Division of Physical Sciences

Division of Biological Sciences

Division of Health Sciences

Division of Mathematics and Computer Science

Division of Agriculture and Rural Development

Division of Sports and Exercise Sciences

SCHOOL OF

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE

AND TECHNOLOGY

SOST - DIVISION OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Mrs. Sheila Take Kotop

Acting Head of Division

I warmly welcome you to the Division of Biological Sciences. The Division is divided into two strands: the Biological Sciences Strand and the Environmental Sciences Strand. We have a team of 23 dedicated staff members of which 19 are academics and 4 are support staff.

The division offers both the undergraduate and post graduate programs. The pioneer program offered by the Division is Bachelor of Science Education in Biology. The Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Environmental Science and the Postgraduate Programs were later introduced.

Our undergraduate programs allow students to study subjects spanning the biological sciences, from plant and animal sciences to ecology, evolution, conservation, cell biology, microbiology, biotechnology and molecular biology, with research methods and projects as part of the content and education degree program. The education component inspires students to acquire and teach science pedagogical skills required for a teaching qualification. We aim to serve the communities by advancing our understanding of living organisms and their environmental interactions through research, providing high-quality biology education emphasizing experiential learning and problem-solving skills, and providing public awareness of the living world through educational outreach activities.

Mission and Vision

The mission and vision aligns with UOG's aims to produce quality teachers and professionals, especially in biology or STEM, who are highly skilled, competent, research-oriented, and lifelong learners for nation-building.

Motto

Unveil the potential for a better career opportunity, from biodiversity to molecular biology.

Morals and Principles

The University's Corporate Plan 2023-2027 and Strategic Plan 2023-2027 emphasize on the core values and graduate attributes for the personal and professional development of the student graduate from the University of Goroka. The School and Division further stress the same.

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science in Biology

The Bachelor of Science in Biology Program was developed to complement the Bachelor of Science Education degree Program at the University of Goroka. Students who want to study a broad range of subjects in biology will enjoy the greater flexibility that this program offers. The program covers various biological sciences courses and other disciplines (e.g., chemistry). In the final year, students will undertake a research project and participate in Industrial Training to gain relevant employment experience.

Students who complete this program should have a strong foundation in biology-related fields that will prepare them for careers in the field or graduate study. For instance, students interested in becoming teachers can take a Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) to prepare them for a teaching career in junior high and secondary schools or pursue studies at the postgraduate level. This program is also an excellent enrichment program for biology teachers and non-science-related career paths.

Courses for each semester from Level 1 to Level 4 are fixed, with 4 to 5 courses per semester. Each semester's Credit Points (CP) range between 60 and 105. On average, each semester's CP should range from 60 to 75 (minimum). However, depending on the circumstances of each course, a semester's total credit points (CP) can go as high as 105.

Entry Requirement

A student admitted to:

Grade 12 with a minimum HSC GPA of 2.8 from recognized institutions.
B grade or better in Language and Literature, or A grade in Applied English.
B grade or better in General Mathematics, or C grade in Advance Mathematics.
B grade better in Advanced Mathematics for Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics
B grade or better in respective or related science subjects (Biology)
Minimum STAT P percentile of 50

Program Duration

8 Semesters

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science encompasses a wide range of topics, from the impacts of pollutants on organisms in a mini ecosystem to global environmental issues, such as global warming. The inbuilt contents also emphasize remediation strategies for addressing local and global environmental challenges. In the final year, students will undertake a research project and participate in Industrial Training to gain employment-relevant experience.

Graduates in Environmental Science can find suitable employment in environmental consulting, resource management, restoration and conservation, and waste and pollution control, or they could pursue a graduate study. In junior high schools, Environmental Science graduates can also teach general sciences or environmental science.

Courses for each semester from Level 1 to Level 4 are fixed, with 4 to 5 courses per semester. Each semester's Credit Points (CP) range between 60 and 105. On average, each semester's CP should range from 60 to 75 (minimum). However, depending on the circumstances of each course, a semester's total credit points (CP) can go as high as 105.

Entry Requirement

A student admitted to:

Grade 12 with a minimum HSC GPA of 2.8 from recognized institutions.
B grade or better in Language and Literature, or A grade in Applied English.
B grade or better in General Mathematics, or C grade in Advance Mathematics.
B grade better in Advanced Mathematics for Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics
B grade or better in respective or related science subjects
Minimum STAT P percentile of 50

Program Duration

8 Semesters

Postgraduate

Bachelor of Science Honors in Biology by Research

This program will provide students with experience in biological research. The programs aim to increase students' commitment and productivity to prepare them for postgraduate careers. It is also designed for students interested in research careers in graduate schools or Masters or PhD programs. The program is composed of both coursework and research. Students must also identify their supervisors and projects before they apply.

Entry Requirement

To be admitted to the degree candidates shall have:

Completed the requirements for the award of Bachelor Science degree at the University of Goroka or another recognized institution.
Attained a GPA of 3.0 or above (4 point grading system) or minimum GPA of 4.0 and above (5 point grading system) level and have attained a Distinction (D) average for the Research 11 Methods course at the University of Goroka or another recognized Institution.
Submitted two references, one of which shall be from a recent academic lecturer.
Submitted a research proposal for the study.
Met all admission application requirements of the University of Goroka.

Program Duration

3 Semesters

Full-time candidates must complete their course requirements within three (3) semesters from the date of registration for the program.

Part-time candidates must complete their course requirements within six (6) semesters from the program's registration date.

Master of Science in Biology by Research

The research in Masters of Science in Biology allows students to receive advanced research and training in biological sciences and pursue independent research investigations in specialized areas of interest. The experiences gained in research shall enable students to have investigative skills related to experimental design and implementation as well as data analysis and interpretation. Graduates with an MSc in biological sciences can continue at a Ph.D. level, pursue careers in private industries or government research institutions, or teach at a college level.

Entry Requirement

To be admitted to the degree candidates shall have:

Acquired a relevant Master of Science degree (by research) with Distinction (D) or higher from the University of Goroka or a recognized university.
Submitted evidence of previous publication in academic journals or books.
Submitted a Proposed Research topic with a related study proposal.
Submitted two (2) referees’ reports, one of which shall be from a recent Masters degree Supervisor.
Fulfilled all general application requirements of the University of Goroka.

Program Duration

3 Semesters

Full-time candidates must complete their course requirements within four (4) semesters from the date of registration for the program.

Part-time candidates must complete their course requirements within six (6) semesters from the program's registration date.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biology

This program is designed for working biologists in various professions, including educators at the tertiary level. It is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge in life sciences. Updated knowledge provides the opportunity for promotion at the workplace and interactions with other professionals. With the guidance of Biological Science Professors, students can do original research in their field of interest.

Entry Requirement

To be admitted to the degree candidates shall have:

Acquired a relevant Master of Science degree (by research) with Distinction (D) or higher from the University of Goroka or a recognized university.
Submitted evidence of previous publication in academic journals or books.
Submitted a Proposed Research topic with a related study proposal.
Submitted two (2) referees’ reports, one of which shall be from a recent Masters degree Supervisor.
Fulfilled all general application requirements of the University of Goroka.

Program Duration

The PhD degree program shall be eight (8) semesters full-time.

Part-time candidates shall take up to 10 semesters to complete the program.

DIVISION STAFF

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Mrs. Sheila Take Kotop

______

phone: 5311 914
email: kotops@unigoroka.ac.pg

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Mr. Enock Kale

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phone:5311 805
email: kale@unigoroka.ac.pg

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Dr. Katayo Sagata (PhD)

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phone: 5311 963
email: ksagata@gmail.com

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Dr. Alfred Kik (PhD)

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phone: 5311 963
email: kixyalphy@gmail.com

OUR STAFF

______

Mrs. Sheila Take Kotop

______

phone: 5311 914
email: kotops@unigoroka.ac.pg

______

Mr. Enock Kale

______

phone:5311 805
email: kale@unigoroka.ac.pg

OUR STAFF

______

Mrs. Sheila Take Kotop

______

phone: 5311 914
email: kotops@unigoroka.ac.pg

OUR STAFF