Department of General Veterinary Sciences
The department organises a foundation course and all basic sciences for veterinary studies during the first 2 years including a foundation course.
Foundation Course
An analysis of secondary school systems in the area covered by the ISTVS project indicated a number of weaknesses and diversity of curricula and standards, as well as them all adopting a teacher centred methodology. A 3 month foundation course is set up to introduce students to a new student centred methodology, to homogenize educational levels on essential topics and to upgrade important concepts in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and English to “A” level standards.
Animal system studies
In the ISTVS methodology, general sciences are studied using a systemic and integrated approach, combining theory, practical, social sciences and clinical studies within systems. During the first 2 common years, students are taught 5 groups of animal body systems in 4 semesters. Some systems are studied in depth while others introduce what students need to acquire for their professional skills.
The systems are as follows:
Integumentary system (including sense organs and skin annexes)
Digestive system (including digestive annexes and nutrition)
Respiratory system (including cellular respiration)
Circulatory system (including lymphatic system and immunology, endocrine system, urinary and reproductive system)
Neuro-musculoskeletal system.
Each system involves gross anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, statistics, economics, marketing communication and extension, all adequately associated with clinical sciences delivered by the department of Food Safety and Public Health.
Department of Food Safety and Public Health
The Department of Food safety and Public Heath offers specialised courses including general and special pathology, pharmacology, therapeutics and minor surgery all combined with the basic sciences, starting from structures, leading gradually to diseases control and their economic implications as well as their impact on food quality and safety.
Environmental subjects are inserted when applicable, to develop students’ awareness on environmental issues and their management. After the first 2 years, students are ready for their specialisation year for a diploma, either Diploma in Livestock Health Sciences (DLH) or Livestock in Products Development and Entrepreneurship (DLPDE).
Diploma in Livestock Products Development and Entrepreneurship (DLPDE)
At the end of ISTVS three years, the successful graduate will be a certified livestock product safety and quality inspector able to clinically examine animals before slaughtering, recognise diseases affecting trade and public health and decide whether the animal is fit for consumption. The livestock products safety and quality inspector is able to ensure proper management of a slaughterhouse and food processing facilities according to international regulations. S/he is able to safeguard public health, gather relevant data and carry out laboratory tests as well as interpret them for informed decision. With the information collected, the inspector is able to assess compliance with international and local standards of safety and quality of livestock products and prepare documents for certification under the supervision of the veterinary authority. S/he also plays an important role in advising people trading livestock and livestock products, educating the public and training meat and other animal product workers.
Diploma in Livestock Health Sciences (DLH)
At the end of ISTVS three years, the successful graduate will become a certified animal health technician able to clinically examine livestock and treat diseases affecting trade. S/he knows how to control contagious (spreading) diseases and participates/advises on how to prevent them. The animal health technician is able to gather information and send it to relevant bodies. S/he knows the international animal health codes and local regulations and is able to advise the relevant authorities on health issues of trade animals. The technician can assess compliance with international and local standards of health and quality and prepare documents for certification under the supervision of the veterinary authority. The livestock health technician also plays an important role in advising pastoralist, providing animal health care, training and co-ordinating staff involved in domestic and international trade, reporting data to authorities, and working to protect the veterinary profession and ethics.
Bachelor in Science (BSc) in Dryland Economics and Agro-Ecosystem Management (DEAM
The Bachelor in Science (BSc) in Dryland Economics and Agro-Ecosystem Management (DEAM is accredited by the University of Nairobi.
The training programme for the degree of Bachelors Science in Dryland Economics and Ecosystem Management is conceptualised and designed to produce manpower that is expected to contribute towards redressing these unique constraints limiting the productivity and ecosystem management within the IGAD drylands. It is conceived taking cognizance of the diverse educational backgrounds of the students emanating from the IGAD region. The aim is to contribute to increased food security and the resilience of communities living on (semi-) arid lands by strengthening their ability to cope with environmental and socio-economic change. The objective of the programme is to produce graduates trained in the discipline of economics and ecosystems management with a good blending of practical work to promote agricultural productivity and living standards in the drylands.
The first two years of the Bachelors Science in Dryland Economics and Ecosystem Management programme will be spent on core courses which will ground the students in dryland agriculture related basic sciences and the fundamentals of the professional agricultural disciplines (i.e. agricultural economics, animal science, crop protection, crop science and soil science). In the third year of study, the students will opt and specialize in any of the following majors: Land Resource Management, Agricultural Extension and Drylands Agricultural Economics. The respective majors will appear on students’ transcripts and degree certificates (e.g. Bachelors Science in Dryland Economics and Ecosystem Management – Drylands Economics major).
Objectives
The overall objective of this degree program is to produce competent graduates in agricultural sciences and environmental management with adequate knowledge and skills to contribute to increased food security and the resilience of communities living on (semi-) arid lands by strengthening their ability to cope with environmental and socio-economic change.
Options and specific objectives:
Dryland Economics Major
The specific objectives of this major are:-
- To impart knowledge and skills to learners to generate employment opportunities
- To equip learners with skills in use and management of dryland resources for increased revenue generation
- To build knowledge base for allocative efficiency in dryland resource use
- To equip learners with agri-business skills for entrepreneurial development
Extension Major
The specific objectives of this major are:-
- To train individuals for enhancement of productivity, commercialization and competitiveness in dryland agro-ecosystems
- To equip learners with the necessary know-how for effective information dissemination and technology transfer
- To equip learners with leadership and business management skills for diversification of income sources and empowerment of communities
Land and water Resource Management Major
The specific objectives of this major are:-
- To equip learners with knowledge and skills to promote sustainable land and water management for increased livestock, Drylands crops and environmental protection
- To impart knowledge and skills for prevention and alleviation of land degradation
- To provide leadership in the implementation of the national policies relating to natural resource management
Teaching Methodology
Courses taught by highly qualified and experienced ISTVS staff . The course is implemented through:
- Lectures
- Practical (both laboratory and field based)
- Tutorial/seminars
- Field attachments
- Study trips
Course content
DEAM is a four year degree course
Each academic year consists of 2 semesters with 7 courses covered per semester
- 1st year – basic sciences including chemistry, ICT and communication skills are covered.
- 2nd year – covers pastures and fodder production, ecology, climate change, biodiversity and conservation, animal production, dryland crop production, entomology, ICT and Sociology.
- 3rd and 4th years – land water recourse management major – covers rangeland management, production economics, pastoral production system, economics of natural resources, development economics.
- 3rd and 4th years – extension major – covers firm accounts and planning, land information systems rural sociology and development, livestock production systems and dryland agro-forestry.
- 3rd and 4th years – economics major – covers firm accounts and planning, land information systems, production economics, principles of range management, pastoral production systems and technological change, intermediate microeconomics and development economics
Assessment
- 2 continuous assessment tests (CATs)/ semester
- 1-2 assignments per subject/ per semester
- Final examination of each subject/ per semester which account for 70% of the final mark (must pass all courses, supplementary exams allowed if necessary for a maximum of 4 subjects)
- Field practice/attachment examined by oral examination and a written special project examined by written report and seminar presentation
