DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN PATHOBIOLOGY

Overview

OVERVIEW OF PROGRAMME:

The Doctor of Philosophy in Pathobiology is one of the most robust in the Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine at the University of Nairobi. The programme has trained leading professionals in
academia, research, and policymakers in both national and county governments. Globally,
human and animal diseases continue to escalate as more pressure is exerted on the environment,
negatively impacting the one-health triad. Climate change, globalization and efficient
transportation have brought about the increased risk of occurrence and distribution of diseases
since new diseases emerge while previously controlled diseases re-emerge. Under these
circumstances, the diagnostician requires in-depth scientific knowledge of possible causes as
well as an enhanced capacity to carry out detailed research in their biology and related
disciplines to provide practical solutions. This degree programme has three options namely;
Microbiology, Pathology and Parasitology.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

This Programme is about training graduates to:

  1. Diagnose diseases in terrestrial and aquatic animals,
  2. Support teaching and learning in tertiary institutions in areas of specialization,
  3. Formulate solutions to various value chain problems affecting the health and productivity of terrestrial and aquatic animals in any part of the world, and
  4. Create knowledge in animal health through high-quality research in an ethical and professional manner.

PHILOSOPHY, RATIONALE

Many health institutions have invested heavily in acquisition of sophisticated equipment for the purpose of conducting laboratory investigations leading to confirmatory diagnosis which is a prerequisite step in health management. However, many a times, the disease conditions are misdiagnosed thereby causing loss of life, time and money. This doctor of philosophy program is therefore designed to equip graduate who can:

  1. Think critically on real-life problems, select appropriate diagnostic tests whose results interpretation will aid clinical decision
  2. Creatively use laboratory data to modify diagnostic testing processes and reduce diagnostic errors, improve efficiency, and reduce costs
  3. Collaboratively carryout research on real-life problems and apply evidence to demonstrate utility of laboratory tests and to improve the quality, efficiency, and safety of the diagnostic testing process
  4. Communicate orally in lecture halls, public and professional gatherings and write scientific publications.

SCHEDULE OF INTAKES

Intakes are  in September every calendar year. Registration and admission for qualified applicants commences in August. For more  Information on Registration & Admission please  click here

MODE OF DELIVERY

(a) Face-to-Face mode

Formal lectures, tutorials, practical demonstrations, clinical and surgical rotations handling surgical            animal patients and assignments on topical subjects.

(b) Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL)

 

Structure of the Programme

This program is offered by research project and thesis and is divided into four (4) phases

  1. Pre-registration phase: The student in consultation with the chairman of department identifies a suitable supervisor, prepares and submits a concept paper to enable him/her obtain provisional registration
  2. Provisional registration phase: The student with his/her supervisors develops a full proposal, presents it to academic members of staff of department and if it meets the set quality standards, it is approved for full registration
  3. Research phase: The student carries out original research according to his/her proposal, consults his/her supervisor(s) at least once every month, and submits progress reports regularly to the dean of the faculty. Additionally, he/she attends and participates in departmental seminars, workshops, and teaching and supervision of undergraduate student projects
  4. Thesis and publications phase: The student prepares and submits a thesis for examination and publishes at least two journal articles to qualify for award.

Admission Requirements

The common regulations for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in all faculties of the University of Nairobi shall apply. In addition, an applicant for a particular area of specialization is expected to be a holder of any of the following degree awards of the University of Nairobi or a University recognized by the senate of the University of Nairobi:

Bacteriology option

  1. Master of Science in Applied Microbiology
  2. Master of Science in Applied Bacteriology
  3. Master of Science in Veterinary Microbiology
  4. Master of Science in Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology
  5. Master of Science in Biomedical Science

Clinical Pathology option

  1. Master of Science in Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Diagnosis
  2. Master of Science in Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology
  3. Master of Science in Clinical Cytology
  4. Master of Science in Biomedical Science
  5. Master of Science in Clinical Studies

Diagnostic Pathology option

  1. Master of Science in Veterinary Pathology and Diagnostics
  2. Master of Science in Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology
  3. Master of Science in Veterinary Pathology
  4. Master of Science in Medical Pathology
  5. Master of Science in Biomedical Science

Fish Science option

  1. Master of Science in Fish Science
  2. Master of Science in Aquaculture
  3. Master of Science in Aquaculture and Fisheries
  4. Master of Science in Aquatic Sciences
  5. Master of Science in Health of Aquatic Resources

