College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences

The common regulations governing postgraduate diploma in all Faculties/Institutes/Schools of the University of Nairobi shall apply.

The minimum requirements for eligibility into the postgraduate Diploma in AICM are:

1. Holders of at least upper second class Honours degree or equivalent in any discipline from a university recognized by senate.
2. Holders of at least lower second class Honours degree or equivalent in any discipline from a university recognized by senate with at least two years relevant experience.
3. Holders of a pass degree or equivalent in any discipline from a university recognized by senate with at least 3 years relevant experience.

In order to qualify for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Information and Communication Management, a candidate must have registered for, attended lectures, sat for the examinations and passed in all course units taken throughout the period of study.

The classification of the final award of the Postgraduate Diploma shall be based on the following formula:

AIC 601: Fundamentals of AICM

Theoretical foundations of agricultural information and communications management; overview of current development goals and trends in agriculture in Africa; drivers of investment in agriculture; innovation systems, agricultural data, information and knowledge; systems and systems approach to solving problems, current agricultural information and knowledge systems, products, services and processes; people, processes and technologies that constitute agricultural information and knowledge systems; management of agricultural information and knowledge; communication theory, role of agricultural communication, agricultural communication processes, and products; diffusion theory, communication strategies and networks; strategic frameworks for communication of agricultural information; management of agricultural communications; emerging ICT, tools, and techniques for the management of agricultural information and communications; target groups for agricultural information at international, national and organizational levels; trends in information and communication technology; impact of agricultural information on development; national, regional and international information resources, networks and policies; managing agricultural information systems; ethical and social considerations in agricultural information systems and projects.

AIC 602: Database Design and Management

Fundamentals of database concepts and architecture; D ata models for database systems (network model, hierarchical model, relational model, and object oriented model) ; Relational data models and concepts; Relational algebra; Relational calculus; R elational database systems development - multi-valued and join dependencies, fourth and fifth normal form ; I nformation retrieval and query language, structured query language; Query processing and optimization techniques; Transaction management and concurrency control ; D atabase security and integrity constraints; Transaction management; Q uery optimization and case studies; C lient server database architectures, distributed databases, object-oriented databases, logic-based databases, t he Web as a database application, Web databases architecture and systems; Introduction to data mining concepts; Current issues and trends in agricultural database design and management.

AIC 603: Management of Agricultural Information and Communication Systems

Basic principles, concepts, theories, and techniques of management as they apply in the information and communication management; agricultural information and communication resources and services; the concepts and processes of information resource management (IRM); Information resources planning; Information users and analysis of their requirements; Implementation of agricultural information and communication products, services, and systems; communication concepts and theory; managing agricultural communication processes; development and management of communication products and services; management issues in digital content management; Acquiring and managing new information technologies; Managing AICM projects; National and international issues relating to information access, such as standards relating to electronic storage and retrieval of electronic documents (digital archiving); Ethical, social, and economic issues in the management of information and communication resources and services

AIC 604: Information System Analysis and Design

Systems concepts and theories; Organizational structure and theory; Human information processing; Systems theory; Information systems; Role of the systems analyst in organizations; Gaining user commitment and fulfilling user needs; Comparison of analysis and design techniques of major information systems development methodologies; Structured analysis and modelling techniques: process modelling, data modelling, logic modelling; Object-oriented analysis and design: unified modelling language; Elicitation/fact-finding, problem analysis, decomposition, and the requirements document; Systems project planning and management; Design principles, quality factors, decomposition of complex systems, and modularization techniques; Systems implementation and maintenance issues; Introduction to information systems development and automation tools; Issues and trends in the analysis and design of agricultural information management systems; Group project to apply skills.

Elective courses

Specialization courses

Remedial Courses

The instruction methods will consist of lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials, seminars, assigned reading materials and field work or projects. Course delivery through Open Distance Learning (ODL) heavily rely on ICT.  

The postgraduate diploma (PGD) in AICM shall be offered under full-time/part-time and ODL for students who can not attend regular university programme.

The Postgraduate diploma in AICM programme consists of 5 core course units, 1 elective course unit, 2 course units from specialization option and a research project equivalent of 2 course units giving a total of 10 course units.

