Diploma in Animal Science and Technology Program Offered at Egerton University

Diploma 3 years Fulltime Fee: on application Intake: Ongoing

Diploma (Accredited by: Egerton University)

About Diploma in Animal Science and Technology Diploma program.

This Diploma in animal Science and Technology programme at Egerton University is concerned with the study of the biology of animals that are under the control of humankind. The curriculum not only provides a strong science background, but also hands-on experience working with, caring for and breeding of  domestic animals such as chicken, cattle, pigs, sheep, dogs and many more.

The middle–level training in Animal Science is virtually non-existent in Kenya, thus, Post-secondary training is only found in the Universities. The course will also absorb interested candidates who are unable to be admitted directly into degree programs. The Department of Animal Sciences has got adequate capacity and resources to effectively manage this program. Upon completion of the training the graduates can easily be absorbed in the public and private sectors where they can be employed as technical staff in teaching, extension etc. The graduates are also highly sort by Non-Governmental organisations (NGOs) due to their skills in managing community-based organisation projects.

Objectives of Diploma in Animal Science and Technology

This diploma in animal science and technology program at Egerton University is designed with the following objectives.

  1. Understanding and appreciation of the role of animal agriculture in the national economy and especially in relation to its importance to human nutrition and in support of both consumption/use of finished products.
  2. Appreciate the role of proper livestock management to improve the efficiency of production in view of increasing human population and diminishing resources throughout the world.
  3. Acquire current and practical knowledge/skills in the major areas of livestock production such as nutrition, reproductive physiology, livestock products (meat, milk, honey, wool/hair, hides and skins) and routine management and livestock health management through appropriate technologies.
  4. Provide a broad academic base in basic and applied courses to enable diplomates to further their studies in the field of animal production.
  5. Prepare diplomates for careers in public and private sectors dealing primarily with the livestock production and processing livestock products.
  6. Prepare diplomates to be able to engage themselves in income-generating activities as well as generate jobs in the rural sector.

Entry requirements for Diploma in Animal Science and Technology

All candidates admitted to the diploma programme must satisfy the minimum entry requirements and must have an aggregate of at least grade C in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary of Education (KCSE) or its equivalent.

In addition, the applicants must have passes with at least C in English or Kiswahili and two science subjects in the cluster of Biology and Chemistry/Physical Science,

Alternatively, admission may be granted to certificate holders who have passed with credit and above or their equivalents in Agriculture, Animal Health, Range, and Wildlife Management and related disciplines from institutions recognised by Egerton University Senate.

Diploma in Animal Science and Technology Course Subjects

The teaching for this diploma program at Egerton University shall extend for a period of six semesters.

The period following the end of the fourth semester shall be devoted to field practical work (Field/industrial Attachment), before proceeding to the final year.

Each semester will consist of 17 weeks, with 15 weeks teaching and 2 weeks examinations.

The subjects to be taught include:

  1. General introductory and principle courses
  2. Basic sciences e.g. physiology
  3. Nutrition, feeds and feeding
  4. Genetics and breeding
  5. Production from ruminant animals
  6. Production from non-ruminant and other animal species
  7. Experimentation, projects, seminars and visits etc.

The weighting of courses is in terms of credit factors, with one credit factor being equivalent to 15 lecture hours or 30 practical (laboratory or tutorial or seminar) hours. The minimum credit factors to be done by a student before graduating is 90CF.No credit transfer allowed.

 

About Egerton University

Egerton University is the oldest institution of higher learning in Kenya. It was founded as a Farm School in 1939 by Lord Maurice Egerton of Tatton, a British national who settled in Kenya in the 1920s.

Egerton University has three (3) Campuses and one Campus College.

The main Campus is based at ... read more