Preamble

The Bachelor of Science Honors Degree in Meat Science and Dairy Technology is a program designed to equip students with knowledge and skills relevant for biology, physiology, and nutrition of dairy and meat animals so as to understand how these factors impact the quality of meat and milk products.   The programme equips students to pursue careers in dairy and meat production.

Programme Aim

The programme for Meat Science and Dairy Technology intents to promote sustainable management of dairy  and meat livestock resources as a way contributing towards sustainable food security, self-reliance. The program typically focuses on the study of all aspects of meat/ dairy production, management, and processing. It combines elements of animal science, nutrition, business, and technology to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the dairy/meat industry.

Objectives

After completion of the Bachelor of Science Honors Degree in Meat Science and Dairy Technology the learner will be able to:

• Explore and understand animal handling, anatomy, physiology, genetics, and nutrition of meat and dairy animals.
• Develop an understanding of live animal handling, welfare assessment, meat and milk processing techniques.
• Develop hands-on experiences, internships, and research opportunities.
• Understand field experience through internships and collaborative projects with major associations and key players in the meat/dairy industry.

Admission Entry Requirements

For admission into Bachelor of Science Honors Degree in in Meat Science and Dairy Technology programme, one should have the following qualifications:

• two ‘A’ level passes in any Science subjects with at least five ‘O’ level subjects including Mathematics and English; OR
• Diploma in Agriculture from a recognised institution after attaining a minimum of five ‘O’ level passes including English Language and Mathematics; OR
• Diploma in Veterinary Science from a recognised institution after attaining a minimum of five ‘O’ level passes including English Language and Mathematics
• Any other relevant qualification from a recognised institution

Duration of Programme

• Bachelor of Science Honors Degree in in Meat Science and Dairy Technology shall extend over a period of four years and offered based on conventional, block release, evenings and/or weekend classes
• The programme for the taught courses shall be arranged in four semesters and may commence in any semester as approved by WUA.
• Independent research shall run concurrently with the taught courses.

Assessment of Students

• There shall be a set of formal examinations at the end of each semester
• Coursework shall account for 30% while the formal examination shall account for 70% of the overall assessment
• Courses for each semester shall be assessed through a 3-hour written examination and continuous assessments

Career Opportunities

Graduates in dairy and meat science often find careers in the food industry. Here are some potential roles:

• Meat / Milk Inspector: Ensuring food safety and quality.
• Dairy/Meat Technologist: Developing and improving dairy products.
• Production Manager: Overseeing meat and dairy processing facilities.
• Carcass Merchandiser: Understanding cuts and retail presentation.
• Evisceration Processer: Handling meat during processing.
• Production Supervisor: Managing dairy processing plants.
• Feedlot Manager: Managing feedlot operations.
• Livestock Buyer/Grader/Loader: Roles related to livestock trade.
• Farm Manager: Managing dairy and livestock farm operations
• Research Scientist: Investigating new dairy technologies.

Additional Information

• Research Project assessment of the student is based on a series of practical meat Science and Dairy Technology related activities done during the last two semesters of the degree programme, an after approval of the research proposal.
  • Assessment of the Research Project shall be based on the format agreed by the Faculty Board.
  • one academic member of staff is supposed to supervise the student’s research
  • A minimum of between 30-40 hours consultation between the student and the supervisor is required during the period of the research project.
  • Written work on the research shall account for 80% with presentations contributing 20% of the final mark of the Research Project.