Course of the Week- B.Sc. Botany

Bsc. Botany is one of the many courses in our College of Pure and Applied Sciences (COPAS) offered by School of Biological Sciences under the Department of Botany.

Program organization

Botany programs, like other programs in the University are organized around a 2 semesters in an academic year model. Students may  graduate after 4 years, when taking an average of 12 units per academic year for 4 academic years.

A student wishing to study in the Department of Botany must satisfy the minimum University requirements and Faculty of Science regulations.

A student must have passed Biology or Biological Sciences in KCSE at a minimum grade of B-. In addition, a student must have passed any two subjects from the following alternatives:

Alternative A

Chemistry

Physics

Mathematics

Alternative B

Physical Science

Mathematics

Geography/Agriculture

http://www.jkuat.ac.ke/undergraduate-courses/bsc-botany/

Course structure

In the first and second year, students are introduced to introductory courses.

In the third and fourth year of study, the student may study Botany as a major, regular or minor subject.

In third year student can major and graduate degree in the following areas.

• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology
• Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Science in Plant Ecology and Environmental Science
• Bachelor of Science in Plant Pathology
• Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Microbiology
• Bachelor of Science in Botany majors/regulars/minors

In the final year of the study, students who major may conduct a research project in their respective specialized areas. They are equipped with skills in data collection, analysis, synthesis and report writing.

Depending on specialization students gain training in the following areas

• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

Trained on different branches of microbiology including bacteriology, mycology, virology, environmental and medical microbiology.

Such students may work in medical, environmental, pharmaceutical and research institutions.

• Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology

Trained on genetic engineering, cell and tissue culture, organ culture, cell technology among others. The department equips such students with necessary skills to address challenges in industry, agriculture, health, pharmacology and energy sectors.

• Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Microbiology

Trained on both microbiology and biotechnology hence broadening their market sphere. They acquire skills in both areas hence enabling them to work in wider area of applicability.

• Bachelor of Science in Plant Pathology

Focuses on plant disease, diagnosis, prevention and control.

Such students may work in the agriculture, pharmaceutical and research organizations.

• Bachelor of Science in Plant Ecology and Environmental Science Majors (PLEES)

Focuses on Plant ecology and environmental issues. Such students may work in the agriculture, Environmental bodies like UNEP, NEMA and research organizations like ICRAF, KEMFRI etc.

• Bachelor of Science in Botany

The BSc. in Botany is awarded to students who major in Botany but do not specialize in any of the specified area. Courses taken include plant growth and development, physiology of plant growth, genetics, molecular biology, etc Students with a BSc. in Botany may work in the agriculture, pharmaceutical and research organizations.

• Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science degree is awarded to regular students of Botany with either  Zoology, Biochemistry or Chemistry. Such students may work in the agriculture, pharmaceutical and research organizations.