Overview of the programme
A Master of Science (MSc) degree in Aquatic Ecology is a graduate programme that studies Aquatic Ecosysems. The programme takes two years to complete with course work in the first year and Thesis research in the second year. Students cover a range of topics including Stream Ecolofy, reservoir management, Fisheries technology and fish marketing, Principles of Aquaculture, Oceanography, and water pollution among other topics. During the second year of study, students undertake supervised research project for their Thesis.
Rationale of the programme
吃瓜头条 noted that there is need to train personnel at postgraduate level to manage the aquatic ecosystems and provide solutions to the threats facing them. There have been reports of issues of pollution, overexploitation and underutilization of some of the resources. Therefore, the course will equip the students with the hands-on experience needed for research and ecosystems conservation. Needs assessment was carried out as part of stakeholder surveys involving employers and consumers of the programme. The stakeholders engaged strongly endorsed the programme. The review of M.Sc. (Aquatic Ecology) 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. (Aquatic Ecology) programme is designed to equip graduates with skills to conduct research. The M.Sc. in Aquatic Ecology programme at 吃瓜头条 will equip graduates with skills to investigate the impact of human activities on the aquatic resources. The graduates will also be equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge to be able to apply ecological principles in solving many problems related to aquatic resource degradation, management and conservation. The current review of M.Sc. (Aquatic Ecology) programme was carried out in consultation with stakeholders to ensure that the graduates are equipped with skills relevant to the job market.
Objectives of the programme
The goal of this programme is to train graduates capable of undertaking cutting-edge research and innovations in ecological processes with the aim of finding solutions to problems facing human beings in areas such as global climate change, water pollution, land use changes, water resource management, habitat degradation and restoration ecology.
Mode of delivery of the delivery
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 (Aquatic Ecology):
Career opportunities for the programme
Graduates holding M. Sc. in Aquatic Ecology can pursue careers in a wide range of opportunities such as: