J.W. (1976). Evolution.
Surjeet Publications, India.
2. Higgs, P.G, and Attwood, T.K. (2005). Bioinformatics and Molecular Evolution. 1st
Edition. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.
3. LEVINE, J.S and, MILLER, K.R. (1992). Biology: Discovering Life. D.C. Heath and
Company. Toronto.
4. SACHDEVA, A.S. (2008). Molecular Biology of Evolution. Vista International Publishing
House
xviii) COURSE NAME: MOLECULAR SYSTEMATICS
Course Code: BBT2305
Course Credit: 4 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover definition of molecular systematics, classical and molecular
systematics, the underlying principles of PCR, types of molecular markers, various
phylogenetic approaches, analysis of data and evolutionary inferences using
phylogenetic analysis.
Specific learning outcomes:
32
At the end of this course, a student should be able to:
1. define and explain molecular systematics,
2. compare and contrast classical and molecular systematics,
3. describe the underlying principles of PCR,
4. compare and contrast the different types of molecular markers,
5. explain the differences between various phylogenetic approaches,
6. analyze data and make evolutionary inferences using phylogenetic analysis
softwares.
Detailed course description:
Definition of systematics and Historical review of molecular systematics (4 hours);
Molecular genetic techniques: Sampling design (2 hours); collection and storage of
tissues (4 hours); DNA extraction, PCR amplification and electrophoresis (4 hours);
nucleic acid sequencing (4 hours); Choice of molecular markers: their merits and
demerits (4 hours); Molecular systematics at the population level (3 hour); Methods of
phylogenetic data analysis: UPGMA (3 hour), Maximum likelihood (2 hour), Parsimony
and Neighbour joining (4 hours); Properties of phylogenetic methods (4 hours); Relevant
computer programs in molecular systematics (3 hours); Planning and execution of a
molecular systematic study ( 4 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. DESALLE, R. GIRIBET, G. and WHEELER, W. (2002). Molecular systematics and Evolution
Basel, Birkhauser Verlag.
2. GIANNASI. D. E.(2003). Molecular Systematics and Secondary Metabolites:
Perspectives in Plant Systematics and Evolution. Crc Press
3. HILLIS, D. M, MORITZ, C, and MABLE B.K. (1996). Molecular Systematics. Second
Edition. Sinauer Associates.
33
xix) COURSE NAME: MOLECULAR EVOLUTION
Course Code: BBT2306
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover the interpretation of the DNA sequences in relation to evolutionary
change at the molecular level, mechanism of evolution of the genome, inter- and intraspecific genetic variation, genetic fingerprinting and natural selection.
Specific learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1. interpret DNA sequences in relation to evolutionary change at the molecular
level,
2. explain the mechanism of how genes and genomes evolve,
3. interpret inter- and intra-specific genetic variation,
4. reconstruct the evolutionary history of genes and species,
5. Identify the genetic fingerprints of natural selection in action at the molecular
level.
Detailed course description:
Molecular biology versus molecular evolution (1 Hour), Synthetic nature of molecular
evolution (2 Hours), Gene structure, genetic codes and mutations (4 Hours), Nucleotide
substitution: synonymous and non synonymous substitutions (4 Hours), Rates and models
of nucleotide substitutions (3 Hours), Molecular clocks (2 Hours), Sequence alignment (4
Hours), Types of molecular data (3 Hours), Introduction to molecular phylogeny (3
Hours), Genome organization and evolution (2 Hours), Genome size and composition in
prokaryotes and eukaryotes (2 Hours)
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
34
READING LIST
1. GRAUR, D and WEN-HSIUNG, L. (2000). Fundamentals of Molecular Evolution. Sinauer
Assossciates.
2. Higgs, P.G, and Attwood, T.K. (2005). Bioinformatics and Molecular Evolution. First
Edition. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated
3. SACHDEVA, A.S. (2008). Molecular Biology of Evolution. Vista International Publishing
House
xx) COURSE NAME: RESEARCH METHODS
Course Code: BBT2401
Course Credit: 3CU
Brief course description
This course will cover the identification of research problem, development of research
proposal, and execution of research project.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1. identify a research problem,
2. develop a research proposal,
3. identify appropriate tools for a given research problem,
4. execute a research proposal and present findings.
Detailed course description:
Introduction to research methods and their limitations; Identification of research
problems; Formulation of research objectives; Experimental design and research tools;
Research proposal preparation; Collection, management and presentation of data;
Preparation of research reports; Scientific writing; Monitoring and evaluation of
research projects (60 hours).
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of instruction on field research and moderation of research
proposals
Assessment method:
This will be done through examination of research proposal (40%) and (field report, tests
and assignments) (60%)
READING LIST
1. HARRISON W. A, KATHERINE P.A, EMLEN and BRIGHT. (2002). Handbook of Biological
Investigation. 6th Edition.
35
2. HARRISON W. A. (2007). Handbook of Biological Investigation. 6th Edition.
3. RUSTON G. D, COLEGRAVE, N. (2003). Experimental Design for Life Sciences.
4. QUINN, G.P and KEOUGH, M.J. (2002). Experimental Design and Data Analysis for
Biologists.
xxi) COURSE NAME: MOLECULAR DEFENCE MECHANISMS IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Course Code: BBT2402
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief course description:
This course will consist of interactions between plants and their pathogenic
microorganisms, the molecular and physiological responses of organisms, molecular
mechanism of spread of pathogens in their hosts, chemicals toxic to herbivores.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, a student should be able to:
4. discuss the interactions between plants and pathogenic microorganisms,
5. describe modes of interactions between plants and non-pathogenic microbes,
3. explain molecular and physiological responses of organisms to pathogenicity,
4. explain the molecular mechanism of spread of pathogens in their hosts,
6. predict possible consequences at ecosystem level of a host-microbe interaction
7. identify, classify and describe plant compounds toxic to herbivores.
Detailed course description
The dynamic survival game between living organisms and pathogens (2 Hours)
The significance of biotic and abiotic stress factors on plant and animal production (2
Hours)
Transcriptional responses to infection mechanisms
Invasion of plant tissue, attachment, penetration and colonization (3 hours)
Pathogen ecology (2 hours)
The biology of pathogen infections (1 hour)
Host response (1 hour)
Plant-insect pest interactions (3 Hours), Organs of the immune system and their
function in animals Cells of the immune system (T-cells and B-cells) and their function
(2 hours), antigens and their properties (2 hours), structure and function of
immunoglobulins (2 hours), Plant compounds toxic to herbivores (2 hours),
Immunodiagnostics, Precipitation techniques (2 hours), agglutination (1 hour),
fluorescence techniques (1 hour), ELISA (1 hour), RIA (1 hour), immuno-histochemical
techniques (2 hours)
Practicals (30 hours)
36
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. HEINE, H. (2007). Innate Immunity of Plants, Animals and Humans (nucleic Acids and
Molecular Biology). Springer. Berlin. Heidelberg
2. NELSON, D.L. and COX, M.M. 2008. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 5th Edition.
W.H. Freeman and Company. New York
xxii) COURSE NAME:
PLANT TISSUE CULTURE
Course Code: BBT2403
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover natural and plant tissue culture procedure of propagation,
general requirements for plant tissue culture, procedures for media formulation, plant
callus induction and somatic embryogenesis, initiation and maintenance of callus and
cell suspension cultures, regenerate of plant protoplasts.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. compare natural propagation and plant tissue culture procedures,
2. discuss the general requirements for plant tissue culture,
3. describe basic procedures for media formulation,
4. compare plant callus induction and somatic embryogenesis,
5. initiate and maintain callus and cell suspension cultures,
6. isolate, culture and regenerate plant protoplasts,
7. execute plant regeneration via embryogenic suspension cultures.