4.1 The PGD in AICM FULLTIME PROGRAMME

• Students without Agricultural and ICT background will be required to take the four listed remedial courses. The remedial courses may be taken before such candidates enroll for the PGD or concurrently with PGD in AICM courses
• The Postgraduate diploma in AICM shall take a minimum of two semesters and a maximum of six semesters of 15 weeks each.
• A candidate shall be required to take a minimum of two and a maximum of five courses per semester.
• A candidate shall be required to take a total of 10 courses including the research project.
• Each course shall be taught for a total of 45 contact hours.
• The PGD in AICM will consist of coursework and examination. The coursework will comprise lectures, seminars, class presentations and term papers.
• The research project is compulsory and will be equivalent to two courses. Candidates shall be allowed to choose and work on a project topic related to a development issue of their choice.

4.2  PGD in AICM through ODL

The course structure and requirements for PGD in AICM through ODL shall be the same as those for full-time/part-time PGD in AICM. However, the mode of delivery is as follows:

• Largely home based media
• Other modes of delivery include:

  a) Written self instructional study modules issued at the registration time

  • Study books
  • Relevant literature
  • Interactive devices and self tests
  • Booklet and/ or pamphlets

  b) Face to face introductory Tutorial

  c) Technology Mediated learning materials

  • Audio cassettes
  • E-learning materials
  • Video clips

  d) Limited face to face sessions to provide overview of the course at commencement of semester, mid semester and revision period before examinations.

  e) Support study centres at the university of Nairobi

  • Access to information through computers at school of computing and informatics, agricultural economics, computer laboratory, Biometry laboratory at College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (CAVS) and other centres such as the library

  • Access to information through school of Journalism

  • Use of libraries at the University of Nairobi and Agricultural research institutions.

  f) Orientation (immediately after registration:

  • Orientation in ODL delivery
  • Study, reading and computer skills
  • Time management and techniques in handling assignments
  • Mentorship, guidance and counseling
  • Emphasis is on satellite centres that serve as a link between the university and the student in the following manner:
    • Registration
    • Collecting reading materials
    • Collecting results and programmes
    • Examination information
    • Posting timetable
    • Holding meetings

Students desiring to receive credit for any prior course work will need to make a formal request to the academic registrar, university of Nairobi and observe the following:

1. A list of the university of Nairobi courses for which the student is interested in getting exemption;
2. Official transcript indicating courses that may be equivalent and descriptions and syllabi/ outlines of the courses in which the applicant is seeking transfers of credit or an exemption.
3. The University of Nairobi reserves the right to administer an appropriate test in order to determine whether the exemption should be granted
4. Application for exemption shall be considered only after the exemption fee has been paid as may be prescribed.
5. A candidate may be allowed to transfer up to a maximum of one third of the taught courses provided that these are from institutions recognized by senate.

1. A candidate shall not be allowed to sit for the final examination unless he/she has attended at least two-thirds of the lectures delivered
2. Each course shall be examined by three hour paper.
3. Candidates must sit and pass all examination papers. The pass mark shall be 50%.
4. Coursework shall constitute 40% of the final overall mark while the final written examination will account for 60%.
5. A candidate who fails in any paper(s) may be allowed to take supplementaries up to 2 times A candidate failing six (6) or more papers shall be discontinued.
6. A candidate who fails in the examination shall be required to re-register for the failed course before sitting for the examination and pay the required fees.
7. A candidate shall be discontinued if he/she fails the second supplementary attempt in any paper or fails to complete the programme in the prescribed duration of six semesters.
8. The project work will be submitted and examined at the end of the year of study with the supervisors approval and upon meeting all other PGD requirements. The examination will be an oral presentation of the research project work before a panel of internal examiners approved by the Faculty. Both written report and oral examination will be graded.
9. A candidate must submit a research project report and score a minimum of 50% in that paper.
10. A candidate who fails in the project report shall be allowed to re-submit a revised report within the prescribed period.
11. A candidate shall be discontinued if he/she fails the second re-submitted project report within the prescribed period.
12. The pass mark for the supplementary paper and re-submitted project shall be recorded as 50%.
13. The final grade and classification of the Postgraduate Diploma shall be based on the average percentage marks obtained in all the ten courses and the project taken during the study period.

Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Information and Communication Management (AICM) is in response to the training gaps identified during the training needs assessment that the Regional Agricultural Information Network and the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in East and Central Africa (RAIN/ASARECA) undertook in 2005. The Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) programme mainly targets agricultural and related professionals who are already employed but would like to have formal training of up to one year in AICM as an additional specialization to their already established career.

The main purpose of the postgraduate diploma programme in AICM is to enhance competency of professionals in agricultural areas and other development workers in managing and communicating agricultural information for accelerated development and poverty reduction and to strengthen the capacity of the university to provide high level education and research services both in the agricultural and national development.

The objectives of the course will be to:

1. Produce agricultural Information and Communication Management personnel with competency to develop and operate agricultural information systems to carry out research and to identify the needs and problems of different agricultural information users and provide Information Communication Technology /Information Communication Management (ICT/ICM) support to agricultural and related professionals.
2. Enhance professional careers and competency of researchers, academicians, students, policymakers and members of the civil society, through interventions in Agricultural information and communication management.
3. Strengthen the capacity of the tertiary institutions to train agricultural information communication management professionals and provide research and consultancy services in technology diffusion and uptake.

The common regulations governing postgraduate diploma in all Faculties/Institutes/Schools of the University of Nairobi shall apply.

The minimum requirements for eligibility into the postgraduate Diploma in AICM are:

1. Holders of at least upper second class Honours degree or equivalent in any discipline from a university recognized by senate.
2. Holders of at least lower second class Honours degree or equivalent in any discipline from a university recognized by senate with at least two years relevant experience.
3. Holders of a pass degree or equivalent in any discipline from a university recognized by senate with at least 3 years relevant experience.

In order to qualify for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Information and Communication Management, a candidate must have registered for, attended lectures, sat for the examinations and passed in all course units taken throughout the period of study.

The classification of the final award of the Postgraduate Diploma shall be based on the following formula:

A                             70                                       Distinction                          

B                             60 – 69                                Credit                                   

C                             50 – 59                                 Pass

D                             0 – 49                                   Fail

5.1          Elective courses

5.2          Specialization courses

5.3          Remedial Courses

The instruction methods will consist of lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials, seminars, assigned reading materials and field work or projects.  Course delivery through Open Distance Learning (ODL) heavily rely on ICT.

The postgraduate diploma (PGD) in AICM shall be offered under full-time/part-time and ODL for students who can not attend regular university programme.

The Postgraduate diploma in AICM programme consists of 5 core course units, 1 elective course unit, 2 course units from specialization option and a research project equivalent of 2 course units giving a total of 10 course units.

The PGD in AICM FULL TIME PROGRAMME

1. Students without Agricultural and ICT background will be required to take the four listed remedial courses.  The remedial courses may be taken before such candidates enroll for the PGD or concurrently with PGD in AICM courses.
2. The Postgraduate diploma in AICM shall take a minimum of two semesters and a maximum of six semesters of 15 weeks each.
3. A candidate shall be required to take a minimum of two and a maximum of five courses per semester.
4. A candidate shall be required to take a total of 10 courses including the research project.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
5. Each course shall be taught for a total of 45 contact hours.
6. The PGD in AICM will consist of coursework and examination.  The coursework will comprise lectures, seminars, class presentations and term papers.
7. The research project is compulsory and will be equivalent to two courses.  Candidates shall be allowed to choose and work on a project topic related to a development issue of their choice.

PGD in AICM through ODL

The course structure and requirements for PGD in AICM through ODL shall be the same as those for full-time/part-time PGD in AICM.  However, the mode of delivery is as follows:

Largely home based media

Other modes of delivery include:

1. Written self instructional study modules issued at the registration time

1. Study books
2. Relevant literature
3. Interactive devices and self tests
4. Booklet and/or pamphlets

2. Face to Face introductory tutorial
3. Technology Mediated learning materials

1. Audio cassettes
2. E-learning materials
3. Video clips

4. Limited face to face sessions to provide overview of the course at commencement of semester, mid semester and revision period before examinations.
5. Support study centres at the University of Nairobi

1. Access to information through computers at school of computing and informatics, agricultural economics, computer laboratory, Biometry laboratory at College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (CAVS) and other centres such as the library.
2. Access to information through school of journalismUse of libraries at the University of Nairobi and Agricultural research institutions.

6. Orientation (immediately after registration):

1. Orientation in ODL delivery
2. Study, reading and computer skills
3. Time management and techniques in handling assignments
4. Mentorship, guidance and counseling
5. Emphasis is on satellite centres that serve as a link between the university and the student in the following manner:
   • Registration
   • Collecting reading materials
   • Collecting results and programmes
   • Examination information
   • Posting timetable
   • Holding meetings

Students desiring to receive credit for any prior course work will need to make a formal request to the academic registrar, University of Nairobi and observe the following:

1. A list of the University of Nairobi courses for which the student is interested in getting exemption;

2. Official transcript indicating courses that may be equivalent and descriptions and syllabi/outlines of the courses in which the applicant in seeking transfers or credit or an exemption.

