1.0 Rationale for the Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme in the Department of Dairy and Food Science and Technology is designed after taking cognizance of the fact that scientific research is a prerequisite for sustainable economic development. The impact of research on the society is of importance. Therefore, the education and training of PhD candidates is for scientific advancement and excellence while building human resource for innovative scientific research, critical analysis and contributions to future solutions to issues of concern in the food industry.

The rapid changes in the food industry from production to processing and consumer demands, poses dynamic challenges that require innovative solutions. Egerton University as a premier centre for excellence in knowledge creation and dissemination especially in Agricultural Sciences has to respond to these challenges. The PhD (Food Science) programme is geared towards developing a highly knowledgeable, skilled and inspired professional in generating innovations and applications of principles and cutting edge technologies in the food industry especially in the area of specialization. The areas of specialization will include but not limited to food engineering, food biotechnology & food microbiology, dairy technology, food chemistry and human nutrition, and food processing and preservation.

2.0 Programme Objectives

The candidates successfully completing all the requirements of the doctoral degree of Egerton University are mentored to be skilled professionals with the capacity to provide innovative and quality leadership in areas such as teaching and training, research, formulation of development strategies, or advisory and consultancy services both in the private and public food industry sectors.

3.0 Programme Learning Outcomes

The graduate will be able to use the knowledge, skills and attitude acquired or imparted to:-

i) Undertake advanced training in specialized food science courses.

ii) Can work or initiate own nongovernmental organization aimed at solving food issues.

iii) Can work at universities especially in food science related courses as lecturers or senior research officers.

iv) Supervise undergraduate and graduate students research.

4.0 Admission Requirements

The common regulations for the Doctorate degree as specified in the statutes of Egerton University shall be applicable. The course shall be open to holders of an MSc degree with thesis and with at least B grade or equivalent pass in the relevant subjects from Egerton University or any other University recognized by the Egerton University Senate.

5.0 Course Structure and Duration

The Doctorate programme shall be completed through research, thesis and successful oral examination and sometimes postgraduate courses may be recommended to strengthen the160 Egerton University Catalogue candidate in the specialization field. Candidates may register for full-time or part-time doctorate programme. Full-time programme shall run for a minimum of 36 consecutive months and a period not exceeding 60 consecutive months, unless with prior approved deferment. Part-time programme shall run for a period not exceeding 84 consecutive months, unless with prior approved deferment. Each candidate shall be required to pursue an original research under the supervision of Egerton University academic staff and any other person(s) recommended by the Faculty of Agriculture and approved by the Senate.

6.0 Examination Regulations

All examination for this programme shall be conducted in accordance with the examination regulation as stipulated in the Egerton University Statute 40.

7.0 Grading System

The grading of examination for this programme shall be conducted in accordance with Egerton University Statute 40.

8.0 Graduation Requirement

To graduate, each candidate shall be required to pursue an original research under the supervision of Egerton University academic staff and any other person(s) recommended by the Faculty of Agriculture and approved by the Senate.

9.0 Degree Classification

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Food Science is not classified. Doctorate thesis shall have a coding of FOST 899 with a total of 45 Credit Factor.