Overview
The overall goal of this program is to develop human resource with technical expertise in veterinary medicine and to contribute to capacity building for food security and safety, disease control including zoonoses, welfare in the animal resource sub-sector and protection of the environment.
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the programme, the learner should be able to:
- Describe gross anatomical, histological structures and normal physiological, and biochemical functions of terrestrial and aquatic animals
- Explain animal breeding, feeds and feeding, and production systems of animal production.
- Identify and characterize parasitic, bacterial, fungal and viral aetiological agents of diseases of terrestrial and aquatic animals.
- Apply diagnostic laboratory skills to diagnose animal diseases, treat clinical, infertility and surgical cases of sick animals.
- Prevent and control diseases of animals, and provide extension services to stakeholders.
- Recognize and prevent zoonotic diseases, food contaminations, food and pharmaceutical poisons, and intoxication.
- Implement policies, legislature and parliamentary acts on terrestrial and aquatic animal health.
- Apply knowledge and skills acquired in a wide range of courses undertaken in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to pursue postgraduate studies and specialization courses for veterinarians.
Structure
Duration and Structure of the Programme
- The degree course shall consist of 130-course units; consisting of lectures, practicals, tutorials, demonstrations, seminars, case presentations, field and industrial attachment, research project report and examinations.
- A course unit shall be defined as 45 contact hours comprising of lectures and practicals.
- The course shall take a minimum of five years and a maximum of 10 years. Each academic year shall comprise two semesters of 15 weeks duration. In addition, there shall be a third semester lasting a minimum of 8 weeks (equivalent to 6-course units) after the first, second, third and fourth year of study.
- A candidate shall be required to take a relevant field and industrial attachment during the third semester at the end of the first, second, third and fourth year of study. The institutions for attachment shall be identified by the candidate, in consultation with the course coordinator and the chairman of the faculty projects and attachment committee.
- During the first and second semester of the fifth year of study, each candidate shall be required to develop a research project proposal relevant in any of the fields of his/her interest in Veterinary Medicine; that shall be executed and written as a technical report and submitted for examination at least six weeks before the end of the second semester. Each candidate shall be expected to consult their supervisor while developing and executing the research project proposal and preparing the report.
Admission Requirements
SCHEDULE OF INTAKE: -August/September
The common admission requirements for the Bachelors Degrees in the University of Nairobi
shall apply. In addition, candidates eligible for admission to the above degree programme will be
required to be holders of the following qualifications:-
i) A minimum of a C+ in KCSE with at least C+ in Biology or Biological Science and
Chemistry and in any one of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences
or Agriculture.
ii) Two principal passes and one subsidiary pass at KACE level or equivalent, one of which
must be in Biology and the other in any science subject.
iii) A minimum of a C (plain) in KCSE with an ordinary diploma in Animal /Human
Health/Agriculture/Medical Laboratory Technology from a recognized institution.
iv) Bachelor of Science degree in a Biological Science from a recognized institution.
v) Any other qualification equivalent to any of the above, subject to approval by the Senate.
3. CREDIT TRANSFER AND EXEMPTIONS
CREDIT TRANSFER
The credit transfer shall be applicable for candidates from Universities or institutions recognized
by the Senate of the University of Nairobi.
The number of hours, content and grading of course(s) for which credit transfer is sought shall be
similar to the degree courses offered at the University of Nairobi.
Only grades of C and above shall be transferred.
Transfer of credits shall not be more than a third of the total prescribed courses required for the
award of the degree in Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine.
The relevant academic body approved by the Senate shall make official evaluation and transfer
of credits to the University of Nairobi.
Credit transfer shall not be allowed for Field and Industrial Attachments, Research Project and
courses in the 2 nd , 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 th year of study.
EXEMPTIONS
A candidate may be exempted from some courses on the recommendation of the Faculty Board
and approval by the Senate of the University of Nairobi.
A candidate shall have attended those courses in a University or an institution recognized by the
Senate of the University of Nairobi and had a pass grade.
A candidate seeking such exemptions shall submit a duly completed form approved by the
Senate; specifying the course(s) for which exemption is desired and attach evidence of
3.2.1 above, showing the contents of what was studied.