3. The University of Nairobi reserves the right to administer an appropriate test in order to determine whether the exemption should be granted.

4. Application for exemption shall be considered only after the exemption fee has been paid as may be prescribed.

5. A candidate may be allowed to transfer up to a maximum of one third of the taught courses provided that these are from institutions recognized by senate.

1. A candidate shall not be allowed to sit for the final examination unless he/she has attended at least two-thirds of the lectures delivered
2. Each course shall be examined by three hour paper
3. Candidates must sit and pass all examination papers.  The pass mark shall be 50%.
4. Coursework shall constitute 40% of the final overall mark while the final written examination will account for 60%.
5. A candidate who fails in any paper(s) may be allowed to take supplementaries up to 2 times.  A candidate failing six (6) or more papers shall be discontinued.
6. A candidate who fails in the examination shall be required to re-register for the failed course before sitting for the examination and pay the required fees.
7. A candidate shall be discontinued if he/she fails the second supplementary attempt in any paper or fails to complete the programme in the prescribed duration of six semesters.
8. The project work will be submitted and examined at the end of the year of study with the supervisor’s approval and upon meeting all other PGD requirements.  The examination will be an oral presentation of the research project work before a panel of internal examiners approved by the Faculty.  Both written report and oral examination will be graded.
9. A candidate must submit a research project report and score a minimum of 50% in that paper.
10. A candidate who fails in the project report shall be allowed to re-submit a revised report within the prescribed period.
11. A candidate shall be discontinued if he/she fails the second re-submitted project report within the prescribed period.
12. The pass mark for the supplementary paper and re-submitted project shall be recorded as 50%.
13. The final grade and classification of the Postgraduate Diploma shall be based on the average percentage marks obtained in all the ten courses and the project taken during the study period.

The common regulations governing postgraduate diploma in all Faculties/Institutes/Schools of the University of Nairobi shall apply.

The minimum requirements for eligibility into the postgraduate Diploma in AICM are:

1. Holders of at least upper second class Honours degree or equivalent in any discipline from a university recognized by senate.
2. Holders of at least lower second class Honours degree or equivalent in any discipline from a university recognized by senate with at least two years relevant experience.
3. Holders of a pass degree or equivalent in any discipline from a university recognized by senate with at least 3 years relevant experience.

In order to qualify for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Information and Communication Management, a candidate must have registered for, attended lectures, sat for the examinations and passed in all course units taken throughout the period of study.

The classification of the final award of the Postgraduate Diploma shall be based on the following formula:

AIC 601: Fundamentals of AICM

Theoretical foundations of agricultural information and communications management; overview of current development goals and trends in agriculture in Africa; drivers of investment in agriculture; innovation systems, agricultural data, information and knowledge; systems and systems approach to solving problems, current agricultural information and knowledge systems, products, services and processes; people, processes and technologies that constitute agricultural information and knowledge systems; management of agricultural information and knowledge; communication theory, role of agricultural communication, agricultural communication processes, and products; diffusion theory, communication strategies and networks; strategic frameworks for communication of agricultural information; management of agricultural communications; emerging ICT, tools, and techniques for the management of agricultural information and communications; target groups for agricultural information at international, national and organizational levels; trends in information and communication technology; impact of agricultural information on development; national, regional and international information resources, networks and policies; managing agricultural information systems; ethical and social considerations in agricultural information systems and projects.

AIC 602: Database Design and Management

Fundamentals of database concepts and architecture; D ata models for database systems (network model, hierarchical model, relational model, and object oriented model) ; Relational data models and concepts; Relational algebra; Relational calculus; R elational database systems development - multi-valued and join dependencies, fourth and fifth normal form ; I nformation retrieval and query language, structured query language; Query processing and optimization techniques; Transaction management and concurrency control ; D atabase security and integrity constraints; Transaction management; Q uery optimization and case studies; C lient server database architectures, distributed databases, object-oriented databases, logic-based databases, t he Web as a database application, Web databases architecture and systems; Introduction to data mining concepts; Current issues and trends in agricultural database design and management.

