The Department of Botany

The Department of Zoology is among the oldest Degree offering programmes in the Faculty of Science of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

Chair of Department

Welcome to the Department of Botany in the School of Biological Sciences, College of Pure and Applied Sciences of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Here at Botany, we have a team of dedicated lecturers, researchers and technologists to offer quality training, research and innovation in various branches of Botany. The team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom with an aim of producing leaders suited to the needs of our dynamic world in the field of Microbiology, Biotechnology, Plant Ecology, Plant Microbes Interactions, Genetics, Plant Taxonomy, Biodiversity, Pharmacognosy, Plant Physiology and Bioinformatics. The teamwork in the department, School and the University at large provides a supportive environment for our students to excel in their studies. We have also developed collaborations within the University and other institutions externally to foster learning and grant exposure as well as experience to our learners. I do invite you to explore further concerning the programmes offered and research activities in the department of botany. We look forward to working together to advance the field of applied sciences and the betterment of our environment, society and wellbeing. Dr. Samuel A. Were COD, Department of Botany

Dr. Samuel Were

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Botany is one of the two departments in the School of Biological Sciences in the College of pure and applied Sciences at the Main Campus of JKUAT, JUJA. It was established in 1995 after the then Department of Biological Sciences was split into Botany, Zoology and Biochemistry departments. However the teaching of Botany to B.Sc. students had already commenced in October 1990 when the Department of Biological Sciences admitted its first B.Sc. students. At that time the Botany section was one of the three main sections of the Biological Science Department.The Botany Dept. looks at plants as an important resource which should be used responsibly and conserved for posterity. Plants are a source of food, medicine, fuel, and have many other ecological and aesthetic functions. A number of plant species are almost becoming extinct and thus the need to ensure conservation of the genetic resource.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES

Registration of students into the Department follows admission into the University and the School of Biological Sciences. The academic programs are based on the semester system.

Botany courses are taught through lecture and practical sessions as well as visits to relevant research establishments where the students are exposed to applications of the course being studied. Field trips and excursions also form part of the teaching program. Departmental seminars and lectures are organized for lecturers, visiting researchers and professionals to make presentations to both staff and students.

The Department has highly qualified staff and students. Occasionally the Department engages part-time lecturers in specialized areas. There is good interaction between students and staff. Academic advisors are involved in guiding and counseling students on academic matters.

2.1 REGURLAR DEGREE PROGRAMS

The Department of Botany introduces students to the world of plants, fungi, bacteria and viruses. The students are taught about the classification of these organisms, their interaction with one another and the physical environment, their exploitation and much more. Upon completion of their studies students may work as botanists, taxonomists, ecologists, plant physiologists, plant pathologists, microbiologists, geneticists, and environmentalists in various institutions.

2.1.1 Undergraduate studies in Botany DEPARTMENT

Students are introduced to different aspects of Botany including microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, taxonomy, plant pathology, plant ecology, biotechnology and developmental botany. During the third and fourth year of study, students may major in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Plant Pathology or Botany. Degrees are awarded as follows.

B.Sc. Microbiology

Students who major in Microbiology take courses from different branches of microbiology including bacteriology, environmental and medical microbiology. Such students may work in medical, environmental, pharmaceutical and research institutions.

Requirements: