Agriculture

Diploma in Plant Genetics Resources and Biodiversity

The Diploma in Plant Genetics Resources and Biodiversity is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in plant genetics, genetic resources conservation, biodiversity management and plant breeding. Offered at Maseno University through the School of Agriculture and Food Security, the programme prepares students for technical roles in plant genetic resource management, biodiversity conservation and agricultural research.

The curriculum covers plant genetics, plant taxonomy, plant breeding, genetic resources conservation, biodiversity assessment, plant biotechnology, seed technology, plant pathology, conservation biology, ethnobotany, plant tissue culture, research methods and industrial attachment. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory and field skills.

Kenya's rich plant biodiversity faces threats from habitat loss, climate change and overexploitation. The programme responds to the need for trained personnel who can support plant genetic resource conservation, biodiversity management and sustainable utilisation of plant resources in agricultural research institutions, conservation organisations and government agencies.

The programme is delivered through lectures, laboratory practicals, field collections, greenhouse sessions, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in plant genetics and biodiversity through practical sessions in laboratories, botanical gardens and field sites.

Graduates pursue careers as plant breeding technicians, biodiversity conservation assistants, seed technology technicians and research assistants in agricultural research institutions, seed companies, conservation organisations and government agencies. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Plant Breeding or related degree programmes.

Prospective students should have interest in plants, genetics and conservation. The programme is suitable for students seeking technical careers in plant science, biodiversity conservation and agricultural research.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 32,000
Job market: Low

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Plant Genetics and Plant Taxonomy
Plant Breeding and Seed Technology
Genetic Resources Conservation and Biodiversity Assessment
Plant Biotechnology and Tissue Culture
Plant Pathology and Conservation Biology
Ethnobotany and Sustainable Plant Resource Utilisation
Research Methods and Plant Genetics Project
Industrial Attachment and Field Practice

Modules

8 in the programme

Plant Genetics and Plant Taxonomy
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers plant genetics, Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, plant taxonomy, plant classification, botanical nomenclature and plant identification techniques.
Plant Breeding and Seed Technology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers plant breeding principles, breeding methods, selection techniques, hybridisation, seed production, seed testing, seed storage and seed certification.
Genetic Resources Conservation and Biodiversity Assessment
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Covers plant genetic resources conservation, in situ and ex situ conservation, gene banks, biodiversity assessment methods, biodiversity indicators and conservation planning.
Plant Biotechnology and Tissue Culture
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers plant biotechnology, plant tissue culture, micropropagation, genetic transformation techniques, molecular markers and biotechnology applications in conservation.
Plant Pathology and Conservation Biology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers plant pathology, plant diseases, disease management, conservation biology principles, threatened species management and habitat conservation.
Ethnobotany and Sustainable Plant Resource Utilisation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers ethnobotany, traditional plant uses, medicinal plants, sustainable plant resource utilisation, community conservation and indigenous knowledge systems.
Research Methods and Plant Genetics Project
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research methods, experimental design, data analysis and a plant genetics or biodiversity project assessed through a report and presentation.
Industrial Attachment and Field Practice
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
A supervised industrial attachment at a research institution, seed company, conservation organisation or gene bank, assessed through an attachment report and supervisor evaluation.

Specialisations

Plant Breeding
Focuses on plant breeding techniques and variety development for careers as plant breeding technicians.
Biodiversity Conservation
Specialises in biodiversity assessment and conservation for careers in conservation organisations.
Seed Technology
Focuses on seed production and certification for careers in seed companies.
Plant Biotechnology
Specialises in tissue culture and molecular techniques for careers in biotechnology laboratories.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on plant genetics or plant taxonomy, followed by a laboratory practical on plant tissue culture or genetic analysis. Afternoon sessions may include a field collection exercise, a greenhouse session on plant breeding, or a workshop on biodiversity assessment. Students also work on plant genetics projects and prepare for industrial attachment.

The trade offs

In its favour

The programme addresses biodiversity conservation, a globally important field with growing relevance.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Plant Breeding or related degrees.
The programme combines laboratory and field work, providing diverse practical skills.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options.
Direct career opportunities are specialised and may require further study for broader prospects.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 303 agriculture courses

Public32k to 32k

32k at Maseno University32k at Maseno University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

Maseno Univ GoK ~32K/yr excl. accommodation (nyongesasande.com). SSP not published.

Students can access HELB loans. The government may offer sponsorships through KUCCPS. Agricultural research institutions may offer attachment opportunities.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C
Alternative entry: KCE Division III with pass in English and Mathematics, or equivalent qualification.

English
C-
Mathematics
D+

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering plant genetics, taxonomy, breeding and biodiversity assessment.
Laboratory and Field Practical Assessment
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of practical skills in plant tissue culture, genetic analysis, field collection and biodiversity survey techniques.
Plant Genetics Project
Project30% of the mark
A plant genetics or biodiversity project, assessed through a written report and oral presentation.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a research institution, seed company or conservation organisation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Maseno University, School of Agriculture and Food Security.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Maseno University, School of Agriculture and Food Security.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Plant Breeding Technician
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 170,000
Supports plant breeding programmes, conducts field trials, manages breeding populations and assists with variety development in research institutions and seed companies.
Biodiversity Conservation Assistant
Low demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 160,000
Supports biodiversity conservation programmes, conducts species surveys, manages conservation databases and assists with conservation planning in conservation organisations.
Seed Technology Technician
Moderate demandKsh 33,000 to Ksh 165,000
Manages seed production, conducts seed testing, supports seed certification and manages seed storage in seed companies and agricultural institutions.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 36,000 to Ksh 170,000
Supports plant genetics and biodiversity research, conducts laboratory analyses, manages data and assists with research publications in research institutions.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as plant breeding technicians, biodiversity conservation assistants and research assistants in agricultural research institutions, seed companies and conservation organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Commission for University Education (CUE) Accreditation

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Plant genetics is only about farming.
Plant genetics encompasses biodiversity conservation, genetic resource management, plant breeding, biotechnology and conservation biology, alongside agricultural applications.
Biodiversity studies have no career prospects.
Biodiversity conservation is a growing field with opportunities in research institutions, conservation organisations, government agencies and international environmental bodies.
This programme is the same as general agriculture.
This programme focuses specifically on plant genetics, genetic resources conservation and biodiversity, which is more specialised than general agriculture.
Plant genetics requires only field work.
Plant genetics involves significant laboratory work including tissue culture, molecular analysis and genetic techniques, alongside field collections and conservation activities.