AIC 603: Management of Agricultural Information and Communication Systems

Basic principles, concepts, theories, and techniques of management as they apply in the information and communication management; agricultural information and communication resources and services; the concepts and processes of information resource management (IRM); Information resources planning; Information users and analysis of their requirements; Implementation of agricultural information and communication products, services, and systems; communication concepts and theory; managing agricultural communication processes; development and management of communication products and services; management issues in digital content management; Acquiring and managing new information technologies; Managing AICM projects; National and international issues relating to information access, such as standards relating to electronic storage and retrieval of electronic documents (digital archiving); Ethical, social, and economic issues in the management of information and communication resources and services

AIC 604: Information System Analysis and Design

Systems concepts and theories; Organizational structure and theory; Human information processing; Systems theory; Information systems; Role of the systems analyst in organizations; Gaining user commitment and fulfilling user needs; Comparison of analysis and design techniques of major information systems development methodologies; Structured analysis and modelling techniques: process modelling, data modelling, logic modelling; Object-oriented analysis and design: unified modelling language; Elicitation/fact-finding, problem analysis, decomposition, and the requirements document; Systems project planning and management; Design principles, quality factors, decomposition of complex systems, and modularization techniques; Systems implementation and maintenance issues; Introduction to information systems development and automation tools; Issues and trends in the analysis and design of agricultural information management systems; Group project to apply skills.

Elective courses

Specialization courses

Remedial Courses

The instruction methods will consist of lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials, seminars, assigned reading materials and field work or projects. Course delivery through Open Distance Learning (ODL) heavily rely on ICT.  

The postgraduate diploma (PGD) in AICM shall be offered under full-time/part-time and ODL for students who can not attend regular university programme.

The Postgraduate diploma in AICM programme consists of 5 core course units, 1 elective course unit, 2 course units from specialization option and a research project equivalent of 2 course units giving a total of 10 course units.

4.1 The PGD in AICM FULLTIME PROGRAMME

• Students without Agricultural and ICT background will be required to take the four listed remedial courses. The remedial courses may be taken before such candidates enroll for the PGD or concurrently with PGD in AICM courses
• The Postgraduate diploma in AICM shall take a minimum of two semesters and a maximum of six semesters of 15 weeks each.
• A candidate shall be required to take a minimum of two and a maximum of five courses per semester.
• A candidate shall be required to take a total of 10 courses including the research project.
• Each course shall be taught for a total of 45 contact hours.
• The PGD in AICM will consist of coursework and examination. The coursework will comprise lectures, seminars, class presentations and term papers.
• The research project is compulsory and will be equivalent to two courses. Candidates shall be allowed to choose and work on a project topic related to a development issue of their choice.

4.2  PGD in AICM through ODL

The course structure and requirements for PGD in AICM through ODL shall be the same as those for full-time/part-time PGD in AICM. However, the mode of delivery is as follows:

• Largely home based media
• Other modes of delivery include:

  a) Written self instructional study modules issued at the registration time

  • Study books
  • Relevant literature
  • Interactive devices and self tests
  • Booklet and/ or pamphlets

  b) Face to face introductory Tutorial

  c) Technology Mediated learning materials

  • Audio cassettes
  • E-learning materials
  • Video clips

  d) Limited face to face sessions to provide overview of the course at commencement of semester, mid semester and revision period before examinations.

  e) Support study centres at the university of Nairobi

  • Access to information through computers at school of computing and informatics, agricultural economics, computer laboratory, Biometry laboratory at College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (CAVS) and other centres such as the library

  • Access to information through school of Journalism

  • Use of libraries at the University of Nairobi and Agricultural research institutions.

  f) Orientation (immediately after registration:

  • Orientation in ODL delivery
  • Study, reading and computer skills
  • Time management and techniques in handling assignments
  • Mentorship, guidance and counseling
  • Emphasis is on satellite centres that serve as a link between the university and the student in the following manner:
    • Registration
    • Collecting reading materials
    • Collecting results and programmes
    • Examination information
    • Posting timetable
    • Holding meetings

Students desiring to receive credit for any prior course work will need to make a formal request to the academic registrar, university of Nairobi and observe the following:

1. A list of the university of Nairobi courses for which the student is interested in getting exemption;
2. Official transcript indicating courses that may be equivalent and descriptions and syllabi/ outlines of the courses in which the applicant is seeking transfers of credit or an exemption.
3. The University of Nairobi reserves the right to administer an appropriate test in order to determine whether the exemption should be granted
4. Application for exemption shall be considered only after the exemption fee has been paid as may be prescribed.
5. A candidate may be allowed to transfer up to a maximum of one third of the taught courses provided that these are from institutions recognized by senate.

