MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
MASTER OF SCENCE DEGREE PROGRAMS
JUNE 2009
CURRICULUM FOR THE MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN BIOCHEMISTRY (MSc Biochemistry)
COURSE-WORK AND DISSERTATION (PLAN A) DAY PROGRAMME
Course Name:
Course Code:
Course Level:
Course Credit:
MICROBIAL BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
MBC7101
1
4 CU
Brief Course Description
This course examines: a) the principles underlying microbial systematics, b)
microbial growth and metabolism, c) information flow, and d) signal transduction and
homeostasis.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course learners should be able to:
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Isolate, characterize, and classify microorganisms
Discuss the various approaches to microbial systematic
Use mathematical models to describe the kinetics of microbial growth
Discuss microbial signal transduction and homeostasis
Describe a microbial genome
Describe mutation, mutagenesis, mutants and mutation analysis
Discuss the molecular basis of mutations
Compare the prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes
Course outline
Microbial Systematics
(10 hours)
Approaches to microbial taxonomy: a) Numerical taxonomy (based on morphological,
physiological and biochemical characteristics), b) phylogenetic or molecular taxonomy
(based on rRNA cataloguing, mol % G+C content, DNA: DNA hybridization), c)
classification of bacteria (eubacteria and archeabacteria), d) taxonomic criteria of fungal
classification, and e) viruses classification
Microbial growth, physiology and metabolism
(10 hours)
a) Growth kinetics, mathematical models for batch (closed) and continuous (open) culture
system; b) Microbial physiology and metabolism: overview of primary metabolism,
secondary metabolism and microbial signal transduction and homeostasis (quorum
sensing, chemotaxis and efflux systems)
Microbial genetics
(15 hours)
a) An overview of the organization of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes, Typical
examples of bacteria genome (haploid genome) and the eukaryotic yeast genome(diploid)
b) The gene: organization (the operon model), and gene expression or protein synthesis,
control/regulation of gene expressions (transcription and translation control mechanisms,
post-translational control , global regulators and involvement of RNA in the regulation of
gene expression); c) Bacterial recombination: molecular basis of recombination,
conjugation, transduction, complementation and transformation; d) Extra-chrosomosomal
elements: plasmids/cosmids, transposons and phages; e) Mutation: Mutagens (chemical
mutagens, ionizing radiations), mutagenesis (chemical mutagenesis, radiation
mutagenesis, PCR-based mutagenesis methods) and mutants, molecular basis of
mutations, isolation of mutants, determination of mutation rates.
Tutorial
(20 hours)
Practical
(30 hours)
Mode of delivery
This course will be taught by using lectures, practical and coursework assignments.
Assessment
Assignments, reports, tests, practical reports and end of module examination. Their
relative contribution to the final grade is shown below:
Requirement
Contribution
Progressive (Practicals and assignments)
20 %
Test
20 %
Final examination
60 %
Total
100 %
Reading List

LENGELER, J. W., DREWS, G AND SCHLEGEL, H. G (1999). The
Biology of the Prokaryotes

SINGLETON, P (1997). Bacteria in Biology, Biotechnology and Medicine.
Course Name:
Course code:
Course Level:
Course Credit:
GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
MBC7102
1
3 CU
Brief Course Description
This course begins by introducing students to the concept of genetic engineering and
biotechnology. It then examines the molecular cloning methods, the various cloning
vectors and their hosts, and how to find the right vector for molecular cloning. Aspects of
DNA amplification and analysis techniques, cloning and expression of mammalian and
plant genes in bacteria and practical applications of genetic engineering and
biotechnology are covered under this course. The course ends with the analysis of the
legal, ethical, and biosafety aspects of genetic engineering.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course learners should be able to:
 Explain the concept of genetic engineering and biotechnology
 Explain the principles underlying molecular cloning
 Describe the various cloning vectors and their hosts
 Describe the principles underlying DNA amplification and analysis
 Explain the steps involved in cloning and expression of mammalian and plant
genes in bacteria
 Describe the various practical applications of genetic engineering and
biotechnology in agriculture, industry, medicine and environmental protection
 Analyze the legal, ethical, and bio-safety implications of genetic engineering.
Course outline
Concept of genetic engineering and biotechnology
hours)
(2
Definition of genetic engineering and biotechnology, and how have they emerged from
other sciences. A historical perspective of biotechnology, and the key events in the
evolution of biotechnology.
Cloning, expression and analysis of genes and their products
hours)
(7
Concept of molecular cloning, plasmids as cloning vectors, Bacteriophage Lambda as a
cloning vector, hosts for cloning vectors, finding the right vector, expression vectors.
Synthetic DNA, Amplifying DNA: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Cloning and
expression of mammalian and plant genes in bacteria, In vitro and site-directed
mutagenesis.
Practical applications of genetic engineering and biotechnology
(7
hours)
Production of Transgenic plants and animals, Production of enzymes and medicines
(industrial applications), Production of Mammalian Products and Vaccines by
Genetically Engineered Organisms (GMOs), Use of GMOs in pollution control
(bioremediation).
Legal, ethical and bio-safety aspects of genetic engineering
(4 hours)
Institutional, National and international legal framework for biotechnology, ethical
concerns of genetic engineering (culture, religion and trade), safety and risks of
genetically engineered products to human health and environment.
Tutorials
(20 hours)
Practical
hours)
(30
Mode of course delivery
This course will be conducted in three main ways i.e formal lectures, reading
assignments/coursework, and participatory discussions/presentations.
Assessment
End of module examination, tests, assignments reports, and presentations. Their relative
contribution to the final grade is shown below:
Requirement
Contribution
Progressive (Practicals and assignments)
20 %
Tests
20 %
Final examination
60 %
Total
100 %
Reading List
The recommended reading will include but not limited to the following literature.
 Michael T. Madigan, John M. Martinko and ack Parker (2000). Brock.
Biology of microorganisms (9th and 10th Editions), Prentice Hall
International, Inc.

Joseph Kyambadde (2005). Optimizing processes for biological nitrogen
removal in Nakivubo wetland, Uganda. PhD Thesis, Royal Institute of
Technology, Stockholm, Sweden, ISBN 19-7283-962-7

Essential Biosafety (CD-ROM, 2nd edition): The latest scientific and
regulatory information for genetically modified and other novel crops and
foods. AGBIOS, Canada

http://www.agbios.com/main.php
Course Name: ADVANCED ENZYMOLOGY
Course code:
MBC7103
Course Level:
1
Course Credit:
3 CU
Brief Course Description
This course begins with the Extraction and purification of enzymes, Enzyme activity,
Factors affecting enzyme activity, enzyme inhibition. Enzyme kinetics: Multisubstrate
enzyme mechanisms (Chance mechanisms, Ping-pong mechanisms, Random sequential
and ordered Bi-Bi mechanisms). Mechanisms in families of enzymes (Serine proteases,
Dehydrogenases, Carboxypeptides, Lysozyme), Multisite and Allosteric enzymes (Noncooperative sites, Cooperative binding in allosteric enzymes, the Hill equation for
Allosteric enzymes, Sigmoidicity of velocity curves) Enzyme regulation and stability,
Fine control of enzyme activity (Steady state fluxes, and flux regulation by feedback,
Saturated or substrate independent reactions, Kacser and Burns theory, switch
mechanisms, role of near equilibrium reactions in maintaining metabolite
concentrations).Finally the course ends up with measurement of enzyme rate constants
(Rapid mixing and sampling technique and Relaxation methods).
Course Objectives
At the end of this course learners should be able to:
 Explain the methods of extraction and purification of enzymes.
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Explain the standardized reporting of enzyme activities (International units,
katals, turnover number)
Describe factors that affect enzyme activities and types of enzyme inhibitions
Describe enzyme kinetics of multisubstrate enzyme mechanisms
Explain enzyme reaction mechanisms used in selected families of enzymes.
Explain the binding of substrates to multisite and allosteric enzymes
Explain enzyme fine regulation and stability.
Describe the theories of Kacsaer and Burns, Switch mechanisms and near
equilibrium reactions.
Describe methods used in measuring enzyme rate constants.
Course outline
Extraction and purification methods for enzymes
(4
hours)
Description of available extraction and purification methods, and show how
specific activities of enzymes. The objective of each step is to retain as much
enzyme as possible while getting rid of unwanted contaminants. The efficiency of
each step is given by yield and increase in specific activity.
Factors that affect rates of enzyme activities and types of enzyme inhibitions
(8
hours)
Detailed explanation of factors that affect rates of enzyme activities, fine control of
enzyme activities such as steady state fluxes, flux regulation by feedback, enzyme
kinetics involving multisubstrate enzyme mechanisms involving random sequential
mechanism, ordered BiBi reaction mechanisms, Ping Pong kinetic mechanism and
Theorell-Chance mechanism
Enzyme reaction mechanisms used in selected families of enzymes
(8
hours)
Detailed description of enzyme reaction mechanisms used by Serine proteases,
Dehydrogenases, Carboxy peptidases and Lysozymes. Binding of substrates to
multisite and allosteric enzymes involving cooperative and non-cooperative sites,
and Hill equation for allosteric enzymes and sigmoidicity of velocity curves.
The theories of Kacsaer and Burns, Switch mechanisms and
Near equilibrium reactions
hours)
(5
The theories of Kacser and Burns, switch mechanisms and near equilibrium reactions will
be explained. The principles learnt in the mechanisms are explained in rapid mixing and
relaxation methods used in measuring enzyme rate constants.
Tutorials
(10 hours)
Practical
(30 hours)
Mode of course delivery
This course will be conducted in four main ways namely: Structured lectures,
Coursework, practical, and Tutorials.
Assessment
The following instruments (Test, presentations and examination) will be used to assess
the students. Their relative contribution to the final grade is shown below:
Requirement
Contribution
Progressive (Practicals and assignments)
20 %
Tests
20 %
Final examination
60 %
Total
100 %
Reading List
The reading list includes but not limited to the following textbooks.
i)
Lehninger ,A.L, Nelson, D.L., and Cox, M.M. (1993) Principles of Biochemistry
2nd Edition. Worth Publishers, New York.
ii)
Stryer, L (2005) Biochemistry. 5th Edition. W.H. Freeman and Co. New York
Course Name:
Course Code:
Course Level:
Course Credit:
ADVANCED METABOLISM
MBC 7104
1
3CU
Brief course description
This course will explore the principles that underlie the integration of metabolism in
mammals. It will also examine metabolism under stress and disease, and compare
metabolism in different organisms and their applications for drug design and therapeutics.
The concepts and key mediators of signal transduction will also be examined.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, learners should be able to:
 Critically discuss metabolism under stress and disease conditions,
 Compare the metabolism in different organisms (ruminants, non-ruminants,
micro-organisms),
 Discuss the importance of various metabolic pathways in drug, vaccine and
therapeutics
Development,
 Describe how signal transduction cascades mediate the sensing and processing of
stimuli and how molecular circuits integrate diverse external signals to generate
responses.
Course outline
Metabolism under stress and disease
(16hours)
An overview of metabolism of major nutrients; implications of reaction stochiometry; the
phenomenon of reverse electron transfer; metabolism under prolonged starvation,
strenuous exercise, extreme temperatures, pregnancy and high altitude with limited
oxygen. Metabolic adaptation, metabolism in plants under stress (salinity, drought,
pathogenesis, heavy metals); metabolic control mechanism; changes in metabolism due
to disease states and implication of the remedies; interconnection of pathways in
metabolism, major organ systems and their specialized metabolic roles will be discussed.
Comparison of metabolism in different organism
(6
hours)
Metabolism in protozoa, worms and bacteria will be compared; ruminants and nonruminants and application of different metabolic pathways in drug, vaccine designs and
therapeutics will be discussed.
Signal transduction and homeostasis
(8
hours)
Signal transducing receptor classes, receptor tyrosine kinases, Non- receptor tyrosine
kinases, phospholipids, phospholipases, G-protein coupled receptors, G-protein
regulators, intracellular hormones, Ca2+ as a cytosolic messenger will be considered.
Mechanisms of signal transduction and defects in signalling; cytokine signallingcytokine receptor/receptor families (EGF-cytokine receptor, PDGF-receptor,TGFβreceptors); mechanisms by which intracellular signalling is initiated will be discussed
Practical
hours)
(30
Teaching and assessment pattern
Mode of Delivery
This course will be taught using lectures, reading assignments and practical classes.
Assessment method
This will include assignments, tests, laboratory practical reports and end of module
examination. Their relative contribution to the final grade is as shown below:
Requirement
Contribution
Progressive (Practicals and assignments)
20%
Tests
20%
Final Examination
60%
Total
100%
Reading list
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J.G Salway (1999). Metabolism at a glance, 2nd edition.
Frayn K.N and Keith N (1996) Metabolic regulation: A human perspective
Marshell William and Stephen K Bangert (1995) Clinical Biochemistry:
metabolic and clinical aspects
Charles Scrivener (1995) Metabolic basis of inherited disease Volume 1-3, 7th
Edition
Stryer (1992). Biochemistry. 5th edition, W.H freeman and Company, New York.
Lehninger, Nelson and Cox (1993). Principles of biochemistry. 2nd edition, Worth
Publishers, New York.
Voet D., Voet J., Pratt C.(2006). Fundamentals of Biochemistry, life at molecular
level. 2nd edition published by John Wiley and Sons,Inc.
Murray, Granner, Mayes, Rodwell (2003). Harpers Illustarated Biochemistry, 26th
edition,Mcgraw-Hill Companies U.S.A.
Course Name:
Course Code:
Course Level:
Course Credit:
STATISTICAL DATA ANALYSIS
MBC7201
1
3 CU
Brief Course Description
This course introduces students to statistical methods often used in scientific data
analysis. It begins by giving a statistical view to students and then introduces them to the
basics of descriptive statistics. The probability theory and concept, probability
distributions and statistical inference are also covered. Students are then introduced to
hypothesis testing, comparison of two mean values, basics of experimental design and
one way Anova. Significance of the F test, experiments with a block structure, factorial
experiments, random and hierarchical models, split-plot experiments and checking the
assumptions in Anova are also covered in this module.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course learners should be able to:
 Explain the principles underlying the various statistical methods used for data
analysis
 Analyze scientific data using various statistical approaches
 Apply statistical models during their experimental design process
 Report their data collected in a scientific way backed up by statistical analysis
Course outline
Statistical view and basics of descriptive statistics
(4
hours)
Statistics and biological sciences, populations and samples and statistical inferences,
making measurements, summarizing numerical data, graphical summaries of numeric
data, and summarizing qualitative data.
Probability and probability distribution
(4
hours)
The probability concept, probability rules, discrete random variables, continuous random
variables, rules for expectations and variance and the distribution of the mean.
Statistical inference and hypothesis testing
(5
hours)
Point estimation, properties of estimators, interval estimation, testing the hypothesis, the
p-value of a test, single-sided alternative hypothesis, testing Ho: µ = µo when σ is
unknown.
Comparing two mean values and basics of experimental design
(5
hours)
Inference on µ1 – µ2: matched data, inference on µ1 – µ2: principles, inference on µ1 – µ2:
small samples but equal variances, inference on µ1 – µ2: small samples but unequal
variances, inference on µ1 – µ2: large samples, Minitab example: comparing two groups;
key concepts in experimental design, examples of experimental designs
One-way ANOVA and significance of the F test
(5 hours)
Introductory example, model restrictions, subdivisions of Sums of Squares, ANOVA
table, analysis by computer; comparisons between the treatments, problems when you
make many tests, recommendations.
Block structure and factorial experiments
(3 hours)
Randomized block design, Latin Square experiments, two fixed factors in blocks
(factorial experiments), experiments with more than two fixed factors, unbalanced, and
experiments. Introductory example, model restrictions, subdivisions of Sums of Squares,
ANOVA table, analysis by computer; comparisons between the treatments, problems
when you make many tests, recommendations.
Random and hierarchical models
(3 hours)
Models with random factors (one-way Anova, two-way Anova), hierarchical models
(Crossed and nested factors, some examples).
Split-plot experiments
(3 hours)
Introductory example, Model and Anova table, Analysis by computer.
Checking the assumptions in Anova
(3 hours)
Analysis of the residues, normality, homoscedasticity, what happens if the data is not
independent, validity of the model (outliers), and residual plots in MINITAB
Tutorials
(20hours)
Mode of course delivery
This course will be conducted in three main ways i.e. formal lectures, reading
assignments/coursework, and participatory discussions/presentations.
Assessment
End of module examination, tests, assignments reports, and presentations. Their relative
contribution to the final grade is shown below:
Requirement
Contribution
Assignments/presentations
%
Tests
%
10
Final examination
%
Total
100 %
70
20
Reading List
 The recommended reading will include but not limited to the following literature.
 Ulf Olsson and Ulla Engstrand (2002). Statistics for Biologists. Swedish
University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Biometry and Informatics
 Any other statistics text books
Course Name:
Course code:
Course Level:
Course Credit:
BIOINFORMATICS
MBC 7202
1
2 CU
Brief Course Description
This course starts with introduction to Bioinformatic, what it can and why it is now very
important. This will be followed by introduction to DNA databases (NCBI, EMBL,
DDBJ), Protein databases (GenPept, TrEMBL, Swiss Prot, PIR, ExPasy, SMART, etc).
Search tools for data retrieval (Entrenz, DBGET, PubMed), Sequence alignment soft
ware programmes (BLAST, FASTA, etc), Sequence alignment types. Main sequence
types (mRNA, cDNA, genomic DNA ESTs, GSS) and end with Phylogenic analysis and
Structural modelling.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course learners should be able to:
 Define bioinformatics and explain what it can do
 Describe the various DNA and Protein databases.
 Explain the principles search tools for data retrieval
 Explain soft ware programmes available for sequence alignments
 Explain the sequence alignment types
 Describe the main sequence types.
 Explain Phylogenic analysis and structural modelling.
Course outline
Concept of bioinformatics
hours)
(6
Definition of bioinformatics, what it can do, and how it has influenced research. Different
Nucleic acid databases such as the National Centre for Biotechnology
Information (NCBI), European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), DNA Data
Bank of Japan (DDJ), and GeneBank store DNA sequences. Search tools for
retrieval of data namely: Sequence Retrieval System (SRS), Entrez and DBET
will be explained and demonstrated using Internet.
Soft ware programmes available for sequence alignments
(6
hours)
The practical use of software programmes (BLAST, FASTA, etc) for sequence
alignments
Will be demonstrated using a computer connected to the internet, sequence alignment
types such as Local sequence alignment, Global sequence alignment and multiple
sequence alignment will be explained.
Main sequence types in the GenBanks
hours)
(3
Main sequence types in the GenBanks are mRNA, cDNA, genomic DNA ESTs and GSS
will be explained. The course will end with Phylogenic analysis and Structural modeling.
Tutorials
hours)
(10
Practical
hours)
(20
Mode of course delivery
This course will be conducted in three main ways involving formal lectures, practical
Assignments using computers/Coursework, and Presentations.
Assessment
Assessment will be by examination, tests, assignments reports, and presentations. Their
relative contribution to the final grade is shown below:
Requirement
Contribution
Assignments and presentations
20 %
Tests
20 %
Final examination
60 %
Total
100 %
Reading List
1. Bioinformatics, A Practical Guide to the Analysis of Genes and Proteins.
Second edition, A john Wiley & sons, InC., Publications
Edited by Andreas D. Baxevanis and B.F.Francis Ouellette
2. NCBI databases and tools http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3. BLAST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST/
4.ENTREZ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Entrez/
Course Name:
MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
Course Code:
MBC 7203
Course Level:
2
Course Credit:
4 CU
Brief Course Description
This course requires prior knowledge of the basic biological sciences at BSc or
equivalent level. The course will teach an understanding of the pathophysiology of
human diseases and equip students with the practical skills to pursue research and
development into novel concepts of diagnosis, natural history of disease and innovative
approaches to management and care for the sick.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course students should understand:
 Fluid and electrolyte homeostasis.
 Endocrine regulation of energy mobilisation, metabolism and reproduction.
 Haemopoiesis and haematological disorders.
 The physiological response to infection and trauma.
 The diseases of the vital organs (liver, kidney and heart).
 Genetic markers of disease and the principles of disease screening.
 Inborn errors of metabolism and management of perinatal conditions.
 Clinical Biochemistry at the extremes of life.
Course outline
Homeostasis
(5
hours)
The balance of the internal environment is an interplay of fluid and electrolyte
homeostasis. The course will detail the physiological processes, which regulate these and
their role in disease and management of clinical emergencies.
Haematology and Inflammation
(8
hours)
The course will cover the regulation of haemopoiesis and the haematological disorders. It
will also deal with the physiological response to infection and trauma with emphasis on
the balance between inflammatory acute-phase response and the resolution of infection.
Diseases of the vital organs
(8
hours)
A number of specific areas of medical importance will be covered under the theme of
diseases of the vital organs. This will give the students an understanding of the
coordinated roles of the kidney, lung and heart in acid-base balance and cardiorespiratory
function. The course will highlight the importance of electrolyte balance for the
maintenance of normal electrical activity of the heart and clinical emergencies that arise
due to electrolyte imbalance. Laboratory case management will be illustrated for
investigating injury or functional deficit of vital organs and monitoring in critical care.
Genetic diseases
(4
hours)
The students will get an understanding of the genetic basis of disease, their diagnosis and
management. Thy will grasp the use of disease markers and the principles of prenatal
diagnosis and screening for disease. This will include common inborn errors of
metabolism and paediatric clinical chemistry.
Clinical Chemistry at the extremes of life
(5
hours)
The course will induct students on population, age and gender factors on reference
values. They will then cover life support and the management of pre-term babies with
regard to common clinical indications such as respiratory distress, hyperbilirubinemia
and complications arising from pregnancy diabetes. This will be compared with care of
the elderly and diseases of old age.
Tutorials
(30 hours)
Practicals
(30 hours)
Mode of delivery
This course will be taught by using lectures, practicals and coursework assignments and
tutorial.
Assessment
Assessment will be done through coursework assignments and practical reports, which
will constitute a progressive score, and end of module examinations. Their contribution to
the final grade is shown below:
Components
Contribution
Progressive (Practicals and assignments)
%
Test
%
Final examination
%
Total
%
20
20
60
100
Reading list:
1. Introduction to Clinical Chemistry. Derek A Woodrow. Butterworths
2. Lecture notes on Clinical Biochemistry. AF Smith, GJ Beckett, SW Walker, PMW
Rae. Sixth Edition; Blackwell Publishing.
3. Clinical Chemistry in Diagnosis and Treatment. Joan F Zilva, Peter R Pannal, Philip
D Mayne. Fifth Edition. Edward Arnold. Textbook of Clinical Chemistry. Edited by
Norbert Tietz. WB Saunders
Course Name: ENVIRONMENTAL AND INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
Course Code:
MBC7204
Course Level:
2
Course Credit:
4 CU
Brief Course Description
This course examines the important aspect of microbiology i.e. how are they amenable to
man? Or how can man make microbes amenable? Advances in this aspect of
microbiology are explored in such fields as environment, industry, and biotechnology.
The inter-relationships of micro-organisms in nature are also explored with regards to
nutrient cycling.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course learners should be able to:
 Discuss the microbial associations in different environments/ habitats
 Explain the principles underlying nutrient cycling
 Describe the application of microorganisms in nutrient cycling
 Relate the metabolic activities of microorganisms to their potential use in solving
the pollution problems (bioremediation)
 Design a bioremediation strategy
 Assess microbial potential for use in biotechnology innovations
 Describe the applications of microorganisms in production of industrially
valuable products
Course outlines
Microbial Ecology
(6
hours)
Microbial habitat/niches (terrestrial, marine and air), microbial associations/interactions,
population dynamics, factors affecting these interactions, nutrients and nutrients cycling.
Environmental microbiology and biotechnology
(22
hours)
Environmental pollution; micro-organisms in the polluted environments; metabolic
adaptations of such microorganisms; principles underlying the application of
microorganisms to ameliorate the pollutants and /or their effects; bioremediation. Sewage
and wastewater microbiology; activated-sludge reactors and their designs; application of
activated-sludge technology to treat nutrient rich wastewaters. Production of biofuels
(bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas): raw materials; micro-organisms and bio-energy
production; process biochemistry and limitations; considerations for development of
biofuel industry; high rate anaerobic bioreactor systems; biofuel upgrading; integrated
biofuel technology for rural development; carbon-trade and life cycle assessment.
Industrial microbiology and biotechnology
(17
hours)
Industrial microorganisms and products: growth and product formation in biocatalysis;
characteristics of large-scale fermentations; fermentation scale-up; Isolation and
characterisation; industrial production of antibiotics: penicillins and tetracyclines;
vitamins and amino acids; exopolysaccharides [EPS], surfactants, flocculants, microbial
insecticides; microbial bioconversions; enzymes; vinegar; citric acid and other organic
compounds; yeast as an agent in fermentation and as food; alcohol and alcoholic
beverages; mushrooms as a food source.
Practical
(30 hours)
Mode of delivery
This course will be taught by using lectures, practical and coursework assignments.
Assessment
Assignments reports, tests, practical reports and end of module examination. Their
relative contribution to the final grade is shown below:
Requirement
Contribution
Progressive (Practicals and assignments)
20 %
Test
20 %
Final examination
60 %
Total
100 %
Reading List



LENGELER, J. W., DREWS, G AND SCHLEGEL, H. G (1999). The
Biology of the Prokaryotes
SINGLETON, P (1997). Bacteria in Biology, Biotechnology and Medicine.
HURST, C. J., CRAWFORD, R. L., KNUDSEN, G. R., MCINERNEY, M. J
AND STETZENBACH, L. D (2002) Ed. Manual of Environmental
Microbiology, 2nd Edition. American Society for Microbiology Press,
Washington, DC
Course Name:
ADVANCED IMMUNOLOGY
Course Code:
MBC7205
Course Level:
2
Course Credit:
4 CU
Brief Course Description
This course requires prior knowledge of the basic biological sciences at BSc or
equivalent level. The course will teach an understanding of the immunological basis of
disease focusing on self-recognition and the role played by the immune system in the
containment of infection, cancer surveillance and tissue rejection and the causes and
management of immunodeficiencies.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course learners should be able to





Describe lymphocyte development.
Describe immune response to infection.
Explain tumour development
Describe features of tissue compatibility and transplant immunology.
Discuss acquired and inborn immunodeficiencies.
Course outline
Lymphocyte development
(2
hours)
The course will cover the development of T and B-lymphocytes with emphasis on the
negative selection of self-reacting clones and activation of mature peripheral lymphocytes
during immune response. Factors that affect this process and diseases arising from
deregulation will be highlighted.
Immune response to infection
(3
hours)
A central theme of the course will be the development of specific, adaptive immune
response to pathogens and recall of this response in subsequent infections. This will be
the basis of a sub-theme, the application of immunological memory in vaccine
development and conditions predisposing to autoimmune disease.
Tumour development and chemotherapy
(2
hours)
The course will cover the role of the immune system in recognition of non-self as the
basis of surveillance and removal of cancerous cells. Processes that support tumour
establishment, the immunosuppressive effects of chemotherapy and their sequelae.
Transplant Immunology
(2
hours)
The course will explain basis of MHC compatibility and tissue matching. The
management of transplant rejection and attendant immunosupression.
Acquired and inborn immunodeficiencies
(3
hours)
The basis of inborn immological diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency
(SCID) and the Bruton’s disease will be highlighted. Comparison will be made with the
aetiology and management of acquired immunodeficiency such as AIDS.
Tumor immunology
(3
hours)
Tumor as tissues graft, immune surveillance, tumor-associated antigens detected by
immune cells (shared tumor antigens & specific tumor antigens) and by antibodies.
Human tumor immune responses and escape mechanisms, Immunodiagnosis (use of
antibodies to tumor associated molecules for tumor diagnosis) and immunotherapy
(specific active immunization with inactivated tumor cells or non-specific stimulation of
immune responses with other agents) and passive immunotherapy using monoclonal
antibodies.
Immunological tolerance and Immune deficiencies
hours)
(3
Tolerance mechanisms, central thymic tolerance to self, Post-thymic tolerance to selfantigens, B-cell deletion, B-cell-anergy, autoimmunity results into breakdown of
toleramce
Artificially induced tolerance. Defective B-cell responses due to lack of B-cell function,
Defective cell mediated immune response due to failure of T-cell function e.g. SCID,
MHC II deficiency, DiGeorge syndrome, secondary immune deficiencies (due to
irradiation, malnutrition, drugs or infection e.g. HIV/AIDS) hereditary defects and
deficiencies in complement proteins (C5,C6, C7 &C8), defects in oxygen reduction
pathways of phagocytes hence inability to generate toxic H2O2 and free radicals).
Advances in vaccination
(3 hours)
Antigens used as vaccines, effectiveness of vaccines (i.e. induction of the right immune
response, stability on storage and sufficient immunogenicity); vaccine safety and cost of
vaccination, adjuvants; types and adjuvanticity, passive immunization, non-specific
immunotherapy by non-specific stimulation or inhibition of certain components of the
immune system (e.g. IL-1 inhibitors against severe cerebral malaria), vaccination against
cancer, anti-fertility vaccines (e.g. vaccine based on -chain of hCG linked to tetanus or
diphtheria toxoid successfully prevented conception.
Immunity to bacteria, viruses and fungi
(3 hours)
Mechanisms of immunity to bacteria, first and second lines of defences to bacterial
infection, antibodies against bacterial infection, of phagocytic actions on bacteria. Models
of virus infection, innate immune responses to viruses, host defence involving B and T–
cells, immune evasion strategies, immunopathology. Immunity to fungi,
monocyte/macrophage killing of fungi.
Immunity to protozoa and worms
(3 hours)
Features of parasitic infections, effector of hosts’ resistance mechanisms, importance of
T-cell in development of immunity, evasion of host’s immune response mechanisms,
immunopathological consequences of parasitic infection, vaccine for protozoan parasites
and worms.
Immunological Techniques
(3 hours)
Antibody-antigen interactions, isolation of pure antibodies and subclasses, assay of
complement, isolation of lymphocyte populations, effector-cell assays, gene-targeting
and transgenic animals.