Detailed course description:
Introduction to plant propagation (2 hours); Definition of plant tissue culture;
Advantages and disadvantages of natural propagation and tissue culture (3 hours);
Working procedures and asepsis (2 hours); Tissue culture requirements (1 hours);
Contamination (1 hour); Theory of media ingredients and formulation (2 hours); Callus
initiation, Somatic embryogenesis (3 hours); Organogenesis (1 hour); Laboratory design
and equipment for tissue culture (2 hour); Isolation, culture and regeneration of plant
protoplasts (2 hours); Applications of protoplast technology (2 hour); Embryogenic cell
37
suspension cultures (1 hour); Applications of tissue culture in plant breeding: anther
culture (1 hour), embryo rescue (1 hour), generation of somaclonal variants (1 hour),
and plant transformation (2 hours); Cryopreservation (1 hour); Secondary products from
cultured cells and organs (2 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. ATUL, K and KUMAR, V.A. (1998). Clonal Tissue Culture of Important Fruit Crops.
International Book Distributing Company
2. GRIFFITHS, A., DOYLE, J.B and NEWELL, D.G. (1998). Cells and Tissues: Laboratory
Procedures. Wiley Scientific Publishers.
3. KARL-HERMANN. N, ASHWANI, K and JAFARGHOLI, I. (2009). Plant Cell and Tissue
Culture: A Tool in Biotechnology: Basics and Applications (Principles and Practices).
Springer. Berlin. New York. London.
4. SINGH, S.K and SRIVASTAVA. S. (2009). Plant Tissue Culture. Campus books Publishers.
xxiii) COURSE NAME: BIOSTATISTICS AND MODELING
Course Code: BBT2404
Course Credit: 4 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover identification of research problems, analysis, synthesis,
interpretation and evaluation of qualitative and quantitative data, measurements and
observations in bio-research extraction of relevant information, explanation of basic
concepts in linear algebra, matrices, Eigenvalues and vectors, basic concepts of
probability in biological systems, application of mathematical modeling in biological
systems.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course the student should be able to:
1. identify and define research problems,
2. analyze, synthesize, interpret and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data,
3. design and execute experiments,
4. conduct measurements and observations in bio-research,
38
5. extract relevant information/data from published work.
6. explain the basic concepts in linear algebra, matrices, Eigenvalues and vectors
7. apply the basic concepts of probability in biological systems,
8. apply mathematical modeling in biological systems.
Detailed course description:
Introduction to and definition of biostatistics (1 hour); The importance of biostatistics in
biology (2 hours); Descriptive statistics (2 hours); Inferential statistics (2 hours); Difference
between descriptive and inferential statistics (2 hours); Frequency distribution (1 hour);
Measures of central tendency (1 hour); Measures of dispersion (1 hour); Experimental
design (1 hour); Hypothesis testing (1 hour); Multivariate analysis (1 hour); Selected
statistical packages (2 hours); Data presentation (1 hour); Concepts in Linear algebra (1
hour), matrices (1 hour), Eigenvalues (1 hour), Eigenvectors (1 hour); Introduction to
differential equations and difference equations (2 hour); Qualitative analysis of systems
of differential and difference equations (1 hour), steady states and phase plane
analysis (1 hour); Elements of probability (1 hour); Introduction to mathematical
modeling in biological systems (1 hour); Continuous population models (1 hour); Models
for individual organism growth (1 hour): single species models (1 hour), exponential
growth (1 hour), logistic growth (1 hour); Competition models (1 hour); species
competing for light, nutrients, space (1 hour); Effect of size (1 hour), density, spatial and
temporal distribution (1 hour); Seed dormancy(1 hour), longevity and dispersal models
(1 hour); Interaction models: plant-plant interaction (1 hour), plant-animal interaction (1
hour); Plant and animal genetic models and natural selection models (1 hour); Leslie
matrix (1 hour); Models for plant and animal diseases (1 hour): Pathogen dispersal and
disease ingredients (1 hour).
Practical (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. JOHNSON, R.A and BHATTACHARYYA. (1992). Statistics: Principles and Methods. Fourth
Edition. John Wiley & Sons
2. QUINN, G.P and KEOUGH, M.J. (2002). Experimental Design and Data Analysis for
Biologists. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge
39
xxiv)COURSE NAME: PLANT-WATER RELATIONS AND MINERAL NUTRITION
Course Code: BOT2202
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover the physical and chemical properties of water, physiological
effects of these properties on plants, water uptake and distribution in plants, mineral
uptake and nutrition by plants.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
1. explain how the physical and chemical properties of water affect the
physiological status of plants,
2. describe the effects of environmental factors on the dynamics of water uptake
by plants and plant communities,
3. discuss the effect of soil water on plant production and distribution,
4. describe the importance of phloem transport in the survival of trees, and
5. discuss the importance of mineral nutrients in plant growth, development and
production.
Detailed course description:
Survey of unique properties of water and aqueous solutions (2 hours): osmotic
potential, chemical potential, and water potential (2 hours); Absorption, movement
and distribution of water and solutes in plants and into the environment (3 hours);
Phloem transport: mechanism, patterns (3 hours) and importance in primary
productivity (1 hour); Stomatal morphology and physiology (1 hour), mechanism of
movement (2 hours); Transpiration and evapotranspiration (2 hours); Use of antitranspirants in agriculture (1 hour); Mineral nutrition in plants (2 hours): mechanism of salt
uptake (3 hours), Ion antagonism and synergism (1 hour); The roles of micro- and
macro-nutrients in plant growth and development (4 hours); Symptoms of nutrient
deficiency and excess in plants (3 hours) (30 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
40
READING LIST
1. FOWDEN, L., MANSFIELD, T. AND STODDART, J., (1993). Plant Adaptation to
Environmental Stress. Chapman & Hall, London.
2. LÜTTGE, U. (1997). Physiological Ecology of Tropical Plants. Springer. Berlin. New York.
3. EPSTEIN, E. (1972) Mineral Nutrition of Plants: Principles and Perspectives. John Wiley
and Sons Inc., New York.
4. NOGGLE, G. R. and G. T. FRITZ. (1983). Introductory Plant Physiology Second Edition.
Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs,
5. Marschner, H. (2002). Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants. Academic Press, London, San
Diego
xxv) COURSE NAME: FIELD ATTACHMENT
Course Code: BBT2405
Course Credit: 3 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover the relationship between
entrepreneurship skills, writing of a field report.
theory
and
field
practice,
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
(1) relate theory to field practice,
(2) demonstrate entrepreneurship skills,
(3) write a viable field report
(4) identify potential areas for future employment.