1. A candidate shall not be allowed to sit for the final examination unless he/she has attended at least two-thirds of the lectures delivered
2. Each course shall be examined by three hour paper.
3. Candidates must sit and pass all examination papers. The pass mark shall be 50%.
4. Coursework shall constitute 40% of the final overall mark while the final written examination will account for 60%.
5. A candidate who fails in any paper(s) may be allowed to take supplementaries up to 2 times A candidate failing six (6) or more papers shall be discontinued.
6. A candidate who fails in the examination shall be required to re-register for the failed course before sitting for the examination and pay the required fees.
7. A candidate shall be discontinued if he/she fails the second supplementary attempt in any paper or fails to complete the programme in the prescribed duration of six semesters.
8. The project work will be submitted and examined at the end of the year of study with the supervisors approval and upon meeting all other PGD requirements. The examination will be an oral presentation of the research project work before a panel of internal examiners approved by the Faculty. Both written report and oral examination will be graded.
9. A candidate must submit a research project report and score a minimum of 50% in that paper.
10. A candidate who fails in the project report shall be allowed to re-submit a revised report within the prescribed period.
11. A candidate shall be discontinued if he/she fails the second re-submitted project report within the prescribed period.
12. The pass mark for the supplementary paper and re-submitted project shall be recorded as 50%.
13. The final grade and classification of the Postgraduate Diploma shall be based on the average percentage marks obtained in all the ten courses and the project taken during the study period.

The programme shall be offered under three modules; full-time, part-time and Open and Distance e-Learning (ODe-L). The programme consists of coursework and special project with a total of 12 course units.

5.1       The full-time and part-time programme

5.1.1    The minimum duration of the course shall be 1 academic year and a maximum of 2 academic years.

5.1.2    The academic year will consist of 2 semesters comprising of 15 weeks each.

5.1.3    A course unit shall consist of 45 hours of lectures, tutorials and practicals.

5.1.4    The programme shall be by coursework and special project and each candidate will be required to take and pass coursework and research. Project

5.1.5    The choice of topic for the special project shall be made on consultation with the student academic advisor(s)/supervisor.

5.1.6    All other regulations for Postgraduate Diploma programmes at the University of Nairobi shall apply.

5.2       The Open and Distance e-Learning (ODe-L)

The course structure and requirements for programme through ODe-L remain the same as under full-time/part-time modules.  However, the mode of delivery is as follows: -

             5.2.1    Use of various media and largely home or office -based

   5.2.2    Written self instructional study materials issued at the registration time that include: - study books, relevant Literature, interactive devices and self tests, booklets and/ or pamphlets.

   5.2.3    Face to face introductory tutorial and prearranged sessions at the university and supervisor visit to site for project supervision.

5.2.4    Mediated technical learning materials; - Audio cassettes, e-learning materials, Video clips.

5.2.5    Limited face to face sessions to provide overview of the course at commencement of semester, mid semester and revision period before examinations.

5.2.6       Support study centres at the University of Nairobi to access to information through computers and use of libraries at any university of Nairobi centres.

                            5.2.7    Orientation (immediately after registration):

i.   Orientation in ODe-L delivery

ii.   Study, reading and computer skills

iii.  Time management and techniques in handling assignments

iv.   Mentorship, guidance and counseling

v.    Emphasis is on satellite centres that serve as a link between the university and the student in the following manner:- registration,, collecting reading materials, results and programmes, examination information, posting timetable, holding meetings.

6.0       COURSE OUTLINE

A candidate may be exempted from some course units and credit transferred from university or institution recognized by the senate of the University of Nairobi, subject to the following conditions: -

    4.1       Credit transfer will only be for coursework.

4.2       Must have passed similar course unit at either Postgraduate Diploma or MSc or PhD level.

4.3       A candidate may be allowed to transfer up to a maximum of one third of taught units.

4.4       Request for credit transfer should be made in writing on admission through the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture to the Director, Board of Postgraduate Studies and must be accompanied by officially endorsed supporting documents, transcripts and institution/ university catalogue for the relevant course.

4.5       Application for transfer of credit will be processed only after payment of prescribed fees.

The minimum requirements for eligibility into the postgraduate Diploma in Food Safety will be:-

3.1    The common regulations governing the admission into postgraduate diploma degree programme in University of Nairobi shall apply.

3.2    Holders of at least upper second class Honours BSc. degree in natural and biological sciences, engineering and health sciencesor any other related discipline from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by the senate of University of Nairobi.

3.3    Holders of a Pass BSc. degree in areas specified in 3.2 above but with at least one year working experience in the food industryor diploma from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by the senate of University of Nairobi.

