PAUSTI Programmes

PAUSTI is mandated to produce leaders and innovators in the areas of Mathematics, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; Civil Engineering & construction management, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering and Electrical Engineering. The graduates from these programs are expected to come up with cutting age scientific knowledge that could be harnessed to provide innovative and sustainable solutions to Africa’s socio-economic challenges. The Graduates should be able to:

  1. Carry out scientific research in their respective areas and be able to effectively disseminate the findings
  2. Translate current knowledge into technologies
  3. Design trans-disciplinary solutions to Science, Research and social challenges
  4. Demonstrate Creativity, Innovativeness, entrepreneurship and leadership skills

Programmes Offered At PAUSTI

Preamble

Civil Engineering problems in Africa are unique and require specific solutions. The current training modules are not well adapted to address the local challenges which range from environmental, transportation, structural, construction, and water conservation, among others. This program considers the unique requirements on the continent.  It is intended to produce personnel with suitable qualification and/or professional skills who will be able to address specific fields of Civil Engineering by use of local resources, knowledge and innovations towards achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. The program is designed to help candidates develop the ability to pursue independent research, scholarly work and innovations that have practical applications.

In addition, a broad range of seminars will be organized by means of invited speakers, excursions to relevant places and projects, project and theme discussions, site and/or company visits, etc. Students are required to participate actively in the organized seminars. The programme comprises the following tracks:

  1. Environmental and Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Engineering
  2. Transportation Engineering
  3. Structural Engineering
  4. Construction Engineering and Management

Programme Objectives

The objectives of the programme are:

  1. To enhance skills for effective and sustainable development and implementation of PAUSTI engineering systems.
  2. To broaden the career potential of individuals through training and research and innovation.
  3. To develop a broad, multi-disciplinary and integrative approach for solutions of engineering problems

Preamble

This program is designed to produce researchers, innovators, trainers and experts   in the field of Civil Engineering for technological, social and economic transformation of Africa.

 Target Groups

  • Researchers from academic, research institutions and industry intending to carry out research in Civil Engineering.
  • Individuals from industry or government departments who wish to expand their range of expertise in Civil engineering and for continuing professional development.
  • Engineering entrepreneurs who wish to further their studies and improve their technical, research and innovative skills.

 Objectives

The objective of this program is:

To produce qualified researchers, innovators and trainers and experts in the field of Civil Engineering for social and economic transformation of Africa.

To develop future leaders of the civil engineering profession by imparting complimentary skills in the area of business and entrepreneurship.  By developing links with the industry, the program will facilitate a multi-disciplinary project oriented learning environment.

Preamble 

Electrical engineering expertise is essential for rapid industrialization. Africa lacks adequate number of specialists in the field of electrical engineering in which it has continued to rely heavily on foreign expertise and technology.  As a result, the African Continent has lagged behind in the development of relevant and sustainable solutions to technical problems. In order to realize rapid industrialization, Africa must invest in the development of specialists, in the field of electrical engineering, with adequate technical, managerial, research and innovative skills to undertake responsible roles and analyze, evaluate and provide solutions to practical problems facing the continent. This programme addresses the development of experts in the field of electrical engineering by offering a course leading to award of a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.

This programme has specializations which the candidates will be required to choose by selecting the appropriate optional units. The specializations are Power Systems Engineering, Control and Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering and Telecommunications Engineering. These specializations are essential for rapid industrialization, which Africa lacks most in the field of electrical engineering.  

This programme is designed to produce an electrical engineering professional, who is an innovator and has managerial skills for transforming Africa into an industrialized continent. In addition, the programme is designed to produce graduates with the ability to pursue independent research and scholarly work. The courses offered are tailored to meet the requirements for the industries and institutions for Africa's long term development for economic growth.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this programme is to produce qualified Electrical Engineers with specialized technical, managerial, research and innovative skills and who can demonstrate individual accomplishment of high professional and academic standards.

The following are the programme objectives of the Master of Science programme in Electrical Engineering:

  1. Enhance the knowledge and design skills in Electrical Engineering through highly specialized advanced training
  2. Develop managerial and leadership skills necessary for managing engineering projects 
  3. Develop skills for scientific research through training in research methodology and rigorous research leading to an MSc thesis.
  4. Provide innovative and entrepreneurial skills for development of home-grown solutions to Electrical Engineering problems.

Preamble

Recognizing that society is technology based and highly dependent on technology and innovation, engineers have immensely shaped modern culture and technology, leading to giant strides in human development. However, rapid transformation and industrialization of the global environment now requires engineers to re-engineer their practice to be in tandem with modern times. In its endogenous and ambitious plan of transformation, Agenda 2063, the African Union has emphasized the need for a world class infrastructure that crisscrosses Africa through prioritization of communications and physical and digital infrastructure connectivity programmes. Implementation of these infrastructure projects requires incorporating sustainable knowledge management systems design as well as requisite human skills and competencies. Specialists who have adequate technical, managerial, research and innovative skills in the particular fields that contribute to industrial development will be necessary.  Sustainable electric power, and reliable and efficient telecommunication, control and computer systems are some of the major drivers towards this development.

This PhD programme prepares the professionals the Electrical Engineering industry is demanding: from the engineers and entrepreneurs who will create new Electrical systems and companies; to the researchers and theoreticians who will advance the science and technology behind these systems. It provides students with intensive advanced training in research that leads to the highest level of scholarly achievement, contribute to the existing body of knowledge, and enable them to conduct research independently to address new challenges as innovators.

In addition, this doctoral programme is designed to satisfy the demands for researchers posed by higher education institutions, industry, the society and the governments through building national research and university capacity within the African continent.

Target Groups

This programme is intended for individuals with a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related fields who wish to undertake research in Electrical Engineering. In particular, the programme targets the following groups:

  • Researchers from academic and research institutions and industry intending to carry out research in electrical engineering
  • Individuals from industry or government departments who wish to expand their range of expertise in electrical engineering and for continuous professional development.
  • Individual technopreneurs who wish to further their studies and improve their technical, research and innovative skills.

 Aims and objectives

The aim of this programme is to produce qualified researchers, innovators, educators and consultants in the field of Electrical Engineering for social and economic transformation of Africa. This is through the accomplishment of independent and original research work, the reporting thereof in a research thesis and a subsequent oral defence. The following are the programme objectives for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering:

  1. Develop skills for scientific research through training in research methodology and rigorous research leading to a PhD thesis.
  2. Enhance the knowledge and design skills in Electrical Engineering through highly specialized advanced training
  3. Provide innovative and entrepreneurial skills for development of home-grown solutions to Africa’s problems.

Preamble

The aim of this programme is to provide students with knowledge and skills in Mathematics to prepare them for industry or graduate studies needed for development of Africa. The programme comprises the following tracks:

  1. Computational Mathematics
  2. Financial Mathematics
  3. Statistics
  4. Data Science

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of the programme the learner should be able to:

  1. Define key terms, formulate and analyze mathematical problems and draw valid conclusions.
  2. Apply mathematical techniques to solve problems.
  3. Read, understand and construct correct mathematical proofs.
  4. Relate mathematics and its techniques to real life problems.
  5. Learn independently.

Competencies

By the end of the programme the learner should be able to:

  1. Apply mathematical concepts and principles to perform computations.
  2. Solve real world problems and build applications.
  3. Create, use and analyze mathematical relationships.
  4. Communicate mathematical work to various audiences.
  5. Apply technology tools to solve mathematical problems
  6. Perform abstract mathematical reasoning
  7. Formulate new mathematical problems and identify possible software packages to find their solutions.

Generic Skills

By the end of the programme the learner should be able to:

  1. Apply critical thinking and communication skills in problem solving.
  2. Apply acquired knowledge and skills for progression.
  3. Sustain mathematical knowledge that is adaptable to emerging technologies.
  4. Employ mathematical knowledge and skills in lifelong learning.

