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Higher Certificate in Biological Sciences

Higher Certificate in Biological Sciences

Introduction

This   per-undergraduate program is for students intending to pursue Biological sciences such as Bachelor of Science in Biology or Chemistry or any health-related program such as Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy or Allied Health Program. The program targets students with a background in advanced level biological sciences and wish to  pursue or any health-related program at undergraduate degree or diploma levels. It provides students with competences for further higher education studies in Biological sciences.

Purpose

The program is intended to provide an alternative route to join higher education program in biological or health sciences. .

Eligibility

There is no remedial program for candidates who qualify for A-level but did not score sufficiently good grades to enroll for degree or diploma program. The only available option is for them to repeat Senior Six or enrol for Certificate program using the UCE (O level). The Higher Education Certificate in biological sciences is intended for the following categories:

  1. Holders of the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education. Holders of the UACE or equivalent qualifications wishing to pursue a higher education program in Biological / health sciences but for some reason,  they were not able to enroll for it using A-level grades.  
  2. Foreign Qualification: The program will also serve as a foundation program for students whose foreign secondary school qualifications are not considered equivalent to the Ugandan A-level certificate.
  3. Linkage between the Vocational Qualifications and the Higher Education: The Higher Education program in biological sciences is designed to expose holders of such qualifications to rigorous theoretical / science foundations that will enable them have a solid foundation required to pursue a desired higher education program in biological sciences.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  1. Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education or its equivalent with Subsidiary Passes in Biology and Chemistry.
  2. Technical/Vocational Qualifications in Biological Sciences or Health-related disciplines such as Nursing/Midwifery, Environmental Health Sciences and Laboratory Techniques; that are considered equivalent to the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (A-level).
  3. Students whose foreign secondary school qualifications are not considered equivalent to the Ugandan A-level (Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education) but permit admission into Higher Education in their respective countries. Such students shall be required to have an equivalent of Uganda Certificate of Education with at least a credit in each of the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry. Foreign students whose studies were not conducted in English shall show proof of proficiency in the English Language.

Career Prospects

After completion of the course, the student shall be eligible to apply for a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in any Biological science program at higher institutions.

Program Courses

Semester I Courses
  1. HEC 101: Foundation Mathematics
  2. HEC 102: Communication and Study Skills
  3. HEC 103: Computing Skills
  4. HEC 104: Foundation Chemistry I
  5. HEC 105: Foundation Biology I
Semester II Courses
  1. HEC 106: Foundation Chemistry II
  2. HEC 107: Foundation Biology II
  3. HEC 108: Life Skills Education
  4. HEC 109: Introduction to Development Studies