7.1    A candidate shall not be allowed to sit for the final examination unless he/she has attended at least two-thirds of the lectures delivered

                     7.2    Each course shall be examined by three hour paper.

                     7.3    Candidates must sit and pass all examination papers.

7.4    Continuous assessment tests shall constitute 40% of the final overall mark while the final written examination will account for 60%.

7.5     The pass mark shall be 50%.

7.6     A candidate who fails in any paper(s) may be allowed to take a supplementary examination.

7.7     A candidate who fails in the examination shall be required to re-register for the failed course before sitting for the examination and pay the required fees.

7.8     A candidate shall be discontinued if he/she fails at the second supplementary attempt in any paper or fails to complete the programme in the prescribed duration of six semesters.

7.9     The project work will be submitted and examined at the end of the year of study with the supervisor’s approval and upon meeting all other PGD requirements. The examination will be an oral presentation of the special project work before a panel of internal examiners approved by the Faculty. Both written report and oral examination will be graded.

7.10    A candidate must submit a special project report and score a minimum of 50% in that paper.

7.11    A candidate who fails in the project report shall be allowed to re-submit a revised report within the prescribed period.

7.12    A candidate shall be discontinued if he/she fails the second re-submitted project report within the prescribed period.

7.13    The pass mark for the supplementary paper and re-submitted project shall be   recorded as 50%.

7.14    The final grade and classification of the Postgraduate Diploma shall be based on the average percentage marks obtained in all the ten courses and the project taken during the study period.

LIST OF EXAMINATIONS

YEAR 1

SEMESTER 1

AFS 501    Food Chemistry, Processing and Preservation              1X3 hours Paper

AFS 503    Food Microbiology and Hygiene                                   1X3 hours Paper

AFS 505    Food Productions and Food Safety                               1X3 hours Paper

AFS 507    Hazards in Foods                                                        1X3 hours paper

AFS 509    Epidemiology and Economics of Food Safety                 1X3 hours Paper

AFS 511    Applied Statistics                                                         1X3 hours Paper 

SEMESTER 2

AFS 502    Food Safety and Quality Management Systems               1X3 hours Paper

AFS 504    Risk Analysis                                                                1X3 hours Paper

AFS 506    Food Safety Policy, Standards and Laws                         1X3 hours Paper

AFS 508    Computer Applications                                                   1X3 hours Paper

AFS 510    Research Methodology and Project Development              1X3 hours paper

AFS 512    Special  Project                                                            Oral/Written Report

9.0.      AWARD OF POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA

9.1    In order to qualify for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality, a candidate must have registered for, attended lectures, sat for the examinations and passed in all course units taken throughout the period of study.

9.2    The classification of the final award of the Postgraduate Diploma shall be based on the following formula:

         A     >70%      -        Distinction             C    50 – 59%   -        Pass

         B     60 – 69%   -      Credit                    D    0    - 49% -         Fail

9.3    Candidates with distinction or credit will be allowed for progression to MSc level.

The programme shall be offered under three modules; full-time, part-time and Open and Distance e-Learning (ODe-L). The programme consists of coursework and special project with a total of 12 course units.

5.1       The full-time and part-time programme

5.1.1    The minimum duration of the course shall be 1 academic year and a maximum of 2 academic years.

5.1.2    The academic year will consist of 2 semesters comprising of 15 weeks each.

5.1.3    A course unit shall consist of 45 hours of lectures, tutorials and practicals.

5.1.4    The programme shall be by coursework and special project and each candidate will be required to take and pass coursework and research. Project

5.1.5    The choice of topic for the special project shall be made on consultation with the student academic advisor(s)/supervisor.

5.1.6    All other regulations for Postgraduate Diploma programmes at the University of Nairobi shall apply.

5.2       The Open and Distance e-Learning (ODe-L)

The course structure and requirements for programme through ODe-L remain the same as under full-time/part-time modules.  However, the mode of delivery is as follows: -

             5.2.1    Use of various media and largely home or office -based

   5.2.2    Written self instructional study materials issued at the registration time that include: - study books, relevant Literature, interactive devices and self tests, booklets and/ or pamphlets.

   5.2.3    Face to face introductory tutorial and prearranged sessions at the university and supervisor visit to site for project supervision.

5.2.4    Mediated technical learning materials; - Audio cassettes, e-learning materials, Video clips.

5.2.5    Limited face to face sessions to provide overview of the course at commencement of semester, mid semester and revision period before examinations.

5.2.6       Support study centres at the University of Nairobi to access to information through computers and use of libraries at any university of Nairobi centres.

