Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Programme Rationale
The significance of Agriculture in driving economic growth and development in Uganda and Africa in general has gained renewed attention. This is well reflected in the Government of Uganda National Agriculture policy 2013, National Development Plan II (2015/16 – 2019/20) and the Vision 2040 which collectively provide a framework for a transformed Ugandan society from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within 30 years. At the Africa-wide continental level, the programme also in line with the Science Agenda for Africa, the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Plan, and the agenda 2063 of the African Union which are all geared towards transforming agriculture as a critical engine from economic growth in the continent. The Faculty of Agriculture and Environment at Gulu University is a key player in contributing to driving these development initiatives through the pathway of human capital development and agro-technology generation. In line with the afore-stated development frameworks, the revised curriculum responds to three key development challenges that have persistently plagued Uganda and other countries in Africa. These are: (i) poverty; (ii) food insecurity; and (iii) lack of employment for the youth. Responding to these challenges will contribute to achieving sustainable development goals number one, two and three. Streamlining enterprise development in the curriculum provides opportunity for moulding the graduate to create his/her own job and provide employment for other youth members of the society. Integrating community engagement will provide opportunity for linking student enterprise development with community agricultural development and as such contribute to poverty reduction and food security improvement in households. A peculiar feature of the revised programme which distinguishes it from other programmes offered in other peer institutions is the emphasis on experiential learning and the integration of community engagement and practical enterprise development in student training.
Programme Learning Outcomes
On completion of the programme the graduate should be able to:
1. Work in various agri-industry-related sectors and provide advisory services to the community and other agri-business establishments
2. Develop and manage own profitable agri-enterprises and provide employment for the others
3. Advance his/her career in agricultural and related disciplines at postgraduate level.
Overview
| Code | GUA |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Study time | Weekday |
| Intake | August |
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course to the first year is through three avenues, namely: direct entry, mature age scheme and diploma entry scheme.
(a) Direct Entry
Candidates through this avenue must have:
i). Sat the Uganda Certificate of Education or its equivalent examination with passes in five approved subjects including a credit in Mathematics
ii). Obtained a principal pass in any two of the following; Chemistry, Biology or Agriculture at Advanced Levelobtained at the same sitting.
The Advanced level subjects shall be weighted according to whether they are Essential, Relevant orDesirable. For purposes of computing entry points, the Advanced level subjects shall be weighted and grouped as below:-
| Category | Weighting | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | 3.0 | Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture |
| Relevant | 2.0 | Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Food & Nutrition |
| Desirable | 1.0 | General Paper and Sub-mathematics or Sub-Computer |
(b) Mature Age Entry Scheme
Admission may be granted under the mature age entry scheme after passing the appropriate Mature Age Entry Examination.
(c) Diploma Entry Scheme
Admission may be granted if a candidate possesses a National Diploma or its equivalent of at least a Second Class standing or equivalent in agriculture, animal husbandry, veterinary, crop husbandry, Fishery or other related disciplines, from recognized institutions.
Fees Structure
| Tuition Fees per Semester (East African) | Tuition Fees per Semester (Non East Africans) |
|---|---|
| 1,050,000 | 2,625,000 |
General Charges/Functional Fees
| Category | Payment Cycle | Amount (Ugx.) |
|---|---|---|
| UNSA Fee | Per Annum (Every Study Year) | 2,000/= |
| Registration | Every Semester | 50,000/= |
| Sport Fee | Every Semester | 30,000/= |
| Guild Fee | Every Semester | 30,000/= |
| Medical Fee | Every Semester | 20,000/= |
| Technology Fee | Every Semester | 50,000/= |
| Library User Fee | Every Semester | 20,000/= |
| Examination Fee | Every Semester | 100,000/= |
| Identity Card | Once – Semester I Year I | 20,000/= |
| University Rules Book | Once – Semester I Year I | 5,000/= |
| Medical Examination | Once – Semester I Year I | 20,000/= |
| Capital Development | Once – Semester I Year I | 100,000/= |
| Endowment Fee | Once – Semester I Year I | 10,000/= |
| Caution Fee | Once – Semester I Year I | 10,000/= |
Programme Structure
- LH Lecture Hours
- CH Contact Hours
- TH Tutorial Hours
- CU Credit Units
A programme is a set of prescribed courses (core, elective, pre-requisite) and skills training which are offered for the award of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Degree.
Programme duration
The degree programme shall normally extend over a period of four years and each year consists of two semesters of 17 weeks each comprising fifteen (15) weeks of classes and two weeks (2) of examinations. There shall be one recess term of 10 weeks for the first three years.
Semester Load
(a) Semester load shall be the total number of credit units for courses offered in a particular academic programme in a semester.
(b) The maximum semester load shall be 28 credit units. Courses to be retaken shall be part of the maximum semester load.
Graduation Requirement
To qualify for the award of a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, a candidate is required to obtain a total of 191 Cumulative Credit Units, obtain a CGPA of not less than 2.0, pass all the prescribed practical skills training, conduct and present a satisfactory field attachment, enterprise development and special project reports. A candidate, who has covered 75% of the prescribed requirements and cannot complete the programme for reasons approved by senate, may be offered an Aegrotat Degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture of Gulu University.