The Higher Education Certificate in Biological Sciences is at level four of the Uganda Higher Education Qualifications Framework. The individuals who obtain this award are required to:
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of the underlying concepts, facts, theories and principles associated with the study and practice of biological science.
- Plan, design and carry out experiments and investigations and identify an associated problem.
- Demonstrate knowledge and basic understanding of scientific instruments and apparatus used in Biological Science experiments including techniques of operations and safety aspects.
- Demonstrate an ability to present, evaluate and interpret observations and experimental data, in order to develop lines of arguments and make sound judgments in accordance with basic theories and concepts of Biological Sciences.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the limitations of biological theories and models.
- Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to the study and practice of Biological Sciences.
- Communicate the results of their study or practice accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments.
- Apply their subject-‑related transferable skills in contexts where individuals may have some limited personal responsibility, but the criteria for decisions and the scope of the task are well defined.
- Apply techniques, apparatus, measuring devices as well as laboratory materials safely and effectively.
- Make and record observations, measurements and estimates in appropriate units and with a high degree of precision and accuracy.
- Explore further training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment.
- Work with others to achieve defined objectives. In addition, they should be able to take up leadership roles in-‑group work.
The programme is intended to:
- Provide, through well-‑designed studies of experimental and practical science, a worthwhile educational experience to students intending to pursue higher education programmes in Biological Sciences.
- Enable students recognize the usefulness, and limitations, of scientific methods and appreciate its applicability in other disciplines and in everyday life.
- Stimulate students and give them a lasting interest in Biological Sciences, so that they find studies in Biological Sciences enjoyable and satisfying.
- Develop abilities and skills among prospective students that are relevant to the study and practice of Biological Sciences.
- Develop attitudes relevant to the study and practice of Biological Science such as concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, inventiveness, imitativeness,
- Help students understand the need for conservation and stimulate interest to care for local and global environment.
- Make students aware of the importance of ICT in Biological experiments and as useful tool in the interpretation of experimental and theoretical results.
The current admission requirements to any higher education programme require Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (A-‑level) with at least two principal passes for degree programmes, one principal pass, and two subsidiaries for a diploma programme. Unfortunately, there is no remedial programme for candidates who qualify for A-‑level but have not scored sufficiently good grades to enroll for degree or diploma programmes. The only available option is for them to repeat Senior Six or enroll for Certificate programmes using the Uganda Certificate of Education (O-‑level). The programme is therefore, intended to provide an alternative route to join higher education programmes.
The Higher Education Certificate in Biological Sciences is intended for the following categories:
- Holders of the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education: The HEC in Biological Sciences is intended for holders of the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education or equivalent qualifications wishing to pursue higher education programmes in biological/health sciences but for some reasons they were not able to enroll for such using A–‑level grades.
- Foreign Qualification: The programme will also serve as a foundation programme for students whose foreign secondary school qualifications are not considered equivalent to the Ugandan A-‑level but permit admission into Higher Education programme in their respective foreign 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 subject: English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry.
- Linkage between the Vocational Qualifications and the Higher Education Qualifications: One of the challenges facing holders of vocational qualifications is the inability to cross to Higher Education at the same levels as those with school qualifications. For example, although a Uganda Technical Education Certificate (Craft Part I) is equivalent to the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education, holders of the former can only join degree programme after two and a half years of an intermediate diploma in addition to years of experience while holders of UACE can enroll for degree programmes right away. There is a general belief that holders of vocational qualifications may be highly skilled but lack adequate science/theoretical foundations to join knowledge-‑based higher education programmes. The Higher Education programme 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 desired higher education programmes in Biological Sciences.
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