Precipitation in gels, simple radial immunoassays, double immuno-diffusion assays,
turbidity and nephelometry, immuno-electruphoresis, electrophoresis in antibody
containing media, 2D-immunoelectrophoresis, use of antibodies for purification of
antigens.
Tutorials
(30 hours)
Practicals
(30 hours)
Mode of delivery
This course will be taught by using lectures, practicals and coursework assignments and
tutorials.
Assessment
Assessment will be done through coursework assignments and practical reports, which
will constitute a progressive score, and end of module examinations. Their contribution to
the final grade is shown below:
Components
Contribution
Progressive (Practicals and assignments)
20 %
Test
20 %
Final examination
60 %
Total
100 %
Reading list:
1. Cellular and Molecular Immunology (2002) by Abul K Abbas, Andrew H
Litchman, Jordan S Pober. WB Saunders.
2. Laboratory Medicine. Test selection and Intepretation. Joan Howanitz, Peter
Howanitz. Edited by: P Joane Cornbleet, Ron B Schifman, Lawrence D Petz.
Churchill Livingstone.
3. Immunology Fourth Edition (1996) Edited by Ivan Roit, Jonathan Brosoff and David
Male.
4. Basic Immunology: Functions and Disorders of the Immune system 2nd Edition (2004) by
Abul Abas Saunder An Imprint of Elservier.
Course name:
Course Code:
Course level:
Course Credit:
NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
MBC7206
2
4 CU
Brief course description
The course will examine (a) the cellular nutrient homeostasis, proliferation and apoptosis.
(b) role of nutrients in signal transduction, gene expression, (c) The relationship between
nutrients and immune function.
Course objectives
At the end of the course the learners should be able to:
 Describe the role of nutrients in cell signalling
 Describe the regulation of cellular cholesterol, its trafficking and import into the
mitochondria
 Discuss the interaction between nutrients and the human genome
 Critically assess the effect of nutrients on immune function
Course outline
Nutrients and cell signalling
hours)
(10
Vitamin D regulated pathways: impact on cell proliferation, differentiation, and
apoptosis, Mechanisms for dietary regulation of nitric oxide synthesis in mammals The
roles of thioredoxin reductases in cell signalling, Roles for biotinylation of histones in
chromatin structure, Insulin release, signalling, and insulin resistance, Calcium-dependent
signalling, Control of intracellular calcium levels, Calcium-mediated signalling of
neurons in the physiological and diseased state: role of endoplasmic reticulum
Molecular aspects of Nutrition
(10
hours)
The core concepts in molecular biology will be reviewed, Effects of genetic code on the
response to nutrients (Gly972 Arg Polymorphism in insulin receptor substrate, tafft acids
and gene expression,), Nutrient regulation of gene expression (nutrient regulation of gene
transcription, transcription factors, translation and post translation)
Nutrition and immunity
hours)
(10
Overview of the immune system, impact of infection on nutrient status, malnutrition and
immune function, influence of individual micronutrients on immune function, amino
acids, fat and immune function.
Tutorials
hours)
Practical
hours)
(30
(30
Mode of delivery
This course will be taught by using Lectures, tutorials and assignments.
Assessment
Assignments reports, tests, practical reports and end of module examination. Their
relative contribution to the final grade is shown below:
Requirement
Progressive (Practicals and assignments)
Test
Final Examination
Total
Contribution
20%
20%
60%
100%
Reading list
1. Michael J. Gibney, Ian A. Macdonald and Hellen M. Roche (2003) Nutrition and
Metabolism
2. Garrow JD, James WPT, Ralph A (2000). Human nutrition & Dietetics. 10th
Ed.Churchill
Livingstone.
3. Anderson RE. (2003). Obesity: Aetiology, assessment, treatment and prevention.
Champaign,
Illinois: Human Kinetics.
4. Berdanier CD (1996). Nutrient regulation of Gene expression: Clinical aspects, Boca
Raton,
FL: CRC Press.
Course Name:
RESEARCH ETHICS AND METHODS
Course code:
MBC7301
Course Level:
Course Credit: 2 U
Brief Course Description
This course begins with introduction to research planning, experimental designs and
scientific research methods, data sourcing, introduction to proposal writing, social
research methods, ethical clearance, biosafety and intellectual property rights (IP).
Finally the course ends with IP management tools involving different types of agreements
and standard elements of agreements.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course students should be able to:
 Plan and design experiment
 Select appropriate research methods for the experiments designed
 Source appropriate data pertaining to the research envisaged.
 Write up a research proposal.
 Explain the use of social research methods.
 Describe the need for research ethics, clearance, biosafety regulations and
intellectual property rights
Course outline
Concept of research planning
hours)
(2
Define the concept of research planning, the need for project identification involving. Site
selection, study design followed by team selection (multidisciplinary/collaborative).
Experimental design, scientific methods and data sourcing
(5 hour)
Concept of experimental design and scientific methods are explained. Data sourcing from
available databases, which involve libraries and websites.
Introduction to proposal writing
(7 hour)
This to include topic selection, literature review, time management, fieldwork where
appropriate, problem statement, rationale, justification, hypothesis, objectives and sample
size. Social research methods involving structured interviews, participatory rural
appraisal, questionnaires and focus discussion.
Legal, ethical and bio-safety aspects of research
(10 hours)
Introduction to fundamentals ethical principles, the current major international guidelines
(Nuremberg Code, Helsinki Declaration, Belmont Report, CIOMS & WHO). Ethical
review boards, informed consent standards of care, researcher responsibilities and
venerable groups in research. Institutional and National/Country ethical clearance
requirements explained and participants’ role in the research. Biosafety concerns to cover
regulatory organs (National Biosafety Committee and Institutional Biosafety Committee),
Institutional guidelines, laboratory safety and disposal methods and sites. Introduction to
intellectual property rights.
Tutorials
hours)
(12
Mode of course delivery
This course will be conducted in three main ways i.e. formal lectures, reading
assignments/coursework, and participatory discussions/presentations.
Assessment
End of module examination, tests, assignments reports, and presentations. Their relative
contribution to the final grade is shown below:
Requirement
Contribution
Progressive (Practicals and assignments)
20 %
Tests
20 %
Final examination
60 %
Total
100 %
Reading List
The recommended reading will include but not limited to the following literature.
 African Malaria Network Trust (Amanet) Basic Research Ethics Course.Web
based course, www.amanet-trust.org

Essential Biosafety (CD-ROM, 2nd edition): The latest scientific and
regulatory information for genetically modified and other novel crops and
foods. AGBIOS, Canada
Course Name:
Course Code:
BIO-ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES
MBC 7302
Course Level:
1
Course Credit:
4CU
Brief Course Description
This introduces students to all the experimental techniques and their
corresponding principles used in practical biochemistry and molecular biology. It
begins with detailed explanation of theories and principles behind the techniques
before practical sessions. Broadly, it comprises separation, analytical,
immunological and molecular biological techniques. The techniques of separation
include chromatographic methods, filtration, centrifugation, precipitation, and
electrophoresis. Furthermore, Analytical techniques consist of spectroscopic,
mass spectrometric, radioisotopic and electrochemical techniques. Additionally,
immunochemical, Molecular biological, recombinant DNA and genetic analysis
techniques are covered.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course learners should be able to:
 Explain the principles underlying the various biochemical experimental
techniques.
 Demonstrate practical (hands on) competence (skill) with the various
biochemical experimental techniques.
 Design approaches through integration of the biochemical experimental
techniques to contribute to the investigation of scientific new problems in
biochemistry
Course outline
Separation techniques:
(8 hours)
The concepts of the separation techniques: chromatographic methods, filtration,
centrifugation, precipitation, and electrophoresis. Chromatographic techniques
comprising. Principles of chromatography Chromatographic performance
parameters Liquid chromatography (LPLC and HPLC) Adsorption
chromatography Partition chromatography Ion-exchange chromatography
Molecular exclusion (gel filtration) chromatography Affinity chromatography Gas–
liquid chromatography Thin-layer (planar) chromatography Selection of a
chromatographic system Electrophoretic techniques of proteins and nucleic
acids, Support media (agarose ,polyacrylamide) Types of electrophoresis
Capillary electrophoresis Microchip electrophoresis autoradiography isoelectric
focusing separation
Analytical methods:
(8
hours)
The principles of mass spectroscopy, spectrophotometric methods and
microspcopy are covered. Spectroscopic techniques comprise Atomic and
molecular electronic spectroscopy and Vibrational spectroscopy and electron and
nuclear spin orientation in magnetic fields. Atomic and molecular electronic
spectroscopy includes X-ray, Ultraviolet and visible light spectroscopy,
Spectrofluorimetry,
Circular
dichoursoism,
Turbidimetry
nephelometry
luminometry and atomic spectroscopy Lasers. Vibrational spectroscopy and
electron and nuclear spin orientation in magnetic fields consists of Infrared and
Raman spectroscopy Electron spin resonance spectroscopy, Nuclear magnetic
resonance spectroscopy. Mass spectrometric techniques comprise Ionisation,
Mass analysers, Detectors, Structural information by tandem mass spectrometry
Analysing protein complexes. Microscopy principles behind light, electron, phasecontrast and other microscopes are covered. Specialised imaging techniques
including Image archiving, presentation, Optical-sectioning Imaging living cells
and tissues are covered.
Immunological techniques:
(7 hours)
The principles and techniques concerning production of mono- and polyclonal
antibodies, purification and fragmentation of immunoglobulins , Affinity and
avidity Labeling of antibodies and various immunoassays are covered.
Immunoassays
including
ELISA’s(sandwich
et.c)
Immunoprecipitation,Immunofluorescence assays (IFA), Immunochemical use of
surface plasmon resonance , immunoelectrophoresis(1D and 2D ) , Western
blotting, flow cytometry , radioimmunology, Immunohistology, immunosorption..
and dot immunobinding assay. Immobilization of antibodies, and
immunohistochemistry, image processing Protein A, T-gel, HOURSP, biotinavidin are covered
Molecular biology, recombinant DNA and genetic analysis
(7 hours)
The manipulation of nucleic acids: basic tools and techniques: Isolation and
separation of nucleic acids, molecular biology and bioinformatics, Molecular
analysis of nucleic acid sequences, The polymerase chain reaction (PCR),
Northern Blotting, Southern Blotting, RFLPs. Nucleotide sequencing of DNA,
Constructing gene libraries, Cloning vectors, Hybridisation and gene probes.
Screening gene libraries, Applications of gene cloning, Expression of foreign
genes. Analysing genes and gene expression, Pharmacogenomics. Analysing
whole genomes
Tutorials
(20 hours)
Practicals
(40 hours)
Mode of course delivery
This course will be conducted in three main ways involving Formal Lectures,
Practical sessions, Coursework, and Presentations.
Assessment
Assessment will be by examination, tests, assignments reports,
presentations. Their relative contribution to the final grade is shown below:
and
Requirement
Contribution
Progressive (Practicals and assignments)
20 %
Tests
20 %
Final examination
60 %
Total
100 %
Reading List
1. - Keith Wilson and John Walker (2000) Principles and Techniques of Practical
Biochemistry, Fifth Edition, Cambridge University.
2. John F. Robyt and Bernard J. White (1990) Biochemical Techniques: Theory
and
Practice
Waveland
Press
3. Keith Wilson and John Walker (1999)6th Edition Principles and Techniques of
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cambridge University Press
4 Alfred Pingoud , Claus Urbanke , Jim Hoggett ,Albert Jeltsch
(2002)Biochemical Methods: A Concise Guide for Students and Researchers
Wiley-VCH
Elective Courses: The course requires the completion of one elective course from the
following four choices. Students then proceed to develop a research project in a
speciality within this field.
Course Name:
SEMINAR SERIES I
Course Code:
MBC 7303
Course Level:
1
Course Credit:
2CU
Brief Course Description
Seminar topics focussing on the process of proposal development, identification
of research problems, designing conceptual and theoretical frameworks for
studying a research problem. Skills in literature review and synthesis, report
writing, and proposal presentations for group review by peers and supervisors.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course learners should be able to:
 Identify a research problem
 Design a scientific framework for studying the problem identified
 Review and synthesise the available literature
 Write a scientific proposal
Course Name:
Course Code:
SEMINAR SERIES II
MBC 7401
Course Level:
1
Course Credit:
2CU
Brief Course Description
Seminar topics focussing on their research problems shall be presented regularly
during the course of the research process. Literature reviews shall be presented
in addition to partial results obtained from their research work. Progress of
students’ research and understanding of the conceptual frameworks shall be
regularly presented and discussed.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course learners should be able to:
 Demonstrate a clear understanding of the research problem
 Analyse and communicate their findings
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Brief description
Research projects are undertaken in the second year of the Masters Programme. Students
can select a research topic of their interest according to the elective courses done in the
second semester of their first year.
Objectives of research projects
At the end of the research project the learners should be able to:
 Demonstrate ability to design projects
 Write proposals of acceptable standard
 Demonstrate their ability to use theoretical knowledge to develop and execute
scientifically sound projects
Mode of delivery
Research projects are undertaken according to the general guidelines and requirements of
the graduate school. Students are supposed to write a proposal, which has to be approved
before they can commence their research projects.
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BOTANY, REVISED
EDITION
SEMESTERIZED PROGRAMME
NOVEMBER, 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
1. Background
2
2. Objectives
2
3. Justification
2
4. Career opportunities
3
5. Facilities/Resources
3
6. Admission
4
7. Structure of the Programme
4
7.1 Part I: Course Work
5
7.1.1 Summary of Part I Programme
5
7.1.2 Semester II (Areas of Specialization)
5
7.2 Part II Dissertation
7
8. Examination Regulations
7
8.1 Progressive Assessment
7
8.2 Course Work Examination Scheme
8
8.2.1 Grading System
8
8.2.2 Progression
8
8.2.3 Re-taking a Course
9
8.3 Part II: Research and Dissertation
9
9. Award of the Degree
9
10. Detailed Syllabuses
10
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
REVISED PROGRAMME FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN
BOTANY BY COURSEWORK AND DISSERTATION
1. BACKGROUND
The Department of Botany has had an M.Sc programme by course work and dissertation
since 1994. The Coursework is taught in two semesters of 15 weeks each. During
Semester I, core or cross-cutting courses are taught. The core courses are taught jointly
with the Department of Zoology to avoid duplication of courses by sister Departments in
the same Faculty. In Semester II, elective courses are taught for the purpose of
introducing students to various areas of specializations.
This programme was revised to take into account the emerging challenges, needs and
opportunities in plant resource use and biodiversity conservation. More advanced
knowledge of plant science is needed these days of great concern about depletion of
biodiversity and global warming. In any case, plants constitute the basis of life on earth
and are the livelihood of a great number of people all over the world.
The Department of Botany has produced a good number of higher degree graduates who
have been absorbed in both the public and private sectors. The Department of Botany has
therefore taken up the challenge to contribute towards the production of the critical mass
of high caliber crop of plant scientists to meet the changing and increasing needs of the
country for plant resources.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The main objective of this programme is to produce graduates with more advanced
knowledge and research skills in various disciplines of plant science which are relevant
to scientific development and conservation of plant diversity for socio-economic
development of the country
Specific Objectives
After completion of the MSc degree programme, the graduate should be able to
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
Identify research problems; formulate testable objectives, develop appropriate
methods and experimental designs and write up viable research proposals in
plant science.
