Faculty of Science and Technology
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
Preamble
The Faculty of Science and Technology offers three types of Bachelor degrees: These are Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng) and Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (BURP). The BSc degrees are further classified into single major degrees (taken in a single subject) and the double major degrees with various combinations of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, and Statistics. The following are specialized and/or single major programmes:
- BSc. in Biotechnology
- BSc. in Chemical Technology
- BSc. in Computer Science
- BSc. in Electronics
- BSc. in Environmental Science
- BSc. in Human Geography
- BSc. in Information Systems
- BSc. in Statistics
- B.Eng. in Computer Systems and Networks
- B.Eng. in Electronics
- Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning
The faculty also offers postgraduate programmes.
A. UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMMES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE General – 8 SEMESTERS (4 YEARS)
The Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) shall normally be an 8-semesters (4-years) programme for direct entrants and 6-semesters (3-years) for indirect entrants.
Direct Entry
Requirements: For entry into the Bachelor of Science degree, students must have:
- Sat for a minimum of six (6) subjects in LGCSE examinations or its equivalent.
- Obtained a B grade or better in Mathematics.
- Obtained a C grade or better in Biology or Physical Science or other recognized basic sciences subjects.
- Obtained a D grade or better in English Language.
- Obtained a C grade or better in the other two subjects.
- Obtained a D grade or better in the remaining subjects.
Ranking:
For purposes of admissions, students will be ranked according to the total point score using the points scored in the following subjects:
- Mathematics
- One Science subject (Biology or Physical Science or Other science subjects)
- Second Science subject or English Language (whichever is better)
In case of a tie, the APS and/or other criterion (decided by the Admission’s Committee) will be used.
Students will be admitted on merit.
Indirect Entry
For candidates with Certificate or Diploma qualifications from other institutions of higher learning, eligibility for admission and the entry point into the program applied for will, in each case, be determined by the department concerned.
BIOLOGY PROGRAMMES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY (single or double major) – 8 SEMESTER (4 YEARS)
Career opportunities: Animal Behaviour, Biochemistry, Biodiversity Conservation, Biology Education, Botany, Ecology, Entomology, Horticultural science, Veterinary science, Food science, Sports science, Genetics, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Zoology, Medicine, Dentistry, Aquatic Biology, Limnology, Aquaculture, Epidemiology, Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Biology.
Requirements: Successful completion of BSc – General semesters 1 and 2 (year I).
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY – 9 SEMESTERS (4 ½ YEARS)
Career opportunities include: Quality control management in food, pharmaceutical and other allied industries; Water quality management; Genetic engineering and tissue culturing in research institutions; Bioprocess engineering in various industries, waste treatment plants and fuel production plants; Genetic counselling and gene therapy; DNA Analysis in forensic laboratories; Biotechnology Business: e.g. manufacturing and selling of biotechnology derived-products.
Requirements: Successful completion of semesters 3 and 4 (Year II) of the BSc. programme in the subject combination of Biology and Chemistry.
CHEMISTRY PROGRAMMES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY (single or double major) – 8 SEMESTERS (4 YEARS)
Studying chemistry does not limit you to a career in a laboratory it can lead to many different careers across a wide range of sectors. The main employers of chemistry graduates are in the chemical and related industries, such as food industry, agrochemicals, metallurgical, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics and polymers, cosmetics/toiletries.
Career Opportunities: Jobs that are directly related to a degree in chemistry include: Chemists, Academic/researcher, Research and development chemists, Analytical chemists, Scientific laboratory technician, Toxicologist, Forensic scientist Clinical scientist, Environmental consultant, Quality control chemist, etc.
As a chemistry graduate you can also undertake further study at Masters or PhD level to increase your knowledge of one of the branches studied during your degree, such as organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, or environmental chemistry. You may also specialise in areas of applied chemistry such as chemical informatics or biochemistry, forensic, toxicology, nanotechnology pharmacology, material science, etc.
Requirements: Successful completion of BSc. General – Semesters 1 and 2 (Year I).
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY – 9 SEMESTERS (4 ½ YEARS)
The employment world for chemical technology professionals can be divided into five main sectors: industry, academia, government, non-profit, and entrepreneurship.
Career opportunities include: Academic/Teaching, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Agro Chemistry, Geochemistry, Environmental Monitoring and Policy, Occupational Health and Safety, Textile industry, Metallurgy, Ceramic, Paper, Oil and Plastic industry, Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverages Industry, Government Science Development and Policy, Mining Industry, Forensic Science, Toxicology, Military, Research and Development Consultancy, etc.
Requirements: Successful completion of BSc. General Semester 1 and 2 (Year I).
COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAMMES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE (double major) – 8 SEMESTERS (4 YEARS)
Career Opportunities include: Software developer/Engineer, Database administrator, Information security specialist, Network Administrator, Web developer/designer, Artificial intelligence and machine learning engineer, Organizational Technology Infrastructure Manager, User Interface Designer, Mobile application designer or developer, Computer science trainer, Computer science researcher, Consultant.