Preamble

The aim   of this programme is to enable students make contributions to knowledge in areas of Computational Mathematics, Statistics, Financial Mathematics and Data Science.  Prepare them for academics, industry and research for development of Africa and the world at large.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of the programme the learner should be able to:

  1. Formulate and analyze advanced mathematical problems and draw valid conclusions.
  2. Apply mathematical techniques to solve complex problems.
  3. Develop mathematical theorems and their proofs.
  4. Interpret and express natural phenomena in mathematical terms.

Competencies

By the end of the programme the learner should be able to:

  1. Apply mathematical concepts and principles to perform complex computations.
  2. Solve real life problems and build applications.
  3. Communicate authoritatively mathematical work to various audiences.
  4. Design and apply technology tools to solve mathematical problems.
  5. Perform abstract mathematical reasoning.
  6. Promote independent learning.

Generic Skills

By the end of the programme the learner should be able to:

  1. Apply critical thinking and communication skills in problem solving.
  2. Apply acquired knowledge and skills for progression.
  3. Sustain mathematical knowledge that is adaptable to emerging technologies.
  4. Employ mathematical knowledge and skills in lifelong learning.

Preamble 

Biotechnologyis a field of applied biology that involves the use of living organisms and bioprocesses to develop bio-products to meet the human needs. Molecular Biology aims at understanding the molecular basis of biological activity (micro-organisms, human, animal, plant etc).  It is a multi-disciplinary subject that creates understanding of the interactions between the various systems as well as possible manipulations. 

Training in biotechnology and molecular biology will provide competencies that will contribute towards development and improving the character of bio-products. As such, relevant areas of molecular biology will be selected in an effort to provide knowledge appropriate to the attainment of capacity directed towards providing local solutions to problems of food security, environmental sustainability, energy and health. Research arising from these areas is geared towards improving, food security, health and environmental conservation. 

The PhD program will be undertaken within JKUAT PAUSTI institute. It will provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge required to transform natural resources and their livelihoods. It is envisaged that students graduating from this programme will have attained the necessary competency to face the challenges that abound in local and international agencies and research institutions, Government agencies, industry and academia where their contribution is greatly needed.

This program is designed to produce individuals who are researchers, innovators, trainers and consultants in the field of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.  

Program Objectives

  1. To produce graduates with knowledge and skills in Industrial Biotechnology, who are relevant, responsive and adaptive to the varying challenges in Healthcare sector, Life Sciences & Research, Food & Beverage, Agro Biotechnology.
  2. To build capacity in Industrial Biotechnology for the socio-economic growth of Africa
  3. To impart knowledge and skills in the application of Industrial biotechnology techniques in bioprocesses to develop bio-products.
  4.  To generate and disseminate knowledge in the area of Industrial Biotechnology
  5. To impart knowledge on laws, regulations and policies relevant Industrial Biotechnology

Preamble

Molecular Biology aims at understanding the molecular basis of biological activity (micro-organisms, human, animal, plant etc).  It is a multi-disciplinary subject that creates understanding of the interactions between the various systems.

Training in molecular biology and biotechnology will provide competencies that will contribute towards development and improving the character of bio-products. As such, relevant areas of molecular biology will be selected in an effort to provide knowledge appropriate to the attainment of capacity directed towards providing local solutions to problems of food security, environmental sustainability, energy and health. Research arising from these areas is geared towards improving, food security, health and environmental conservation.

The PhD program will be undertaken within JKUAT PAUSTI institute. It will provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge required to transform natural resources and their livelihoods. It is envisaged that students graduating from this programme will have attained the necessary competency to face the challenges that abound in local and international agencies and research institutions, Government agencies, industry and academia where their contribution is greatly needed.

This program is designed to produce individuals who are researchers, innovators, trainers and consultants in the field of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. 

Target Groups

  • Researchers from academic, research institutions and industry intending to carry out research in Molecular biology and Biotechnology
  • Individuals from industry or government departments who wish to expand their range of expertise in Molecular biology and Biotechnology and for continuous professional development
  • Individual entrepreneurs who wish to further their studies and improve their technical, research and innovative skills

Program Objectives

To produce qualified researchers, innovators, trainers and consultants in the field of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology for economic transformation of Africa.