Implement research projects and produce credible reports
Contribute towards finding of solutions for societal problems associated with
plant science and resources.
Apply knowledge of plant science in development of plant products
Apply knowledge of plant science in the restoration of degraded environments
(vi)
Influence and guide government policy on the sustainable utilization of plant
resources through research work and dissemination of knowledge.
(vii)
Design and implement projects related to plant resources which are geared
towards poverty alleviation
(viii)
Monitor and evaluate research projects concerning ecology, improvement,
utilization and conservation plant resources.
(ix)
Train others in various aspects of pure and applied Botany in the identification
of practical problems and the acquisition of practical skills and techniques for
handling issues concerned with plant resources
3. JUSTIFICATION
There is a great need for M.Sc holders in Botany to fill up vacant posts of lectureships in
Departments of Botany (Biology) in Uganda and elsewhere. The graduates are also on
demand at National Research Institutes like Kawanda, Kabanyolo, Namulonge, Serere,
Uganda Virus Research Institute among others to work on aspects like crop diseases,
plant breeding, plant tissue culture, biotechnology etc. Microbiologists are also needed in
hospitals, industries like breweries. The programme will produce the above manpower at
a cheaper cost than training abroad. The programme will also produce the required
personnel to carry out studies like plant inventories, ecology of forests, savanna and
wetlands. Such data is required by environmental conservationists and in other sectors of
the economy like livestock industry, arable farming and wildlife. Graduates will also be
important in carrying out applied botanical research, for example study of economic and
social characteristics of indigenous plants that like the medicinal and food plants where
currently more attention is being paid. Highly trained manpower in fresh water primary
productivity will be produced and their contribution in the development of the fisheries
industry is highly important.
4. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
After graduation at postgraduate level, the students find avenues of employment in private
sector and government ministries such as Ministry of Agriculture, Animal resources and
fisheries, the Ministry of Lands, Water and Environment. Other graduates are employed in
research organisations of Natural Research Organisation (NARO), Wildlife Authority,
Uganda Forestry Authority, Uganda Wetlands Inspection Division, Non-governmental
Organisations (NGOs), The Police and Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF). Some
graduates with Diploma in Education are employed by the Ministry of Education, while
others take up postgraduate training in Botany and other related fields such as Forestry and
Agriculture.
5. FACILITIES/RESOURCES
(i)
Funding Sources
The past sources of funding for the programme have been the Uganda government, and
the linkage between the University Of Vienna, Institute of Plant Physiology (Austria) and
the Department of Botany, Makerere University. Other finances have come from the
NUFU and NORAD projects funded by the Norwegian government; People and Plants
Initiative (WWW/UNESCO/KEW); DAAD, etc.
(ii)
Physical Facilities
The Department of Botany is moderately equipped with research laboratories,
microscopes, LCD overhead and slide projectors, video facilities, dark room facilities,
chromatography facilities, experimental garden in the Botany Garden (with a
greenhouse), two growth rooms, working cold room, incubators, the largest Herbarium in
the country, with facilities being continuously improved etc. The Department has a
number of computers and has an e-mail connection.
(iii)
Academic Staff Position
The academic staff position in the department is good consisting of two Professors, five
Associate Professors, three senior Lecturers, three, several part-time lecturers, two
Assistant Lecturers and two Teaching Assistants. In addition to this, in the first semester
other resource persons come from the Department of Zoology. The links between the
Agricultural University of Norway and the Department of Botany have also involved
staff exchange programmes in areas where the department may lack a local person. This
has been for short or long periods depending on circumstances. Visiting Lecturers have
also come from the Universities of Hull and Southampton, U.K. and from Egypt.
6. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates with at least a lower second degree in Botany, Botany combined with
Zoology or any other relevant subjects like Geography, Chemistry, Forestry, Agriculture
(crop science) and Environmental Science from a recognized University may be admitted
to the course. Eligible candidates may be government or privately sponsored.
6.1 Student Capacity
The optimum number of students per year is 25 (5 students per each area of specialization
i.e. Genetics (Molecular Biology); Natural Resources Ecology and Conservation; Plant
Taxonomy & Biosystematics; Microbiology & Plant Pathology; and Plant Physiology).
7. STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME
(i)
The programme shall run on a semester system consisting of four semesters.
Each semester shall last 17 weeks, 15 of which are for instruction
(lectures/tutorials/seminars/practicals), etc. One week is for registration and
(ii)
(iii)
the other for examinations. Each course will be divided into course units. A
course unit is defined as one contact hour per week per semester. One hour of
lecture, tutorial or seminar is one contact hour; two hours of practical or field
work are equivalent to one contact hour.
Students will be required to have both theoretical and practical experiences
during all the course units.
The Curriculum shall be divided into two parts. Semesters 1I and II will
constitute the first year (Part I). At the end of Semester II there is a Recess
Term during which students will finalize the preparation of research
proposals. The third and fourth semesters will form the second year (Part II)
in which candidates will do research and submit dissertations at the end of the
year.
7.1 Part I. Course Work:
These are done in the first semester of first year. These courses are offered jointly with
the Department of Zoology.
7.1.1: Summary of Part A Programme
SEMESTER I
CORE COURSES
No.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
Course Code and Title
BOZ7101: Acquisition, Processing and Analysis of
Data
BOZ7102: Key Aspects of Uganda’s Environment:
Climate and Living Resources
BOZ 7103: Field Course
BOT 7104: Natural Resources Law
BOZ 7105: Communication Skills
TOTAL
LH
30
PH
30
CH
45
CU
3
25
10
30
2
45
30
130
60
100
30
45
30
180
2
3
2
12
7.1.2: SEMESTER II (ELECTIVE COURSES)
Summary of Part B Programme
A student will be required to choose only one area of specialization elective course from
the following:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Natural Resources Ecology and Conservation
Plant Taxonomy and Biosystematics
Mycology, Seed and Plant Pathology
(v)
Advanced Plant Physiology
It is planned that students who are deficient or have interests in some special field may be
required to take collateral courses to strengthen their standing. These may include Plant
Breeding, Plant Stress Physiology, Cell Biology, Plant Biotechnology and Plant Cell and
Tissue Culture. These courses are normally offered in the Department of Botany as some
of the final year options at undergraduate level
B1: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS
No.
i.
ii.
iii
iv.
v.
vi.
Course Code and Title
BOT7201: Cell and Molecular Genetics
BOT7202: Genetic Engineering
BOT7203: Cytogenetics
BOT7204: Population & Evolutionary Genetics
BOT7205: Advanced Plant Molecular Biology
BOT7206: Ecological Genetics
TOTAL
LH
20
20
20
30
20
20
125
PH
20
20
20
30
20
20
170
CH
30
30
30
45
30
30
210
CU
2
2
2
3
2
2
13
B.2 NATURAL RESOURCES ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION
No.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Course Code and Title
BOT7207: Renewable Natural Resources Ecology
BOT7208: Rangeland Ecology and Management
BOT7209: Tropical Rain Forest as Climax
Vegetation
BOT7210: Natural Resource Conservation and
Management
BOT7211: Island Biogeography for Conservation
Biology
BOT7212: Research, Experimentation and Survey
Sampling
TOTAL
LH
20
20
25
PH
20
20
10
CH
30
30
30
CU
2
2
2
25
10
30
2
30
-
30
2
20
20
30
2
140
80
180
12
LH
30
PH
-
CH
30
CU
2
20
25
35
20
30
50
10
20
20
30
45
30
45
30
45
3
2
3
2
3
B.3 PLANT TAXONOMY & BIOSYSTEMATICS
No.
i.
ii.
iii
iv.
v.
vi.
Course Code and Title
BOT7213: Development and Systems of
Classification
BOT7214: Classification and Identification Methods
BOT7215: Nomenclature: The Taxonomic Structure
BOT7216: Elements of Applied Plant Taxonomy
BOT7217: Taxonomic Techniques and Facilities
BOT7218: Field and Herbarium Techniques
TOTALS
170
110
225
15
LH
PH
CH
CU
35
20
45
3
20
20
20
35
15
20
20
20
20
30
30
30
30
45
30
2
2
2
3
2
B.4 MICROBIOLOGY AND PLANT PATHOLOGY
Course
No.
Course Titles
BOT 7219
Biology and Systematics of Fungi and
Bacteria.
Principles of Plant Pathology
The Physiology of Fungi and Bacteria.
Advanced Plant Virology.
Applied Microbiology and Biosafety.
Compendium of Diseases of major Crops in
Uganda and Crop Epidemics.
Food Microbiology.
Total
BOT 7220
BOT 7221
BOT 7222
BOT 7223
BOT 7224
BOT 7225
30
30
45
3
165
160
270
17
B.5 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
No.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii
Course Code and Title
BOT 7226: Mineral Nutrition in Plants
BOT 7227: Plant Water Relations
BOT 7228: Stress Physiology and Phytoremediation
BOT 7229: Plant Growth and Development
BOT 7230: Physiology of Growth and Crop Yield
BOT 7231: Plant Energetics
BOT 7232 Plant Tissue Culture
TOTALS
LH
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
140
PH
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
140
CH
30
30
30
30
30
30
20
210
CU
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
14
NOTE: A detailed syllabus of the courses (7101 – 7230) is attached in
Section 9.
7.2 YEAR TWO: DISSERTATION
Activity
Period
Production of Research Proposal
Research and Production of Dissertation
Recess Term of Year 1
Semesters III & IV
8. EXAMINATION REGULATIONS
8.1 Progressive Assessment (PA)
Progressive Assessment shall consist of test(s), practicals, assignments, seminar
presentation, etc. done during the courses. Progressive Assessment will contribute 40%
of the total mark for each course unit.
8.2 Course Work Examination Scheme
At the end of each semester there will be a written examination in each of the courses
offered during the semester. The examination score will contribute 60% (and PA 40%)
of the final mark for the course. A pass mark in any course is of at least 50%.
8.2.1 Grading System
(a) Each course shall be graded out of a maximum of 100 marks and assigned
appropriate letter grades and grade point average as follows:
Marks (%)
80-100
75-79.9
70-74.9
65-69.9
60-64.9
55-59.9
50-54.9
45-49.5
40-44.9
35-39.9
Below 35
Letter Grade
A
B+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DE
Grade Point
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0
(b) These additional letters shall be used where appropriate:
(c) The pass grade point per course shall be 2.0
8.2.2 Progression Through the Course
Progression through the course shall be assessed in there ways:
(a) Normal Progression
This occurs when a student passes all courses taken.
(b) Probationary
This is a warning stage and occurs if:
(i)
a student fails a core/compulsory course, or
(ii)
a student obtains a grade point average (GPA) or a cumulative grade point
average (CGPA) of less than 2.0 Probation is removed when either of the
conditions in (a) or (b) no longer holds.
(c) Discontinuation
A student shall be discontinued from the programme if one of the following conditions
obtains:
(i)
(ii)
Receiving to probations on the same core/compulsory course.
Receiving two consecutive probations based on GPA or CGPA.
8.2.3 Re-taking a Course
There shall be no supplementary examinations in any course of the programme.
However a student may retake any course when it is offered again in order to:
(a) pass it if the student had failed it before
(b) improve the grade if the first pass grade was low
A student who does not wish to retake a failed optional course shall be allowed to take a
substitute optional course.
8.3 Part II: Research and Dissertation
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
This comprises of an acceptable research project of original nature based on
the relevant areas of specialization leading to the submission of a dissertation.
Both the research proposal and dissertation must conform to the University
regulations. The research project will be undertaken in the second year of the
programme (the third and fourth semesters).
A candidate shall be required to develop/produce and present an acceptable
research proposal during the Recess Term.
A candidate must do the research and work on the dissertation in Semesters III
and IV and submit the dissertation at the end of the Semester IV.
The dissertation shall be marked pass or fail.
A candidate with a dissertation requiring minor corrections will be required to
resubmit a corrected version within 3 months.
A candidate with a failed dissertation will be required to resubmit within 6
months.
9. AWARD OF THE DEGREE
The degree of Master of Science in Botany shall be awarded to a candidate who
successfully completes all parts of the course. The degree of Master of Science in Botany
shall be awarded without classification; however the Academic Transcript shall be graded
as follows:
A = 80-100%
B+ = 75-79.9
B = 70-74.9
B- = 65-69.9
C+ = 60-64.9
C = 55-59.9
C- 0-49.9
D+ = 45-49% (Compensatable Fail)
F = 0-44% (Fail)
10. DETAILED SYLLABUSES
10.1 Part I (i) First Semester (Compulsory courses):
BOZ. 7101 Acquisition, Processing and Analysis of Data (3 CU)
Course Objectives
• At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
• Justify the importance of statistics in biological studies.
• Apply skills of computer-based packages for statistical analyses.
• Explain the various experimental designs in biological studies.
• Develop proposals, collect data, analyse it and write a report.
Course outline
Source of Data;
Libraries, Herbarium, Museums, National and International information services. The
planning of research project.
Experimental design and the scientific method
Organization and collection of data. Types of scientific calculators and computers.
Introduction to computing. Introduction to data analysis. Information handling, storage,
and retrieval. Probability. Type of statistical analysis, their uses and applications.
Library programmes e.g. Linear programming. Presentation of data in graphical and
tabular forms. Interpretation of results. Preparation of scientific reports.
BOZ. 7102 Key aspects of Uganda’s Environment: Climate and Living Resources (2
CU)
Course Objectives
• At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
• Relate physical environment to biological communities.
• Interpret climatologically related data.
• Outline main characteristics of major biological resources in East Africa.
• Demonstrate the skills in planning and implementing conservation activities.
Course outline
Introduction to climate of Africa. Introduction to tropical convergence zone and factors
affecting its behaviour. Climate measurements; microclimates. The hydrological cycle.
Major biological resources; traditional impacts. Introduction to current human impacts.
Conservation and Management of Natural Resources.
BOZ. 7103 Field Course (2 CU)
Course Objectives
• At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
• Justify the importance of measuring and analysing biodiversity.
• Apply biodiversity research methods.
• Explain the various experimental designs in biological studies.
• Develop proposals, collect data, analyse it and write a report.
• Demonstrate the use of a variety of field research equipment and materials.
• Conduct field research projects
Course outline
A two week programme of visits to a variety of places designed to illustrate aspects of
course work. Some field techniques will be introduced, including photography and
survey.
BOT 7104 Natural Resources Law (2 CU)
Course Objectives
• At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
• Justify the importance of appropriate policies and laws in biodiversity
management.
• Explain the various conservation related international and national policies and
legislation.
• Interpret biodiversity related policies and laws.
• Relate theory of Intellectual property Rights regimes to natural resources.
Course outline
National vs International law and natural resources. The court system, adversarial system
of legal process and problems in defence of the environment. The role of law in
ecosystem protection (regulatory standard setting/enabling conflict resolution). State
intervention or public trust. Relevant substantive and common law in Uganda and their
relevance to plant ecological protection. Legislative deficiencies and stop gap
administrative measures. Contemporary legal concepts, impact assessment, polluter pays
principal etc.
