Phd Food Science

Philosophy of the Program

The Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science programme at Meru University of Science and Technology pursues to train, equip and prepare candidates for research and application of specialized advanced knowledge in Food Science and related disciplines through both theoretical and practical approaches such as community service, industrial visits and out of class interactions.

Why PhD in Food Science?

Meru University of Science and Technology offers undergraduate programme leading to the conferment of Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food science and Nutrition and Human Nutrition and Dietetics. These programmes equip the students with the basic theoretical and practical skills for Food processing, postharvest handling, marketing and research.

This Doctor of Philosophy degree in Food Science will further equip the graduates with advanced specialized skills in Food Science to successfully carry out research, training, and formulate new ideas to enhance Food production, preservation, postharvest handling, value addition and marketing.

Career prospects

Graduates will serve as higher cadre personnel in Higher learning Institutions, research in Food science and in the ministry of Agriculture and public health

Why PhD in Food Science at Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST)?

MUST provides a serene learning environment in the agriculture rich area of Meru, modern learning facilities, and a dedicated faculty.

Entry requirements

There are two admission requirements:

1.Holders of Masters Degree in Food Science and related sciences

A candidate holding a Master of Science degree in Food Science from accredited institutions shall be admitted to the Ph.D. in Food Science program of the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences and be required to take only two taught courses.

2. Holders of Masters degree and other qualifications in sciences

A candidate holding a Master of Science degree in other sciences e.g. Chemistry, Biotechnology, Nutrition or related sciences from accredited institutions shall be admitted to the Ph.D. in Food Science program of the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences and be required to take 10 taught courses in Year 1.

Regulations on Credit Transfers

No credit transfer shall be given to a candidate wishing to join a Ph.D. in Food Science program

Duration: 3 years

Mode of Study: Fulltime/Part-time/Weekend

Campus: Main Campus (Nchiru)

Tuition fees per semester: Ksh. 105,000

What Will I Study?

Courses

	Year 1 (Applicants holding MSc. in food sciences)
	Semester 1
Code	Course Title
AFT 6100	Research Project and Seminars: Research (210 CH), Consultation (120 CH), 2 Seminars per semester (120 CH), each contributing 60 CH) and report (60 CH)
AFT 6101	Research Methodology
AFT 6102	Biostatistics and data analysis
	Semester 2
AFT 6150	Research Project and Seminars: Research (240 CH), Consultation (120 CH), 3 Seminars per semester (180 CH), each contributing 60 CH) and report (60 CH)
	Semester 3
AFT 6150	Research Project and Seminars: Research (240 CH), Consultation (120 CH), 3 Seminars per semester (180 CH), each contributing 60 CH) and report (60 CH)

	Year 1 (Applicants from other Science Disciplines)
	Semester 1
Code	Course Title
AFT 6101	Research Methodology
AFT 6102	Biostatistics and data analysis
AFT 6103	Advanced Food chemistry
AFT6104	Advanced Food microbiology
AFT 6105	Advanced Food Process Engineering
	Semester 2
AFT 6151	Advanced Meat Science and Technology
AFT 6152	Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
AFT 6153	Advanced Cereal Technology
AFT 6154	Advanced Dairy Biochemistry and Technology
AFT 6155	Analytical techniques in Food Science and Technology
	Semester 3
AFT 6150	Research Project and Seminars: Research (240 CH), Consultation (120 CH), 3 Seminars per semester (180 CH), each contributing 60 CH) and report (60 CH)

	Year 2
	Semester 1
Code	Course Title
AFT 6200	Research Project and Seminars: Research (240 CH), Consultation (120 CH), 3 Seminars per semester (180 CH), each contributing 60 CH) and report (60 CH)
	Semester 2
AFT 6250	Research Project and Seminars: Research (240 CH), Consultation (120 CH), 3 Seminars per semester (180 CH), each contributing 60 CH) and report (60 CH)
	Semester 3
AFT 6250	Research Project and Seminars: Research (240 CH), Consultation (120 CH), 3 Seminars per semester (180 CH), each contributing 60 CH) and report (60 CH)

	Year 3
	Semester 1
Code	Course Title
AFT 6300	Research Project and Seminars: Research (240 CH), Consultation (120 CH), 3 Seminars per semester (180 CH), each contributing 60 CH) and report (60 CH)
	Semester 2
AFT 6350	Research Project and Seminars: Research (240 CH), Consultation (120 CH), 3 Seminars per semester (180 CH), each contributing 60 CH) and report (60 CH)

	Semester 3
AFT 6350	Research Project and Seminars: Research (240 CH), Consultation (120 CH), 3 Seminars per semester (180 CH), each contributing 60 CH) and report (60 CH)

* Research Project and Seminars

Learners will select subjects in agriculture and related fields that are in line with their research interests. Under supervision, the learners will critically undertake a literature review, conceptualize their research problems, prepare an appropriate research plan, prepare and make presentations, and respond to questions in an interactive environment. Learners will also be introduced to advanced scientific research; conceptualization and identification of research problems; development, planning, and management of experimental research project; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of research data in a scientific manner; publication of scientific research work; Presentation of research work in seminars and scientific conferences

The Ph.D. in Food Science shall be awarded to a candidate who has met the following requirements:

Passed all the required taught courses and research project and seminar requirements.
Published two (2) papers of research work in a peer-refereed journal
Attended at least three (3) scientific conferences during the Ph.D. program
Undertaken final oral Presentation of the Ph.D. research work before a panel for evaluation and pass.
Submitted corrected final thesis to the Board of Postgraduate Studies