UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST

Call for Applications for Scholarships -
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degrees for the 2016/2017 Academic Year at the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

 
Background:
In support of the Government of Ghana’s (GoG) initiatives on food security, the United States Government (USG) through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is supporting a five-year capacity building programme for fisheries and coastal management in Ghana. The project contributes to GoG’s overall fisheries and coastal development programme and USAID’s Feed the Future (FtF) Initiative, the USG led global hunger and food security project designed to enhance economic growth in beneficiary countries. In this context, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (DFAS) at the University of Cape Coast is presently leading the USAID Capacity Building Support Programme for the Fisheries and Coastal Management sub-component in collaboration with Coastal Resources Centre at the University of Rhode Island, USA.
 

(i) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree 

Applications are hereby invited from suitably qualified candidates for the award of five (5) full scholarships to pursue PhD degrees at the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the University of Cape Coast in the following academic programmes/areas:
 
Fisheries Science – One (1) Candidate
Aquaculture – One (1) Candidate
Oceanography and Limnology – One (1) Candidate
Integrated Coastal Zone Management – Two (2) Candidates 

The PhD study will cover a period of three (3) years, beginning the 2016/17 academic year. The scholarships cover tuition, monthly stipends, and field research grants as well as other material and technical support. Successful candidates will spend up to 6 months at the University of Rhode Island in the United States as part of their studies.
 
General Requirement: Applicants must meet the requirements for admission into a PhD programme at the University of Cape Coast.
 
Specific Requirements: In addition, all applicants must satisfy the following specific requirements:
 
1) Must hold a good master’s degree (Grade: A or B+ would be an advantage) from a recognized university in any of the following fields of study:Fisheries Science, Oceanography, Limnology, Aquatic Ecology, Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Coastal Resources Management, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, Environmental Governance, Marine Policy, Conservation Science or Natural Resource Management.
 
2) All candidates must submit:
i. an application letter
ii. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
iii. Motivation letter
iv. Two letters of recommendation 

3) Successful candidates will be required to conduct a research in one of the thematic areas of the USAID/UCC project in either the Western or Central Region of Ghana. Therefore, all applicants MUST in addition to the above (i.e. 1 & 2), submit a 5-page research proposal on one of the following areas: 

i. Fisheries Stock Assessment
Studies will be conducted to assess the status of commercially important marine fish stocks.
 
ii. Studies on Marine Fisheries Governance Issues
Research in this area would involve a survey and review of various social issues in fishing communities as well as existing adaptive management strategies.
 
iii. Research on Fish and Shellfish of Commercial Value
Research on coastal tilapia (black-chinned tilapia), shrimps and mangrove oysters would involve studies on the growth, reproduction, survival of juveniles, and their culture potential.
 
iv. Analysis of Value Chains of Fish Trade
This activity will investigate the different phases of production, processing and marketing of commercial fish species in the country. Factors influencing operations at the various stages in the chain will be investigated.
 
v. Assessment of Biodiversity and Health of Coastal Ecosystems
This work will involve examination of biodiversity of fish, benthic invertebrates, and mangrove communities in lagoons and estuaries to establish the scientific basis for future assessment in view of the numerous anthropogenic threats and the ongoing offshore oil and gas exploration and production. Aquatic environmental factors, occurrence of algal blooms and invasive species will also be investigated.
 
 

(ii) Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degree 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the award of five (5) full scholarships tenable at the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Cape Coast. The Master of Philosophy Degree study will cover a period of two academic years beginning 2016/17 academic year. The scholarships cover tuition, monthly stipends, and field research grants as well as other material and technical support to successful candidates to pursue any of the following programmes of study:

 Fisheries Science
 Integrated Coastal Zone Management
 Oceanography and Limnology
 Aquaculture
 
Requirements:
 
i. Applicants must generally qualify for admission into the masters’ programme at the University of Cape Coast. In addition, all applicants must satisfy the following specific requirements/prerequisites:

ii. Must hold a Bachelors’ degree preferably Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or better from a recognized university in a relevant field of study notably Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Coastal Resources Management, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, Environmental Governance, Marine Policy, Conservation Science, Natural Resource Management among others. 

iii. All candidates must submit the following:
 an application letter
 Curriculum Vitae (CV)
 Motivation letter
 Two letters of recommendation
 
 
Contact:
 
Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview after the closing date. Females are particularly encouraged to apply.
 