                            5.2.7    Orientation (immediately after registration):

i.   Orientation in ODe-L delivery

ii.   Study, reading and computer skills

iii.  Time management and techniques in handling assignments

iv.   Mentorship, guidance and counseling

v.    Emphasis is on satellite centres that serve as a link between the university and the student in the following manner:- registration,, collecting reading materials, results and programmes, examination information, posting timetable, holding meetings.

6.0       COURSE OUTLINE

A candidate may be exempted from some course units and credit transferred from university or institution recognized by the senate of the University of Nairobi, subject to the following conditions: -

    4.1       Credit transfer will only be for coursework.

4.2       Must have passed similar course unit at either Postgraduate Diploma or MSc or PhD level.

4.3       A candidate may be allowed to transfer up to a maximum of one third of taught units.

4.4       Request for credit transfer should be made in writing on admission through the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture to the Director, Board of Postgraduate Studies and must be accompanied by officially endorsed supporting documents, transcripts and institution/ university catalogue for the relevant course.

4.5       Application for transfer of credit will be processed only after payment of prescribed fees.

The minimum requirements for eligibility into the postgraduate Diploma in Food Safety will be:-

3.1    The common regulations governing the admission into postgraduate diploma degree programme in University of Nairobi shall apply.

3.2    Holders of at least upper second class Honours BSc. degree in natural and biological sciences, engineering and health sciencesor any other related discipline from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by the senate of University of Nairobi.

3.3    Holders of a Pass BSc. degree in areas specified in 3.2 above but with at least one year working experience in the food industryor diploma from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by the senate of University of Nairobi.

7.1    A candidate shall not be allowed to sit for the final examination unless he/she has attended at least two-thirds of the lectures delivered

                     7.2    Each course shall be examined by three hour paper.

                     7.3    Candidates must sit and pass all examination papers.

7.4    Continuous assessment tests shall constitute 40% of the final overall mark while the final written examination will account for 60%.

7.5     The pass mark shall be 50%.

7.6     A candidate who fails in any paper(s) may be allowed to take a supplementary examination.

7.7     A candidate who fails in the examination shall be required to re-register for the failed course before sitting for the examination and pay the required fees.

7.8     A candidate shall be discontinued if he/she fails at the second supplementary attempt in any paper or fails to complete the programme in the prescribed duration of six semesters.

7.9     The project work will be submitted and examined at the end of the year of study with the supervisor’s approval and upon meeting all other PGD requirements. The examination will be an oral presentation of the special project work before a panel of internal examiners approved by the Faculty. Both written report and oral examination will be graded.

7.10    A candidate must submit a special project report and score a minimum of 50% in that paper.

7.11    A candidate who fails in the project report shall be allowed to re-submit a revised report within the prescribed period.

7.12    A candidate shall be discontinued if he/she fails the second re-submitted project report within the prescribed period.

7.13    The pass mark for the supplementary paper and re-submitted project shall be   recorded as 50%.

7.14    The final grade and classification of the Postgraduate Diploma shall be based on the average percentage marks obtained in all the ten courses and the project taken during the study period.

LIST OF EXAMINATIONS

YEAR 1

SEMESTER 1

AFS 501    Food Chemistry, Processing and Preservation              1X3 hours Paper

AFS 503    Food Microbiology and Hygiene                                   1X3 hours Paper

AFS 505    Food Productions and Food Safety                               1X3 hours Paper

AFS 507    Hazards in Foods                                                        1X3 hours paper

AFS 509    Epidemiology and Economics of Food Safety                 1X3 hours Paper

AFS 511    Applied Statistics                                                         1X3 hours Paper 

SEMESTER 2

AFS 502    Food Safety and Quality Management Systems               1X3 hours Paper

AFS 504    Risk Analysis                                                                1X3 hours Paper

AFS 506    Food Safety Policy, Standards and Laws                         1X3 hours Paper

AFS 508    Computer Applications                                                   1X3 hours Paper

AFS 510    Research Methodology and Project Development              1X3 hours paper

AFS 512    Special  Project                                                            Oral/Written Report

9.0.      AWARD OF POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA

9.1    In order to qualify for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality, a candidate must have registered for, attended lectures, sat for the examinations and passed in all course units taken throughout the period of study.

9.2    The classification of the final award of the Postgraduate Diploma shall be based on the following formula:

         A     >70%      -        Distinction             C    50 – 59%   -        Pass

         B     60 – 69%   -      Credit                    D    0    - 49% -         Fail

9.3    Candidates with distinction or credit will be allowed for progression to MSc level.