Detailed course description:
All students will be expected to go for field attachments to have hands-on experience
in various public and private institutions at the end of second year of study under the
supervision of academic staff. The students will write a scientific report. The final
assessment will be based on the performance report from the place of attachment
and the quality of the scientific report (30 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examination of field report (100%).
41
xxvi) COURSE NAME: GENOMICS AND BIOINFORMATICS
Course Code: BBT3501
Course Credit: 4 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover basic concepts of molecular biology; reconstruction of
phylogenies from molecular data using phylogenetic tools, genome size and the
number of genes in a given species, role of genetic and physical maps in breeding,
strategies for whole genome sequencing, role of functional genomics in gene
discovery, use of computational skills and tools to store, search, retrieve and analyze
molecular databases
Specific learning outcomes:
By the end of this course, the students will be able to:
1. demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts of molecular biology and
genetics,
2. reconstruct phylogenies from molecular data using phylogenetic tools,
3. relate and compare genome size and the number of genes in a given species,
4. discuss the role of genetic and physical maps in breeding,
5. describe strategies for whole genome sequencing,
6. describe key gene families and the path of their evolution,
7. describe the role of functional genomics in gene discovery,
8. use computational skills and tools to store, search, retrieve and analyze
molecular databases.
Detailed course description:
Sequence analysis (2 hours); Sequence-based taxonomy (2 hours); Phylogenetic
algorithms (1 hour); Computer tools for phylogenetic analysis (2 hours); Meaning of
genome and genomics (1 hour); Structure and size of genomes (2 hour); Genome
organization (1 hour); Mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes (2 hour); Mapping and
analysis of plant and animal genomes with molecular markers (2 hours); cloning of plant
and animal genes (1 hour); Evolutionary and integrative genomics (2 hours); Structural
genomics (1 hour); Whole genome sequencing (2 hours); Comparative genomics (1
hours); Evolution of gene families and respective sequences (2 hours); Functional
genomics (1 hour); Definition of, and introduction to bioinformatics (2 hours);
Importance of bioinformatics (1 hour); Applications of bioinformatics (2 hours);
Computational biology ( 1 hour); Overview of the challenges of Molecular biology
computing (2 hours), Mac, Windows and Linux software (3 hours); and Web browsers as
platforms for bioinformatics (2 hours); Nucleotide sequence and protein sequence
databases (2 hours); Searching for genes and sequence information from databases (2
42
hours); Similarity versus homology (1 hour); sequence and structure alignment (2 hours);
protein structure prediction, protein folding, protein-protein interaction (2 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
REFERENCE LIST
1. Higgs, P.G, and Attwood, T.K. (2005). Bioinformatics and Molecular Evolution. First
Edition. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated. Chichester. New York. Brisbane. Toronto.
Singapore
2. LEA, P.J.(1997). Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. John Wiley and Sons.
Chichester. New York. Brisbane. Toronto. Singapore
3. MOUNT, D.W. (2004). Bioinformatics: Sequence and Genome Analysis. Cold Spring
Harbor Laboratory Press. Second Edition.
xvii) COURSE NAME: STRESS PHYSIOLOGY
Course Code: BBT3502
Course Credit: 4 CU
Brief course description
This course will consist of description of the effect of biotic and abiotic stress factors on
plants and animals, plant and animal adaptations, short- and long-term adaptations of
plants and animals and plants.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1. describe the effects of biotic and abiotic stress factors on plants and animals,
2. discuss plant and animal adaptations to stress factors,
3. differentiate between short and long term plant and animal adaptations,
4. outline and explain the importance of chemical defense systems in plants,
5. identify characteristics of plants and animals adapted to different environmental
conditions.
Detailed course description:
Types of stress factors: Drought and its effects in plants (1 hour), Short-term and longterm adaptations to drought stress (1 hour), Resistance strategies in plants and animals
(2 hours), Osmotic stress and its regulation in plants (1 hour), Hibernation in animals (1
43
hour), Changes in gene expression due to stress (1 hour), Stress and ABA production (1
hour), Inhibition of photosynthesis and respiration (1 hour). Heat stress, Production of
heat shock/stress proteins (HSPs) (1 hour), Mediation of thermo-tolerance by HSPs (1
Hour), Transcription factors for HSPs production (1 hour), Adaptation to heat stress
mediated by cytosolic calcium (1 hour), Short- and long-term adaptation to heat stress
(1 hour), Radiation stress and adaptation strategies (1 hour), Effects of radiation stress
on plants (1 hour), Salinity stress and adaptation strategies (2 hours),
Effects
of
salinity on plants and their distribution (2 hours), Oxygen stress and adaptation
strategies (1 hour), Effects of oxygen stress on plants and animals (2 hours), Chemical
defense against herbivory and pathogens (2 hours), Strategies for breeding for stress
factors in plants (2 hours), Allen’s rule of adaptation (1 hour), Bergmann’s rule of
adaptation, (1 hour), Gloger’s rule of adaptation (1 hour),
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, field work
report, tests and assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. LARCHER, W. (1995). Physiological Plant Ecology. Third Edition. Springer. Berlin. New
York.
2. FOWDEN, L., MANSFIELD, T. AND STODDART, J., (1993). Plant Adaptation to
Environmental Stress. Chapman & Hall, London.
3. LÜTTGE, U. (1997). Physiological Ecology of Tropical Plants. Springer. Berlin. New York.
4. EPSTEIN, E. (1972) Mineral Nutrition of Plants: Principles and Perspectives. John Wiley
and Sons Inc., New York.
xxviii) COURSE NAME: BIOSAFETY, BIOETHICS AND BIOPOLICY,
Course Code: BBT3503
Course Credit: 4 CU
Brief course description
This course will consist of definitions of biosafety, bioethics and biopolicy, good
laboratory procedure and practices, standard operating procedures for biotechnology
research, legal and institutional framework for biosafety in Uganda, international
agreements and protocols for biosafety.
44
Specific learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. define Biosafety and bioethics in the context of modern biotechnology,
2. demonstrate good laboratory procedures and practices,
3. describe the standard operating procedures for biotechnology research and
assign Biosafety levels,
4. justify the design of confinement facilities at different Biosafety levels,
5. discuss the social and ethical issues related to plant and animal biotechnology,
6. discuss the relevance of intellectual property rights to modern biotechnological
innovations,
7. explain the legal and institutional framework for Biosafety in Uganda,
8. discuss the relevance of different international agreements and protocols for
Biosafety.