International law enforcement mechanisms, relevance and short comings as natural
resources regulatory system. territorial plant protection, general concerns and relevance
(customary and treaty based.) State obligation arising thereunder.
BOZ 7105 Science Communication Skills (2 CU)
Course Objectives
• At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
• Outline the basic elements of communication skills..
• Explain the importance of effective communication of scientific
information.
• Identify and use appropriate techniques and skills for developing
information for oral and written presentations.
Course outline
What is scientific research? The scientific method. Writing objectives. The art of
scientific investigation: preparation, experimentation, chance, hypothesis, imagination,
intuition, reason, observation, difficulties, strategy. Writing technical reports. Writing a
scientific paper. Writing a research proposal. Writing a review of a report/paper book.
Literature search/internet. Presenting a paper at a conference. Editing a book/paper
10.2 PART I (ii) Second Semester: Areas of Specialisation
Students are expected to select only ONE of the following areas of specialization (B.1,
B.2, B.3, B.4 and B.5). All courses in any one area of specialization are core courses.
B.1: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS
BOT 7201 Cell and Molecular Genetics (2 SCH)
Course objectives:
At the end of this course the student should be able to:
 Describe the structure and function of DNA




Describe and explain the steps involved in a PCR reaction
Outline the principles underlying the DNA sequencing technique
Describe the process of DNA replication, transcription and translation in
eukaryotes and prokaryotes
Compare and contrast the Lac and Trp operons
Course outline:
Physical and chemical structure of DNA i.e. base pairing and double helix, base
composition, forms of helices and size of molecules. Denaturation and melting curves.
The polymerase chain reaction and its applications, DNA replication – mechanisms,
enzymology, initiation and terminations. Hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic
interactions. Base stacking. Principles of DNA and protein sequencing; Replication in
pro- and eukaryotes. Transcription and processing of RNA molecules, Lac and Trp
operons. Translation, elongation and termination. Genetic code and decoding system,
regulation of the gene expression in pro-and eukaryotes operon function.
BOT 7202 Genetic Engineering (2 CU)
Course objectives:
At the end of this course the student should be able to:
 Describe the different methods of gene transfer in plants
 Discusss the applications of recombinant DNA technology in plant science
 Describe techniques of identification of desired genes in a cloned library
Course outline:
Primary objectives of genetic engineering in plant science; The concept of a transgene;
Genetic engineering and agricultural development in the developing world; Recombinant
DNA techniques; Tools and techniques in genetic engineering; Plasmid, cosmids, YAC,
and viral vectors; Molecular cloning; Genomic and cDNA libraries; Methods of gene
transfer in plants; Plant genetic transformation; Selection of candidate genes for genetic
engineering in plants; Construction of transgenic plants; Assessment of environmental
impact of transgenics; Bio-ethics, Bio-safety, and Bio-Policies; Role of genetic
engineering and food security.
BOT 7203 Cytogenetics (2 SCH)
Course objectives:
At the end of this course the student should be able to:
 Describe the hierarchical organization of DNA into chromosomes
 Discuss the evolutionary implications of chromosome structural changes
 Describe the causes and consequences of chromosome numerical changes within
cells
 Explain the significance of chromosome fusion and fission in karyotype evolution
Course outline:
Organization of genetic material into Chromosomes – histones, chromatin, nucleosomes,
etc. Polytene and Lumpbrush chromosomes. Structural changes in chromosomes:
duplications and deficiencies, inversions and interchanges with emphasis on their
evolutionary significance and their applications in gene-mapping.
Chromosome
numerical variation – aneuploidy, euploidy, evolutionary significance and induction of
autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy. Applications of polyploidy. B-chromosomes.
Chromosome structural variation – Fusion, fission, inversions and interchanges.
Karyotype evolution (both quality and quantity). Meiosis – Synaptonemal complexes
and recombination modules. Developmental genetics of Drosophila.
BOT 7204 Population and Evolutionary Genetics (3 CU)
Course objectives:
At the end of this course the student should be able to:
 Explain the Hardy – Weinberg Principle
 Discuss factors that change gene frequencies in populations
 Describe techniques used to quantify genetic variation within and between
populations
 Outline evidences for evolution
 Discuss contemporary examples of evolution in action through natural section
Course outline:
The behavior of genes in populations; the Hardy-Weinberg Principle; Factors that affect
the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium; Types of equilibrium, genetic drift, founder effect,
equilibrium between determinate and stochastic forces. Partitioning of variance,
measuring heritability, response to selection, genotype – environment interactions.
Avoidance of inbreeding theories of evolution – mutationism, creationism, Darwinism,
Lamarckism, Neodarwinism, Evidences for evolution. Sources and measurement of
genetic variation – visible mutants, lethals, isozymes, chromosome variation, variation of
nucleic acid sequences, transposable elements. Industrial Melanism, insecticide
resistance, heavy metal tolerance.
BOT 7205: Advanced Plant Molecular Biology (2CU)
Course objectives:
At the end of this course the student should be able to:
 Discuss different approaches of studying gene function in plants
 Explain molecular mechanisms of plant develpoment and defenses


Do a comparative analysis of the RNA and DNA worlds in plant cells
Propose an executable molecular biology experiment
Course outline
A review of the central theme of molecular biology; Model organisms for plant molecular
biology; Plant genomes, transcriptomes, proteomes and metabolomes; Plant genomics
and systems biology; Reverse and forward genetics; Mapping; Plant nuclear and
organelle gene structure, function, and expression; Regulation of gene expression in
plants; Reproductive and vegetative development; Molecular defence of plants to biotic
and abiotic stresses; Innate immunity in plants; Light and hormone signalling The small
RNA world, RNA silencing, and suppression of RNA silencing in plants; Applications of
RNA silencing in plant molecular biology; DNA and protein bioinformatics tools;
Techniques in plant molecular biology. Experimental design in plant molecular biology.
BOT 7206 Ecological Genetics (2 SCH)
Course objectives:
At the end of this course the student should be able to:
 Explain sources of polymorphism within populations
 Explain the differences between Batesian and Mullerian mimicry
 Differentiate between allopatric, sympatric, parapatric and peripatric speciation
 Discuss the merits and demerits of the different concepts of a species
Course outline:
Polymorphism – Mimicry, color forms of Papilio dardnus and Acrea encedon.
Automimicry, chemical mimicry, Batesian and Mullerian mimicry. Industrial melanism.
Insecticide resistance Heavy metal tolerance. Eb2HbA alleles, Anaemia, Malaria.
Speciation, extinction and genetic conservation. Species criteria, reproductive isolation
clines, hybrid zones, mechanisms of speciation.
B.2: NATURAL RESOURCES ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
BOT 7207 Renewal Natural Resources Ecology (2 CU)
Course Description
The course introduces the learner to the historical development of Ecology as a
discipline. It will also relate the basic principles of ecology to the management of the
natural resources especially the major ecosystems’ renewable resources.
Course Objectives
• At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
• Outline the roots, development and application in Ecology.
• Explain the types of natural resources and their appropriate wise use.
• Explain the role of disturbance in ecological systems
• Explain the possible causes, consequences and remedies to environmental
pollution
• Discuss the conservation and management of the resources.
Course outline
Introduction and definition of ecology, The roots of ecology, historical development of
ecology, the application of ecology, Basic principles, problems and approaches in
ecology. Introduction to the science of natural resources. Disturbance ecology;
Successions and Regeneration. Major terrestrial ecosystem of the world grasslands,
savanna and woodlands, shrublands, forests, tundras, deserts and wetlands: location, soils
and climate, type structure and function. Toxic effects of environmental pollutants.
BOT 7208 Rangeland Ecology and Management (2 CU)
Course Description
The course introduces the learner to the types and major characteristics of wildlife
habitats. It will also relate the application of principles of ecology to the management of
the wildlife habitats.
Course Objectives
• At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
• Outline the types and characteristics of wildlife habitats.
• Explain the methods of and problems in the conservation of wildlife in their
habitats.
• Describe the importance of these resources and relate them to the social,
economic and ecological development.
• Discuss the rangelands and wildlife as renewable natural resources.
Course outline
Wildlife habitats: important ecological principles; size of an area, flow of energy,
ecosystems concept, plant succession, stability and resilience of ecosystems, irregular
events and carrying capacity. Habitat edges and ecotones. Habitat analysis and
evaluation. Habitat improvement techniques. Fire ecology; fire and human civilization,
types and behaviour of fires.
Plant/fire/animal interactions. Effects of fire on habitats in different environments. Use of
fire in natural resources management. Effects of grazing and management on grasslands.
Desertification. Socio-economic and cultural values of rangelands.
BOT 7209 The Tropical Rain Forest as Climax Vegetation (3 CU)
Course Description
The course introduces the learner to the types and major characteristics of tropical rain
forests. It will also relate their ecology to the utilization and management.
Course Objectives
• At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
• Classify and define the various tropical rainforests climaxes.
• Describe the structure, dynamics and functions of tropical rainforests.
• Discuss the tropical rainforests’ values and benefits.
• Appreciate the causes and problems of deforestation.
Course outline
Climatic, biotic and abiotic climaxes, tropical rain forest composition, life forms and tree
populations. Profile diagrams and variation. Forest dynamics: phenology and
seasonality. Tree growth rates, longevity and mortality. Deforestation problems; types
and levels of disturbances; recruitment, regeneration and recovery; forest succession.
The Socio-economic, cultural and ecological values and functions. Ethnobotany and
conservation for the people. Wild plant trade: Potentials and problems.
BOT 7210 Natural Resource Conservation and Management (3 CU)
Course Description
The course introduces the learner to the types and major characteristics of natural
resources. It will also relate the ecology to their utilization and management.
Course Objectives
• At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
• Relate conservation and management of natural resources.
• Explain the objectives of conservation and management of natural resources.
• Develop, monitor and evaluate management plans for wildlife resources.
• Evaluate damaged ecosystems for restoration, rehabilitation and reallocation.
Course outline
What is Conservation Biology? Principles of Natural Resources Conservation and
Management. Collaborative Resources Management. Conservation and Land Use.
Sources of Biotic degradation. Establishment and Management of in situ and ex situ
Conservation areas. Conservation related Enterprises. Environmental and Conservation
Planning, Environmental auditing. Species Recovery Planning. Ecosystems
Rehabilitation and Restoration.
BOT 7211 Island Biogeography: Implication to Conservation Biology (3 CU)
Course Description
The course introduces the learner to the theory of island biogeography and its application
to the design of protected.
Course Objectives
• At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
• Discuss the island biogeography and equilibrium theory of Macarthur and Wilson
• Relate island biogeography and equilibrium theory to the design of nature
reserves.
• Advise on the design of the various categories of nature reserves or protected
areas.
Course outline
Types of Botanic Gardens and Herbaria. Role of Botanic Gardens & Herbaria in Plant
Resources Conservation and Management.
Basic Principles of Landscaping.
Establishment and Management Skills of Botanic Garden and Herbaria. Development of
Communication strategy and Interpretation Centres. Databases and their Management.
Guidelines for the selection of nature reserves. Assessment of biodiversity and site
evaluation. Design of nature reserves.
BOT 7212 Research, Experimentation and Survey Sampling (2 CU)
Course Description
The course introduces the learner to the types and major characteristics of natural
resources. The course will further introduce the learner to the theory and practice of the
laboratory and field methods in ecological. It will also relate the ecology to their
utilization and management.
Course Objectives
• At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
• Justify the importance of measuring and analysing biodiversity.
• Apply biodiversity research methods.
• Explain the various experimental designs in biological studies.
• Develop proposals, collect data, analyse it and write a report.
• Demonstrate the use of a variety of field research equipment and materials.
• Conduct field research projects
Course outline
Introduction to ecological survey sampling. Experimental vs descriptive research. Stages
of research experiment. Basic terminology in survey sampling. Problem analysis and
statement. Some basic concepts in research and monitoring. Sampling survey designs.
Types of surveys. Some special considerations and problems. Plant survey sampling
methods and techniques. Animal census and survey methods and techniques. Revisiting
inventory, censuses and indices. Considerations in selecting of methods.
Most field practicals will be conducted at MUBFS in Kibale Forest and UIE at Mweya.
Possible projects will include forest and rangeland management, damage assessment,
forest gap dynamics, forest regeneration evaluation of enrichment of ecosystems and
socio-economic analysis of local resource users. Extra field exercises will cover
sampling techniques, plant community measurements, development impact assessments
and mini-projects; design, executions and write up.
B.3 PLANT TAXONOMY AND BIOSYSTEMATICS (16 CU)
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the course students should be able to:








Discuss the development of and identify the various systems of classification
Discuss the concept of and the various types of characters
Construct, use and discuss the various types of identification keys
Discuss the principles of nomenclature, differentiate the various types and analyze
problems of nomenclature of cultivated plants and hybrids
Assess the ethnobotanical methods and outline the systems and practices of
African traditional medicine; identify the native and introduced poisonous plants.
Survey and discuss the various types of taxonomic evidence
Describe the acquisition of data including field and herbarium data and
demonstrate the analysis of taxonomic data
Carry out a scientific plant collection and curate the collections
BOT 7213: Development and Systems of Classification (2 CU)
Course objectives:
By the end of the course students should be able to:
(i)
Discuss the development of and identify the various systems of classification
(ii)
Compare and contrast Pre- and Evolutionary classifications
(iii)
Discuss the principles of speciation
Course Outline
Pre-evolutionary classifications: Ancient classifications; The herbalists; Linnaeus and his
apostles.
Evolutionary classifications (Phylogenetic systems): Engler & Prantl; Bessey;
Hutchinson, Cronquist and Takhtajans’s systems. Effects of evolutionary theory on
systematics, including evolution and the differentiation of species. Abrupt and gradual
speciation. Species, races and isolating mechanisms like geographical, ecological,
seasonal, temporal and mechanical isolation; Internal barriers. Delimitation of taxa
showing evolutionary patterns; comparability of species and higher taxa and use of
intraspecific ranks.
BOT 7214: Classification and Identification Methods (3 CU)
Course objectives:
By the end of the course students should be able to:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Define character
Discuss the concept of and the various types of characters
Construct, use and discuss the various types of identification keys
Course Outline
Introduction to the concept of characters, definition and value of character, analytical and
synthetic characters. Qualitative and Quantitative characters;“Good” and “Bad”
characters. Weighting of characters. Construction and use of diagnostic identification
keys i.e. sequential keys like the computer, edge-punched and body- punched (petyclave)
keys.
BOT 7215: Nomenclature: The Taxonomic Structure (2 CU)
Course objectives:
By the end of the course students should be able to:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Discuss the principles of nomenclature
Define and differentiate the various types of names
Outline and analyze the problems of nomenclature of cultivated plants and
hybrids
Describe the taxanomic categories and groups and their usage
Course Outline
Typification. Principles of nomenclature. Discussion and application of the international
codes; Publication. Principle of priority. Legitimate names; synonyms and orthography.
Author citations. Problems of nomenclature of cultivated plants and hybrids. The
hierarchical system.