Preamble

One of the major professional fields that can facilitate technological innovations for Africa’s transformation is mechanical engineering which is one of the most diversified and dynamically evolving engineering disciplines.   Mechanical engineers design and build machines, systems and devices that enable humans to live and work on the ground, in space, in the air and under water.  Their machines can extend our physical capabilities, improve our health and standard of living, and impact the environment in which we live.  Much of what all engineers can or cannot do depends on the materials that are available for their tasks.  Thus, mechanical engineers are also involved in studying and modifying not only mechanical properties, but also chemical and electrical properties to develop new applications possible.  Almost every aspect of our modern world is in some way a product of mechanical engineering, from power stations and oil refineries to steel plants and manufacturing industries.

This graduate programme of Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering is designed to produce a mechanical engineering professional, who is an innovator and has managerial skills for social and economic transformation of Africa.   In addition, the programme is de- signed to produce graduates with the ability to pursue independent research and scholarly work.  The courses offered are tailored to meet the requirements for the industries and institutions for Africa’s long term development for economic growth.   Through this programme, employees from industries, state corporations, and public/private universities across Africa will be trained.

The graduate program mixes engineering practice with analysis, and addresses the following critical broad areas of emphasis in mechanical engineering:   Applied mechanics, materials engineering, thermal engineering, fluid engineering, energy systems, industrial engineering, production engineering and engineering product design.  Therefore, this programme of Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, will be offered in any of the following specialized areas of mechanical engineering:

AimsandObjectives

The aim of this programme is to produce qualified Mechanical Engineers with specialized technical, managerial, research and innovative skills. The objectives of the Master of Science programme in Mechanical Engineering are:

  1. To provide the students with an understanding of the advanced engineering tools and concepts that apply to mechanical engineering.
  2. To prepare the student to perform independent research in the area of mechanical engineering.
  3. To prepare students to practice engineering at an advanced level
  4. To prepare students to pursue doctoral studies in mechanical engineering or a related field. (e)  To develop student’s communication skills and professionalism.
  5. To develop the student’s managerial and leadership skills necessary for managing engineering projects and firms.
  6. To equip the students with design, innovative and entrepreneurship skills for development of home-grown solutions to Africa’s problems.

Preamble

In order to have a steady growth in any economy, technological advancement and industrialization play leading roles. The rapid transformation and industrialization of the global environment now requires engineers to re-engineer their practice to be in tandem with modern times. One of the major drivers towards this development is the rapidly evolving discipline of Mechatronic Engineering, which involves a synergistic of mechanical engineering with electronics and intelligent computer control of functional mechanisms. This shift toward the multidisciplinary engineering has been necessitated by the demand for new emerging technologies in automation, precision engineering, miniaturization, and microand nanotechnology, which have a great impact on productivity and quality of products. There is therefore the need to train personnel equipped with in-depth competence to take up a high-level leadership role in con- ducting research and providing innovative solutions to challenges of the rapidly

changing and highly competitive environment. This program is also designed to produce a multidisciplinary professional with innovative and managerial skills for social and economic transformation. In addition, this M.Sc. program is designed to satisfy the demands for researchers and educators posed by higher education institutions, industry and the society at large.

Target Groups

1. Researchers from academic and research institutions and the manufacturing industry in- tending to carry out research in mechatronic engineering;

2. Individuals from industry or government departments who wish to expand their range of expertise in mechatronic engineering for continuous professional development;

3. Technopreneurs with necessary background who wish to further their studies and improve their technical, research and innovative skills.

 Program Objectives

The main objective of this program is to develop professionals with high-level understanding and competence of principles of mechatronic systems. The specific objectives are to:

1. Train specialized staff of mechatronic engineering, who can serve as researchers and lecturers at university level or other research institutions;

2. Prepare the student to take leadership role in a multidisplinary team;

3. Develop high-level skills for innovation and development of mechatronic devices and systems;

4. Give the student a broad understanding of design of mechatronic systems;

5. Provide an opportunity for professional advancement for mechatronic engineering graduates in order to meet the challenges of the rapidly developing technology.