Detailed course description:
Principles of Biosafety (1 hour); procedures and good laboratory practices (GLPs) (2
hours); Biotechnology: benefits and concerns/risks (2 hours); Standard operating
procedures for research involving microbes and recombinant DNA (2 hours); Designing
of containment facilities: laboratories (1 hour), Biosafety cabinets (1 hour), and
greenhouses (1 hour); Ethical theories; ethical principles (2 hours); Ethical issues
surrounding GMOs and recombinant DNA research (2 hours); national policies for
biotechnology products and research (2 hours); Principles of Risk assessment and
management (2 hours); Biosafety procedures: Assigning of Biosafety levels (1 hour); The
concept of Biosecurity (1 hour); International conventions and treaties of relevance to
Biosafety (1 hour); National guidelines for research with GMOs and microbes (3 hours);
Bioethics and social issues: Theories of bioethics (3 hours), challenges facing modern
biotechnology research and application (2 hours); Management of intellectual
property: patenting (1 hour), copyrights and trademarks (1 hour); intellectual property
rights as applied to biotechnology (2 hours): Intellectual Property key policy issues in the
research setting (2 hours); Protection of traditional knowledge for biotechnology
innovation (3 hours); national and international and legal and regulatory framework for
Intellectual property and relevance to biotechnology (3 hours); Challenges of
Biotechnology policy development and implementation (2 hours); Features of the
Uganda biotechnology and Biosafety policy and its linkage to other national and
global policies (2 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
45
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
REFERENCE LIST
1. DUTFIELD, G. (1997). Can TRIPS Agreement Protect Biological and Cultural Diversity?
Biopolicy International.
2. HENDRIX, F., KOESTER, V and PRIP, C. (1994). Access to Genetic Resources. In
Biodiplomacy: Genetic Resources and International Relations. Edited by V. Sanchez,
ans Juma, C, Nairobi, Act Press.
3. KLEMM, C. De. (1990). Wild Plant Conservation and the Law. IUCN Environmental
Policy and Law Paper Number 24. ICN
4. MUGABE, J, BARBER, C.V, HENNE, G, GLOWKA, L and LA VINA, A. (1996). Managing
Access to Genetic Resources : Towards Strategies for Benefit-Sharing.
5. NELSON, D.L and COX, M.M. (2008). Principles of Biochemistry. Fifth Edition.
W.H. Freeman and Company. New York
6. TANUI, W.K. (2007). Laboratory Safety Handbook. 1st Edition. King’s Script Publishers.
xxix) COURSE NAME: PLANTS AS CHEMICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL FACTORIES
Course Code: BBT3504
Course Credit: 4 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover diversity and importance of plant biochemicals; relationship
between biochemical production and plant diversity, industrial use of plant
biochemicals, the role of biotechnology in enhancing biochemical yield and
production of novel compounds.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, students are expected to:
1. describe the diversity and importance plant biochemicals,
2. relate biochemical production to plant diversity,
3. explain isolation and purification methods of plant biochemicals,
4. describe the industrial use of plant biochemicals,
5. describe the role of biotechnology in enhancing biochemical yield and
production of novel compounds.
Detailed course description:
Biochemical diversity of plants (3 hours ); Biosynthesis of various organic compounds in
plants (5 hours); Extraction, purification and energy costs of plant-produced chemicals
(4 hours); Edible medicinal plants for humans and domestic animals (4 hours); Plant oils
46
and their engineering for industrial use (4 hours); The potential of larger-scale chemical
production from tropical plants (4 hours); Plants as production systems for diagnostic
and therapeutic human proteins (4 hours); Potential impact of ‘plants as factories’ on
the economy of developing countries (4 hours); Industrial use of starch and other
carbohydrates (4 hours); Role of biotechnology in enhancing the pharmaceutical
potential of plants (5 hours); Gene manipulation in production of specialty chemicals
and biologically based plastics (4 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
REFERENCE LIST
1. CHRISPEELS, M.J and SADAVA, D.E. (2003). Plants, Genes, and Crops Biotechnology.
Second Edition. Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Sudbury, Massachusetts. Boston.
Toronto. London. Singapore
2. SAMUELSSON, G, and BOHLIN, LARS. (2009). Drugs of Natural Origin: A Treatise of
Pharmacognosy. 6th Edition.
3. TAIZ, L and ZEIGER, E. (2006). Plant Physiology. Fourth Edition. Sinauer Associates. Inc.
Publishers. Sunderland, Massachusetts
xxx) COURSE NAME: BIOPROSPECTING
Course Code: BBT3505
Course Credit: 4 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover identification of the sources of natural products, the relevance of
bioprospecting in natural product development, procedures for production of crude
natural products, application, bioassay guided fractionation and characterization of
compounds in drug development, the role of national and international conventions,
agreements and regulations in Bioprospecting
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. identify the various sources of natural products,
2. discuss the relevance of Bioprospecting in natural products research and
development,
47
3. describe the procedures for production of crude natural products,
4. explain and apply bioassay guided fractionation and characterization of
compounds in drug development,
5. explain the role of national and international conventions, agreements and
regulations in Bioprospecting.
Detailed course description:
Biodiversity prospecting; Genetic and biochemical resources from micro-organisms,
macrofungi, and plants; natural products; Ethnobotanical approach to product
screening and drug discovery; Crude plant products and their purification; Bio-assay
guided fractionation; Biosynthesis of natural products; Habitat fidelity; Isolation and
characterization techniques and procedures; Conventions on biodiversity and
Bioprospecting; Bioprospecting agreements; Bio-piracy: Legal implications (45 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
REFERENCE LIST
1. SAMUELSSON, G, and BOHLIN, LARS. (2010). Drugs of Natural Origin: A Treatise of
Pharmacognosy. 6th Edition..95
2. SALISBURY, F.B. and ROSS, C.W. (1991). Plant Physiology, 4th Edition.
3. TAIZ, L and ZEIGER, E. (2006). Plant Physiology. Fourth Edition. Sinauer Associates. Inc.
Publishers. Sunderland, Massachusetts
xxxi) COURSE NAME: FERMENTATION BIOTECHNOLOGY
Course Code: BBT3601
Course Credit: 4 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover the historical background and the evolution of fermentation
Biotechnology, the rules of fermentation biotechnology, relationship of microbiology to
industrial fermentation, the types and operation of bioreactors, equipment and tools
used in the control of fermentation
48
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. review the historical background and the evolution of fermentation
Biotechnology,
2. explain the rules of fermentation biotechnology,
3. relate microbiology to industrial fermentation,
4. describe the types and operation of bioreactors,
5. identify equipment and tools used in the control of fermentation,
6. apply knowledge of fermentation biotechnology in small and large scale
industrial production.
Detailed course description:
Evolution of industrial fermentation (3 hours); Historical review and Perspectives in
fermentation biotechnology (3 hours); Batch and Continuous Growth (2 hours); Strain
preservation and inoculum preparation (3 hours); Selection of microbes and raw
materials used for microbial media preparation in industrial fermentation (3 hours);
Measurement of microbial growth (2 hours); Kinetics of fermentation (2 hours); Kinetics
of cell growth in batch culture (2 hours); Continuous culture (2 hour); Mixing and Mass
transfer (2 hours); Bioreactor design (1 hour); Types and operation of bioreactors (2
hours); Scale-up (1 hour); Instrumentation and Control in fermentation systems (2 hours);
Bioreactors sensors (1 hour); Biosensors (1 hour); Off-gas analysis (1 hour); Control
strategy for fermentation (2 hour); Modeling in fermentation processes (2 hours);
Sterilization (1 hour); Solid-state fermentation (2 hour); Harvest of fermentation products
(2 hour); The removal of microbes (1 hour), the aeration, and the agitation during
fermentation (3 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. NELSON, D.L and COX, M.M. (2008). Principles of Biochemistry. Fifth Edition.
