MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AGRO-METEOROLOGY

Overview

Agrometeorology is a multi-disciplinary science. It encompasses the science of meteorology on one hand and agricultural and animal sciences on the other hand. The Master of Science Course in Agrometerology is meant to address socio-economic development, food security and disaster management, and water related problems of the countries, including Kenya. This realization is important for marshalling together the limited resources to produce a solid agrometeorologist with the capacity to be versatile and to address myriads of problems associated with food insecurity and natural and man-made disasters, in addition to other operational problems facing African countries

The objectives of the programme are therefore to:

  • equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in practical application of Agro-meteorology.
  • Provide students, having a scientific background, with advanced theoretical and applied knowledge in agrometeorology.
  • Train students in skills and knowledge in applied aspects of agrometeorology
  • Equip the students with tools necessary for them to work in operational, research and training institutions.
  • Expose the students to areas of current research in agrometeorology.

  1. The course consists of course work, continuous assessment, written examination and a research project.

  2. The continuous assessment shall comprise tests, assignments, practical and term papers.

  3. The candidate shall be required to take 13 course units; 11 of which shall be core and 2 electives.

  4. The candidate in addition shall undertake mandatory research project equivalent to four course units.

  5. The course shall be covered in a minimum of four (4) and maximum of ten (10) semesters of 15 weeks each.

  6. The candidate shall be required to take 7 taught course units in the first semester of the first year and 6 course units in the second semester.

  7. Some of the course units are designed to include field trip to operational centres.

1. The common regulations for the Masters Degree in all faculties shall apply.

2. The following shall be eligible for admission:

    2.1 Holders of Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree, of at least upper second, in any of the following science based disciplines: Meteorology, Agriculture, Agricultural engineering, Horticulture.

    2.2 Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree, of lower second, in the disciplines mentioned in 2.1 with a working experience of at least two years in a relevant research/ operational institution.

    2.3 Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree, of pass level, in the disciplines mentioned in 2.1 with a working experience of at least five years in a relevant research/ operational institution.

   2.4 Holders of equivalent degrees from other Universities recognized by the University of Nairobi senate.

The common regulations for the Masters Degree in all faculties shall apply.

Exam Regulations

6.0 Examination Regulations

6.1 Written examinations

6.1.1 A candidate shall not be allowed to sit any examination unless he or she has attended at least two thirds of the total lecture hours.

      1. Each unit shall be examined by a three hour written examination at the end of the semester during which the course is offered.
      2. The end of semester examination shall constitute 70% of the total marks in each course unit while the continuous assessment including fieldwork shall constitute 30%. Continuous assessment shall comprise of assignments, tests, term papers and practical where applicable.
      3. Pass mark for each course unit shall be 50%.
      4. A candidate who fails in any unit may be allowed to re-sit or retake the failed units up to          two times.
      5. The maximum score for a re-sit examination shall be 50%.
      6. A candidate, who fails in the third attempt, it being a re-sit or retake or has failed to complete the prescribed courses within the prescribed time, shall, on the recommendation of the Faculty Board of Examiners and approved by Senate, be discontinued.
    1. Research Project
      1. The research project shall be examined in accordance with the common regulations of the university postgraduate studies.
      2. Each candidate shall present, two weeks before the end of the final semester, a report of an approved research project, in any one of the areas of specialisation in Agro- meteorology for examination. The report shall be expected to demonstrate acquisition of the relevant research skills and their effective application to an investigation of substance and significance in Agrometeorology.  The report shall constitute 70% of the marks.
      3. The candidate shall, in addition to 6.2.3.above, present the project report orally in form of a seminar before a panel of examiners. The oral presentation shall constitute 30% of the marks.
      4. The pass mark shall be 50%.
      5. A candidate who fails to satisfy the examiners in the project shall be allowed up to two re-submissions of the project report.
      6. A candidate who fails in the third attempt, of a re-submission of the project, shall, on the recommendation of Faculty Board of Examiners and approval by Senate, be discontinued.

 

7.0   Final Award

7.1    The final award shall be Master of Science in Agrometeorology. The grades for the course done shall appear in the transcript. The grading shall be as follows:

            Class                           Marks %

            A                                 70-100

            B                                  60-69

            C                                  50-59

            Fail                              0-49

Department
Meteorology

© University of Nairobi 2019.  All rights Reserved.