Department of Biology

Introduction

The science of biology deals with the systematized acquisition of knowledge on living things and their environments in its basic aspects and the use of such knowledge to benefit mankind in its applied aspects. Biological issues are at the heart of the daily life and survival of humans irrespective of differences in culture, geographical location, wealth and levels of advancement.

Biological principles are practiced ranging from primitive societies that use crude ways of getting food and other survival requirements from the immediate environment through hunting and gathering to the most advanced societies that use cutting edge technologies to solve problems that challenge the survival and wellbeing of mankind. Research in climate change, biofuel production, rapid propagation of crops, gene therapy and cloning are examples of the latter category.

The relevance and importance of biological teaching and research to Ethiopia is thus apparent. As a developing nation aspiring to achieve overall advancement, the country has the option to combine both low and high level knowledge in biology to benefit its society particularly in the areas of food security, health, environmental protection and climate change. The country promotes the science of biology through advanced level university study and research. This document is the Harmonized Curriculum of Biology teaching for the Bachelor Degree Program across the various universities Nationwide.

The modular curriculum has been prepared at different levels. The first draft was prepared by committees established by departments of each university. Then the draft documents were harmonized by university clusters and finally the National modular curriculum was developed by an assembly of representatives from the various public universities in the country at a workshop held between October 03 and 05, 2012 at the Ethiopian Management Institute.

The Department of Biology has launched its first undergraduate trainings in Oda Bultum University in 2015/16 in Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Biology in regular program, with the objective of producing competent graduates with the required biological knowledge, transferable skills; and good attitude and professional ethics to work in industries, research organizations, health and educational institutions.

These new programs are intended to provide better and ample job opportunities for graduate students in industries, research organizations, health and educational institutions. Currently, the Department of Biology is offering B.Sc. undergraduate programs.

These new programs are intended to provide better and ample job opportunities for graduate students in industries, research organizations, health and educational institutions. Currently, the Department of Biology is offering B.Sc. undergraduate programs.

Program Objectives
General objective

The overall objective of the program is to train students of high academic caliber at Bachelor of Science level who can take up position in various related disciplines such as teaching, agriculture, health, environmental conservation, industries.

Specific objectives

The specific objectives of the program are to:

  • Enable students acquire practical and technical skills required for utilizing biological tools.
  • Produce responsible graduates that are committed to their profession.
  • Train students who can design and apply the principles of biology to identify and solve societal problems related to environment, agriculture, health, industry and teaching.
  •  Produce candidates for teaching biology in high schools and higher learning institutions of the Country after taking the necessary pedagogical training.
  • Lay the foundations for a tradition of research oriented and practical system of biology education in the country.
  • Produce trainable man power for advanced biological and related fields of study.
  • Produce graduates capable to analyze and interpret biological data, and present scientific reports in the form of articles, posters or oral presentations.

 professional profile

Upon completing the undergraduate study program in Biology, a graduate is supposed to acquire the following skills and knowledge:

Critical thinking and problem- solving ability

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    • Graduates will be able to solve problem by implementation of the scientific process of forming hypotheses, gathering and critically evaluating information from the literature, the use of technology etc.
    • employing experimental design in laboratory, field settings and synthesizing and analyzing information by using numerical and statistical technique

Scientific concepts (Knowledge)

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    • Proficiency in a range of basic biological concepts such as: molecular, cellular and organismal perspectives
    • Demonstrate knowledge of material and an understanding of a range of concepts and issues in those areas of Biology.

Effective communication

  • Graduates will be able to engage in effective scientific communication in a professional setting, including technical writing, oral presentation and use of available technology.

Ethical responsibility

  • Apply ethical practice and behavior in all aspects of biological scientific endeavors and demonstrates the ethical aspects of science, their conduct as a scientist and their conduct as a citizens.

Cultural diversity

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    • Graduates will be able to approach and solve biological problems critically with scientific literacy in individual and group settings and incorporate a diversity of ideas and approach.
    • Interact professionally in situation with others having different background culture, education and interests.

 Graduate Profile

Upon completing the undergraduate study program in Biology, a graduate should develop scientific concepts (knowledge), critical thinking and problem solving ability, effective communication skills and ethical responsibility with the appreciation of cultural diversity.
Specifically the graduate can:

    • Use and handle basic biological lab equipments, chemicals, and reagents effectively.
    • Transfer basic knowledge concerning cellular biology
    • Transfer knowledge of the anatomy, morphology physiology and adaptation of plants for different environmental conditions
    • Value the economic and ecological importance of plants
    • Apply botanical techniques on gardening, cultivation, collection and preservation of plant specimens
    • Categorize and classify animals based on their Phylogenetic relationships
    • Establish business enterprise on apiculture and sericulture products
    • Design and formulate insect pest and vector management strategies
    • Plan and implement sustainable management strategies in the conservation and utilization of aquatic resources
    • Design and apply aquaculture techniques in the commercial production of aquatic organisms
    • Apply microbial techniques in isolation, identification, cultivation and characterization of microorganisms used in Agriculture, Medicine, Industries, Environment and related sectors.
    • Identify and systematically categorize organisms based on evolutionary relationship
    • Apply herbarium and zoological museum techniques
    • document indigenous knowledge on conservation and utilization of natural resources
    • enhance the capacity of national parks and environmental protection agencies
    • apply mitigation measures on environmental changes
    • Design preventive and management measures against infectious diseases
    • Assists in immunodiagnostic research activities
    • Participate in awareness creation in HIV/AIDS and other epidemic diseases
    • Develop project proposals, conduct Biological researches and write scientific report in Agricultural, Medicinal, Industrial and related sectors.
    • Apply and use molecular and biotechnological techniques in various sectors to solve societal problems
    • Apply biological field techniques and experimental design.
    • Assist in experimental and practical applications of the principles in plant and animal hybridization.Use tissue culture and biotechnology techniques in experimental and practical applications.
    • Identify different behavioral patterns displayed by animals.

        Program Structure-  Bachelor of Science in Biology