Freshwater and marine sciences have acquired a prominent dimension world-wide over the past decade. This has been necessitated by the tremendous perturbation of freshwater and marine ecosystems by man. Further, the high demand for food by the ever increasing population requires to be supplemented through harvesting of aquatic resources. Aquatic resources have not been fully utilised due to lack of well-trained personnel in water and fisheries science. There is an urgent need for scientific and educational institutions to increase the number of trained aquatic scientists. This is particularly urgent in view of water becoming a limiting resource in most regions of the African continent. The proposed programme is designed to produce aquatic scientists able to teach, research, advice and formulate policies for better management of aquatic ecosystems. The courses to be taught in this programme will address the interrelationships between the physical, chemical and biological aspects of aquatic systems, including land-water interactions as well as addressing human diseases related to water.
Examination
All examinations for this programme will be conducted in accordance with the examination regulations as stipulated in Statutes of Kisii University. For each course, a minimum of two Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs) with an option of practicals and or assignments will be given. The maximum marks for the CATs shall be 30% while the final examination shall constitute 70%. Where a course has practical component, a maximum of 15% shall be allocated for practicals and or assignments and 15 % for written CATs to form a total of 30%.Specialised courses such as industrial attachment and seminars will have separate examination format.Industrial attachment will be examined as follows; Final Report 70%, Kisii Lecturers – 20%, institutional assessors 10%.The final report will constitute 70% while presentation 30%.
Loading and Duration of Study
5.1The Bachelor of Science in Water and Fisheries Science degree shall normally take a full time student four academic years each with two 17-week semesters comprising of fifteen (15) and two (2) weeks of Teaching and Examination, respectively, during which students will register for minimum of 18 CFs per Semester.
5.2Part time students will, however, be allowed to cover the programme within eight academic years.
5.3To graduate with the Bachelor of Sciencein Water and Fisheries degree, a student will be required to take and pass a minimum of 144 Credit Factors which includes the University common core courses approved by the Senate.
Application procedure
Application forms are obtained from the admissions office at the main campus or from our campuses across the country. They can also be downloaded from our website. The duly filled forms should be accompanied with relevant certificates, a passport size photo and an original bank in pay slip for a non-refundable application fees. The application fees is Kshs. 2,000.00 for Degree and enhancement programs, Kshs. 1,000.00 for Diplomas, Kshs.500.00 for certificates and bridging programs. The filled forms can be returned to:
The Registrar Academic affairs, Kisii University P.O. Box 408-40200 Kisii.
They can also be dropped at the admissions office at the main campus or at any of our campuses countrywide.
Learning outcomes
The programme endeavors to promote interaction between students and laymen, researchers, consultants and policy makers through short-term courses, workshops and symposia in aquatic sciences. The graduates of this programme will be able to engage in self-employment as fishermen, fish farmers, aquaculturists, water quality consultants, and can also be employed as fisheries officers/managers, policy makers and environmental health officers. In addition, the graduates can be employed as researchers or lecturers in freshwater/marine institutes and universities, government ministries and in other private and non-governmental organizations. The main objectives of the programme are to:
3.1 equip the graduates with adequate practical and theoretical knowledge which they can use to create awareness in sustainable use of aquatic resources and provide practical solutions to aquatic resources problems.
3.2 train graduates who are able to interpret and implement policies related to aquatic resources conservation, utilization and management.
3.3 prepare graduates for the societal and scientific challenges in aquatic sciences and for self-employment in aquaculture, consultancy, inter alia.
Prerequisites
Admission Requirements
4.1 All candidates admitted to the degree programme of Bachelor of Science in Water Science and Fisheries must satisfy the minimum entrance requirements stipulated in the common university entrance regulations.
4.2In addition, candidates MUST have passed the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum grade indicated in each of the following subjects:
Biology B-or Biological Science B
Chemistry B- or Physical Science B
Mathematics C+
Geography B-
4.3Those holding qualifications equivalent to the above from institutions recognized by Kisii University Senate may also be admitted.
4.4A mission may be offered to outstanding diploma holders in Biological Sciences passed with a credit or above or their equivalent. Such cases will be treated on individual merit.
4.5Transfer of credit factors from the diploma programme or their equivalent may be considered and in such a case a credit transfer a maximum of 30% of the curricular would be allowed for those who qualify based on the guidelines stipulated by the Senate.
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