Skip to Content

Welcome to the Department of  Biology  

 Biology department of Hawassa University is one of the ten departments under the college of Natural and computational Sciences.


Biology department of Hawassa University is one of the ten departments under the college of Natural and computational Sciences. It was established in 2000 with undergraduate BSc program, and now the department has two undergraduate programs (BSc and BEd), six MSc programs and four PhD programs including the Doctor of Education in Biology (DED). 

Our Programs

The overall objective of the BSc program is to train students of high academic caliber at Bachelor of Science level who can take up position in various related disciplines such  as  teaching, agriculture, health, environmental conservation, industries, research centers, etc. The standard period of study to complete BSc program in regular modality is four years with eight semesters while it takes seven years to complete BSc in Biology in the extension program. The purpose of BEd program is to produce effective teachers of the discipline, and particularly to equip BEd trainees with the knowledge, skills and dispositions required to become effective secondary school teachers. The standard period for BEd program in the regular modality is four academic years with eight semesters.

Generally, the MSc programs of the department focus on professional development and advanced skills in a specific field, preparing graduates for career advancement and expert roles, while PhD programs aim to develop independent, high-level researchers capable of creating new knowledge through original, independent research and contributing to their disciplines’ scholarly advancement. For Msc programs, the standard study period for a full-time regular student is two years of which, the student spends one year on course work and the rest in research activities. The duration of the study for PhD program is four years of full-time regular students. The study period for MSc and PhD can be extended due to leave of absence and other valid reasons approved by the department.

Undergraduate

  • BSc. in Biology
  • BEd. in Biology


Masters of Science (MSc)

  • MSc. in Applied Microbiology
  • Msc. in Biomedcal Sciences
  • MSc. in Botanical Sciences
  • MSc. in Genetics
  • MSc. in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health
  • MSc in Biology (Summer Program)

Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 

  • PhD in Applied Microbiology
  • PhD in Environmental Toxicology
  • PhD in Genetics and Genomics
  • Doctor of Education in Biology (DED)

Graduate profile of each program

Graduate profile BSc Program

Upon completing the undergraduate study program in Biology, a graduate should develop scientific concepts, critical thinking, creativity and problem solving ability, effective communication skills and ethical responsibility with the appreciation of cultural diversity.

Graduate profile BEd Program

After completing B.Ed degree in Biology, the graduates are able to teach secondary school Biology as major and Chemistry (when there is shortage of Chemistry graduates),  prepare teaching materials, conduct research in biological education and related fields, operate basic biological equipment, systematically collect and identify biological materials, undertake graduate training in teaching Biology, and handle environmental and conservation problems and to teach the society.

Graduate profile MSc Programs

After completing B.Ed degree in Biology, the graduates are able to teach secondary school Biology as major and Chemistry (when there is shortage of Chemistry graduates),  prepare teaching materials, conduct research in biological education and related fields, operate basic biological equipment, systematically collect and identify biological materials, undertake graduate training in teaching Biology, and handle environmental and conservation problems and to teach the society.

Graduate profile of MSc. in Applied Microbiology

Upon completion of MSc program in Microbiology, the graduates are expected to acquire adequate knowledge to:

  • Conduct problem solving biological researches
  • Integrate scientific and indigenous knowledge of the society for better economic development and wellbeing of the environment
  • Provide professional service to the community at large in the areas of agriculture, environment conservation and protection, health and industry 
  • Play a leadership role in the society
  • Serve as professional consultant in government institutions, non-governmental organizations and private sectors.  
  • Serve as instructors of microbiology in higher learning institutions

Graduate profile of MSc. in Botanical Sciences

The MSc program in botanical science will produce competent graduates that  are able to  carry out the following professional activities: will be able to apply their knowledge and scientific skill in international and multicultural teams and different socio – cultural environments, deal with research, training and policy issues related to plant science and conservation of biodiversity, etc. in governmental and non-governmental organizations, international organization and scientific institutions, etc.

Graduate profile of Msc. in Biomedcal Sciences

After successful completion of M.Sc. program in Biomedical Science, a graduate is supposed to acquire the following skills and knowledge:

  • Possess methods to conceive, design and develop research proposal and project in their respective field of specialization.
  • Acquire skill to identify practical problems and conduct researches to solve the already identified problems in their respective biomedical sciences
  • Understand theoretical knowledge and practical skills in Biomedical sciences (in vivio, in vitro efficacy of plant extracts, epidemiological survey)
  • Deal with development constraints pertinent to their fields of specialization
  • Conduct basic and adaptive researches in Biomedical sciences and related field of specialization
  • Understand the formulation, analyzing, implementation and evaluation the development policies and strategies pertinent to their field of study.

Graduate profile of MSc. in Genetics

Upon completion of this MSc program, the graduates are expected to:

  • Identify problems and seek solutions to biological problems in his/her field of specialization;
  • Teach Genetics and related subjects at higher learning institutions;
  •  Design and implement research projects in his/her field of specialization.
  • Integrate scientific  and indigenous knowledge for better economic development and well being of the society;
  • Provide professional service to the community at large in the areas of agriculture, biodiversity and environmental conservation, health and  industry ;
  • Play a leadership role in the society in his/her areas of specialization, 
  • Serve as professional consultant in government institutions, non-governmental organizations and private sectors related to biodiversity issues.  