Requirements: Successful completion of BSc. General – Semester 1 and 2 (Year I)
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE – 8 SEMESTERS (4 YEARS)
Requirements: For entry into the Bachelor of Science degree, students must have:
- Sat for a minimum of six (6) subjects in LGCSE examinations or its equivalent.
- Obtained a B grade or better in Mathematics.
- Obtained a C grade or better in Biology or Physical Science or other recognised basic science subjects.
- Obtained a D grade or better in English Language.
- Obtained a C grade or better in other two subjects.
- Obtained a D grade or better in the remaining two subjects.
Ranking:
For purposes of admissions, students will be ranked according to the total point score using the points scored in the following subjects:
- Mathematics
- One Science subject (Biology or Physical Science or Other science subjects). In this case, Computer Science or its equivalent is taken as a basic science subject.
- Second Science subject or English Language (whichever is better).
In case of a tie, the APS and/or other criterion (decided by the admission’s committee) will be used. Students will be admitted on merit.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS – 8 SEMESTERS (4 YEARS)
Requirements: For entry into the Bachelor of Science degree, students must have:
- Sat for a minimum of six (6) subjects in LGCSE examinations or its equivalent.
- Obtained a B grade or better in Mathematics.
- Obtained a C grade or better in Biology or Physical Science or other recognised basic science subjects.
- Obtained a C grade or better in English Language.
- Obtained a C grade or better in one other subject.
- Obtained a D grade or better in the remaining two subjects.
Ranking:
For purposes of admissions, students will be ranked according to the total point score using the points scored in the following subjects:
- Mathematics
- One Science subject (Biology or Physical Science or Other science subjects). In this case, Computer Science or its equivalent is taken as a basic science subject
- Second Science subject or English Language (whichever is better).
In case of a tie, the APS and/or other criterion (decided by the admission’s committee) will be used. Students will be admitted on merit.
Career Opportunities: Business Applications Developer, Business/ Systems Analyst, , Database Administrator, e-Business Analyst, Enterprise Resource Planning Specialist, Information Systems Auditing and Compliance Specialist, Information Technology Architect, Information Asset Manager, Information Technology Operations Manager, Information Technology Security and Risk Manager, Project and Program Manager, User Interface Designer, Web Content Manager, Information Technology Governance Specialist, Enterprise Architect., Information Systems Manager, Researcher, Information Systems Trainer, Consultant.
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (B.ENG.) IN COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS – 10 SEMESTERS (5 YEARS)
Career Opportunities: Computer systems engineer, Networks engineer, Network administrator, Network security specialist, Software engineer, Technical problem solver, Telecommunications engineer, Database Administrator, Cyber security analyst, Cloud computing engineer, Software quality assurance manager, Organizational technology infrastructure manager, Computer engineering trainer, Network consultant, Researcher.
Requirements: Successful completion of BSc. – Semesters 3 and 4 (Year II) in Physics and Computer Science at NUL or its equivalent. Diploma in Computer Systems Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering or their equivalent from other institutions recognized by NUL Senate (normally admitted at Year II)
GEOGRAPHY PROGRAMMES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES – 8 SEMESTERS (4 YEARS)
Career opportunities: Environmental Science career opportunities lie in sectors such as Academia, Entrepreneurship, Government, Private Sector and NGOs. Specifically, an environmentalist can work as an Environmental Manager, Land and Water Resource Specialist, Natural Resource Manager, Geographical Information Systems Specialist, Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist, Environmental Consultant etc.
Requirements: Successful completion of BSc. General Semesters 1 and 2 or its equivalent from other institutions recognized by NUL Senate.
BACHELOR OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING (BURP) – 8 SEMESTERS (4 YEARS)
Requirements: For entry into the BURP degree, students must have:
- Sat for a minimum of six (6) subjects in LGCSE examinations or its equivalent.
- Obtained a C grade or better in Mathematics (candidates with a D grade will be required to enrol for, and successfully complete Mathematics Bridging Programme).
- Obtained a C grade or better in English Language (candidates with a D grade will be required to enrol for, and successfully complete English Language Bridging Programme).
- Obtained a C grade or better in other two subjects.
- Obtained a D grade or better in the remaining two subjects.
Ranking:
For purposes of admissions, students will be ranked according to the Admission Point Score (APS), using the points scored in the following subjects:
- Mathematics
- English Language Second Science subject or English Language (whichever is better)
- Any other four subjects.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN GEOGRAPHY – 8 SEMESTERS (4 YEARS)
Requirements: For entry into the Bachelor of Science in Human Geography degree, students must have:
- Sat for a minimum of six (6) subjects in LGCSE examinations or its equivalent.
- Obtained a D grade or better in Mathematics.
- Obtained a C grade or better in English Language (candidates with a D grade will be required to enrol for, and successfully complete English Language Bridging Programme).
- Obtained a C grade or better in other three subjects.
- Obtained a D grade or better in the remaining subjects.
Ranking:
For purposes of admissions, students will be ranked according to the Admission Point Score (APS), using the points scored in the following subjects:
- Mathematics
- English Language Second Science subject or English Language (whichever is better)
Any other four subjects.
