Establishment

The Department of Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management (DPBBM) evolved from the phased-out Department of Biology (which launched its MSc Programme in 1978/79) in the former Faculty of Science, Addis Ababa University. The “Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management Programme Unit” (as a Department after May 2012) designed a new modular curriculum (replacing the former Biology (Botanical Stream) MSc programme) in May 2010 and implemented it up to the end of 2012/13 academic year under a block teaching modality. The modular curriculum revolves around three specialization areas, namely Plant Biodiversity Management, Plant Physiology/Eco-physiology and Plant Ecology. The rally around these three “pillar” disciplines was meant to reflect the main areas of Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management. It also reflects the existing staff, laboratory and field facilities, and other resources in these areas. But still to fill up gaps in some disciplines the department needs academic staff in few specialization areas. At present, the Department runs MSc and PhD Programmes. The current Programme review also concerns both the MSc and PhD Programmes in Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management. While the MSc Programme in the review of curricula deals with the modularized curriculum, the PhD Programme presents a newly designed modular curriculum.

Graduate profile

A Master’s Graduate in Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management can:

• Teach botany at higher education institutions;
• Identify problems and seek solutions to scientific and developmental problems in his/her field of specialization;
• Design and implement research projects in his/her field of specialization;
• Provide advice and consultation to government, non-government and the private sector; and
• Serve as an agent of change in matters related to botanical sciences and influence people to build a more scientific society.

A PhD Graduate in Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management can:

Teach specific specialization areas in higher learning institutions;

• Advise MSc students;
• Synthesis knowledge on issues pertaining to Plant Biodiversity and Biodiversity Management;
• Design and undertake high standard national and multi-national research projects to be considered for funding;
• Play a role in activities related to the conservation and management of biodiversity;
• Add knowledge in science through his/her research findings; and
• Publish research results in national and international scientific journals.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management is to contribute to the Ethiopian society through pursuit of education, learning, and research in plant biology and biodiversity management at the highest international level of excellence.

Vision

The Department aspires to be eminent plant biology and biodiversity management and a centre of excellence in botanical research and documentation.