W.H. Freeman and Company. New York
2. SALISBURY, F.B. and ROSS, C.W. (1991). Plant Physiology, 4th Edition.
3. TAIZ, L and ZEIGER, E. (2006). Plant Physiology. Fourth Edition. Sinauer Associates. Inc.
Publishers. Sunderland, Massachusetts
4. WAITES, MORGAN, ROCKEY and HIGHTON. (2001). Industrial Microbiology: An
Introduction. 1st Edition. Blackwell Scientific Press
49
xxxii) COURSE NAME: MICROBIOLOGY, PLANT PATHOLOGY AND VIROLOGY
Course Code: BBT3602
Course Credit: 4 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover the general composition of soil microorganisms, plant diseases
caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses, disease development and defence in plants,
factors that lead to disease epidemics, methods used in control of plant diseases,
genome structure of plant viruses, biological and molecular classification of plant
viruses, serological and molecular diagnostic techniques for viruses, mechanisms of virus
replication, modes of plant viral transmission, strategies for the generation of transgenic
plants with resistance to virus infection
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course the student should be able to:
1. describe general composition of soil microorganisms,
2. explain the plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses,
3. discuss disease development and defence in plants,
4. distinguish between the various factors that lead to disease epidemics,
5. apply the various methods used in control of plant diseases
6. describe the genome structure of plant viruses,
7. explain biological and molecular classification of plant viruses,
8. perform serological and molecular diagnostic techniques for viruses,
9. describe mechanisms of virus replication,
10. explain the modes of plant viral transmission,
11. describe strategies used to generate transgenic plants with resistance to virus
infection
Detailed course description:
Types, distribution and activities of microorganisms (3 hours); Identification and Isolation
of microbes (2 hours); Sampling procedures and isolation protocols (2 hours): microbial
media (1 hour), pure cultures and preservation (2 hours); microbes and plant diseases
(1 hour); entry of plant pathogens in their hosts (2 hours); mechanisms of disease
induction in hosts (2 hours); effects of pathogens on host plant physiology (2 hours);
plant defence mechanisms against pathogens (2 hours); the disease triangle (1 hour);
etiology (1 hour), epidemiology (1 hour), and control of selected diseases of local and
international importance (2 hours). Classification of viruses (1 hour); Genome size and
organization (2 hour); Coat protein (1 hour); Strategies for replication (1 hour),
transcription and translation (2 hour); Properties: physical (1 hour), chemical (1 hour),
symptoms (1 hour), intracellular movement (1 hour); host-range (1 hour) disease
transmission (1 hour); in vitro properties (1 hour); Techniques: serological (1 hour),
50
molecular (1 hour), purification (1 hour), diagnostic (1 hour); Control; natural resistance
(1 hour), and transgenic strategies (2 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. DEACON, J. W (1997) Introduction to Modern Mycology. 3rd Edition. Wiley-Blackwell
2. HERITAGE. (2007) Introductory Microbiology. Cambridge University Press India
3. MADIGAN, M.T, MARTINKO, J.M and PARKER, B. (2000). Biology of Microorganisms. 9th
Edition. Prentice Hall International. Inc.
xxxiii) COURSE NAME: PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Course Code: BBT3603
Course Credit: 4 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover commercialisation of biotechnology products, commercial
product development, pathways for the production and delivery of bio-products,
national and international regulations related to intellectual property and patent rights,
regulatory guidelines relevant to commercial release of genetically modified bioproducts.
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. apply knowledge acquired in other related courses to commercialisation of
biotechnology products,
2. describe and apply the commercial product development pathways for the
production and delivery of bio-products,
3. discuss national and international regulations related to intellectual property
And patent rights, and
4. apply regulatory guidelines relevant to commercial release of genetically
Modified bio-products
Detailed course description:
Applications of biotechnology: Agricultural (2 hours), Industrial (2 hours),
Pharmaceutical (2 hours), Food (2 hours), and Environmental biotechnologies (2 hours);
51
product development and marketing pathways (2 hours); Principles and realities of
practising biotechnology (2 hours); Intellectual property and patent rights 1 hour);
National and international regulatory systems (2 hours); Specific treatment of the
regulatory approval processes (2 hours): New biological entities in commercial
production and use (2 hours), Conventionally bred new varieties (2 hours), GMOs (1
hour), Recombinant DNA derived products (2 hours); Review of Biosafety and risk
assessment (1 hour); Biosafety information resources for food safety; Variety release and
breeders’ rights; Entrepreneurship; Financial management (45 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. WAITES, MORGAN, ROCKEY and HIGHTON. (2001). Industrial Microbiology: An
Introduction. 1st Edition. Blackwell Scientific Press
2. SCOTT A. SHANE and KARL T. ULRICH (2004) Technological Innovation, Product
Development, and Entrepreneurship in Management Science. Management
Science, 50(2): 133-144
xxxiv) COURSE NAME: BIOTECHNOLOGY AND CROP IMPROVEMENT
Course Code: BBT3604
Course Credit: 4 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover identification and evaluation of sources of genes for crop
improvement, basic principles of classical plant breeding and modern plant
biotechnology, classical plant breeding and modern biotechnology for plant
improvement goal, various ways of introducing foreign genes into a plant, the potential
of transgenic technology in transforming agricultural production
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1. identify and evaluate various sources of genes for crop improvement,
2. describe the basic principles of classical plant breeding and modern plant
biotechnology, for a given plant improvement goal
3. choose appropriately between classical plant breeding and modern
Biotechnology for a given plant improvement goal,
52
4.discuss various ways of introducing foreign genes into a plant,
5. evaluate the potential of transgenic technology in transforming agricultural
production.
Detailed course description:
Goals of crop improvement; Principles of classical plant breeding; Interactions between
genes and environment; Application of plant biotechnology in crop improvement;
Molecular basis of crop improvement; Sources of foreign genes in crop improvement;
Choice between classical plant breeding and modern biotechnology; Plant genetic
transformation: Methods of introducing foreign genes into plants; Plant regeneration;
Factors affecting the expression of transgenes, Classical examples of transgenic plants;
Field and greenhouse evaluation of transgenic plants; The potential of transgenic
technology in transforming agricultural production (45 hours).
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
READING LIST
1. CHRISPEELS, M.J and SADAVA, D.E. (2003). Plants, Genes, and Crops Biotechnology.
Second Edition. Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Sudbury, Massachusetts. Boston.
Toronto. London. Singapore
2. TAIZ, L and ZEIGER, E. (2006). Plant Physiology. Fourth Edition. Sinauer Associates. Inc.
Publishers. Sunderland, Massachusetts
xxxv) COURSE NAME: ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
Course Code: BBT3605
Course Credit: 4 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover the biological mechanisms that allow microorganisms and plants
to degrade and/or remove contaminants from the environment, health risk posed by
major groups of environmental contaminants, interactions between biological systems
and contaminants in environmental media, use of bioremediation for cleanup in
specific environmental conditions
53
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of this course, the students should be able to:
1. define, in the broad sense, hazardous materials, and explain how they differ
from hazardous wastes.
