The Department of Biology is part of the Faculty of Science and is involved in instruction, research, and service activities in the biological sciences. The Department was established in 1998 with graduate programmes, whose graduates designed the Bachelors and later the Diploma programmes. From such humble beginnings, the Department has become powerful in the delivery of knowledge and skills in Mbarara University of Science and Technology and the region at large.
The Department offers graduate programmes including a Master of Science in Biology and various PhD programmes. The MSc programmes which is offered runs two strands namely: Natural Resources’ Ecology, Management and Conservation; and Microbiology and Parasitology. Applicants to the MSc programme in Natural Resources Ecology, Management and Conservation are expected to hold at least a Second Class upper degree in Bachelor of Science in: Science with Education, Botany and /or Zoology, Agriculture, Forestry, Veterinary Medicine and Environmental or conservation Science. Applicants for the Microbiology and Parasitology strand must have a Bachelor of Science with Education with Biology as a major subject, Biotechnology, molecular Biology, Veterinary Medicine, parasitology and entomology, and Fisheries and aquatic sciences.
The PhD programme is mainly by research. By addressing current concerns in ecology, medicinal plants’ conservation and commercialisation and other natural resources’ management and conservation, climate change & mitigation, environmental management, food security, water quality systems, agri-ecology and postharvest handling, Microbiology and parasitology, the Department’s graduate programme has a strong capacity to solve pertinent challenges in the community through research and outreach programmes.
The Bachelor of Science with Education programme that stated in the year 2000 produces a double trained Scientist who can opt to become a research scientist or a teacher. The foundation in biology at Bachelors level prepares students for graduate studies in some medical and other allied health-related professions, teaching and industry.
The Department of Biology also offers a diploma in Science Laboratory Technology Programme that was established in 2002 to address the critical needs of skills and expertise in general Science laboratory practice.
This foundation in Biology is complemented by significant studies in the areas of Chemistry and Education which further improve our students’ problem-solving and science communication abilities. The Biology Department hence imparts students and staff with biological academic content that enhances teaching capacity, advances and applies biological knowledge, valorises innovation for both students and professionals in the life sciences. The Biology programmes offered thus form a strong training basis for both the undergraduate and graduate students hence producing quality Biology Professionals and skilled researchers for Uganda and beyond.
| Photo | Name | Position |
|---|---|---|
 | Ass. Prof Grace Kagoro (HOD) | Senior Lecturer |
 | Prof Julius Lejju Bunny (Dean, FOS) | Senior Lecturer |
 | Dr. Eunice Olet | Senior Lecturer |
 | Dr. JohnBosco Nkurunungi | Senior Lecturer |
 | Dr. Sr Jane Yatuha | Senior Lecturer |
| Dr. Robert Bitahriko | Senior Lecturer |
 | Dr. Cassin Umba Tolo | Senior Lecturer |
| Ms. Kampire Jackline | Lecturer |
| Dr. Jeninah Atwebembeire | Lecturer |
| Mr.Tumusiime Julius | Asst. Lecturer |
 | Wangalwa Raphael | Asst. Lecturer |
 | Ms. Nakazibwe Immaculate | Asst. Lecturer |
 | Mr. Begumisa Godfrey | Lecturer |
| Mr. Nansinguza Isaac Norman | Laboratory Technician |
 | Ms. Ashaba Naome | Laboratory Technician |
| Ms. Babirye Aisha | Laboratory Assistant |
VISION
The Department of Biology will be recognized as a regional, national, and international leader in research at undergraduate and graduate levels capable of training of both faculty and students in the Biological Sciences and conducting high quality cutting edge research.
MISSION
To provide and nurture an environment that facilitates churning out of world class Biological Scientists with integrated teaching and research competences and experiences to meet regional, national and global needs.
OBJECTIVES
The Department of Biology is guided by the following general objectives for each of the programmes offered: Bachelor’s Programme’s objectives
i) To produce a teacher who will among other things be able to teach Biology up to Advanced Level Certificate and develop initiatives to be innovative in Biology for Development and Improvisation
ii) To produce a research scientist who has acquired all the biological knowledge and skills (subject based academic skills, teaching/communication skills, resourceful/innovative skills, analytical and organizational skills) to be able to formulate research problems and come up with meaningful scientific solutions.
Iii). To impart students with other organizational skills to succeed in various science projects like problem solving, project coordination and management and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Graduate Programmes’ Objectives
MSc in Biology
i. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to better understand and meet present and future community biological challenges
ii. Develop competency in information retrieval, use and analysis in fields of Natural resources or Microbiology and Parasitology
iii. Develop an understanding of the latest technologies utilized in field and laboratory investigation
iv. Acquire broad-based knowledge of biological concepts from molecules to ecosystems
v. Acquire an experiential learning opportunity through seminars, workshops, research and internship placement training.
PhD in Biology
i. To produce a graduate able to cope with any further Biological career training in form of PhD to specialise in various professions like University lecturer, Epidemiology, public health, Water quality management, Agriculture, Pharmaceutical science, food science, and environmental management.
ii. To produce a graduate that proficiently uses the standard laboratory and field equipment / instrumentation to perform experiments to test hypotheses, analyze data and interpret significance of results
iii. To enhance agricultural, veterinary and medical sciences in aspects of conservation, Biotechnology, crop pests management, disease carriers vectors and encourage implementation of biological factors into various technologies or management techniques
iv. Equip students to contribute to society as responsible, ethical practitioners of their profession, as socially conscientious citizens, and as leaders in the commitment to lifelong learning.
PROGRAMME’S OFFERED:
• Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology (Biological)
• Bachelor of Science with Education (Biology major)
• Master of Science in Biology (Natural Resources’ Management and Conservation)
• Master of Science in Biology (Microbiology and Parasitology)
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