Master of Science in Biosystems Engineering
Programme Rationale
Provision of sufficient food, water and energy in Uganda are priority interventions directly impacting the quality of life of people. Over the years, Uganda has been producing manpower to contribute to the development of
these sectors. However, the training has mainly been at bachelor’s degree level producing graduates with general knowledge in these fields. For example, the Department of Biosystems Engineering at Gulu University has been running an undergraduate degree programme in Biosystems Engineering since 2008. Busitema University, Makerere University and Kyambogo Unversity also produce first degree graduates with general knowledge to contribute to the development of these fields. However, food, water and energy sectors are increasingly coming under high pressure from population growth and climatic changes.
Addressing challenges in these sectors requires that graduates are equipped with competencies to employ tools and multifaceted skills to plan and manage resources to ensure sustainable development of the sectors. Furthermore, there is need to carry out research in these fields to ensure that decisions are supported by scientific evidence. These requirements are beyond the scope of the general undergraduate degree curricula but could well be addressed through specialised training at graduate level. Ugandan Universities produce some MSc graduates with these skills, but the output is still inadequate to address the emerging challenges. The MSc in Biosystems Engineering programme will therefore contribute to the pool of specialised human resources to address these challenges. Specifically, the graduates of this programme will contribute to the:
1) Development of more efficient technologies and systems for the sustainable utilisation of the food, water and energy resources;
2) Provision of skilled personnel for employment in the food, water or renewable energy industries;
3) Creation of jobs through development of businesses in the food, water or renewable energy sectors;
4) Bridging the knowledge gaps in the relevant sectors by conducting relevant research and publications of research findings; and
5) Development of informed policies, practices, and planning sustainable development on the basis of relevant scientific research.
Overview
| Code | MBE |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Study time | Weekday |
| Intake | August |
Entry Requirements
Bachelors’ Degree in any of the following fields: Biosystems Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Science (Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, Geology), Chemical, Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and related disciplines from a recognised Institution.
Candidates applying for admission to MSc (BSE) must fulfil the general requirements for admission to Gulu University and those for the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment. In addition, applicants to the MSc (BSE) shall possess honours Bachelors’ Degree in any of the following fields: Biosystems Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Science (Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, Geology), Chemical, Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and related disciplines. An applicant who may have been on a similar programme in another university can transfer his/her credits obtained from that university for admission to this programme. This is only when the academic system and standard of that university is comparable to that of Gulu University. The maximum transferable credits should not exceed 40% of the minimum requirement for the award. In case of transfer, all other university regulations shall apply.
Fees Structure
| Tuition Fees per Semester (East African) | Tuition Fees per Semester (Non East Africans) |
|---|---|
| 1,500,000 | 3,750,000 |
Programme Structure
- LH Lecture Hours
- CH Contact Hours
- TH Tutorial Hours
- CU Credit Units
Programme Duration
The programme shall be full-time and conducted by coursework and research. It shall run for a duration of four semesters, each semester lasting 17 weeks. In the first year, the first 15 weeks of each semester is dedicated to teaching and the last two weeks are for examinations. The last two semesters of the programme shall be dedicated to industrial collaboration, research and writing of a dissertation. However, students shall be required to start industrial collaboration and developing their research projects during the coursework period to ensure timely completion of their MSc studies.
Programme Composition
Coursework
The coursework component of the MSc BSE programme gives students specialised knowledge and skills in their respective disciplines of specialisation. Other components of the coursework will provide students with skills to conduct research and contribute to the existing body of knowledge. The coursework will also impart in students’ knowledge and competencies to for energy policy development, project management, entrepreneurship, innovation and technology transfer.
Semester load
Semester load is the number of credit units offered in a semester. The maximum semester load for this programme shall be 25 credit units. This includes the courses prescribed and those to be retaken, combined. For normal progress, all prescribed courses should be undertaken and passed within the first year of the programme.
Research
Research work contributes a significant part of the MSc (BSE) programme, and shall be used to test the students’ ability to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the coursework. Consequently, research is compulsory and shall be conducted during the third and fourth semester of the programme. However, it may be spread over the entire duration of the programme beginning in the first semester of year I, in order to ensure successful and timely completion. A student shall write a research proposal and defend it before the department for evaluation by the end of the second semester of year I, and before being submitted to the Institute of Research and Graduate Studies (IRGS) for final approval. Guidance on choice of research areas shall be done in conjunction with the students’ supervisors.Read More