2. describe fundamental biological mechanisms that allow microorganisms and
plants to degrade and/or remove contaminants from the environment,
3. explain the ecological and health risk posed by major groups of environmental
contaminants,
4. discuss the interactions between biological systems and contaminants in
environmental media,
5. determine the feasibility of using bioremediation for cleanup in specific
environmental conditions.
Detailed course description:
Environmental Microbiology: (2 hours) Microbial diversity (2 hours), Activities of microbes
(1 Hour), Microbial kinetics (1 Hour), Aerobic and anaerobic transformations (2 Hours);
Hazardous substances and their physiological effects (3 Hours); Environmental quality (2
Hours) evaluation and monitoring (2 hours); Microorganisms and waste management (3
Hours); Applications of bioprocesses to solve environmental problems (3 Hours):
bioremediation of contaminated sites (4 hours); Degradation of contaminants by plants
(3 hours); Advantages and disadvantages of different strategies of environmental
clean-up (3 Hours); Biodeterioration and its prevention (3 Hours); Biosensors (1 Hour)
Biomineralogy (1 Hour); Biodegradable plastics (1 hour); Biofuels (1 Hour); Molecular
biology applications in environmental engineering (3 Hours); Genetic engineering of
organisms for bioremediation (4 Hours)
Practicals (30 hours)
Mode of delivery:
The course will consist of lectures, practicals and tutorials
Assessment method:
This will be done through examinations (60%) and coursework (practicals, tests and
assignments) (40%)
REFERENCE LIST
1. BOYCE, A. (1996). Introduction to Environmental Technology (Preserving the Legacy).
First Edition John Wiley.
2. BRADSHAW, A.D, SOUTHWOOD, R and WARNER, F. The Treatment and Handling of
Wastes. (1992). Chapman & Hall . London. New York. Tokyo.
3. GAVALEZ, J. B, and RODRIGUEZ, S.M. (2003). Solar Detoxification. UNESCO Publishing
Paris.
54
4. LARCHER, W. (1995). Physiological Plant Ecology. Third Edition. Springer. Berlin. New
York. London
5. LÜTTGE, U. (1997). Physiological Ecology of Tropical Plants. Springer. Berlin. New York.
London
6. NATHANSON J.A. (2002). Basic Environmental Technology: Water Supply, Waste
Management and Pollution Control. Fourth Edition. Prentice Hall
7. SCRAGG, A. (2006). Environmental Biotechnology. Second Edition. Oxford University
Press. Oxford. New York.
8. SINGH, A and Ward O. P. (2004). Applied Bioremediation and Phytoremediation (Soil
Biology). First Edition. Springer. Berlin, New York. London .
xxxvi) COURSE NAME: RESEARCH PROJECT
Course Code: BBT3606
Course Credit: 5 CU
Brief course description
This course will cover the merger of theory and practice, writing of viable research
proposal, executing a successful research project, and writing a comprehensive
research report and submission for evaluation
Specific learning outcomes:
At the end of this course, the students should be able to demonstrate ability to:
1) merge theory with practice,
2) write a viable research proposal,
3) execute a successful research project, and
4) write a comprehensive research report and submit for evaluation.
Detailed course description:
Under the guidance of programme instructors and stakeholders, students will select a
subject area in which to undertake a research project. A feasible research project will
be written. Conduction of research which entails collection of data. Interpretation,
Analysis, synthesis and writing a full report for evaluation. (60 hours).
READING LIST
2. HARRISON W. A, KATHERINE P.A, EMLEN and BRIGHT. (2002). Handbook of Biological
Investigation. 6th Edition.
2. HARRISON W. A. (2007). Handbook of Biological Investigation. 6th Edition.
3. LEEDY, P and Ormrod, J. (2009). Practical Research Planning and Design:
International Edition. 9th Edition
4. RUSTON G. D, COLEGRAVE, N.(2003). Experimental Design for Life Sciences.
5. QUINN, G.P and KEOUGH, M.J. (2002). Experimental Design and Data Analysis for
Biologists.
55
8.4 Grade Point Average (GPA) for a semester
The GPA is calculated by a three-step procedure:
i) multiply the grade point for each course done in a semester by the number of
CU for that course
ii) add the figures for each of these courses to arrive at the grade point total
iii) divide this grade point total by the total number of credits (CU) for which a
grade was received.
For example: if in a given semester, a student completes five courses with the grades
below
COURSE
Course titles
Molecular Genetics
Basic Ecology
Bioinformatics
Enzymology
Tissue culture
Totals
GRADE
Letter
Grades
CU VALUE
GRADE POINTS
EARNED
Grade Point
B
C+
A
B
B
4
3
5
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
15
12
9
15
12
12
60
GPA: 60/15 = 4.0
The Sixty grade point is divided by 15 CU to arrive at 4.0 GPA for the semester’s work.
8.5 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)
CGPA at a given time shall be obtained by:
i) Multiplying the Grade Point obtained in each course by the credit units assigned
to the course to arrive at the weighted score for the course.
ii) Adding together the weighted scores for all the courses taken up to that time.
iii) Dividing the total weighted score by the total number of Credit Units taken up to
that time.
8.6 Classification of BSc. Biotech Degree
The CGPA for the various classes shall be as indicated below:Class
Cumulative Grade Point Average
First Class (Honours)
4.40 –
5.00
Second Class- Upper Division
3.60 4.39
Second Class- Lower Division
2.80 3.59
Pass
2.00 2.79
This academic recognition becomes part of the official record and is noted on the
degree certificate of the recipient.
56
9. EXAMINATIONS
9.1 Assessment
Examinations are scheduled at the end of each semester. All courses offered for credits
require an examination timetable. The examinations are given according to an
approved examination timetable. An approved organ of the University must approve
exceptions in advance. Tests, assignments, and practicals must be administered during
the course of the semester where applicable.
9.2 Course Assessment
In Biotechnology, each course shall be assessed in two parts as follows:
i) The course work (Progressive/Continuous Assessment, course test and practical
work) shall contribute not more than 40% of the total mark
ii) The University Examinations shall contribute a maximum of 60% of the total mark.
9.3 Earning credit in a course
Students shall earn credits for all the courses specified in the programme load for
graduation. A credit is earned when a Course has been passed. The Minimum Pass
Mark in any course shall be 50%, in other words no credit shall be awarded for any
course in which a student fails.
9.4 Retaking a Course or Courses
A student shall retake a Course or Courses when next offered again to obtain at least
the Pass Mark (50%) if he/she had failed the First Assessment in those courses. A student
who has failed to obtain at least the Pass Mark (50%) during the Second Assessment in
the same Course or Courses he/she has taken shall receive a warning. A student may
retake a Course or Courses when next offered again in order to improve his/her Pass
Grade(s) if the Pass Grade(s) got at the first Assessment in the Course or Courses were
below the Pass Mark.