MATHEMATICS PROGRAMMES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MATHEMATICS (single or double major) – 8 SEMESTERS (4 YEARS)
Career opportunities: A degree in Mathematics leads to a career in various fields which includes; Data Science, Data Analytics, Biomathematics, Risk Analysis, Investment Analysis, Quantitative Analysis, Cryptography and Information Security, Coding Theory, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics of Finance, Financial Engineering, Teaching and many more.
Requirements: Successful completion of B.Sc. General Semesters 1 and 2 or its equivalent from other institutions recognized by NUL Senate.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN STATISTICS – 8 SEMESTERS (4 YEARS)
Requirements: For entry into the Bachelor of Science degree, students must have:
- Sat for a minimum of six (6) subjects in LGCSE examinations or its equivalent.
- Obtained a B grade or better in Mathematics.
- Obtained a C grade or better in Biology or Physical Science or other recognised basic sciences subjects.
- Obtained a C grade or better in English Language.
- Obtained a C grade or better in one other subject.
- Obtained a D grade or better in the remaining two subjects.
Ranking:
For purposes of admissions, students will be ranked according to the total point score using the points scored in the following subjects:
- Mathematics
- One Science subject (Biology or Physical Science or Other science subjects). In this case, Computer Science or its equivalent is taken as a basic science subject
- Second Science subject or English Language (whichever is better).
In case of a tie, the APS and/or other criterion (decided by the admission’s committee) will be used. Students will be admitted on merit.
Career Opportunities: High employment prospects in almost all sectors of the economy be it in government, private, non-governmental and international organizations in areas requiring application of statistical methods for problem solving and modelling of data in order to produce information to inform policy and decision making at both National and International Levels.
PHYSICS PROGRAMMES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICS (single or double major) – 8 SEMESTERS (4 YEARS)
Career Opportunities: Solar Energy, Material Science, Medical Imaging, Instrumentation, Laboratories (National, Industrial & Private), Meteorology, Modelling Techniques, Serves as a base for several Allied fields in Science and Engineering (e.g. Medical Physics; Electrical/Electronic/Civil/Mechanical); etc.
Entry Requirements: Successful completion of B.Sc. General Semesters 1 and 2 or its equivalent from other institutions recognized by NUL Senate.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (ELECTRONICS) – 8 SEMESTERS (4 YEARS)
Career Opportunities: Telecommunications, Electronic Device Industry, National Industrial and Private Laboratories.
Requirements: Successful completion of B.Sc. Year II in Physics and Mathematics of NUL and its equivalent.
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (B. ENG. IN ELECTRONICS) – 10 SEMESTERS (5 YEARS)
Career Opportunities: Electronic Engineer, Telecommunications Companies (e.g. Vodacom, Telecom, Econet); Embedded Systems Design, Computer Engineering, Engineering Management, Instrumentation, Control Systems Design, Image Analysts & Video Techniques, Simulations, Communications Networks, Radio and TV Broadcasting, Electronics parts repair Industry.
Requirements: Successful completion of B.Sc. Year II in Physics and Computer Science of NUL or its equivalent, Diploma in Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering.
B. POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN MATHEMATICS – 1 YEAR (FULL TIME)
Requirements: The minimum requirement for admission into the B.Sc Honours programme in Mathematics shall normally be a B.Sc. General Degree Second Class Second Division with a minimum average of C in Mathematics as a major subject. Students with equivalent qualifications from other Universities and/or academic institutions may be admitted into the B.Sc. Honours degree programme subject to the approval of the Board of Post-Graduate Studies.
Career Opportunities: Actuary, Broker, Consultant, Financial Analyst, Meteorologist, Epidemiologist, Applied Mathematician, Industrial Mathematician, Pure Mathematician, Secondary/High School Teacher, University Professor
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MATHEMATICS
Requirements: This programme shall be open to those candidates possessing at least the equivalent of the National University of Lesotho Honours Degree in Mathematics with Second Class.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY – 2 YEARS (FULL TIME)
The maximum period allowed is 4 years from the initial registration.
Requirements
- A BSc. Degree with Chemistry as a Major Subject at 2(II) Level with minimum average grade C in the Chemistry courses in the final two years, or a BSc. Degree in Chemical Technology at 2(II) Level
- Students with equivalent qualifications may be admitted subject to approval by the Departmental Board of Studies.
- Students with a BSc. Honours Degree in Chemistry may be exempted from specific courses in the first year of the programme.
Career Opportunities: Chemistry provides excellent opportunities for careers in a variety of professions and occupations in academia, research laboratories, chemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, food industry, cosmetic industry, petroleum industry, government regulatory departments and in diverse fields such as environmental sciences, pharmaceuticals, medical laboratories, materials,
and many other chemical allied fields.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
2 YEARS (FULL TIME) AND 3 YEARS (PART-TIME)
Requirements: Applicant must have first degree in engineering, science or equivalent, with at least a lower second class pass. Previous experience in the energy field will be an added advantage.
Career Opportunities: Graduates of the M.Sc. in Sustainable Energy programme will become specialists in Sustainable Energy with excellent grounding in academic, technical, environmental and socio-economic skills for development and implementation in the multidisciplinary energy sectors of the society, such as: Planning, Government / Administration, Utilities, Project Development, Research and Production.