Courses specified in 3.2.3 are to satisfy the requirements for the first year of study only. A
candidate who requires exemption from courses in the second, third and fourth year of
study shall in the absence of credit transfer, be required to sit University examination(s)
and attain at least a pass grade, which will then be used in the classification of the degree.
Exemptions shall not be applicable to Field and Industrial Attachment, Clinics and Research
Project Report.
Exemptions shall not be allowed for more than one third of the prescribed courses in the degree
programme.
A candidate admitted into the 2 nd year of study shall be deemed to have already been exempted
from 25 % of the total prescribed courses in the degree programme.
Careers
Career prospects
a) Non-Governmental Organizations
b) Research Organizations/Institutes
c) International Organizations
d) Government Sector
e) Community Service
f) Self-employment
g) Private Sector
h) Consultancy
i) Academia
j) Museums
Attachment opportunities
a) International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
b) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
c) Veterinarians Without Borders (VSF)
d) International collaborating universities and laboratories
e) National Museums of Kenya
Fees and Funding
1.2 Philosophy of the Programme
The University of Nairobi, a world-class university committed to scholarly excellence,
has identified the critical role that science and technology play in our Nation’s
development which is in line with Kenya’s blueprint, vision 2030, Agenda 2063 as well
sustainable development goals like to end hunger, achieve food security and improved
nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture among others.
The philosophy of training a veterinary surgeon is to create, develop, distribute and apply
knowledge at both local and international levels on animal health care, the welfare of
farm, exotic and working animals, and those that need a healthy environment in which to
thrive, whether that environment is a rain forest, a desert or even the ocean; research, food
safety and inspection testing of animals and animal products for major diseases; develop
vaccines and enforce government safety regulations; design and administer animal and
public health programs for the prevention and control of diseases transmissible among
animals and between animals and people.
1. Government-sponsored students (Module I)
Your access credentials have already been sent to your portals.The username is your registration number.
2. Login to the following student portal: https://smis.uonbi.ac.ke
Online Application for self sponsored students
https://application.uonbi.ac.ke/
Incase of any queries please Email to onlineapp@students.uonbi.ac.ke
Telephone numbers:
020-272-6687
020-491-3180
Both Online and Face to Face.
The courses will be offered through:
- Face to face Mode
- A candidate shall take a minimum of 4 academic years and a maximum of 8 academic years.
- Each academic year shall be divided into two semesters each, except during the third year of study which will have a third semester.
- Each semester shall consist of 15 weeks inclusive of teaching and examinations, while the third semester shall be 8 weeks.
- A candidate shall be required to undertake training and complete all course work and practical assignments that are prescribed for the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture Management.
- A candidate shall be required to take a relevant Field Attachment during the third semester at the end of the third year of study and Industrial Training and Attachment in the first semester of the fourth year of study. The candidate shall identify the institution(s) for attachment, which shall be approved by the Faculty Projects and Attachment Committee.
- During the third semester of the third year and first semester of the fourth year of study, a candidate will be required to develop a research project proposal relevant to any field of Fisheries and Aquaculture Management. The project proposal shall be executed and a technical report submitted for examination to the Faculty Projects and Attachment Committee, at least six weeks before the end of the final semester of study. A candidate shall be expected to consult their supervisors while developing and executing the project proposal and preparing the technical report.
2. Open, Distance, and e-Learning
The course structure and requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture Management through Open, Distance and Electronic Learning (O DeL) remain the same as under the full-time format. However, the mode of delivery will be as follows:
- Use of various media and largely home-based. Other modes of delivery;
- Written self-instructional study modules at the registration time including Study Books, Relevant literature, Interactive devices, and self-tests
- Face to face introductory Tutorial
- Organized sessions for hands-on practical sessions on campus or designated locations.
- Mediated technical learning materials; Audio-cassettes, E-learning materials, and Video clips.
- Limited face-to-face sessions to provide an overview of the course at commencement of semester, mid-semester, and revision period before examinations.
- Support study centers at the University of Nairobi
- Access to information through computers at the University of Nairobi.
- Use of libraries at the University of Nairobi and related research institutions.
- Orientation (immediately after registration):
Orientation in ODeL delivery
- Study, reading and computer skills
- Time management and techniques in handling assignment
- Mentorship, guidance and counseling
- Emphasis is on satellite centers that serve as a link between the university and the student in the following manner: Registration, collecting reading materials, collecting results and programs, Examination information, posting timetable and Holding meetings.