While retaking a Course or Courses, a student shall:
i) Attend all the prescribed lectures/tutorials/Practicals/Fieldwork in the
Course or Courses;
ii) Satisfy all the requirements for the Coursework component in the
Course or Courses; and
iii) Sit for the University Examinations in the affected Course or Courses
A student shall not be allowed to accumulate more than five (5) Retake courses at a
time.
A final year student whose Final Examination Results have already been classified by
the Faculty Board and has qualified for the award of a Degree/Diploma/Certificate
shall not be permitted to retake any Course or Courses.
57
When a student has retaken a course, the better of the two grades he/she has
obtained in that course(s) shall be used in the computation of his/her Cumulative
Grade Average (CGPA).
Whenever a course or courses has/have been retaken, the Academic transcript shall
indicate this accordingly.
10. ACADEMIC PROGRESS
10.1 Normal Progress
Normal Progress shall occur when a student has passed the Assessment in all the
Courses he/she has registered for in a particular semester.
10.2 Probationary Progress
Students are on probationary progress if the GP for any course is less than 2.0 or the
CGPA is less than 2.0. This probationary status serves as a warning to students that their
performance is below the level required. Such a student shall be allowed to progress to
the next semester but shall still retake the course(s) he/she had failed. In an
assessment(s) later on, he/she must obtain at least the Pass mark in order to be placed
on normal progress
10.3 Discontinuation
When a student accumulates three consecutive probations based on CGPA he/she
shall be discontinued.
A student who has failed to obtain at least the Pass Mark (50%) during the third
Assessment in the same Course or Courses he/she had retaken shall be discontinued
from his studies at the University.
A student who has overstayed in an Academic Programme for more than Two (2) years
shall be discontinued from his/her studies at the University.
11. HONOURS LIST
A student who completes a semester schedule of at least 18 CU with a CGPA 4.4 and
above will be included on the Vice-Chancellor’s List. A student who completes a
semester schedule of at least 18 CU with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 – 4.39
and no grade per course lower than C will be included on the Dean’s List.
12. CERTIFICATE OF DUE PERFORMANCE
A student who does not have coursework marks shall be denied Certificate of due
Performance and will not be allowed to sit the University Examinations.
58
13. ABSENCE FROM EXAMINATION
If the Faculty Board found out that a student has not justifiable reason for having been
absent from a particular examination, such a student shall receive a fail (F) Grade for
the Course(s) he/she had not sat in the Examination. The Course(s) in which the Fail (F)
Grade(s) was/were awarded shall not account in the calculation of the CGPA.
If the Faculty Board is satisfied that a student was absent from a final examination due
to justifiable reason(s) such as sickness or loss of a parent/guardian, and then a Course
Grade of ABS shall be assigned to that/those Course(s). The student shall be permitted
to retake the final examination when the Course would next be offered or at the next
examination season if the Lecturer concerned can make the appropriate
arrangements for the examinations.
14. GRIEVANCE RELATED TO GRADES
Individual course Lecturers retain primary responsibility for assigning grades. The
Lecturer’s judgement is final unless compelling evidence shows discrimination,
differential treatment or procedural irregularities. In attempting to resolve any student’s
grievance regarding grades, it is the obligation of the student first to report the
grievance to the Head of Department who will request the Lecturer concerned to
resolve the matter. If evidence warrants appeal, the normal academic channels are
the following: Head of Department, Dean, Academic Registrar, and Vice-Chancellor.
However, before considering a grievance, the Dean may refer the issue to the Faculty
Appeal Committee or Faculty Board. Grade appeal must be submitted in writing not
later than the second week of class of the next regular semester.
15. ACADEMIC STAFF AVAILABLE TO EXECUTE THE PROGRAMME
CORE BOTANY STAFF TEAM OF THE BSc. Biotech PROGRAMME AND THEIR COURSE LOADS
Name
Rank
Qualifications
Area(s) of
Current
Course Load
specialization
Contact
for this new
hours/year programme
(BBT)
1. H. Oryem- Professor
BSc., MSc.,
Plant Physiology
233
180
Origa
PhD
and Ethnobotany
2. Silvester
Associate
PGDE, BSc.,
Population and
120
225
Nyakaana
Professor
MSc., PhD
Molecular
conservation
genetics,
Molecular
diagnostics,
Molecular marker
characterization
3. G. M.
Associate
BSc. (Ed),
Plant Physiology
255
135
Mutumba
Professor
PhD
& tissue culture
59
4. Maud
KamatenesiMugisha
5. A. K.
Tugume
Name
Senior
Lecturer
BSc., MSc.,
PhD
Assistant
Lecturer
BSc.,
MSc.(Agric.),
PhD
10. Clement
Nyakoojo
10. P. Ipulet
11. Mary
Namaganda
12. Paul
Ssegawa
11. P. Tugume
210
135
165
195
COURSE LOADS FOR THE OTHER MEMBERS OF BOTANY DEPARTMENT
Rank
Qualifications
Area(s) of
Current
specialization
Contact
Hours /year
6. Remigius
Bukenya Ziraba
7. Esezah K.
Kakudidi
8. Patrick
Mucunguzi
9. J. Kalema
Ethnopharmacol
ogy
and
Ethnobotany
Molecular
biology,
Molecular plant
virology, Genetics
Professor
Associate
Professor
Associate
Professor
Sen.
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Principal
Assistant
Curator
Herbarium
Curator
Teaching
Assistant
Dip. Ed., BSc,
MSc., PhD
PGDE, BSc.,
MSc, PhD
BSc, MSc,
PhD
BSc, MSc.
PhD
Dip.Ed. BSc,
MSc, PhD
BSc, MSc.
PhD
BSc, MSc.
PhD
BSc. (For.),
MSc (Env.)
PhD
BSc, MSc
Plant
taxonomy
and Ethnobotany
Plant
taxonomy
and Ethnobotany
Ecology
150
Course
Load for this
programme
(BBT)
75
173
150
338
140
Ecology
211
140
Algology & Biology
of Lower Plants
Mycology
&
Microbiology
Molecular
Systematics
&
Plant Taxonomy
Plant Taxonomy
256
90
293
120
180
150
68
75
Microbiology,
Mycology
128
60
PART-TIME STAFF IN THE DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
3. P.S.N.A
Ssekimpi
4. Joseph
Mpagi
5. Joseph
Senteza
6. Claude
Kirimuhuzya
7. Susan
Serani
Part-time Lecturer
BSc., MSc., PhD
Cytogenetics and
Population genetics
Part-time Lecturer
BSc., MSc., PhD
Molecular Biology
Part-time Lecturer
BA (Econ) MA
Economics
Part-time Lecturer
BSC, MSc, PhD
Ethnopharmacology
Part-time Lecturer
BSc, MSc
Microbiology, Mycology
60
1. Joseph
Kyambadde
STAFF FROM OTHER DEPARTMENTS AT MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
Senior Lecturer
PGDE., BSc., MSc.,
Environmental
(Dept. of
PhD
Biotechnology
Biochem)
2. Agnes
Lecturer (Dept. of
Nandutu
BSc., MSc., PhD
Food Biotechnology
Biochem)
Masawi
3. Joseph Y.T
Professor (Dept.of
Dip. Ed., BSc., MSc., Biomathematics and
Mugisha
Mathematics)
PhD
Biometrics
4. Joseph
Lecturer (Dept. of
BSc., MSc., PhD
Enzymology
Hawumba
Biochem)
REGIONAL COLLABORATORS FROM NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY CENTRE
Plant molecular biology and
1. A. Kiggundu Research Scientist
BSc., MSc., PhD
Genetics
2. Charles
Mwesigye
Research Scientist
BSc., MSc., PhD
Plant virology
Changa
3.
