Molecular and Microbiology

In the section Microbiology & Molecular Biology, the students have an opportunity to study for two majors, that is, a major in Microbiology or a major in Molecular Biology. These majors are done together with a minor in Chemistry, or a minor in Biochemistry. From first year to third year the Microbiology and Molecular Biology majors take the same modules allowing them to gain knowledge on structure and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, regulation, biochemical genetics, gene organization, nucleic acids and proteins, cell and developmental biology, microbiology, molecular genetics, biomedical genetics and immunology. The distinct differences emerge in the modules taken in the fourth year level.

The Microbiology curriculum emphasizes in virology, mycology, industrial and environmental microbiology at fourth year level while in the Molecular Biology, the curriculum emphasizes in Applied Molecular Biology, Applied Genetics, Bioinformatics and Plant Growth and Development. The two majors allow the students to achieve deep Biotechnological skills to continue into postgraduate degree in molecular sciences. At fourth year level the students are able to choose a year projects in the sections that will allow them to solve microbiological and biotechnological problems.

In this section there are vibrant research topics covering agricultural, medical biotechnology and classical microbiological issues of local relevance and international competitiveness through the vast international research linkages that the department has.

The Microbiology & Molecular Biology section offers postgraduate degrees at M.Sc. and Ph.D. levels in Microbiology, and Molecular Genetics including Biotechnology and Conservation Genetics, Applied Biology. Prospective students can identify a research topic and a study leader in the Department to develop a research proposal before they can commence their research work. Prospective students are encouraged to take advantage of the broad range of scientists and expertise in the Biological Sciences Department.

Current research themes in the section are:

Applied and environmental and medical microbiology

Microbial pathogenesis, food safety and disease prevention

Molecular and general genetics: Molecular Marker technology

Crop Domestication

Agricultural biotechnology

Mushroom Production science

Understanding Molecular Mechanisms of Host-parasite Interactions

The section develops programs by listening, asking relevant questions and continually assessing each situation and reactions of stake holders to current research programs and proposed future programs. The section will attempt to increase collaborative efforts locally, regionally and internationally.

At undergraduate level, the Department of Biological Sciences offers the following programmes:

Molecular Biology major – Chemistry minor

Molecular Biology major – Biochemistry minor

Microbiology major – Chemistry minor

Microbiology major – Biochemistry minor