Graduate profile of MSc. in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health

This MSc program in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health (ETEH) is expected to produce graduates with brilliant and creative competencies who are able to carry out a number of professional activities.

Upon completion of this MSc program, the graduates are expected to:

  • Acquire adequate knowledge in the area of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health;
  • Conduct relevant and demand – driven , problem – solving and action oriented independent research projects  in the areas of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health; 
  • Design, plan,  implement, monitor and evaluate  related research projects independently at higher learning and research institutions;
  • Serve as professional consultant in government institutions, non-governmental organizations and private sectors related to the field (e.g. determining safety levels of industrial effluents, agricultural discharges, environmental impact assessment and risk management, etc).
  • Integrate scientific  and indigenous knowledge for sustainable environment, better economic development and wellbeing of the society;

Graduate profile PhD Programs

Graduate profile of PhD in Applied Microbiology

A qualified PhD graduate in Applied Microbiology:

  • Instructs microbiological courses at higher learning institutions
  • Identifies, designs and implements research projects independently or in the leadership of a research team to seek practical solutions to biological problems
  • Develops proposals, executes projects, designs programs and interventions as part of the professional team
  • Provides advisory and consultancy services in microbiological issues to government, non-government organisations and private companies.
  • Creates and facilitates the common goals of fighting community problems and sustainable utilization of microbial resources/ technologies
  • Develops and exploits complex biological systems of microbes to improve sustainable use of their potential in food, feed, health remedies, environmental service, and energy and crop production.

Graduate profile of Doctor of Education in Biology (DED)

After successful completion of the program, the graduates are expected to be equipped with both theoretical knowledge and pedagogical skills in fields of biology education, which enable them to:

  • Teach at colleges and other training institutions
  • Carry out biological researches and experiments independently
  • Collect, analyze, synthesize and evaluate biological data scientific information from various sources
  • Write, report and present research results
  • Design and develop need based curriculum in the field of Biology education
  • Write and prepare instructional materials such as text book in the field of Biology
  • Evaluate text books, curriculum and syllabus in relation to biology education
  • Relate and integrate biology education with ICT
  • Design and conduct trainings in contemporary issues of biological sciences
  • Provide professional advice and service at national/regional education sectors

Graduate profile of PhD in Environmental Toxicology

Graduates of this PhD program are expected to have the following professional profiles:

  • Characterize environmental systems with respect to their structure, functions, ecological and socioeconomic attributes  with respect to Environmental Toxicology;
  • Design, plan,  implement, monitor and evaluate  research projects in Environmental Toxicology  independently at higher learning and research institutions;
  • Undertake demand-driven, problem-solving and action oriented independent research projects  in Environmental Toxicology  by integrating scientific  and indigenous knowledge for better economic development and well-being of the society;
  • Provide professional services in the areas of environmental protection, natural resource conservation, agriculture, health and  industry  especially with respect to waste management; 
  • Serve as professional consultants in government institutions, non-governmental organizations and private sectors related to Environmental Toxicology (e.g. determining safety levels of industrial effluents, agricultural discharges, environmental impact/ risk assessment and management, etc.).

Graduate profile of PhD in Genetics and Genomics

Graduates with a PhD in Genetics and Genomics are expected to have the following competencies:

  • Master advanced concepts of genetics and genomics including an in-depth understanding of conceptual and theoretical elements of the discipline and its applications;
  • Master and proficiently perform fundamental and modern techniques in genetics and genomics;
  • Identify relevant problems in health, industry, agriculture or environment sectors and find solutions by applying knowledge in genetics and;
  • Lead, mentor and coach research team in his area of specialization;
  • can teach courses related to genetics and genomics at higher education institutions;
  • can identify, design, and implement research projects independently or with research teams in the areas of genetics and genomics specifically related to biodiversity conservation and management, environmental management, biotechnology, animal and crop improvement; and microbial and biomedical sciences;
  • can lead, consult and advise the government, NGOs, and the private sector on projects in the areas of genetics and genomics in agricultural, environmental and biodiversity sciences and management sectors;
  • can positively influence and serve the society as an agent of change in matters related Genetics and Genomics.

Available Resources and Facilities

Biology Department has two undergraduate and two post graduate laboratories. The two undergraduate laboratories are mainly used for doing practical actives for undergraduate students: freshman, BSc (year II - IV) and BEd  (Year II-IV) students. The third laboratory is a molecular laboratory that is used for teaching of postgraduate students and research. This laboratory is used for MSc and PhD students of Microbiology and Genetics, and MSc students of Biomedical Sciences. It can also be used by other MSc student of Biology and other students from different departments. The equipment available in molecular laboratory laboratory includes Newest thermal cyclers, PTC, Thermo cycler, Binocular microscope, Gel documentation, Veriti thermal cycler, PCR, Frige. Electrophoresis and Dissecting microscope. This laboratory is used for DNA extraction and analysis. The third laboratory is used to teach PhD students of Environmental Toxicology and MSc of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health.  

