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Introduction

The undergraduate curriculum in zoology is designed to equip the scholars in life sciences with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in various aspects of animal biology. The curriculum endeavours to prepare students for careers in a wide range of disciplines associated with animal biology such as wildlife conservation, range management, teaching biology at college and high school level, animal and human health, research and consultancy. Zoology Courses are essential component of undergraduate students pursuing careers in professional disciplines such as Agriculture, Environmental Science, veterinary medicine and Biochemistry. The Department also offers Service Courses in degree and diploma.

Justification

Zoology as a sub-discipline of biology involves the study of animal classification, structure, physiology, histology, and biological characteristics. The Bachelor of Science students who take zoology as one of their subjects will be well prepared for careers in related disciplines. Bachelor of Education (Science) students taking zoology Course are well equipped to teach Courses in Zoology at high school and college levels. Furthermore, students in the university registered for Courses in Agriculture, Animal Science, Natural resources, Environment Science, Biochemistry, among others, take Courses in Zoology to enhance understanding of their respective disciplines.

Objectives

The Zoology Syllabus aims to produce scientists trained to understand the organism systems. The Courses are designed such that they cover a wide scope of basic biological systems, including systematics and ecology. The Department of Biological Sciences has facilities for students wishing to pursue higher degree programmes. It also offers service Courses to other departments within the university. It is expected that by the end of the respective programmes, the student should have acquired profound knowledge in biological sciences to tackle the problems associated with agricultural, medical, hydrobiological, ecological and other basic scientific challenges encountered by scientists from day to day. The student should be able to;
(i) handle laboratory work in zoology;
(ii) carry out research and extension;
(iii) undertake postgraduate work in zoology;
(iv) teach biologically-related subjects and;
(v) handle zoological engagement in private and public enterprise.

Admission

Admission Requirements
All candidates admitted to the degree programme of Bachelor of Science must satisfy the minimum entrance requirements as stipulated in the Egerton University statutes
In addition, candidates MUST have passed the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum grade indicated in each of the following subjects:
Biology B- or Biological Science B
Chemistry B- or Physical Science B
Mathematics C+ Geography B-
Those holding qualifications equivalent to the above from institutions recognized by Egerton University Senate may also be admitted.
Admission may be offered to outstanding Diploma holders in Biological Sciences passed with a credit or above or their equivalent. Such cases will be treated on individual merit.
Transfer of Credit factors from the Diploma Programme or their equivalent may be considered and in such a case a credit transfer a maximum of 30% of the curricular would be allowed for those who qualify based on the guidelines stipulated by the Statutes.

Course Details

Loading and Requirements
During the first 2 years of study, all Bachelor of Science students enrolled for Zoology must take Courses from two other subject areas. They may choose from Botany, Maths, Geography, Biochemistry and Chemistry. During the 3rd and 4th years of study students may opt to register for either 3:3:2:2 or 3:3:1:1 programmess. Students under the 3:3:2:2 programmes, will be expected to take Courses in Zoology and any one of the above named subjects in the last 2 years of their studies. Those who wish to specialize in Zoology (Zoology major) will register in the 3:3:1:1 programme, and will be expected to take Courses only in Zoology. Specialisation in Zoology opportunities will be offered to students with outstanding performance during the first two academic years.
The Bachelor of Science Degree shall normally take a full time student four academic years each with two 17-week semesters comprising of fifteen (15) and two (2) weeks of teaching and examination, respectively. During each academic year, students will be expected to register for minimum of 18 CFs per semester.
Part-time students will, however, be allowed to cover the programme within eight academic years, taking at least 9 CFs per semester.
To graduate with the Bachelor of Science Degree, a student will be required to take and pass a minimum of 144 credit factors which includes the University Common Core Courses.

Course Coding
The Course codes shall be designated as follows:
ZOOL stands for Zoology followed by three digits.
First digit indicates the year or level the Course is offered.
Second digit indicates the nature or sub-discipline of the Course and shall be interpreted as follows:
0 - Basic Zoology
1 - Ecology
2 - Entomology
3 - Anatomy/Physiology
4 - Parasitology
5 - Seminars/ Research
Third digit indicates the serial number of the Course.

Examination
All examinations for this programme will be conducted in accordance with the examination regulations as stipulated in the Statute of Egerton University. For each Course, a minimum of two Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs) with an option of Practicals and or Assignments will be given. The maximum marks for the CATs shall be 30% while the final examination shall constitute 70%. Where a Course has Practical component, a maximum of 15% shall be allocated for Practicals and/or Assignments and 15% for written CATs totaling to 30%. Specialized Courses such as Research Projects and Seminars shall be examined as follows: Oral Presentation 40% and Final Report 60%.