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Bachelor of science (Basic Science) with IT

About the Programme

The department of Zoology offers courses that lead to a Bachelor of Science (Bsc) degree. The programme is designed in conjunction with other departments, in the school of Physical and Biological sciences, to give a solid background in Science in the early stages of followed by advanced courses in zoology in the later years. The arrangement provides a varied flexible combination leading to a wide variety of specializations. This offers opportunity for students to choose courses that complement each other and fit their interests. In the final year, students have the opportunity to undertake a research project in their areas of interest. This offers them practical experience in the lab or field.  

This degree model has advantage of Allows students to experience diverse areas of science hence to discover the interconnections. This provides a solid foundation in Zoology, upon which specialization in different fields can be built. Most importantly it offers students a chance to delay their specialization until they are sure about the direction they want to take. 

The graduates of this programme acquire skills and knowledge that they will be able to use to solve problems in the fields of agriculture, biomedical sciences, environmental sciences and industry. Graduates may find employment in academia, research institutes, and agricultural industries as well as in management, terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology, Entomology and Evolution. 

Admission requirement

Applicants must meet the general University and School of Physical and Biological Sciences admission requirements.

  • Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) grade C+ or its equivalent

Or

  • Diploma certificate from an institution recognized by Maseno University
  • In addition to the minimum university admission requirements, a candidate must have obtained a minimum of grade C+ in any two of the following subjects at KCSE: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics

Duration of the Programme

The duration of the program shall normally be four (4) academic years.
Teaching methods in all units shall include lectures, field trips, seminars, tutorials, discussions, and practical.

Degree Structure

Zoology is offered as a single subject. Courses offered are in units. Normally in third and fourth years candidates shall take courses in two departments giving a 3:3:2:2 structures. In the 3rd and 4th years of study the students may adopt either a 3:3:1:1 or 3:3:2:1 structures in accordance with the school of physical and biological Science regulations. Selection of elective courses shall be done in consultation with the department.

Programme Courses

Year1: Semester1

SZL 101    

Lower Invertebrates

SZL 103    

Introductory Genetics and Evolution

Year1:Semester2

SZL 102     

Vertebrate Zoology

SZL 104    

Higher Invertebrates

Year2:Semester1

SZL 201:  

  Cell Biology

SZL 203:    

Histology and cytology

SZL 205:    

Arthropod Biology

Year2: Semester2

SZL 202:     

Basic Ecology

SZL 204:    

Introductory Biochemistry and Genetics

SZL 206:     

General Parasitology

Year3: Semester1

SZL 301:     

Developmental Biology

SZL 303:    

General Genetics

SZL 305:     

Molecular Biology

SZL 307:     

Comparative Endocrinology

SZL 309:      

Insect Science

SZL 311:    

  Nature Survey I

Year3:         Semester2

SZL 302:    

Biostatistics

SZL 304:    

Comparative Animal Physiology

SZL 306:    

Evolutionary Biology

SZL 308:   

Medical Microbiology

SZL 310:   

  Immunology

SZL 312:   

Terrestrial Ecology

SZL 314:    

Advanced Vertebrates

Year4 :Semester 1

SZL 401:    

 History and Philosophy of Biology I

SZL 403:     

Parasitology I

SZL 405:    

Agricultural Entomology

SZL 409:    

Fish and Fisheries Biology

SZL 413:     

Research Projects I

SZL 415: 

   Limnology

Year4 :Semester 2

SZL 402:     

History and Philosophy of Biology II

SZL 404:   

Marine Biology and Oceanography

SZL 406:    

Parasitology II

SZL 408:   

Medical Entomology

SZL 410:    

Neurophysiology

SZL 414:

Research Projects II