Course Structure:

The Faculty of Science runs programmes organized in the modular semester system whereby the academic year is subdivided into 2 semesters of teaching, each lasting 15 weeks. Each module is examined at the end of the semester. Each academic discipline offers a variety of courses, including core courses, which are compulsory to students majoring in the subject, and optional courses. Each course is given a unit weighting according to the time devoted to it on the timetable. Fifteen one-hour lectures or 15 two to three-hour practical classes constitute one unit. Thus, for example, a course consisting of 30 one-hour lectures and 15 three-hour practical classes is a three-unit course. Seminars and discussion groups are not counted in the weighting unless they make up more than one third of the total teaching hours in a course.

THE FACULTY BOARD

All-important Academic matters of the Faculty (details of undergraduate courses, syllabi, examinations, postgraduate studies, etc) are discussed and decided upon by the Faculty Board, which is composed of members appointed from amongst the Academic Staff of the Faculty, Students and representatives of other Faculties. The Faculty Board is responsible to the Senate of the University. All Faculty Board decisions of general University interest have to be approved by Senate. Students in the Faculty are entitled to have five representatives to the Faculty Board. The five student representatives are full members of the Faculty Board and are entitled to present suggestions, petitions and Faculty Board Papers (written memoranda) for discussion and deliberation by the Faculty Board. This provides a very important way for students to make their feelings and ideas about matters concerning their academic studies and general welfare at the University known to University Authorities. The Dean always welcomes constructive suggestions, criticism and ideas from students through their representatives to the Faculty Board. The Dean will also listen to student ideas and concerns even outside the Faculty Board as long as such discussions are properly arranged. Students are advised to refrain from creating a non-conducive atmosphere for dialogue with the Faculty Administration.

STUDENT ACADEMIC ADVISORS

Each student is assigned an Academic Advisor, who is a member of the academic staff whom the student should regard as a personal friend. The student is free and entitled to approach the academic advisor at any time to seek advice on any matter concerning the student’s academic or private life at the University. Academic advisors should always be consulted whenever a student faces difficulties that may interfere with his or her academic performance at the University. Experience shows that some students ignore this very important aspect of student counseling in the Faculty, resorting to it only after they have experienced irreversible setbacks in their academic careers. This practice is strongly discouraged and students should feel free to talk to their advisors even in the absence of any serious academic and/or social crisis.

CAREER PROSPECTS FOR SCIENCE GRADUATES

According to priorities in manpower requirements of Tanzania, the greatest need for science graduates has been in the field of Education since the Faculty of Science was established in 1965. Moreover, the nation realizes that it is from science graduates that Tanzania will achieve her scientific and technological advancement. To this course, the Faculty of Science is responsible for training of future scientists to meet the national needs. It is possible for graduates in science with good degrees (1st class or upper 2nd class) to enroll in higher degree programmes in the Faculty. Such higher degrees would make the holder eligible for a career in research and teaching including University lectureship and research in academia and other institutions. Students are strongly encouraged to aim at academic excellence at the University, that will enable them achieve good academic performance.

ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS

The Chief Academic Officer has authorized the Office of the Dean of the Faculty of Science to issue academic transcripts to students in the Faculty. For each transcript prepared, there will be a nominal charge. To ease administrative burdens, students are advised to request for not more than five copies of transcripts at any given time. The Faculty can also give academic progress reports, especially to those students who are in their final year of study and need such reports to assist them in scouting for jobs. A small fee is charged for the processing of these reports. A processing time of 2 weeks should be allowed for each transcript/progress report request.

PRACTICAL TRAINING PROGRAMME

The Practical Training Programme is an important and essential component of the B.Sc. (Geology, with Geology, Wildlife Science and Conservation, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology Majors) degree programmes offered by the Faculty. No degree shall be awarded to any student pursuing these courses unless a pass grade in the Practical Training is secured. Details on this matter are explained in the Faculty Regulations section of this document.

GENERAL AND EXAMINATION REGULATIONS

All first year students will be issued with a copy of the University Prospectus, which contains details of degree programmes and curricula offered in the various Faculties, as well as examination and general regulations governing student academic activities at the University. Students are strongly advised to read carefully and understand all the regulations governing their studies. In particular, students are strongly advised to understand the examination regulations including what constitutes an examination irregularity and penalties for such irregularities. Some of the key regulations governing important aspects of academic life at the university are summarized below:All first year students will be issued with a copy of the University Prospectus, which contains details of degree programmes and curricula offered in the various Faculties, as well as examination and general regulations governing student academic activities at the University. Students are strongly advised to read carefully and understand all the regulations governing their studies. In particular, students are strongly advised to understand the examination regulations including what constitutes an examination irregularity and penalties for such irregularities. Some of the key regulations governing important aspects of academic life at the university are summarized below: