Programme Background and Rationale

Much of Somaliland’s economy is linked, directly or indirectly, to livestock trade, with livestock husbandry being the dominant system of production. More than half of the population of Somaliland is involved in some form of animal husbandry, either as nomadic (or transhumant) pastoralists or as agro-pastoralists. Livestock is an essential asset for livelihoods in Somaliland. In spite of this; the productivity of livestock has remained low mainly due to genetic makeup, poor nutrition and poor veterinary services (health care). Further, lack of well-trained manpower has been remained a major factor in the poor development of the sector. There is lack of professionals who can conserve and improve animal genetic resources, provide options for sustainable sources of animal feeds and nutrition reduce the prevalence of diseases and enhance management of stock and feed resources. The Bachelor of Science in Animal Science programme is an essential tool to bridging this gap. It should produce people who can transform and help Somaliland livestock production sectors through research, training, outreach activities and community services.

 Programme Objectives

General Objective

The overall objective of the Bachelor of Science in Animal Science programme is to produce competent, highly skilled and committed animal science professionals who can improve the production and productivity of livestock and livestock products in the country; and through research, training and community service, transform the economy of the country from subsistence to market oriented farming.

 Specific Objectives

By the end of the course, students should:

1. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the science of cattle, camel, honey bee, poultry and fish production with respect to their genetics, breeding, microbiology, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology.
2. Display adequate knowledge of the theories, practices and principles of the production of livestock and their management including poultry, sheep and goat, beef, dairy and fish production.
3. Have a broad knowledge and understanding livestock diseases, parasites and the various methods to control, diagnose and manage animal diseases and parasites using appropriate medicines for improving animal health.
4. Exhibit broad knowledge and understanding of the variety of methods and techniques to improve livestock nutrition and reproduction, and the insight the use appropriate methods for each specific case.
5. Portray broad understanding of livestock economics, and marketing with insight in entrepreneurship and agri-business to innovate, design and implement animal science projects through research, training and outreach activities.

Programme Duration

The programme shall run on a semester basis consisting of four semesters each lasting 17 weeks, or other modes as appropriately structured by the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment and department of animal science, and approved by Senate.

Programme Modalities

The programme shall be conducted by course work, examinations and project, based on credit units. The last two weeks of each semester of each academic year shall normally be used for end of semester examinations. Further,

1. A student shall take foundation/general courses in English, mathematics, science, Arabic, Islamic studies during the first one year in the freshmen programme. The freshman programme also acts as a gateway to full admission into the Bachelor of Science in Animal Science programme.
2. By the end of junior year, a student shall be required to attend 300 hours of internship in a real work environment.
3. A student shall come up with a well written project during the senior year of study.

Curriculum Plan

The programme shall run on a semester basis consisting of eight (8) semesters each lasting 17 weeks in a period of four (4) academic years on full time or on part time as structured by the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, and the department of animal science, and approved by Senate.

General Regulations

General University regulations and guidelines for undergraduate programmes shall apply with regard to application, registration, teaching, learning, examinations, research and graduation. A student is required to sign a memorandum of understanding during the registration process on pre-scribed forms.

Admission Requirements

This Bachelor of Science in Animal Science programme is best suited to students who intend to make a career in agriculture. To qualify for admission into the degree of Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, an applicant shall:

1. Hold a Somaliland GCSE certificate of at least Grade “C”, or its equivalent from a recognized examination body.
2. Successfully complete a one-year freshman programme at Amoud University, and attained a GPA of at least 2.00.
3. Hold a diploma certificate in animal science, agriculture or its equivalent from recognized universities.
4. Meet other conditions as spelt out by the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment and the department of animal science with approval of the Senate.

Enrolment Types

There are three (3) categories of enrolments as follows:

1. Full-Time Day enrolled students who shall attend classes between 7.30 am 5.00 pm from Saturday to Thursday.
2. Full-Time Evening enrolled students who shall attend classes between 4.00 pm and 10.00 pm from Saturday to Thursday.
3. Sandwich, part-time, and other modes enrolled students who shall attend classes during specific periods as specified by the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment and department of animal science, and approved by Senate.

Staff, Facilities and Equipment

The Faculty of Agriculture and Environment has sufficient resources to offer this programme. The faculty has 10 lecture hall, 2 demonstration plots, and a commercial farm; an agricultural laboratory and a library. But the main university library has plenty of information materials on agriculture, environment and animal husbandry science. The faculty has 2 green houses, a borehole and a tree nursery. Coupled with over 20 highly qualified and experienced local and international staff; the faculty ensures that students complete their programme within schedule.

 Funding

The Bachelor of Science in Animal Science programme is sustained largely by funds from tuition fees and other relevant levies. The student must show proof of ability to pay tuition fees on time before being enrolled into the programme. There are no special funding arrangements for the students enrolled in the programme. However, if, and when, additional funds are available, they shall be dispensed according to the university financial policies.

Target Groups

The expected to enrollments in the programmed include:

1. Graduates of SGCSE who intend to pursue a career in animal science and livestock production.
2. Employees of Ministry of Livestock Development who intend to acquire advanced knowledge in animal science and livestock production.
3. People working with local and international NGOs involved animal production activities who intend to acquire advanced professional knowledge in the field of animal science.
4. Graduates of diploma colleges of agriculture who aspire to acquire modern and advanced knowledge in the field of animal science/animal production.

Expected Programme Outcomes

The graduate of this Bachelor of Science in Animal Science programme should be:

1. Consultants in the field of animal science and who can advise on policies and practices of animal production.
2. Managers and directors of livestock projects at the local, regional and international levels for private and public organizations.
3. Researchers in the field of animal science and who carry out appropriate research to reduce the problems affecting animal production in the region, country and beyond.
4. Teachers, extension officers and advisors on matter related to livestock production in general and especially animal science in formal and non-formal settings.