Immunology option

  1. Master of Science in Applied Microbiology
  2. Master of Science in Applied Immunology
  3. Master of Science in Veterinary Microbiology
  4.  Master of Science in Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology
  5. Master of Science in Biomedical Science

Mycology option

  1. Master of Science in Applied Microbiology
  2. Master of Science in Applied Mycology
  3. Master of Science in Veterinary Microbiology
  4. Master of Science in Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology
  5. Master of Science in Biomedical Science

Parasitology option

  1. Master of Science in Applied Veterinary Parasitology
  2. Master of Science in Applied Parasitology
  3. Master of Science in Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology
  4.  Master of Science in Veterinary Parasitology
  5. Master of Science in Biomedical Science

Virology option

  1. Master of Science in Applied Microbiology
  2. Master of Science in Applied Virology
  3. Master of Science in Veterinary Microbiology
  4. Master of Science in Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology

Master of Science in Biomedical Science

Careers Prospects

Graduates of this program will work in their areas of specialization as follows:

  1. Technical experts and consultants in health of terrestrial and aquatic animals
  2. Globally competitive post doctorate fellowship scholars
  3. Senior researchers/ principal investigators in health of terrestrial and aquatic animals
  4. Laboratory managers and diagnosticians in health of terrestrial and aquatic animals
  5. Assistant professors, associate professors, and full professors in world class universities in health of terrestrial and aquatic animals
  6. Mentors and supervisors of graduate students, researchers and early career professionals in public and private research institutions and universities
  7. Adjunct lecturers and external examiners in world class universities
  8. Authors, reviewers and editors of tertiary level books, teaching modules, journal articles and other scholarly literature.

 

Attachment Opportunities

  • Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries (Kenya)
  • Central and Regional Veterinary Laboratories, Directorate of Veterinary Services
  • Research insitututes eg
  • International Livestock Research Instititute (ILRI)
  • Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institutes (KEVEVAPI)
  • Institute of Primate Researck (IPRI)
  • Kenya Agricultural and Livestock organization (KALRO)
  • International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)
  • Kenya Marine and Fisheries Institute (KMFRI)
  • Various Private sector facilities such as
  • Welcome, Analabs, among many others

 

   Year I    Year 2    Year 3   Total 
TUITION              396,000.00    396,000.00   396,000.00   1,188,000.00
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR)                   7,000.00         7,000.00        7,000.00         21,000.00
THESIS EXAMINATION                                -                        -        50,000.00         50,000.00
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250)                   4,500.00         4,500.00        4,500.00         13,500.00
ID CARD ( PER YEAR)                   1,000.00         1,000.00        1,000.00           3,000.00
CAUTION - (ONCE)                   5,000.00                      -                       -             5,000.00
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR)                   6,500.00         6,500.00        6,500.00         19,500.00
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR)                   2,000.00         2,000.00        2,000.00           6,000.00
LIBRARY (PER YEAR)                   5,000.00         5,000.00        5,000.00         15,000.00
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR)                   1,000.00         1,000.00        1,000.00           3,000.00
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000)                                -                        -                       -                          -  
GRAND TOTALS              428,000.00    423,000.00   473,000.00   1,324,000.00
Application Information

How to apply

Before continuing please read the University of Nairobi admission requirements

Please ensure that you meet the admission requirements before applying.

  • It is in your best interest to complete your own application. The University of Nairobi does not make use of representatives, agents or agencies during the application process. If you choose to make use of representatives, agents or agencies, you do so at own risk.
  • The closing dates are non-negotiable. It is your responsibility to ensure you apply before the applicable deadline!
  • It is of utmost importance that you provide your correct personal email, Mobile Number, postal addresses and Next of Kin contacts to enable the University of Nairobi to contact with you directly.

You will only be able to submit your online application once you have:

  • Completed the full online application form, AND
  • Uploaded all the necessary scanned supporting documents in .pdf format, AND
  • Either paid the application fee by any of the provided means.
  • If you have not successfully paid by either means, your form has not been submitted.

Once your application has been successfully submitted after you have clicked VERIFY and APPLY:

  • You will no longer be able to do any further editing of your application via the Online Application system.
  • You will be informed by SMS and Email what your allocated reference number is.
  • You will also be sent other important procedures describing how to check your progress and application results on your Email.

