Overview of the programme
A Master of Science (MSc) in Animal Physiology is a graduate degree that studies the systems and processes of the animal body. It is a two-year programme with course work and Thesis Research during the first and second year of study respectively. Students learn about the functions of organs and body systems, and how to diagnose and treat physiological disorders in animals. 聽Students typically examine the muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems, as well as digestion and excretion. Topics covered in course work include comparative physiology, Ecological physiology, Enzyme synthesis and control, Biochemistry of Nucleic acids, Muscle physiology and Reproductive Physiology among others. Students carry out supervised Thesis Research project during the second year of study.
Rationale of the programme
With the many environmental, agricultural and health challenges facing the world, Kenya included, there is need to train individuals who can create themselves and solve societal challenges using innovative and sustainable methods. Animal Physiology teaches physiological principles that can be applied to solve issues facing society. Needs assessment was carried out as part of stakeholder surveys involving employers and consumers of the programme. One of the recommendations of the stakeholders was to include the unit 鈥淥ne Health Principles and Practice鈥� in the programme. The stakeholders engaged strongly endorsed the programme. The review of M.Sc. (Animal Physiology) programme was carried out in consultation with stakeholders to ensure that the programme equips graduates with skills relevant to the current and foreseeable job market. Stakeholders were drawn from institutions of higher learning, research institutions, and former graduates. The views of the stakeholders ranged from skills and competencies required to produce competent graduates, to preparedness of the university to offer the programme. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Kenya Vision 2030 development blueprint, and the 吃瓜头条 Vision, the M. Sc. (Animal Physiology) programme is designed to equip graduates with skills to conduct research. The research skills will empower graduates to deal with societal issues including food insecurity, diseases, pollution, and promote sustainable utilization of diverse resources. Concepts of hormonal mechanisms are useful in designing strategies for regulating reproduction in feral and pest species of animals, and enhancing productivity in threatened species or species that serve as food resources. Such research would lead to sustainable use of natural resources. Research on physiological principles in model species may provide insights in disease control in humans. Students competent in physiology will carry out research that deciphers the impact of environmental factors such as climate change and pollution on physiological health of humans, aquatic life and livestock. The need for the programme was expressed during the needs assessment survey, in which stakeholders endorsed the programme, citing the need to train scientists with relevant skills and knowledge in Animal Physiology. The review of M.Sc (Animal Physiology) programme was carried out in order to ensure that the courses are rich and are in line with current demands of the job market and the emerging global trends in environmental, health and agricultural issues. It will enhance employability of the graduates and their capacity to tackle issues facing society.
Objectives of the programme
The programme aims to produce graduates with a capacity to optimize animal production, animal and human health, and resource utilization for sustainable development through cutting-edge research and innovations involving physiological principles.
Mode of delivery of the programme
The programme is delivered through both face-to-face as a regular programme and in a blended method as a Continuing Education Programme (CEP) A variety of approaches including lectures, tutorials, discussions, assignments, student presentations, laboratory and field-based practical lessons, and Thesis Research Project taken after the course work.
Admission requirements for the programme
The common regulations for all Masters鈥� degrees in the University shall apply. The general regulations for master鈥檚 degrees in the School of Pure and Applied Sciences shall apply. The following shall be eligible for registration in the Master of Science (Animal Physiology):
Career opportunities for the programme
Graduates holding M. Sc. in Animal Physiology can pursue careers in a wide range of opportunities: