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Introduction

Some of the Kenya?s most pressing environmental problems include loss of biodiversity; destruction of water catchments; high pressure on energy resources; pollution of atmosphere, soil and water resources and deterioration of the social environment, including human settlement and workplace.  Given these environmental problems, there is need to develop professional and research capabilities in all major areas of environment which are of local, national and regional significance.  This will contribute to the resolution of national environmental issues by producing professionals equipped with knowledge, awareness, understanding, skills and concern for the environment, so as to incorporate environmental considerations in all national development strategies and plans.

Justification

For many centuries, humans have continued to draw all the support resources from the environment.  In most cases, the by-products of the resources used are dumped in the environment.  In addition, there is lack of sustainable resource use.  This has brought about a myriad of environmental challenges which are of local, regional and global concern. There is need therefore to train environmental custodians at all levels.  This programme is designed to help students appreciate the concerns for the environment and equip students with skills for mitigating and/or solving both local and global environmental problems.

Admision Regulations

Applicants should be holders of B.Sc in Environmental Science, or related disciplines with a minimum of Second Class Honours (upper division) from Egerton University or any other recognized University.  Under special circumstances and based on other University requirements, candidates with Second Class Honours (lower division) shall be considered.

Programme Duration
The M.Sc programme will extend for a minimum period of 18 months and a maximum of 36 months of which the first 12 months must be spent in the University.  The rest of the period will be spent on thesis research

Course Details

At least forty-five (45) credit factors (CF) of graduate work are required for the award of Master of Science in Environmental Science.  This includes 15 C.F for thesis, and 16 C.F. of core courses.  The rest are required through elective courses.

 Examination and Grading
Examination shall consist of continuous assessment tests (CATs), field reports and laboratory work where appropriate.  These shall account for 40% of the final grade.  The end of semester examination shall account for 60% of the final grade.  The examination may be either written, practical, oral or a combination of all, depending on the nature of the course.  All examination shall be moderated internally and externally.  Graduate courses shall be graded as follows:
70% and above    -A    =    Very Good
60% - 69%    -B    =    Good
50% - 59%    -C    =    Average
49% and below    -F    =    Fail
-I    =    Incomplete
-K    =    Course in Progress
-CR    =    Credit Transfer
-AU    =    Audit
-P    =    Pass
The passing grade shall be ?B? in all courses taken by a candidate.  A candidate shall be required to maintain a minimum average of a ?B? grade in course work in order to continue with the programme.  To be able to graduate, the candidate must have an accumulated average of grade ?B?.

 Thesis
All candidates shall conduct independent research, with the direction of a subject specialist, write and submit a thesis, in partial fulfilment for Master of Science in Environmental Science.  The thesis shall be awarded grade ?P? if accepted or ?F? if it is not.  The regulations of the Board of Post Graduate Studies shall apply in the Submission and examination of theses.

Course Coding
Graduate courses leading to the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science shall be coded ENSC.  Course numbers shall consist of three digits and serialized from 700 and above.  Courses offered in other departments shall retain their respective coding.

Schedule of Courses
All candidates are required to take all core courses and at least 14 credit factors.

 Aims and Objectives
1.    Develop Environmental Science Department at Egerton University into a recognized center of excellence in environmental research and training.
2.    Develop Professional and Research capabilities in major areas of environment.
3.    Develop Mid-Career professionals in various fields in maintaining environmental integrity in relation to human development.
4.    Produce graduates grounded in their areas of specialization yet more holistic in their approach to environmental issues.