- Blended
The program will be also offered on a blended e-learning with face-to-face formal lectures, tutorials, practical demonstrations, assignments, and class discussions in presence of the lecturer. The Distance Learning program will run for a minimum of 8 semesters of 24 weeks each and a maximum of 16 semesters of 24 weeks each.
Chairman Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology
Tel: +254 204 914 116 or +254 204 918 480
E-mail: dept-vetanat@uonbi.ac.ke
1.3 Rationale of the Programme
The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degree program is designed to train personnel with the requisite knowledge and skills to work as Veterinary Surgeons, Diagnosticians, Animal Scientists and Nutritionists, Veterinary Pharmacists, Public Health Officers, Epidemiologists and other related professionals for local, regional and international markets. It aims at producing well rounded and competent personnel required to offer high quality veterinary and related services in research, academia, and policy amongst other relevant fields in both the public and private sectors of our economy.
Veterinary Medicine as Science plays a major role in planning and sustainable development worldwide. This, therefore, demands adequate capacity building in both personnel and technology. In recognition of this demand, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine together with other stakeholders provides a curriculum aimed at producing graduates who understand the complex and dynamic socio-ecological concepts and principles that support cooperative actions aimed at achieving the country’s, regional and international food security agenda. It provides for market-focused, hands-on, practical oriented training.
This curriculum has been developed bearing in mind the policy, legislative and institutional changes touching on the livestock sector in Kenya, World Animal Health Organization (OIE), World Trade Organization (WTO) and World Health Organization (WHO). The curriculum is also intended to directly meet the workforce requirements nationally, regionally and internationally, recognizing the changing trends.
The curriculum is responding to the aspirations and priorities of the Kenya government to enhance livelihoods and food security for all in the country. More importantly, the curriculum aims at training future veterinarians to meet Kenya’s long-term development blueprint, Vision 2030 goals and beyond. The curriculum is also aligned to regional and global challenges, including those set by the Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements.
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has endeavoured to review the curriculum regularly in line with the University of Nairobi’s mission of producing a high-level workforce. The revised program has responded to the emerging needs by addressing animals in arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL), emphasizing acquisition of practical skills including business, the establishment of mentorship and the Kenya Veterinary Board regulatory requirements and OIE and World Veterinary Association (WVA) standards. This ensures that the graduates are well equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the expectations of the profession anywhere in the world.
During the revision of this curriculum, an integrated stakeholders input was sought from students, farmers, research institutions, tertiary colleges, relevant Government ministries, county governments, international and regional organizations, universities including but not limited to the Sokoine University of Agriculture, Makerere University and the University of Zambia. Other institutions included but not limited to Kenya Wildlife Services, Directorate of Veterinary Services, National Museums of Kenya and National Environmental Management Authority among others. Benchmarking with other local and international institutions/universities offering similar programs was carried out.
Goal of the Programme
The overall goal of this program is to develop human resource with technical expertise in veterinary medicine and to contribute to capacity building for food security and safety, disease control including zoonoses, welfare in the animal resource sub-sector and protection of the environment.
1.5 Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the programme, the learner should be able to:
- Describe gross anatomical, histological structures and normal physiological, and biochemical functions of terrestrial and aquatic animals.
- Explain animal breeding, feeds and feeding, and production systems of animal production.
- Identify and characterize parasitic, bacterial, fungal and viral aetiological agents of diseases of terrestrial and aquatic animals.
- Apply diagnostic laboratory skills to diagnose animal diseases, treat clinical, infertility and surgical cases of sick animals.
- Prevent and control diseases of animals, and provide extension services to stakeholders
- Recognize and prevent zoonotic diseases, food contaminations, food and pharmaceutical poisons, and intoxication.
- Implement policies, legislature and parliamentary acts on terrestrial and aquatic animal health.
- Apply knowledge and skills acquired in a wide range of courses undertaken in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to pursue.
NOTABLE ALUMNI
- Prof. Andrew Makanya
- Prof. D.W. Onyango
- Prof. C.N. Kimwele
- Prof. Jemimah Oduma
- Dr. Paul Imo Marketing Manager, COSMOS Ltd.