Taxanomic categories and groups and their usage with particular reference to species,
genera, families and practical examples.
BOT 7216: Elements of Applied Plant Taxonomy (3 CU)
Course objectives:
By the end of the course students should be able to:
(i)
Assess the ethnobotanical methods especially those relevant to plant
taxonomy
(ii)
Outline the systems and practices of African traditional medicine with
particular reference to commonly used medicinal plants
Identify the native and introduced poisonous medicinal, poisonous and other categories of
useful plants
Course Outline
General ethnobotany with particular reference to methodology.
Systems and practices of African traditional medicines: history of plants in medicine and
ancient western medicinal practitioners; ethnosystematics; traditional methods of
preparing and dispensing herbal drugs; modern methods of identifying authentic
medicinal plants; phytochemical and other methods of testing the active principles of
medicinal plants ; drugs from plants (antivirals, antibiotics). Identification of native and
introduced poisonous plants; poisonous plants affecting man and domestic animals and
their toxic chemical constituents; methods of controlling poisonous plants. Other
categories of useful plants: food; fibres; plants used in making handcrafts; etc.
BOT 7217: Taxonomic Techniques and Facilities (2 CU)
Course objectives:
By the end of the course students should be able to:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Survey and discuss the various types of taxonomic evidence
Discuss the merits and demerits of the various types of taxonomic evidence
Describe the acquisition of data including field and herbarium data and
demonstrate the analysis of taxonomic data
Course Outline
Taxonomic evidences: morphology; anatomy; palynology; embryology; cytology;
molecular and biochemical systematics; numerical taxonomy; experimental taxonomy;
phytogeography.
Botanic gardens; herbarium, i.e. size, state, history and development, purposes, sources
of materials etc. Library. Character variation; data accumulation and analysis. Data
presentation and documentation including use of dendograms, phenograms, histograms
and interpretation of results.
BOT 7218: Field and Herbarium techniques (3 CU)
Course objectives:
By the end of the course students should be able to:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Discuss the setting-up and functions of botanic gardens and herbaria
Carry out a scientific plant collection
Curate plant collections
Course Outline
Field and collecting expeditions. Flora inventory procedures and processes. Herbarium
practices emphasizing the making of a herbarium and the techniques on preparation and
curating of specimens. The making and organizing of botanic gardens.
Students will also be required to write essays on selected topics as a training in searching
for information in monographs, floras, abstracts, journals, etc.
Students will carry out individual projects on selected taxa (preferably a genus) and will
also be introduced to writing project reports. For the taxon selected they will be required
to consider among other things: Exomorphology, Endomorphology (Anatomy)
Chemotaxonomy, Palynology and Numerical taxonomy.
B.4 MICROBIOLOGY AND PLANT PATHOLOGY
Course objectives
1. To offer a strong science foundation for advanced learners in courses of biology of
microorganisms, microbial diversity, pathogenicity and food microbiology.
2. To highlight ecological concerns impacting food production and the environment.
3. To train competent scientists in the fields of Microbiology in the areas of medical,
agricultural, food, industrial, microbial genetics or physiology.
4. To furnish necessary experience in academic and practical skills in pure or applied biological
sciences.
BOT 7219 Principles of Plant Pathology (3CU)
Diversity of plant pathogens; Plant pathogens as a threat to food security; The
significance of plant pathology; The disease triangle; Plant pathology in the tropical
climate; Plant disease and climate change; Characteristics plant diseases due to different
pathogens; General principles of plant disease etiology; Nature of pathogenesis; The
dynamic survival game between plants and their pathogens; Diversity of host plant-
pathogen interactions; Plant disease epidemiology; General principles of plant disease
control; Non-parasitic diseases of plants; Strategies and practices for integrated disease
control; Plant protection and quarantine.
BOT 7220: Biology and Systematics of Fungi and Bacteria ((2CU)
Phyllum Chytridiomycota: The vegetative body, modes of reproduction and the
morphology and behaviour of reproductive structures. Similarities and differences
between Order Blastocladiales and Order Monoblepharidales.
Phyllum Oomycota (chromista). Formation of sexual and asexual reproductive structure,
their morphology and behaviour in the Order Saprolegniales. Why are the Oomycota, not
true fungi?
The Order Peronosporales: Formation, morphology and behaviour of reproductive
structures. The fungi, which causes serious plant diseases (blights and mildews).
Phytophthora infestans and Plasmopara viticola in world history.
Phylum Ascomycota: The major divisions of Ascomycota, modes of sexual and asexual
reproduction. The basic sexual cycle. The morphology of the ascocarp, ascus and
ascospores.
Brief study of the Order Erysiphales emphasizing the conidial forms and their
importance.
Detailed study of the Order Eurotiales: The morphology and criteria for the identification
of the Aspergilli and Penicillin and their teleomorphs. The importance off the anamorphs
to the humans.
Order Sordariales covering Sordaria, Podospora, Neurospora and Chaetomium.
Order Xylariales – the stromatic pyrenomycetes. The morphology of stomata,
the ascocarps, asci and ascospores of Xylaria, Hypoxylon, Daldinia and
Rosellinia.
Order Hypocreales, Morphology of stromata of genera Hypocrea and Nectria. The
anamorphs of the Hypocreales genera and their importance.
Class Discomycetes: Occurrence in nature; the general structure of the
apothecium, Order Pezizales and the characteristics of operculate forms and
Order Helotiales and characteristics of the inoperculate forms. Mention of the
hypogean discmycetes.
Deuteromycetes: The form, orders in Deuteromycetes and the form families of the
Moniliales. The Hyphomycetes and Saccardo’s system of classification of conidial fungi.
Phyllum Basidiomycota: The major divisions in the Basidiomycota. The development of
mycelium and the basidium. Order Agaricales – criteria for the identification of the
mushrooms. Brief treatment of common families. The importance of the Agaricales.
Order Aphyllophorales: Identification of the Aphyllophorales. Description of the
families. Importance of the Aphyllophorales.
Systematics of bacteria
Class I: Schizophyceae , (Cyanobacteria).
Class
II:
Schizomycetes
(The
Eubacteria),
Pseudomonadales,
Chlamydobacteriales.
Hyphomicrobiales,
Eubacterials,
Caryophanales,
Actinomycetales,
Begiatoales,
Myxobacterials,
Spirochaetales,
Mycoplasmatales.
Class III: Microtatobiales(order Rickettsiales).
BOT 7221: The Physiology of Fungi and Bacteria (2CU)
Fungi:
Dormancy and germination of spores of fungi:
The growth of fungi and its definition – increase in cell numbers and linear extension of
hyphae – Growth on solid and in liquid media both unicellular and mycelial fungi.
Factors which affect fungal growth: Temperature, pH, Nutrients (Carbon, Nitrogen,
minerals and vitamin), light, Air, Water.
Reproduction of fungi: Asexual and sexual reproduction. Factors which affect
reproduction: Light, pH, Nutrients (Carbon, Nitrogen, Minerals, Vitamins), light, Air
Water.
Mechanisms of spore liberation and spore dispersal.
Metabolism and metabolic products of importance to humans: acids, enzymes,
antibiotics, mycotoxins etc.
Bacteria: Growth of bacteria. Factors that affect bacterial growth. Reproduction in
Bacteria. Mechanisms of dispersal of bacteria. Metabolism and metabolic products of
importance to humans.
BOT 7222:
Advanced Plant Virology (2CU)
Diversity of plant viruses, viroids, defective [satelite] viruses, and satelite RNAs;
Significance of plant virus diseases; Major tropical plant viruses of economic importance;
Plant virus taxonomy and contemporary plant virology; Virulence and pathogenicity of
plant viruses; Symptoms and aetiology of plant virus diseases; Methods of studying plant
viruses; Plant virus diagnostics; Diagnostics Modes of plant virus transmission by
vectors; Non-vector mediated transmission of plant of plant viral proteins; Plant virus
infection process; viruses; Plant virus ecology and epidemiology; Control strategies of
plant virus diseases; Mechanisms of virus movement in plants; Structure of virus
particles; Replication of plant RNA viruses; Replication of plant DNA viruses; Genome
expression strategies in various plant virus taxonomic groups; Evolutionary dynamics of
plant viruses; Similarities between plant and animal viruses; Synergism, competition,
complementation and social strife in plant virus world; Mechanisms of host plant
resistance to plant viruses; RNA silencing; Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in
plants; RNA silencing suppression by plant viruses; Applications of VIGS in plant
molecular biology; Plant virology and nanotechnology; Comparative and evolutionary
genomics of selected plant virus families.
BOT 7223 Applied Microbiology and Biosafety (3 CU)
Classical microbial processes; beer and wine making; bread making; the processing of
milk to diary products by lactic acid; cheap carbohydrate containing wastes conversion to
acetone; butanol, etc. via fermentation; biodegradation.
Application of microorganisms in medicine ; agriculture, energy production (biogas;
gashol); food product; production of pharmaceuticals; production of antibiotics; steroids;
microbial leaching; teaching of industrial effluent in modern genetic techniques.
Biosafety: Microorganisms and modes of disease transmission. Standard precautions.
Principles of contamination and infection control. Health and hygiene standards.
Biological safety cabinets and related devices. General precautions and equipment.
Waste management.
BOT 7224: COMPEDIUM OF DISEASES OF MAJOR CROPS IN UGANDA
AND CROP EPIDEMICS (2CU).
Students will be required to compile the Host (Crop), Pathogen, Disease it causes, how
the disease causes crop loss and how it is controlled. The crops will include: Bananas,
Coffee, Tomatoes, Common beans (Phaseolus) Maize, Sugar canes, Sorghum Cassava,
Sweet potatoes, Groundnuts and Cotton. Plant epidemics, conditions which cause their
outbreak and conditions which lead to decline epidemics of international importance.
BOT 7225: FOOD MICROBIOLOGY (3CU).
Microbial flora of fresh foods, Microbial spoilage of foods. Methods of detection of
micro-organisms in foods. Methods of preservation of foods. Micro-organisms as Food Single-Cell Protein. Recent developments in procedures used to assay and control the
microbiological quality of food and protect public health.
Fungi:
The occurrence of fungi on crops before harvest, after harvest and during storage.
The effects of fungi on fresh food stuffs (fresh fruits, grains and root crops) and stored
dry foodstuffs.
Methods of detecting toxigenic fungi in food stuffs and feeds.
Common toxigenic fungi and the mycotoxins they produce.
Occurrence of mycotoxins in food stuffs and feeds.
Methods of detecting mycotoxins in contaminated foods and feeds.
Prevention of contamination of foods and feeds by mycotoxins.
Mycotoxin Survaillance
International standards on mycotoxin contamination of food stuffs.
B.5 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
BOT 7226 Mineral Nutrition in Plants (3 CU)
Course objectives:
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
Review the biogeochemical cycle
Describe the mechanism of mineral uptake
Describe the availability of mineral nutrients
Discuss the roles of mineral nutrients in plants
Describe the effect of excess and deficiency of mineral nutrients in plants
Identify suitable nutrients types and levels for improving plant production
Course outline
Soil as a source of mineral nutrients; Mineralization of organic matter; Mechanisms of
mineral uptake by plants and vertical transport. Physiological roles of mineral salts
(boron, molybdenum, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, chlorine, and calcium) in plants.
The roles of other beneficial elements (silicon, sodium, cobalt, nickel, selenium and
aluminum) in plants.
Effects of deficiency and excess on plants. Salt stress. Determination of soil pH.
Metabolism of mineral salts by plants: their incorporation into organic compounds;
enzyme activities. Analysis of mineral contents of plants and soils. Application of
mineral salts in agriculture as fertilizers, germination, stimulation, herbicides and disease
control. .
BOT 7227 Plant Water Relations (2 CU)
Course objectives
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
 Describe the physical and properties of water
 Relate the physiological functions in plants to the physical and chemical
properties of water
 Outline the mechanisms of water uptake and distribution in plants
 Relate the hydrological cycles to the global distribution of vegetations
 Apply the knowledge of phloem transport to primary productivity
Physical and chemical properties of water and their physiological effects on plant growth
and development. Water uptake and its transportation in plants. Transport of materials in
water within plants; apoplast, symplast and plasmodesmata. Types of soil water and its
availability to plants. Water & global distribution of vegetation. Phloem transport;
properties of the phloem tissue. Phloem loading and unloading; hypotheses of phloem
transport.
Effects of damage of the bark on plants. Relevance of phloem transport in plant growth
development and productivity.
BOT 7228 Stress Physiology and Phytoremediation (2 CU)
Course objectives
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:





Review the diversity of stress factors and their effects on plant metabolism
Relate stress factors to plant production
Classify plants according to their tolerance characteristics
Identify bioindicators of environmental pollution/stress
Identify suitable plant species for the restoration of degraded environments
Water stress and aridity. Ecophysiology of C3, C4 and CAM plants. Metabolic, stomatal
and growth responses to water stress. Water use efficiency. Drought avoidance and
tolerance mechanism. Stress factors (radiation, temperature, salinity (alkalinity &
acidity), oxygen, heavy metals) and their effects on primary productivity; anthropogenic
factors; xerophytes, hygrophytes, metallophytes, toxicophytes and their adaptations to the
stress factors, Bio-indicators of plant stress. Use of plants to restore degraded
environments.
BOT 7229 Plant Growth and Development (3 CU)
Course objectives
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
 Describe the molecular basis of plant growth and development
 Describe the mechanisms of action and physiological roles of Phytohormones in
plants
 Apply knowledge of Phytohormones in improving plant production
 Apply knowledge of Phytohormones for the preservation of plant products in the
post-harvest period
The molecular basis of plant growth and development. The role of plant growth
hormones in regulating cellular activities and in correlative growth. The growth and
development of the whole plant from seed germination to seed production. The influence
of Phytohormones and environmental factors on plant growth and distribution.
Mechanisms of hormonal action. Metabolism of plant growth hormones; Biosynthesis
and catabolism. Interactions between Phytohormones. Detection, isolation, biological
and chemical assay methods. Application of plant hormones in agriculture/horticulture as
growth regulators; floral initiation; fruit growth and development; fruit harvesting and
ripening; rooting from stem cuttings and uses as herbicides. Recombinant DNA
techniques in Plant Physiology. Growth patterns of higher and lower plants.
BOT 7230 Physiology of Growth and Crop Yield (2 CU)
Course objectives
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
 Explain the effects of environmental on crop/plant yield
 Develop appropriate strategies spacing for optimal energy capture and production
by plants
 Explain the reproductive and development patterns of different crops/plants and
resource allocation
Developmental and environmental physiology with particular reference to growth and
yield of selected dicotyledonous plants and cereals. The development of leaf canopies
and tiller production. Root growth. Reproductive growth and development. Resource
allocation. Community physiology and growth.
BOT 7231 Plant Energetics (3 CU)
Course objectives
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
 Describe the leaf morphology and anatomy with respect to their photosynthetic
potentials
 Explain the energy use efficiency of different plant types
 Outline the importance dark respiration and photorespiration on primary and
secondary production in plants
 Explain the mechanisms of extrinsic and intrinsic regulations of photosynthesis
 Explain the variations in the growth rates of plants growing under different light
regimes
Morphology of leaf cells. Chloroplasts and their various activities. Photochemistry and
photosynthetic electron transport.
