MSc in Plant Breeding

Objectives
The specific objectives of postgraduate training in plant breeding are to: 

• Produce capable graduates with strong theoretical and practical knowledge of plant breeding for undertaking teaching, research, extension and decision making.
• Develop improved crop varieties that could fit the different agro ecological regions of the country.
• Promote  collection,  conservation,  characterization, evaluation, and  utilization of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture
• Enhance the development of seed industry/system

Entry requirements
Applicant should posses BSc degree in fields such as Plant Sciences, Crop Sciences, Horticulture, Forestry, Biology, NRM, and Other related fields with CGPA of 2.00 and above are encouraged to apply. Applicants must pass written entrance examination and must meet other admission requirements of School of Graduate Studies (SGS). Female applicants are favored.

Graduate profile
Students who complete M. Sc. study in Plant Breeding will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to:

• Improve crop plants and develop varieties that could fit the different agro ecological regions of the country.
• Engage in teaching in the field of plant breeding at various levels.
• Manage plant genetic resources for food and agriculture
• Provide technical  leadership in  seed enterprises,  GO and NGOS
• Advice/consult agribusiness  and policy makers
• Start their own farm

Graduation requirement
The student should obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.0, with only one C grade. In addition, the student must complete and defend his/her M. Sc. research work successfully.
Degree nomenclature: Master of Science Degree in Plant BreedingCourse Breakdown: Plant Breeding (M.Sc)Year I semester I

Course No	Course Title	Credit Hours
PLPB511	Advanced Genetics	3
PLAG 511	Biometry	3
PLPB 531	Crop Evolution and Plant Genetic Resources Management	3
PLAG 521	Advanced Plant Physiology	3
PLPB 572	Advanced Seed Technology (E)	2
MBA 612	Entrepreneurship Development	2
PLBT 514	Tissue culture (E)	2
Total	14/16

*  E = Elective Course, students are required to take at least one elective course in one semester. 

 Year I semester II

Course No	Course Title	Credit Hours
PLPB 502	Current Topics in Plant Breeding	1
PLPB 512	Advanced Plant Breeding	3
PLPB 532	Quantitative Genetics	3
PLPB 552	Plant Microbial Interaction and Breeding for Biotic Resistance	2
PLBT 562	Biotechnology in Crop Improvement	3
PLPB 582	Plant biochemistry and breeding for quality traits  (E)	2
PLPB 640	Heterosis Breeding (E)	2
	Breeding for  field Crops	2
Total		14/16

Year II semester I

Course No	Course Title	Credit Hour
CBE 582	Community based Training Program	3
PLPB 611	M.Sc. Thesis Research	6
Total	9