PhD in Biological Sciences by Course work and Research
This progromme is hosted by the Department of Biological Sciences
- Programme Overview
- Admission Requirements
- Programme Structure
- Duration
- Learning Outcomes
- Career Prospects
- Fees Structure
The PhD in Biological Sciences by Course Work and Research develops skilled researchers and scientific professionals equipped to excel in research, industry, education, and leadership in Biological Sciences. Graduates will conduct independent research, communicate scientific knowledge, and improve societal quality of life.
The programme emphasizes biomolecular tools and methodologies, essential for studying microbial, animal, and plant systems, as well as advancing research in ecology, evolution, genomics, metabolomics, and computational biology. Research areas include bio-archaeology, population genetics, plant and soil ecology, biotechnology, and microbial evolution.
The Department of Biological Sciences provides modern labs, research facilities, and diverse projects spanning molecular biology, microbiology, aquaculture, neuroscience, pharmacology, environmental biology, nanoscience, bioinformatics, and more. Postgraduates benefit from supervisory support, training in essential skills, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and excellence in research.
Aligned with Uganda Vision 2040 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the programme addresses global challenges through innovative research and student partnerships. It equips graduates to sustainably manage natural resources and improve livelihoods. Leveraging Eastern Africa’s biodiversity and Kyambogo University’s regional and international collaborations, this programme prepares scientists for impactful careers in biodiversity and ecosystem management.
Master’s Degree in relevant field of Biological Sciences such as Botany, Zoology, Biotechnology, Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Science, Human Medicine, Biochemistry, Forestry, Food Science, Microbiology, Public Health, Paleontology, Environmental Science, Health Science or related discipline from recognized Institution and a Concept of between three to five pages submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training prior to admission.
The programme contents and structure will include both crossing cutting and biological sciences courses. Each course shall be in form of lectures, with the major part devoted to practical work/labs, field work. Study trips, tutorials and problem based seminars. The core courses are a requirement for all PhD students in Biological Sciences. The minimum program load is 38 CU. The program shall be run on a semester system and the structure is summarized below: LH =Lecture hours, PH = Practical hours, T/SH = Tutorial or seminar hours CLH =Clinical hours, CH =Contact hours, CU= Credit units
PhD in Biological Sciences by Course work and Research Structure
Course | Title | LH | PH | TH | CH | CU |
Year 1, Semester I – Core Crossing Cutting Courses | ||||||
SBS 9101 | Philosophy of Method | 30 | 40 | 10 | 60 | 4 |
SBS 9102 | Research Methodology | 30 | 40 | 15 | 45 | 4 |
SBS 9103 | Scholarly Writing & Communication Skills | 20 | 20 | 15 | 45 | 3 |
Elective Courses [ Select Any 2] | ||||||
SBS 9104 | Advanced Gender Research Methodology | 20 | 20 | 15 | 45 | 3 |
SBS 9105 | Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis | 30 | 20 | 20 | 60 | 4 |
SBS 9106 | Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis | 30 | 20 | 20 | 60 | 4 |
SBS 9107 | Genes and Genomes in the Tropics | 20 | 20 | 15 | 45 | 3 |
TOTAL | 18 | |||||
Total Credit Units Four Crossing Courses = 18 CU | ||||||
Year One Semester Two | ||||||
Biological Core Courses | ||||||
Code | Course Name | LH | PH | TH | CH | CU |
SBS 9201 | Principles of Genetics | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
SBS9202 | Principles of Molecular Biology | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
SBS9203 | Principles of Cell Biology | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
SBS9204 | Applied Entomology | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
Electives [Select 2] | ||||||
Course | Title | Credit Units | ||||
SBS 9205 | Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management | 4 | ||||
SBS 9206 | Plant Breeding and Biotechnology | 4 | ||||
SBS 9207 | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | 4 | ||||
