The Department of Biology, Wollo University, conducted an external curriculum review to launch a Third-Degree (PhD) program in Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management at Dessie Campus.
Dr. Dagnachew Maru, Deputy Dean of the College of Natural Sciences, stated that PhD programs are suitable for providing practical education as university of applied sciences. In this regard, he mentioned that there are already three previously opened PhD programs in the College: two in Biology and one in Mathematics. The newly developed PhD program in Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management is therefore the fourth program.
On the other hand, Dr. Ayalew Talema, Head of the Biology Department, said that Ethiopia is a rich source of animal and plant life, and that the Department of Botany and Biodiversity Management plays a significant role in preserving and utilizing biodiversity.
Dr. Ayalew also stated that it is necessary to produce experts with high knowledge, skills, and perspectives who can advance science at the national and international levels to protect biodiversity.
The University’s Post Graduate Program Director, Dr. Fikru Mekonnen, explained that this evaluation program is designed to review the curriculum in accordance with the PhD eligibility criteria set by the Ministry of Education in line with the mission of the University.
The curriculum was presented by Dr. Hussein Adal, Associate Professor of Botany and reviewed by Dr. Tezazu Gebre, Associate Professor of Botany at Arba Minch University, and Dr. Bikila Workneh, Associate Professor of Botany at Addis Ababa University.
The reviewers noted that the university is located in an area with high biodiversity that the program will be appropriately essential at the national or international level.
College deans, department members and researchers were participated in this curriculum review program; it resulted in a fruitful discussion in which ideas and opinions were exchanged to strengthen the curriculum.