Biochemical pathways of CO2 fixation in
photosynthesis.
Dark respiration and photorespiration. Glycolate metabolism and the mechanism of
photorespiration. Photosynthesis and physiological control of net photosynthesis in
single leaves. Relations of photosynthesis, total respiration and other factors to control
productivity in plant stands. Measurements of light in plant communities.
BOT 7232 Plant Tissue Culture (3 CU)
Course description
Methods and techniques in plant cell and tissue culture; differentiation and
organogenesis, application in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, medicinal plant
conservation through clonal multiplication; laboratory exercises are included.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course students should be able to:
 Establish and maintain organs using asceptic techniques in controlled conditions
 Interpret and understand basic information on induction of organs from callus of
plant with applied influence of hormone and external factors
 Explain applications of plant tissue culture in molecular biology and genetic
engineering to produce transgenic plants
Course outline
Introduction to plant tissue culture; general methods in plant tissue culture, laboratory
and equipment; media components, preparation, auto claving and contamination;
protoplast technology; regeneration and morphogenesis, cryopreservation theory and
techniques; somatic embryology; physiology of plant cell culture; organogenesis; tissue
culture of trees; tissue culture of medicinal plants and production of secondary
metabolites in tissue culture; genetic engineering in plant tissue culture; application of
plant tissue culture to industry.
Appendix 1 Personnel
FULL TIME STAFF
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Dr. R. Bukenya-Ziraba Dip. Ed., B.Sc. (Mak.) M.Sc. (Ghana) Ph.D. (Mak).
Professor.
Dr. H. Oryem-Origa B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Mak) Professor.
Dr. G. Mutumba Dip. Ed., B.Sc. (Dar), Ph.D (Wales) Assoc. Prof.
Dr. E. K. Kakudidi Dip. Ed., B.Sc. (Mak), Dip. Sc., M.Sc. (Aus. Nat. Univ.),
Ph.D. (Mak) Assoc. Prof.
Dr. P. Mucunguzi B.Sc. (Mak) M.Sc. (Mak), Ph.D (Mak) Assoc. Prof.
Dr. S. Byarujali Dip. Ed. (Mak) M.Sc. (Mak) Ph.D (Mak), Lecturer
Dr. S. Nyakaana Dip Ed., B.Sc., (Mak) M.Sc. (Wales) Ph.D,(Mak) Assoc.
Prof.
Dr. J. Kalema B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D (Mak) Senior Lecturer
Mr. C. Nyakoojo, Dip Ed., B.Sc.,M.Sc. (Mak)., (Ph.D, student), Lecturer.
Dr M. Kamatenesi Dip Ed., B.Sc., M.Sc., PhD (Mak), Senior Lecturer.
Dr. P. Ipulet BSc, MSc, PhD (Mak), Lecturer.
Mr. Tugume A. B.Sc., M.Sc.( Agric/) (Mak) (Ph.D student)Assistant Lecturer.
Dr. Nabulo Grace B.Sc. (MU) M.Sc. M.Sc Assistant Lecturer.
Ms. P. Tugume B.Sc. (MU), M.Sc. (MU) Teaching Assistant.
Dr. P. Segawa BSc (Forestry), MSc., PhD (Mak), Herbarium Curator
Dr. M. Namaganda BSc., MSc. (Mak), PhD (ULS), Principal Asst. Herbarium
Curator
Dr. E. Olet, BSc., MSc., (Mak), PhD (ULS) Lecturer
PART TIME AND CONTRACT STAFF
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Dr. H. K. Taligoola B.Sc. (E.A.) M.Sc. Ph.D. (Nottingham) Professor – PartTime
Mr. J. Kashambuzi, B.Sc. (M.U), M.Sc. (M.U) Senior Lecturer- Contract
Dr. J.M. Kasenene Dip. Ed. (MU) B.Sc. M.Sc. (MU) Ph.D (Michigan) – Assoc.
Professor- Contract
Dr. J. Tabuti B.Sc. (MU), M.Sc.(MU) Ph.D. (AUN) Assoc. Prof.
Mrs. B. S. Male-Kayiwa B.Sc. (MU) M.Sc. (Birmingham) – Part-time Lecturer.
Dr. P.S.N Ssekimpi B.Sc. (MU), M.Sc. (MU) Ph.D. (Arizona) Part-time
Lecturer.
Dr J. Mpagi B.Sc (MU) M.Sc, PhD – Part time Lecturer
J. Ssenteza BA., MA (Mak), Part-Time Lecturer
APPENDIX II: FINANCES
(a)
FEES
The fees for Master of Science (Botany) will initially be 1,800,000 per year or 540,000/=
per semester. For non-Ugandans, the fees will be US $ 1000.00 per academic year, or $
500.00 per semester. However, the University Council will review tuition and other fees
from time to time.
The earnings from the fees will be used to cover aspects like field trips for practical
training, inviting and paying guest Lecturers, buying equipment etc. Savings from this
money will also be used for capital development like creating space on other teaching
facilities like purchase of computers, chemicals, etc.
(b)-
Student Capacity
The program shall initially admit up to 25 students as private students per year.
(c)
ESTIMATED REVENUE FROM SELF SPONSORED STUDENTS
(i) Estimated number of students 25 at 1,800,000=
(ii)
Summary of expenditure
Day Programme (25 students)
1.
2.
17,550,000/=
Balance (61%)
27,450,000/=
Faculty (20%)
Department (80%)
5,490,000/=
21,960,000/=
Details of expenditure - Day program
(i)
Teaching Expenses:
Teaching for 1200 hrs on average per year at 15,000/=
18,000,000/=
Personnel Allowances
Program co-ordination honorarium per annum
(iii)
45,000,000/=
Central activities (39%)
(d)
(ii)
45,000,000/=
Stationery
360,000/=
Photocopying 10,000 x 10 reams
100,000/=
Printer toner (1 x 250,000/=)
250,000/=
Photocopier toner (1 x 250,000/=)
250,000/=
Sub-Total
600,000/=
(vi) Laboratory and field Work (Government + Private) 3,000,000/=
Grand Total
Ug. Shs.
= 21,960,000/=
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
A CURRICULUM REVIEW OF MASTER
OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY
PROGRAMME
MARCH 2006
THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY BY COURSE WORK AND
DISSERTATION
I :
BACK GROUND
The Department of Chemistry opened in 1944 and was at its best both in research and
teaching from 1970 to 1974. At the end of that period most of the academic staff
abandoned University service because of the prevailing political and economic turmoil.
This period was followed by a general decline in research, teaching and qualified
personnel capacity. Since 1980, the department has been recovering slowly in all these
aspects although the ability to develop staff has remained a problem. Secondly, although
chemistry has been taught at Makerere University for the last 50 years the impact of the
subject on society is not obvious. This could be attributed to the inherent inability of the
undergraduate program to relate to local issues of scientific nature and hence stimulate
thinking and action on local problems.
Currently, the department has two professors, one associate professor, five senior
lecturers, seven lecturers, two assistant lecturers and five teaching assistants. In addition
to these, Uganda now has a pool of qualified PhD holders outside the university form
which the department can draw part-time lecturers in critical shortages of staff.
In terms of facilities and space, the department has nine (9) research laboratories capable
of housing 40 research students in addition to six undergraduate laboratories. The
department has a GC-MS, two gas liquid chromatographs, a polarographic analyzer, an
atomic absorption spectrophotometer, HPLC, IR, UV, a fully equipped unit operations
laboratory which can be utilized for industry-related research and other small equipments.
II: JUSTIFICATION
In spite of having a good number of qualified academic staff, numerous research
laboratories and an annual average intake of 80 students offering chemistry in their first
year, chemistry as a science has not made a noticeable impact on society in general and
on industry in particular. The department has an obligation to provide research scientists
for both industry and research institutions. These institutions have so far found our
graduates wanting in many aspects especially in applying their training to real life
practical situations. The course outlined below is designed to answer the needs of
industry, research institutions and colleges. It provides a short-cut to long laborious
hours of unfruitful research which have been a deterrent to postgraduate work in
chemistry. For this reason the course should be attractive to employers who need more
knowledgeable, quickly and cheaply trained chemists for their work. The course being
proposed is intended for the following categories of people:
(a)
(b)
( c)
Graduate students who wish to work in research institutions and industries.
Career research scientists working in research institutions.
Career teachers who wish to broaden their background in chemistry.
III:
OBJECTIVES
The main objectives of the course being proposed will be two-fold:
(a)
(b)
To provide advanced knowledge in chemistry and applied chemistry to first
degree holders.
To develop researchers in chemistry and applied chemistry and nurture a quality
assurance-conscious group of scientists in order to safeguard users of chemicals.
In the process of fulfilling these objectives, it is our hope that:
(1)
the participants will develop critical and analytical attitudes and skills towards
problem finding and solving.
(2) the participants will have broader views on environmental problems and develop
research oriented attitudes to environmental conservation.
IV:
REGULATIONS
The regulations for the degree of Master of Science in Chemistry including the
curriculum and syllabuses the degree are attached.
V:
RESOURCES
The Department of chemistry is an established department within the Faculty of Science.
In addition to the physical facilities, the Department has qualified personnel as well as the
basic laboratory equipment to facilitate the running of the course being proposed.
REGULATION FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE (MSC) IN CHEMISTRY
BY COURSE WORK AND DISSERTATION
1.
GENERAL
Admission to the Masters Degree in Chemistry will be governed by the general Makerere
University and Faculty of Science entrance requirements for postgraduate work. In
particular the following regulations will apply:
2.
ADMISSION
Candidates should be in possession of at least an upper second class honors degree in
chemistry of chemistry combined with another subject from a recognized University.
Candidates with lower qualifications will be considered for admission provided they have
demonstrated academic growth in chemistry or in one of the specified options.
3.
CURRICULUM
i)
The duration of the program will be two calendar years or four semesters. Each
Semester shall consist of twenty weeks of teaching and three weeks of
examinations.
The program will consist of two parts; part I (Course Work) and part II (Research
and Dissertation).
Part I of the program will be completed in two semesters and will consists of
course work with sixteen course units or a total of eight courses.
One courses unit shall be equivalent to one contact hour per week per semester.
One hour of lecturers shall be equivalent to one contact hour, Two hours of
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
viii.
ix)
practical shall be equivalent to one contact hour and one tutorial hour shall be
equivalent to one contact hour.
There will be four compulsory courses which shall be completed in the first
semester. The four courses CHM 7102, CHM 7102, CHM 7103 and CHM 7104
have been designed to give candidates a broad background knowledge on relevant
topical issues in chemistry.
Four courses shall be completed in the second semester. At least three of the
courses shall be selected from any of the given areas in consultation with the
supervisor(s).
In part II of the program, candidates will undertake individual research projects in
their areas of specialization which will form the subject of a concise dissertation.
The areas of specialization are:
Inorganic Chemistry
Analytical/Environmental Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Applied Chemistry
COURSE WORK (PART I)
First Semester
COMPULSORY COURSES
Every candidate will be required to do the following courses in the first semester:
Code
Course title
Lecture hours
Contact hours
Course Units
CHM 7101
Research methodology
40
40
2
CHM 7102
Instrumentation
40
40
2
CHM 7103
Key
aspects
of 40
Uganda’s Environment
Atmospheric Chemistry 40
40
2
40
2
CHM 7104
b)
Second Semester
In the second semester, every candidate will be required to take four courses
from the list given under the five specialized areas of research below: At least
three courses must be drawn from one area of specialization and where
necessary the fourth course will be a related course selected from other areas.
The table below gives the areas of specialization and the courses in each area.
I. INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Code
Course title
CHM 7205
Advanced chemistry of p- 40
block elements
Chemistry of metal clusters 40
CHM 7206
CHM 7207
CHM 7208
II.
Lecture hours
Coordination compounds 40
& Redox reactions
Organometallic
& 40
bioinorganic chemistry
Contact
hours
40
Course units
40
2
40
2
40
2
2
ANALYTICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY
Code
CHM 7209
CHM 7210
CHM 7211
CHM 7212
Course
Title
Analytical Methods
Contact
hours
40
Separation and analysis of 40
real samples
Chemistry
of
water 40
environment
Land pollution
40
Lecture
hours
40
Course
units
2
40
2
40
2
40
2
III ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Code
Course title
Advanced spectroscopy
Contact
hours
40
Lecture
hours
40
Course
Units
2
CHM 7213
CHM 7214
Organic synthesis
40
40
2
CHM 7215
Natural
Products 40
chemistry
Synthesis of heterocyclic 40
natural compounds
40
2
40
2
CHM 7216
IV
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
Code
CHM 7217
CHM 7218
CHM 7219
Course
title
Advanced
thermodynamics
Advanced
reaction kinetics
Advanced topics
in
electro
chemistry
Lecture
hours
40
Contact
hours
40
Course
units
2
40
40
2
40
40
2
V APPLIED CHEMISTRY
Code
CHM 7220
CHM 7221
Course
Title
Ceramic, Glass &
Cement industries
Food & Fermentation
industries
Contact
hours
40
Lecture
hours
40
Course
units
2
40
40
2
CHM 7222
CHM 7223
CHM 7224
Sodium & Phosphorus 40
industries
Geochemical
40
techniques
Water-Interactions
40
40
2
40
2
40
2
4.
EXAMINATION REGULATIONS
4.1
There will be written examinations at the end of each Semester of part I of the
program.
Written examinations shall constitute 70% of the marks, progressive assessment
shall contribute the remaining 30%.
Progressive assessment shall consist of tests, assignments and/or seminar
presentations. At least 2 assignments/tests shall be set per course per semester.
For each course the assignments/tests will be weighted at 1.2 course units.
4.2
4.3
4.4
Pass
Candidates will be deemed to have passed part I of the program under the following
conditions:
a) have obtained at least 60% in each course.
b) Have passed at least two papers in each semester and have obtained an average of
60% with not less than 55% in any one paper at a first sitting.
c) Have obtained 60% in each of failed papers at a supplementary sitting.
d) Have obtained 60% in each of the failed courses on repeating.
4.5
Supplementary examinations
Supplementary examinations will be held within a period of six weeks after the end of the
second Semester of part I of the program. A candidate who fails to pass part I will be
allowed to sit for a supplementary examination of the courses failed provided he/she has
not been repeating part I.
4.6
Repetition
Repeating of Part I will only be allowed on failure to pass the supplementary examination
for candidates who are not already repeating.
4.7
Discontinuation
a) A candidate who fails to qualify for supplementary examination after failing part I
of the program shall be discontinued.
b) A candidate who fails part I of the program when repeating shall be discontinued.
c) A candidate who fails a re-submission of the dissertation shall be discontinued.
5.
Scheme of Course work examination
a) First Semester
Paper
Course(s)
Examination
Marks
Paper 1
CHM 6201
3
100
Weighting
hours
0.15
Paper 2
CHM 6202
3
100
0.15
Paper 3
CHM 6203
3
100
0.15
Paper 4
CHM 6204
3
100
0.15
Paper 5
Progressive
Assessment
-
100
0.40
b) Second Semester
At the end of the second semester, each candidate will sit four papers, three of which
must be from his area of intended specialization. Each paper will be of a three hour
duration and will be marked out of 100%.