SBS 9208 | Mechanisms and epidemiology of Cancer | 4 | ||||
SBS 9209 | Climate Change and Health | 4 | ||||
SBS 9210 | Challenges of research in natural and life sciences | 4 | ||||
SBS 9211 | Genes and Genomes | 4 | ||||
SBS 9212 | Artificial Intelligence in Biosciences | 4 | ||||
SBS 9213 | Data Science in Biosciences | 4 | ||||
SBS 9214 | Computational Bioinformatics | 4 | ||||
SBS 9215 | Aquatic Systems, Fisheries and Aquaculture | 4 | ||||
SBS 9216 | Applied Microbiology | 4 | ||||
SBS9217 | Advanced Epidemiology | 4 | ||||
TOTAL CREDIT UNITS FOR BIOLOGICAL COURSES = 16+ 8 = 24 CU | ||||||
Programme Load | ||||||
PhD by Course Work and Research | ||||||
Year 1 Cross cutting courses | 18 CU | |||||
Year 1 Biological courses | 24 CU | |||||
Year 2 Graduate Seminars | 10 CU | |||||
Year 2 Teaching | 08 CU | |||||
Year 2 &3 Research and Thesis | 180 CU | |||||
Total Graduation Load | 240 CU |
The PhD in Biological Sciences by course work and research will run for a minimum of three (3) academic years and a maximum of six (6) academic years (ii). Each academic year shall consist of two semesters. The semester shall be of seventeen (17) weeks. In a semester fifteen (15) weeks shall be lectures and guided study seminars and two (2) weeks for student examinations and other forms of assessment. (iii) A candidate may apply for an extension of one year to make a maximum period of seven (7). The candidate will however be expected to pay extra tuition fees for the extension of the study period.
Graduates with a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Kyambogo University will:
- Be able to defend their perspectives relative to primary literature in their area of expertise.
- Comprehend the scientific method and be able to apply it in their area of expertise.
- Demonstrate effective oral communication skills within their area of specialization and be fluent in the specific technical language needed to describe molecular biology and biotechnology, aquaculture production systems, fisheries management, genetic resources and natural resources management.
- Be able to effectively write about their area of expertise (genetics, molecular biology, conservation, etc.) using the appropriate scientific terminology.
- Develop the appropriate tools and packages to address biodiversity and ecosystem management challenges/problems and their implications
- Describe and apply the appropriate research methodologies, data skills, conservation issues and challenges
- Describe and apply the relevant statistical approaches to analyse and interpret ecological data
- Develop and defend scientific arguments in the field of biodiversity and ecosystem
- Describe knowledge gaps for addressing management challenges for biodiversity management.
- Develop and formulate hypotheses and link them with respective research problem
- Designing and implementing appropriate tools to address conservation challenges
- Gain practical knowledge and skills to be competitive in the job market.
A research scientist at a university or a research institute
An adviser at governmental authorities (boards, ministries, districts, and municipalities)
Senior public health officer
Community health consultant /expert
CAREER PROSPECTS
- University Lecturer/Educator
- Environmental scientist
- Wildlife biologist
- Microbiologist
- Molecular biologist
- Biology research scientist
- Management consultant
- Medical scientist
Others include:
- Academic researcher
- Biomedical scientist
- Clinical research associate
- Clinical scientist, genomics
- Clinical scientist, immunology
- Genetic counsellor
- Plant breeder/geneticist
- Research scientist (life sciences)
- Research scientist (medical)
- Agricultural consultant
- Biotechnologist
- Data scientist
- Epidemiologist
- Forensic scientist
- Medical science liaison
- Nature conservation officer
- Patent attorney
If you love nature and animals, a career in wildlife biology might be perfect for you. Getting a job in wildlife biology can enable you to help wildlife and preserve the environment for future generations. You can use your knowledge of the biology of wild animals and living organisms to investigate more about the natural world and educate others about the importance of conservation.
Ugandan and East African Students: 6,000,000/=
International Students: 9,000,000/=
The University Tuition Fees indicated above exclude functional fees, research, books, accommodation, bank charges and other expenses.