Trimester 3

The aim of this module is to provide an integrated background in immunology and immunogenetics, the study of the interrelation between immunity to disease and genetic makeup. Students will study the organs and cells of the immunological system and mechanisms involved in the functioning of the immune system, including the humoral system and cellular immunity, host-antigen relationships, and immunological reactions or infections. The course will cover methods of study in immunology and immunogenetics, particularly the development of B and T cells.

      Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 

1.     mechanisms of humoral and cellular immunity

2.     specific immune responses

3.     B lymphocytes and antibody formation

4.     cell-mediated immunity and T- cell physiology and antigen presenting cells

5. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the reactions of antigen-antibody

6. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of MHC and HLA molecules, the polygenism and polymorphism of HLA genes

7. demonstrate knowledge of the Ig genetics and the genetic of T cell receptors

8. the molecular basis of immunological mechanisms as well as the biotechnological applications

9. the relationship between immune response and genetics

Welcome to the module of Field techniques for conservation

This course aims to introduce students to a variety of field and research techniques used in ecology and conservation professions, including sampling and experimental design,  sampling methods in different areas including protected areas such as Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Mukura-Gishwati National Park, Wetlands, Kivu Lake,...

Lecturer: Dr. Ndayambaje Jean Bernard

This course explains the biochemical and physiological processes of the cell metabolism activities.

Viruses have been with us for millions of years evolving to survive and adapt to new host environments while driving the evolution of host genes. Diseases that are causally linked to viral infections are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in the animal and human populations globally. On the other hand, several viral infections are asymptomatic or only cause minor diseases. This module will examine overarching principles in molecular virology, addressing structural, molecular, and cellular biology aspects underpinning the fascinating interaction between viruses and the host. Focusing primarily on animal viruses, we will study key aspects of viral evolution, replication, and gene expression linked to infectivity that will be reviewed based on groundbreaking past discoveries and recent advances in research from published literature.

This module aims to (i) provide students with a thorough grounding in the concepts of virus biology, (ii) examine in greater depth assembly mechanisms and molecular viral strategies of replication and gene regulation, and (iii) explore the impact of viruses as tools for potential therapeutic exploitation using appropriate case studies rather than a systematic approach.

This module aims to help students understand the process of research. It starts by defining research methodology and ethical concerns in research. This will be followed by going through all the steps for conducting research: Formulation of research questions, and hypothesis, defining what one wishes to investigate, gathering the data, analysis of data, interpreting data, testing and revising of hypothesis, and concluding the research.

 Welcome to this course of Parasitology

The aim of this module is to provide the student a general background in parasitology, the study of organisms (parasites) that live on or in other organisms (the host). The module will familiarize students with the life cycles of protozoans and parasitic helminths of major importance in Africa; it will also include their physiology and morphological adaptations, and will help understand their economic and medical importance.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, students will be able to;

1.Understand fundamental concepts and principles of parasitism, classification, ecology, morphology, lifecycle, transmission, diagnosis, prophylaxis, treatment of parasites.

2. Identify the people who are infected and types of infesting parasites based on observed symptoms

3. Prepare a protocol of parasitological study and isolate some types of parasites in 

infected blood or faecal samples in laboratory

4. Apply knowledge of parasitology on one’s life and learn more with the experience of parasites known in the surrounding

This is to welcome you  to this module of ethnobotany.  The module will equip you with knowledge and skills in ethnobotanical concepts, principles, methods and practices. You will explore the fundamental relationships that exist between plants and indigenous cultures from around the world in general and from Rwanda in particular.  And at the end of the module, you will be able to: 

1. Describe relationships between plants and indigenous cultures.
2. Recognize and describe the use of plants by humans.
3. Illustrate applications of traditional plant knowledge in our modern world and its positive and negative implications
4. Describe how the use of plants contributes to human well-being and survival.
5. Carry out ethnobotanical surveys
6. Apply indigenous knowledge in use of plants with scientific knowledge. 
7. Apply the ethics in using indigenous knowledge about plants.
8. Analyze global issues and potential solutions from using plants
9. Assess economic and commercial value of plant species used by humans.

Teaching team:

Students of this module will be able to explain how enzymes work and their application to biotechnology, and understand and describe aspects of the physiology and biochemistry of microorganisms. This module focuses on the nutrition, growth and metabolism of microorganisms, and the parameters that modulate these processes. In addition to these aspects, various specific aspects of enzyme engineering will be covered, such as enzyme kinetics and activity, enzyme fixation and immobilization, enzyme production and application. Moreover, the students will take part in a practical course. In small groups (e.g. 3-5 students) practical experience will be gathered by using methods and techniques that are common in microbial physiology and enzyme engineering. This module also provides the opportunity for the development of analytical and team working skills.