6.
RESEARCH AND DISSERTATION (PART II)
a) A candidate will be required to pass part I before proceeding to part II of the
program.
b) A candidate will be required to carry out research in one of the option areas.
c) Each candidate will be required to submit a project proposal approved by the
Departmental Research Committee to the Faculty Research and Postgraduate
Committee within the second semester of the first part of his program.
d) A dissertation shall be submitted at the end of part II.
e) The university regulations governing the submission and examination of these
will apply to this part of the program.
7.
AWARD OF THE DEGREE
The degree of Master of Science in Chemistry shall be awarded to a candidate who
successfully completes all parts of the program.
The degree of Master of Science in Chemistry shall be awarded without classification;
however, the Academic transcript shall be graded as follows:
A =
B+ =
B =
C =
D =
E =
8.0
80 – 100%
70 – 79%
60 – 69%
50 – 59%
45 – 49% (Compensatable Fail)
0 – 44% (Fail)
OUTLINE OF THE COURSES
CHM 7101 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
2 CU
The planning or research projects. Experimental design and the scientific method.
Collection, organization, analysis and presentation of data in tabular and graphical
forms. Types of scientific calculators and computers. Introduction to programming.
Microcomputers and their applications. Information handling, storage and retrieval.
Types of statistical analyses and their applications. Interpretation of results and
preparation of scientific reports.
CHM 7102
2 CU
INSTRUMENTATION
This course will cover the theory behind the principal types of chemical instrumentation.
The spectroscopic techniques will include ultra-violet and visible spectrophotometry,
atomic absorption spectrophotometry, infrared spectrophotometry, nuclear magnetic
resonance spectroscopy and electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Chromatographic
techniques will include
gas chromatography and high performance liquid
chromatographic methods. Electrochemical techniques will include polarographic
methods.
Miscellaneous
techniques such as mass spectrometry, and gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry will also be discussed.
CHM 7103 KEY ASPECTS OF UGANDA’S
ENVRIRONMENT
2 CU
Major physical resources: water, rocks and minerals; their distribution and exploitation.
The human population; its composition, distribution in relation to climate, history and
trends. National and international data bases. An outline of environmental laws and
agreements; national and international.
CHM 7104 ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
2 CU
Physical characteristics of the atmosphere and its stratification. Ions and radicals in the
atmosphere. Reactions of atmospheric oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Sources,
composition and environmental effects of particles. Gaseous inorganic pollutants, e.g.
oxides of carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and halogen compounds; their reactions and effects
on the environment. Organic air pollutants; their sources and effects on the environment.
Smog-forming automotive emissions; reactions and mechanism of formation.
I. INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
CHM 7205 ADVANCED CHEMISTRY OF p-BLOCK
ELEMENTS
2 CU
Advanced treatment of bonding and structure of boranes and their derivatives.
Widespread manifestation of concept of disproportionation among compounds of these
elements. Redox interactions in thiosulfate and polythionate systems and mechanisms
thereof. Advanced treatment of halogens and their derivatives:
polyhalgen and
interhalogen cationic systems; polyhalile anionic systems, both mono and mixed; the
treatment to include preparation of these systems, their structures and stability.
CHM 7206
CHEMISTRY OF METAL ATOM CLUSTERS
2 CU
Distinguishing criterion of metal atom cluster compounds and extent of nuclearity.
Bonding and structure in metal cluster: metal-metal multiple bonding; cluster valence
electron (CVE) counting scheme and its correlation with structure; isoelectornic and
isolabal relationship in clusters. Varieties of metal clusters: cabonyl clusters and their
derivatives containing hydride, carbide, nitride, phosphide, and sulphide species; survey
of clusters for various transition elements. Synthesis of the clusters and their reactions.
CHM 7207 COORDINATION COMPOUNDS AND REDOX
REACTIONS 2 CU
This course will cover introduction to ligand substitution reactions in octahedral, square
planar, and complexes of other geometries. Racemization reactions, catalysis of
substitution by redox processes and photochemical reactions will be discussed.
Conventions regarding standard states, methods of determining changes in free energy,
calorimetric data, schematic representation of galvanic cells, Pourbaix diagram as well as
periodic trends among the transition elements and their half-cell emf values will also be
covered in this course.
CHM 7208 ORGANOMETALLIC AND BIOINORGANIC
CHEMISTRY 2 CU
The course will cover carbonyl complexes, bonding or organic ligands to metals,
experimental evidence of back donation, survey of -donor complexes, complexes with
metal-carbon sigma bonds, selected stiochiometric reactions of organometallic and
homogenous catalysis by soluble transition metal complexes. Selected aspects of
bioinorganic chemistry including essential elements, blood and vitamin B12, means of
supplying iron in lower organisms, the role of copper as well as photosynthesis will also
be discussed.
II ANALYTICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY
CHM 7209 ANAYTICAL METHODS
2 CU
Evaluation of analytical data including detection and correction of determinate and
indeterminate errors as well as discussion of significance tests. Reagents and calculations
used in titrimetric methods of analysis such as precipitation, complexometric and
amperometric titrations will be discussed.
CHM 7210 SEPARATION AND ANALYSIS OF REAL
SAMPLES
2 CU
Analytical separations and the nature of separation processes. A discussion of separation
processes will cover precipitation, extraction, ion exchange
and distillation.
Chromatographic separation methods will include column chromatography, paper
chromatography, ion exchange chromatography as well as gas liquid chromatography.
The choice of method for analysis of complex samples and their preliminary treatment
will be illustrated through discussion of case studies..
CHM 7211 CHEMISTRY OF WATER ENVIRONMENT
2 CU
Fundamentals of aquatic chemistry; water acidity and alkalinity. Metal species and the
nature of their existence. Aquatic biochemical processes; microbial transformations of
carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, metals and metalloids and their compounds. Properties of
water and water bodies. Types and courses of water pollutants. Methods of water
treatment for various uses. Industrial wastes and disposal with respect to Uganda.
CHM 7212 LAND POLLUTION
2 CU
The nature of solids in the geosphere. Sediments, clays and soil. Soil chemistry
including acid base reactions and micronutrients. Agricultural land pollutants; fertilizers,
pesticides and herbicides. Sources and nature of hazardous wastes; their chemistry and
methods of disposal.
III . ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
CHM 7213 ADVANCED SPECTROSCOPY
2 CU
A review of structure identification by use of the following methods will be made:
Infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet
spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
Carbon-13 NMR will be discussed by
interpretation of spectra for specific examples of compounds.
CHM 7214 ORGANIC SYNTHESIS
2 CU
Synthetic methodologies introduced at undergraduate level will be reviewed. Synthetic
methods will be illustrated with examples from natural products such as Dictamine,
Flindersine, Penecillins and Cephalosporines. The methodology of planning an organic
synthesis will be discussed through examples of natural products and other molecules of
theoretical interest. The aim is to introduce a student to formulating possible sequences
for target molecules and critically appraise each sequence from the point of view of
probability of success and efficiency of the yield. Synthetic targets for study will be
chosen in such away as to highlight general synthetic reactions and modern techniques of
structure identification.
CHM 7215 NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY
2 CU
The aim of this course is to show how organic constituents of living organisms are
produced in nature. It will cover the distinction between primary and secondary
metabolites, fatty acid biosynthesis as an example of primary metabolism, the acetyl
coenzyme A and the acetate-malonate pathways, theories of biogenetic pathways of
natural products in living organisms. The biosynthesis of terpeniods, steroids and
alkaloids will be discussed with the help of specific examples.
CHM 7216 SYNTHESIS OF HETEROCYCLIC NATURAL
COMPOUNDS 2 CU
This course will review the structure, reactivity and synthesis of a representative
number of heterocycles.
In addition, the chemistry of heterocycles of
pharmaceutical interest such as penicillins, antibacterial agents, anticonvulsive
agents, antipyretic agents, barbiturates, stimulants, vitamins B1, B2, B12 etc will
be discussed. The use of simple heterocyles in the synthesis of complex natural
products will be illustrated with emphasis on heterocycles as strategic synthons.
Examples to be discussed will include synthesis in which heterocycles are
performed and those in which ring formation is a key step. Use of heterocycles
for activation and masking of functionality will also be discussed.
IV PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
CHM 7217 ADVANCED THERMODYNAMICS
2 CU
The laws of thermodynamics and equilibrium will be reviewed. Activity coefficients will
be stressed. Depending on the area of interest of the student, one or more of the
following will be treated in detail:
thermodynamics and electrode potentials;
thermodynamics of the activated state in solution; bond energies and thermodynamic
measurements; phase diagrams, especially as applicable to the ceramic, cement and
metallurgical industries; thermodynamics of biochemical compounds; thermodynamics
of industrial chemical systems.
CHM 7218 ADVANCED REACTION KINETICS
2 CU
The mathematics of rate equations. Computer models for rate equations. Experimental
methods, including relaxation methods. Catalysis. Kinetic studies of short-lived species
by mass spectrometry, and matrix isolation. Detailed treatment of the theory of reaction
rates; the collision theory and the transition state theory. Mechanisms and the steady
state approximation.
CHM 7219 ADVANCED TOPICS IN
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
2 CU
This course will cover irreversible electrode processes, electrode kinetics, corrosion
science, potentiometry and ion selective electrodes.
V. APPLIED CHEMISTRY
CHM 7220 CERAMIC, GLASS AND CEMENT INDUSTRIE
2 CU
The chemistry and manufacture of ceramics, white wares, structural clay products,
refractories, enamels and enameled metal, portland, pozzolan and magnesium oxchloride
cements. The composition, chemistry and manufacture of glass.
CHM 7221 FOOD AND FERMENTATION INDUSTRIES
2 CU
Conventional and nonconventional foods. Food, milk, meat, poultry and by-product
processing. Mechanical and chemical preservation of foods, chemistry and mode of
action for food additives. Manufacture of absolute and industrial alcohols, wines and
liquors, vinegar and acetic acid, lactic acid and enzymes.
CHM 7222 SODIUM AND PHOSPHORUS BASED
INDUSTRIES
2 CU
The uses and manufacture of various salts of sodium such as sodium chloride (common
salt), sodium sulphite, sodium sulphate, sodium silicates, etc. The phosphate rock and the
manufacture of super phosphates and fire retardant phosphorus based chemicals.
CHM 7223 GEOCHEMICAL TECHNIQUES
2 CU
Chemistry of Minerals and Rocks. Techniques of Rock collection and Mineral
separation. Rock dissolution and wet chemical analysis including AAS, ICP, MassSpectrometry, Dry techniques, Rock Thin Section, Staining, Catholominescenece, XRD,
XRF, Microprobe, SEM, TEA, DTA Neutron Activation. In each case the aspects
relating specifically to Rock Analysis will be explored rather than general discussion of
techniques.
CHM 7224 WATER-ROCK INTERACTIONS
2 CU
Chemistry of continental and oceanic water. Weathering processes. Sedimentation
processes, Isotope Geochemistry D, 18O. Rate of water in magmatic process, mineral
deposition and metamorphic reactions. Pollution, aspects relating to Environmental
Geochemistry.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MATHEMATICS
Semester I
Core Courses
 Advanced Group Theory
 Functional Analysis
 Measure theory & Probability
 Further Modules and Rings
Semester II
Core Courses
 Topology
 Stochastic Differential Equations
 Dynamical Systems and chaos
 Partial Differential equations
Semester III
 Research methods and proposal writing
 Two advanced course taken among the list of electives that are related to the
students’ project area.
Elective Courses (Choose 2)
 Field Theory
 Commutative Algebra
 Homological algebra
 Harmonic Analysis
 Measure and Integration
 Topology and Lie groups
 Geometry of Manifolds
 Topics in Complex Analysis
 Mathematical Epidemiology
 Mathematical Ecology and Natural Resource Modelling
 Operations Research and Optimization Theory
 Financial Mathematics
 Life Insurance Mathematics
 Non-Life Insurance Mathematics
 Biostatistics and Biodata Modelling
 Statistical Modelling
 Mathematical Economics/Game Theory
 Control Theory
 Hydrodynamic Stability Theory
 Environmental Modelling
 Time Series and Forecasting
Semester IV
 Dissertation
CURRICULUM:
MASTER OF SCIENCE PHYSICS
Course work will last two semesters and the following courses will be taken.
(a)
Course arrangement
(i) Semester
I
Core courses:
PHY 7108
PHY 7101
PHY 7102
PHY 7109
One elective
Computer Science
Methods of Mathematical Physics
Classical Mechanics
Research Methods
(ii) Semester
II
3 CU
3 CU
3 CU
2 CU
3CU
Core courses:
PHY 7206
PHY 7205
PHY 7207
One elective
(b)
Statistical Mechanics
Classical Electrodynamics I
Advanced Quantum Mechanics I
Dissertation
3CU
3CU
3CU
3CU
26 CU
Research towards a dissertation will last two semesters.
(a)
CURRICULUM: DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY PHYSICS
Course arrangement
The course work will last one semester and the following courses will be offered.
(i)
Semester I
PHY 9105:
Classical Electrodynamics II
PHY 9107: Advanced Quantum Mechanics
One elective from the 700 series
RESEARCH
(ii)
Semester II
3CU
3CU
3CU
(b)
Research towards a dissertation will last through Semesters II – VI. A candidate
will work with one of the research groups in the Department.
EXAMINATION
Every course unit will be assessed out of 100 marks allocated as follows:
Progressive assessment
Written Examination
The pass mark will be
40%
60%
60%
The M.Sc. dissertation will be graded out of 100 marks.
Each course unit will be graded out of a maximum of 100 marks according to the
following scale.
Marks
Grade
Points
80 - 100
75 – 79.9
70 – 74.9
65 – 69.9
60 – 64.9
55 – 59.9
50 – 54.9
45 – 49.9
Below 45
A
B+
B
BC+
C
CD
E
5
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
0.0
To obtain an M.Sc. in Physics a candidate must have accumulated at least 26 CU in the
courses and submitted a dissertation equivalent to 26 CU
To obtain a Ph.D. in Physics a candidate must have accumulated at least 9 CU in the
courses and submitted a dissertation.
COURSES
CODE
PHY 7101
PHY 7102
PHY 7106
PHY 7108
PHY 7109
PHY 7205
PHY 7207
PHY 9105
COURSE NAME
Methods of Mathematical Physics
Classical Mechanics
Statistical Mechanics
Computer Science
Research Methods
Classical Electrodynamics I
Advanced Quantum Mechanics I
Classical Electrodynamics II
HOURS
45
45
45
45
30
45
45
45
CU
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
PHY 9107 Advanced Quantum Mechanics II
45
3
ELECTIVE COURSES
CODE
COURSE NAME
PHY 7103 Solid State Physics
PHY 7104 Energy Physics
PHY 7202 Geophysics
PHY 7203 Materials Science
PHY 7204 Radiation Physics
PHY 7105 Atmospheric Physics
PHY 7206 Astrophysics
HOURS
45
45
45
45
45
45
45
CU
3
3
3
3
3
3
3