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES:

The online application system provides the facility for an applicant to disclose his/her disability status. Applicants are encouraged to make use of this facility to disclose their disability status at this point in the application process. Such a disclosure will in no way prejudice an application. Disclosing your disability status enables the University of Nairobi to better anticipate the needs arising from these disabilities.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR ONLINE APPLICATION

 

Step 1: Access from your computer  www.application.uonbi.ac.ke

Step 2: Profile Registration – For first time applicants, create a personal profile by clicking on “Click Here to Register Button” to proceed to fill the all the required information

Note: All details marked with a red asterisk are mandatory and you will be required to provide them before you proceed and you must read and accept the terms and conditions before submitting yourdetails.

Upon completion, an email will be sent to you (email provided during registration) requiring you to log in into your email account and activate your account together with your username and password.

This will allow you to log into your account to manage your profile and track the progress of your application. To create your account please click on the Register button otherwise enter your username and password to log in to your account.

STEP 3: PROFILE MANAGEMENT

To apply for a University programme you will be required to complete your profile. These include your Personal details, Contact information, Education background, Work experience and Referees. You will also be required to upload scanned copies of your certificates, transcripts and passport photo.

NOTE: IF YOU DO NOT MANAGE TO COMPLETE YOUR PROFILE IN ONE SESSION YOUR DATA WILL BE SAVED AND YOU CAN STILL COME BACK AND COMPLETE IT AT A LATER TIME

STEP 4 PROGRAMME SELECTION

Only when your profile is complete can you apply for the programme you wish to undertake. Go to “Click here to apply” menu option on the Dashboard where you will select your programme from the intakes that are open at the time of making the application. Then click on “Apply for intake” Button

Once you click you will be lead to the form below where you select the preferred type of degree

 You will also be able to view the entry requirements for the programme to see if you meet the requirements before making the application.

On selection of the degree programme types e.g Certificate & Diploma, Undergraduate/Bachelors,

Masters/Postgraduate Diplomas or PhD you intent to apply for, you will get a list of all the preferred programme as shown below

available programmes in that category. Click on ‘Apply for this Programme’ Button alongside the

Payment of Application Fees

 If satisfied and wish to proceed you will be directed to the payment section where you pay the application fees. The system supports online payment using Master and Visa cards, Mpesa and payment through the bank. In each case the system will issue an applicant reference number which should be used as the account no when making the payment.

APPLICATION FEE PAYMENT VIA M-PESA

Pay the required amount through your mobile phone by M-PESA following the instructions below:

  1. Go to M-PESA on your phone.
  2. Select Lipa na M-PESA option
  3. Select Pay Bill option.
  4. Enter Business no.
  5. Enter your Reference number as sent to your mobilephone
  6. Enter the Amount you intend to pay.
  7. Enter your M-PESA PIN and Send

N/B. Only make the payment if you have been allocated an application reference number sent to your phone or email

APPLICATION FEE PAYMENT USING VISA CARD

You can also pay using a VISA debit or credit card by choosing the VISA option as shown

Select VISA option

Enter the card number, Expiry date and the security code, then click on the ‘Pay’ Button

NOTE: You will be notified on successful payment process. You can print the payment report generated after the process.

 

PAYMENT BY DIRECT BANKING

  1. Visit any Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) branch
  2. Obtain a cash deposit slip
  3. Enter the branch as University Way
  4. Enter Account number 1177475707
  5. Enter Account Name University of Nairobi (CESSP)
  6. Quote the application reference number as sent to your mobile phone
  7. Enter amount being paid eg. (KES3,000.00)
  8. Deposit your money
  9. Log in to your online application account to confirm that the payment has been processed

APPLICATION PROGRESS TRACKING

The Online application system provides a mechanism for applicants to track the progress of admission process at any given time, and also download the admission letter and joining instructions.

All this can be done from the applicant’s portal account by click of a button.

CHANGE OF APPLIED COURSE

The applicant may request for a change course in the following instances:-

  1. They did not meet the admission criteria for the programme applied and therefore have not been shortlisted.
  2. They wish to change the course applied for.
  3. The applicant is not eligible for the course they have applied for.

To apply for the change of course the applicant may write a letter to the Academic Registrar, requesting for “Change of Applied Course” Quoting their Application Reference Number and indicating clearly the new course they wish to change to. This letter may be emailed to reg- academic@uonbi.ac.ke or admissions@uonbi.ac.ke

 There is no additional cost to a request for Change of Course.

Contacts of support persons

Contacts of support persons

DR. D.N KARANJA

Chairman, Dept. of Vet. Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology

EMAIL: vetpath@uonbi.ac.ke or dnkaranja@uonbi.ac.ke

TELEPHONE: 020 4916016 of +254722557883