G.
BSc (Agric), MSc. Plant molecular biology and
Research Scientist
Arinaitwe
(Agric), Ph.D
Biotechnology
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATORS TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAMME
1. Jari P.T.
Plant Virology, Molecular
Professor
MSc., PhD
Valkonen
biology
2. John
BSc,
MSc,
DIC, Molecular Parasitology and
Russell
Assoc. Professor
FRGS, FLS, PhD
Medical Diagnostics
Stothard
16. FACILITIES IN THE DEPARTMENT
There are three large laboratories in the Department of Botany available for use by
students of this programme. There is a BOT/ZOO lecture theatre which will also be
available for use by students of Biotechnology. Additionally, with funds being availed
through MSI, specialized laboratories will be refurbished to standards suitable for
teaching Biotechnology. There are 11 specialized laboratories which will be refurbished
and used for microbiology, virology, tissue culture, genetics, chromatography,
equipment room, cold room and dark room. Others are stores for chemicals, glassware,
microscopes and general equipment.
The Department of Botany intends to solicit for land from nearby districts to establish a
larger botanical garden for teaching, research and recreation.
17. FORMATION OF LINKAGES
The Department of Botany will endeavour to solicit and establish linkages with relevant
industry, private and public institutions for the purpose of field attachment and
internship for students of this programme.
61
18. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
18.1 Sources of Funding
18.1.1 MSI Grant USD1.25 m.
The Department of Botany was awarded an MSI competitive grant of USD1.25 m for the
implementation of the new BSc in Biotechnology Programme. This has already been
budgeted for according to the MSI guidelines from UNCST. The budget lines include
laboratory and infrastructure development, laboratory equipment, laboratory supplies,
ICT equipment, standby generator, minibus and running costs, maintenance of
laboratory equipment, textbooks and journals, and recruitment of students. The budget
has been phased over a period of four years. The breakdown of the budget is as
presented in the table below.
Budget of the MSI Grant of USD1.25 million (Exchange rate of USD1=1910)
Item
Year 1
Year 2 Year 3
(US$)
(US$)
(US$)
Laboratory & infrastructure Development
Refurbishing laboratories & Installing
Equipment
Screen house
Year 4
(US$)
Total
(US$)
80,000
80,000
20,000
20,000
26,000
26,000
PCR machines (2) 2
21,000
21,000
Refrigerated centrifuge + rotors (2) 3
20,000
20,000
Gel documentation system 4
11,000
11,000
10,000
10,000
15,000
15,000
10,000
10,000
12,500
12,500
Cooling Unit/chiller 9
12,000
12,000
DLF360 vertical laminar flow hood (2) 10
13,000
13,000
ICT equipment
75,000
75,000
Laboratory Equipment costing more than
$10,000
40 KVA Generator with canopy & switch
1
UV/visible spectrophotometer
5
Flame atomic absorption
spectrophotometer 6
Plant growth cabin (SANYU) 7
MDF-393 SANYU -80° C chest freezer
8
11
Others
Small Laboratory equipment costing less
than USD10,000 a piece (pipettes, pH
meters, balances, electrophoresis units)
55,000
62
25,000
20,000
15,000
105,000
Laboratory supplies, materials & other
consumables
Hire of transport for field work
65,000
32,000
35,000
30,000
157,000
4,500
7,500
10,000
10,000
32,000
Running costs of generator13
5,500
7,500
10,000
10,000
33,000
Maintenance of Laboratory Equipment
5,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
35,000
20,000
480,000
25,000
107,00
0
25,000
110,000
25,000
100,000
95,000
797,000
Existing and newly recruited full time staff
42,000
42,000
42,000
42,000
168,000
Part time staff and local collaborators
4,000
8,000
15,000
15,000
42,000
Systems administrator
6,300
6,300
6,300
6,300
25,200
International collaborator
5,000
Technician
1,200
1,200
1,200
1,200
4,800
SUB-TOTAL
58,500
57,500
69,500
64,500
250,000
20,000
30,000
30,000
80,000
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
50,000
5,000
3,000
2,000
-
10,000
28,000
50,000
81,600
88,200
247,800
15,625
15,625
15,625
15,625
62,500
Text books, Journals & Manuals
SUB-TOTAL
Staffing (20% of total budget)
5,000
10,000
Recruitment of students
Field attachment/Industrial training
Field work/Excursion
Costs of publicity
campaign14
SUB-TOTAL
Overhead costs (5%)
and
recruitment
GRAND TOTAL
BUDGET NOTES:
1,250,000
For supply of back up power to cold room, growth rooms and deep freezers; 2 for DNA amplification;
for conducting fractionation experiments; 4 for visualization and image capture of electrophoresis
experiments; 5 for DNA quantification and photometric assays; 6 for determination of heavy metal
content of soil, water, plant and animal tissues; 7 for tissue culture and plant growth experiments; 8 for
preserving DNA samples and enzymes; 9 for storage of chemicals and experimentation; 10 for
prevention of contamination in microbiology and DNA experiments; 11 computers and accessories,
server, LCD projectors, software, digital duplicator etc. 12 standby generator for continuous power
supply for maintenance of constant temperatures for reagents, biological materials and tissue culture.
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3
18.1.2 Internally Generated Funds
Internally generated funds will come from tuition fees paid by privately sponsored
students. The fees structure per semester shall be as follows:
Ugandan students
1,200,000/=
International students
1,800,000/=
The funds are budgeted for as detailed below:
18.1.2.1 First Semester Income:
Tuition fees from 60 privately sponsored students at a rate of 1,200,000/= per student
= 60 x 1,200,000/=………………………………………………………………….…….72,000,000/=
Less 65% at the centre……………………………………………………………….….25,200,000/=
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Less 20% at the faculty level…………………………………………………………....20,160,000/=
Less 5% overhead cost at the Departmental level….……………………..........19,152,000/=
18.1.2.2 Expenditure
1. Academic & Support Staff (paying part-time staff) 135 hrs x 30,000/= …....4,050,000/=
2. Equipment…………………………………………………………………………......5,285,700/=
3. Consumables……………………………………………………….…………………5,285,700/=
4. Running cost of vehicle and generator (30% of total available money)…4,530,600/=
SUB-TOTAL…..………………………………………………………….........................19,152,000/=
18.1.2.3 Budget for the Second Semester
This will be the same as that of Semester I
18.1.2.4 Accountability
The funds will be subjected to the existing procurement guidelines and auditing rules of
Makerere University.
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