MPC 551 BIOMETRY (2, 2, 3)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Conduct research based on the principles of scientific research. 

• Demonstrate independently their skills in conducting research under both field and greenhouse conditions.

• Analyse data using different statistical packages.

• Communicate effectively research findings in a scientific manner.

MPC 553: CROP GENETICS AND BREEDING (2, 2, 3)

Learning outcomes

• At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Apply acquired knowledge on modes of reproduction in plants in designing appropriate breeding strategies for self-pollinating, cross-pollinating, and clonally propagated crops,

• Set product targets and breeding objectives,

• Accurately the limitations of conventional breeding methods in cultivar development and how they can be circumvented by biotechnological interventions; and

• Apply quantitative reasoning and genetic principles to design and evaluate breeding pipelines.

MPC 555: PLANT HEALTH AND PROTECTION (2, 2, 3)

Learning outcomes

• At the end of the course, students should be able to:

•  Apply the concepts of crop protection and terminologies.

•  Describe pathogens and pests and to distinguish other destructive pathogens and pests.

• Diagnose disease pathogens and identify pests accurately and precisely.

• Control or manage plant pathogens and pests using appropriate and effective management options.

MPC 557: SOIL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION (2, 2, 3)

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Apply the concept of agroecological zones for decision-making in soil and water conservation.

• Apply the skills acquired in soil erosion control on croplands.

• Apply skills acquired in soil water conservation in the era of climate change.

• Identify major soils based on key attribute attributes of the major soils of the world.

MPC 559: CROP-LIVESTOCK INTEGRATION (2, 2, 3)

Leaning outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Describe integrated crop-livestock systems.

• Identify the opportunities for increasing nutrient use and efficiency.

• Explore the possibilities of limiting the use of farm inputs in C-L systems.

• Evaluate and describe the manure handling practices and nutrient use efficiency.

MPC 552: ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND COMMUNICATIONS IN AGRICULTURE (2,2, 3)

Learning outcomes

• At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Explain key management theories and concepts for effective communication.

• Understand the importance of human communication and its implication for extension work.

• Develop students’ competence in research communication and presentation.

• Apply the knowledge, skills, and technical know-how to start and maintain viable agribusiness.

MPC 554: SEED HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY (2, 2, 3)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand the terminologies, concepts of seed health, seed pathology and entomology

• Determine how pests/pathogens enter a country/region and also spread

• Assess and identify seed/planting material health status using standard methods or procedures

• Produce or support the production of quality seeds and certified planting materials for the achievement of national food and nutrition security goals.

MPC 556: PHYSIOLOGY OF CROP PLANTS (2, 2, 3)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Appreciate the importance of dry matter production in relation to crop growth and yield;

• Measure or calculate various crop growth indices and independently undertake varying growth analysis;

• Gain an understanding of crop-related stress conditions and how to manage them under field conditions and

• Apply the principles of crop and plant physiology in agricultural production.

MPC 558 CROP RISK MANAGEMENT (2, 2, 3)

Learning outcomes

• Outline the primary agricultural risk management tools appropriate for mitigating and preventing risk on-farm and at the community level.

• Describe the major finance/market-related agricultural risk management tools and the situations best suited for the adoption of these tools.

• Discuss the government-supported agricultural risk management tools, which strive to provide solutions that safeguard the interests of the producers and consumers.

• Identify the suitability of these tools alone or in combination for a given situation.

MPC 560: INTEGRATED SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT (2, 2, 3)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand the principles of ISFM.

• Discuss the concepts of soil health and rhizosphere biology.

• Apply fertilizer application  using different models 

• Discuss gender, policy, and marketing issues associated with ISFM.

• MPC 562: SEMINAR I (0,2,2)

• Learning outcome

• At the end of the first semester each student is expected to make an oral presentation on his/her research proposal for assessment.

MPC 651: SEMINAR II (0, 2, 2) 

Learning outcome

• Each student will make an oral presentation on the progress of work on his/her thesis for assessment.

MPC 653: THESIS I (0, 40, 20)

• Each student will write a draft thesis in a relevant area of Crop Science. The thesis will follow the approved format by the School of Graduate Studies in collaboration with the Departmental Board.

MPC 652: SEMINAR III (0, 2, 2) 

Learning outcome

• Each student will make an oral presentation of his/her research results for assessment. 

• MPC 654: THESIS II (0, 40, 20)

Learning outcome

• Submission of a complete thesis in a relevant area of Crop Science written by each student in accordance with the format approved by the School of Graduate Studies in collaboration with the Departmental Board.