Potential employers of graduates of each program

Potential employers of graduates of BSc Program

The employers of graduates of BSc Program of Biology include Ethiopian Ministry of Education, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) and EIAR Centers in different parts of the coutry, Ethiopian Institute of Biodiversity, Bio and Emerging Technology Institute (BETin), Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EEPA) and Regional EEPA Offices, Ethiopian Forestry Development (EFD), National Parks in Ethiopia, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations working on biodiversity and environment conservation, agricultural productivity, health and climate change mitigations.

Potential employers of graduates of of BEd Program

The potential employers of graduates of BEd Program include Ethiopian Ministry of Education, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) and EIAR Centers in different parts of the coutry, Ethiopian Institute of Biodiversity, Bio and Emerging Technology Institute (BETin), Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EEPA) and Regional EEPA Offices, Ethiopian Forestry Development (EFD), National Parks in Ethiopia, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations working on biodiversity and environment conservation, agricultural productivity, health and climate change mitigations.

Potential employers of graduates of MSc. in Applied Microbiology

In Ethiopia, the demand for microbiologists having MSc degree is progressively increasing in different sectors. Potential employers of the graduates include health and microbial based research institutions, food processing industries, agricultural sectors, health organizations, higher learning institutions, non-governmental organizations, private sectors, community organizations and others. Beverage and food industries are flourishing in different parts of the country and these industries totally or partially depend on the activities of microbes. As industries flouring, the issue of environmental pollution and its microbial treatments (industrial effluent and sewages treatments) is also increasing which again heavily depends on the activities of microbes to solve the problems. 

Potential employers of graduates of Msc. in Biomedcal Sciences

Potential employers of the graduates of Msc. in Biomedcal Sciences (biomedical scientists)  include Public and Private Hospitals for diagnostic services, such as clinical pathology, hematology, microbiology, and biochemistry; Research Institutions such as Centers like the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) and university-affiliated research labs to conduct studies on infectious diseases, genetic disorders, and other health-related areas; Public Health Organisations (governmental and  non-governmental organisations) focused on public health programs for disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, and the implementation of health policies; Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies ( for drug discovery, quality control, and the development of new diagnostic tools); Public and Private Universities in Ethiopia (as researchers, lecturers, and lab technicians); and Food and Beverage Industries (for quality assurance and safety testing of products). 

Potential employers of graduates of MSc. in Botanical Sciences

Potential employers of graduates of MSc. in Botanical Sciences comprises Higher institutions that train students in plant biology and doing research on plants and plant biodiversity, Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority, Ethiopian Forestry Research Center, Botanical Garden Centers, National Parks, Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute,  National Soil Research Center, National and Institutional Herbaria, NGOs focused on agriculture and environment, private companies in agriculture, horticulture, and food processing, and farmer cooperatives and unions,  etc.

Potential employers of graduates of MSc. in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health

Potential employers of graduates of MSc. in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health are Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority and Regional Offices, Institutions working on environmental impact assessment and risk management, different Industries in the country, governmental and non-governmental organizations working on protection of environmental pollution, research institutions working on ecotoxicology and environmental health, etc.

Potential employers of graduates of MSc. in Genetics

Potential employers of graduates of MSc. in Genetics include Academic & Research Institutions (such as Universities,   Bio and Emerging Technology Institute of Ethiopia, Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute); International Research Centers such as International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) (for research on livestock and other agricultural areas); Private Sector such as seed producers, exporters and importers (for developing and improving crops);  Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies; and Consultancy for  consulting roles in various biotechnology-related sectors.

Potential employers of graduates of PhD in Applied Microbiology

Potential employers of graduates of PhD in Applied Microbiology include Academic Institutions for Teaching and Research, governmental research institutes such as Ethiopian Biotechnology Institute, international research centers and in the private sector within industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and environmental management (to work on bioremediation, waste management, and developing sustainable waste management  using microbial processes).

Potential employers of graduates of PhD in Environmental Toxicology

Potential employers of the graduates include government bodies (such as Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority at national and regional levels, Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and institutes like the Ethiopian Environment and Forest Institute); non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Academic and Research, Private Sector (such as industries involved in pharmaceuticals, chemicals and consumer products).

Potential employers of graduates of PhD in Genetics and Genomics

Potential employers of graduates are research institutions are Public Health Institute (EPHI), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Bio and Emerging Technology Institute of Ethiopia, Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute, Universities and Academic Institutions, Private Laboratories and Companies ( in specialized labs in Ethiopia or abroad) and the graduates can give  Consultancy services and Trainings regarding genetics and molecular biology, leveraging their advanced knowledge

Potential employers of graduates of Doctor of Education in Biology (DED)

Potential employers of graduates of DED include Academic Institutions such as Universities and Colleges (for teaching and research, curriculum development, and faculty training); Ministry of Education (developing and implementing biology education curricula), Ministry of Health (to contribute to public health education programs); NGOs working on health and education and Education Technology Companies.