All applications must be mailed (regular/ courier) to:
 
The Project Manager, USAID/UCC Fisheries and Coastal Management Capacity Building Support Project, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, GHANA
 
Deadline: 31st March, 2016.
 
Funding Agency: United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Sale of tender document for the supply of buses, mowers and electrical cables.

CR/UCC/GD/0038/2015 supply of 15 seater buses 
CR/UCC/GD/0117/2015 supply of electrical cables
CR/UCC/GD/0116/2015 supply of lawn and industrial mowers

For details kindly refer to the Daily Graphic, Monday 11 January 2016 edition.

By: DR. OXANA ALEXANDROVNA GORLEKU; DEPUTY DIRECTOR (ORAL HEALTH) -DUHS
WHAT IS CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS (CSM)?
Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) is a very serious infection that can sometimes lead to fatal consequences.
CSM is an acute inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord (meninges). This condition is classified as a medical emergency. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) about 10 -15 % of patients diagnosed with CSM die (http://www.who.int/en/).

CAUSES OF CSM
Meningitis can be caused by bacterial, viral, fungi and even chemicals. In our environment, the leading cause is bacterial.  Bacterial meningitis is caused by various bacterial pathogens. Neisseria meningitides, Streptococcus pneumonias and Haemophilus influenza type B are the triad responsible for over 80% of all cases of bacterial meningitis.
Under certain environmental conditions such as dry weather, dusty winds, high temperatures during the day and cold temperatures  at night (especially during the harmattan season from October to March), the virulence of these otherwise naturally existing microorganisms increases, causing sporadic outbreaks of cerebrospinal meningitis. People living in overcrowded conditions, poorly ventilated houses and generally poor sanitary conditions are very vulnerable to respiratory infections, and this encourages the growth and survival of the bacteria.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION
Bacterial and viral meningitis are contagious and can be transmitted through tiny droplets of respiratory secretions from infected person during close contact such as kissing, coughing or sneezing on someone, as well as sharing of eating or drinking utensils. Carrier rates may be as high as 25% during endemic periods and as high as 50% during epidemics. Incubation periods vary from 2 to 10 days.  
Anyone can contract meningitis, but people whose bodies have trouble fighting infections are more susceptible.
 
SYMPTOMS OF CSM
Meningitis can progress rapidly. One must seek medical care quickly when you experience the following symptoms:

• Sudden high fever
• Severe headache
• Neck stiffness
• Photophobia (increased sensitivity to light)
• Vomiting
• Confusion and convulsions

In babies, there may be bulging of the anterior fontanelle (soft part of the head)Although sometimes CSM can end up in fatality, most often it can be successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics. Early treatment can help prevent serious long-term consequences such as deafness, blindness, epileptic seizures and brain damage.

PREVENTION
You can prevent CSM and avoid possible complications by practicing effective prevention. As preventive measures one need to:
Avoid overcrowded places.
Avoid direct contact with people coughing or sneezing.
Allow adequate ventilation in our houses.
Seek immediate medical help when you notice any of the symptoms of CSM.
PLEASE STAY HEALTHY !!!

csm.pdf

It is announced for the information of the University community that in accordance with Statute 10.2 of the University of Cape Coast Statutes, 2012, the University Council at its Special Meeting held on 17th December, 2015, appointed Professor George Kweku Toku Oduro, currently the Acting Provost of College of Distance Education, as the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University for a 3-year term with effect from 1st January, 2016. Professor Oduro takes over from the incumbent, Professor John Nelson Buah, whose term of office ends on 31st December, 2015.

Professor Oduro had also in the past had the following leadership experiences: member, University of Cape Coast Council (1992 – 1993); Director, Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA)(2008 – 2013); Chairman, Takoradi Polytechnic Governing Council (2009 – 2013) and Director, Centre for Continuing Education (2013 – 2014).
The University community and the general are respectfully requested to accord the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. G. K. T. Oduro, the necessary courtesies and cooperation. 


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