Master of Science in Plant Breeding
Plant breeding is an all-encompassing and multi-disciplinary science and art of improving crop plants. It involves the application of many scientific disciplines such as genetics, agronomy, statistics/biometrics, plant pathology, agricultural entomology, molecular biology, scientific communication and other relevant disciplines. The multi-disciplinary nature makes it suitable for individuals who aspire to develop or improve crop varieties for yield, quality, resistance to plant parasites, drought and low soil fertility adaptation and maintaining and evaluating plant genetic resources. It is also suitable for those who wish to develop varieties with special use to support local plant breeding and seed science systems to meet stakeholders’ needs and respond to indigenous demands. Products of these efforts positively impact on the production of food, feed and fibre. The training also prepares one to be a hardworking, dedicated and self-reliant individual with the ability to work with diverse groups of people. In addition, the programme cultivates written and verbal communication skills, which enables one to be self-motivated and fit in all walks of life.
The programme targets, for admission, persons with at least a first degree (Hons) in general agriculture or equivalent Bachelor of Science related programmes such as Horticulture, Animal Science, Botany, Plant Biotechnology, Forestry, Natural Resources Management from a recognized and chartered university/institution as a minimum requirement. In case the degree was awarded without classification, evidence will be required that performance was equivalent to an honours degree. Applicants whose previous experience is inadequate may be required to take some selected undergraduate agricultural modules where necessary
|
S/N |
COURSE CODE |
COUSE NAME |
LH |
TH |
PH |
CH |
CU |
COMMENT |
|
|
YEAR ONE: SEMESTER ONE (17 WEEKS) |
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|
1 |
MPB 7101 |
Principles of genetics and plant breeding |
30 |
15 |
15 |
45 |
3 |
Core course |
|
2 |
MPB 7102 |
Population and quantitative genetics |
30 |
15 |
15 |
45 |
3 |
Core course |
|
3 |
MPB 7103 |
Modern methods and techniques used in crop improvement |
30 |
15 |
15 |
45 |
3 |
Core course |
|
4 |
MPB 7104 |
Advanced biometrics-1: experimental and mating designs |
30 |
15 |
15 |
45 |
3 |
Core course |
|
5 |
MPB 7105 |
Research process and research ethics |
30 |
15 |
15 |
45 |
3 |
Core course |
|
6 |
MPB 7106 |
Breeding for quality traits |
30 |
15 |
15 |
45 |
3 |
Core course |
|
|
YEAR ONE: SEMESTER TWO (17 WEEKS) |
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|
7 |
MPB 7201 |
Plant genetic resources conservation and intellectual property & breeders’ rights |
30 |
15 |
15 |
45 |
3 |
Core course |
|
8 |
MPB 7202 |
Designing a sustainable and successful plant breeding programme |
30 |
15 |
15 |
45 |
3 |
Core course |
|
9 |
MPB 7203 |
Seed technology and variety release |
30 |
15 |
15 |
45 |
3 |
Core course |
|
10 |
MPB 7204 |
Applied agricultural extension |
30 |
15 |
15 |
45 |
3 |
Core course |
|
11 |
MPB 7205 |
Scientific communication, writing skills and proposal development |
30 |
15 |
15 |
45 |
3 |
Core course |
|
|
|
RECESS TERM (10 WEEKS) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
YEAR TWO: SEMESTER ONE (17 WEEKS) |
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|
13 |
MPB 8101 |
Advanced biometrics-2: multivariate and multiple regression |
30 |
15 |
15 |
45 |
3 |
Core course |
|
14 |
MPB 8102 |
Crop physiology |
30 |
15 |
15 |
45 |
3 |
Elective |
|
15 |
MPB 8103 |
Agricultural entomology and plant parasitic nematodes |
30 |
15 |
15 |
45 |
3 |
Elective |
|
|
YEAR TWO: SEMESTER TWO (17 WEEKS) |
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|
16 |
MPB 8201 |
Plant pathology |
30 |
15 |
15 |
45 |
3 |
Elective |
|
17 |
MPB 8202 |
Soil fertility improvement and management |
30 |
15 |
15 |
45 |
3 |
Elective |
|
18 |
MPB 8203 |
Msc. Plant Breeding Thesis |
|
|
|
|
18 |
Core course |
The programme targets, for admission, persons with at least a first degree (Hons) in general agriculture or equivalent Bachelor of Science related programmes such as Horticulture, Animal Science, Botany, Plant Biotechnology, Forestry, Natural Resources Management from a recognized and chartered university/institution as a minimum requirement. In case the degree was awarded without classification, evidence will be required that performance was equivalent to an honours degree. Applicants whose previous experience is inadequate may be required to take some selected undergraduate agricultural modules where necessary.
| Date of Accreditation | Date Due for review | Comment |
| 22nd/Jan/2024 | Jan/2029 | Acredited |