UWI St. Augustine Faculties
Science and Agriculture
Visit the web site of the UWI St. Augustine Faculty of Science and Agriculture
School of Agriculture
The School of Agriculture, which comprises the departments of Agricultural Economics & Extension, Food Production, and Life Sciences, has a long history in teaching, research and outreach activities in Tropical Agriculture. Students are part of a school that is committed to solving agricultural and environmental problems of the tropics and benefit not only from the experience and expertise the Faculty has to offer, but also from exposure to the diverse cultures, and rich flora and fauna of Trinidad & Tobago, which inhabit a wide range of ecosystems and habitats, from mountain forests to coastal wetlands. Students in the School of Agriculture also get practical exposure to farming techniques at the University Field Station. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in exchange programmes with the Universities of Wisconsin-Madison, Virginia Tech, Grand Valley State, Florida International and Georgia, thus allowing them to broaden their experience, understanding and perception of agriculture in a different environment.
A common misconception is that a degree in the agricultural disciplines can only lead to a limited career in farming. In truth and in fact the opportunities for today’s agricultural students are endless. The diverse career possibilities within the agricultural field include the areas of Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Journalism, Agricultural Science, Animal Science, Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Horticulture, Forestry, Food Science and Technology, Fisheries/Wildlife and Soil Sciences, just to name a few.
DEPARTMENTS
- Agricultural Economics & Extension
- Food Production
- Life Sciences
School of Sciences
The School of Sciences offers a BSc General degree in Science which allows students to major in one or two Science disciplines or to combine a major in one Science discipline with a major from another faculty. This allows students to acquire a wider range of marketable skills. Departments in the School are involved in innovative research in bioremediation, medical physics, tissue culture, environmental science and natural products. As a student you may have the opportunity to participate directly in some of these novel research projects.
DEPARTMENTS
- Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Physics
undergraduate degree programmes
BSc General Agriculture BSc Agribusiness Management BSc Chemistry and Management BSc Computer Science and Management BSc in Computer Science (Evening University) BSc Geography BSc Human Ecology with specialisations in:- Nutritional Sciences Family and Consumer Service Foods and Foods Service Systems Management BSc Nutrition & Dietetics BSc Information Technology
BSc General with Majors and/or Minors in:
Majors:
Agricultural Science- Agribusiness
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Environmental & Natural Resources Management
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Food and Food Service Systems Management
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Nutritional Science
- Physics
- Zoology
Minors:
- Animal Systems Management
- Crop Systems Management
- Analytical Chemistry
- Sport Nutrition Entrepreneurship
- Entrepreneurship
- Communications and Extension
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Environmental Biology
- Marine Biology
- Zoology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Electronics
- Environmental Physics
- Material Science
- Medical Physics and Bioengineering
- Environmental and Natural Resource Management
- Statistics
Note: A major in any Science or Agriculture discipline may also be taken together with another major, or one or two minors from the Faculty of Science and Agriculture or another faculty.
certificate programmes
University Certificate Programme in Agriculture (UCPA) by Distance: Certificate in Tropical Agriculture (CTA) Certificate of Specialisation in Tropical Agriculture (CSTA)
diploma programmes
Diploma in Agricultural Extension Diploma/Internship in Instituitional and Community Dietetics and Nutrition
University & Faculty Requirements:
See University & Faculty Requirements for Sciences and AgricultureFOR BSC PROGRAMME
- Passes in a minimum of five (5) subjects at CSEC (CXC) General Proficiency (Grades I – III) or GCE O-level, or their equivalents, which must include: English Language, Mathematics and any two (2) of the following:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Agricultural Science
- Physics
- Geography and
- Passes in at least two 2-unit CAPE courses or two GCE A-level subjects, at least one of which must be a Science subject or
- A Diploma or Associate degree in Agriculture, Nutrition and Dietetics, or Science from a recognised tertiary level institution, with normally a minimum average of B or GPA of 2.75
FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE & MANAGEMENT
- A pass in Mathematics at CAPE or GCE A-level as one of the approved Science subjects is required
FOR CHEMISTRY & MANAGEMENT
- A pass in Chemistry at CAPE or GCE A-level as one of the approved Science subjects is required
FOR DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
- A Bachelor’s degree from an approved university or
- A technical or professional qualification awarded by an approved body and practical experience or other qualifications of special relevance to the course.
Qualifying examination
Applicants without relevant academic background in Geography at the secondary school level will be required to successfully sit the sole prerequisite course of the programme: Basic Geographical Skills (for Teachers, First-time Geography students)FOR DIPLOMA IN INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY DIETETICS AND NUTRITION
- A Bachelor’s degree from an approved university (no more
than five years prior to application) with major credits in
Clinical (Human) Nutrition, Food Service Systems Management
and Community Nutrition
Note: Applicants who do not qualify for entry as specified above may be required to pursue supplementary core and professional courses at UWI, to a minimum of 18 credits
FOR CERTIFICATE IN TROPICAL AGRICULTURE
- Passes in a minimum of five (5) subjects at CSEC (CXC) General Proficiency (Grades I – III) or GCE O-level, or their equivalents, which must include English Language and Mathematics
- Practical experience or other qualifications deemed acceptable by the Faculty and University
- Relevant training or work experience in the agri-food sector
FOR CERTIFICATE OF SPECIALISATION IN TROPICAL AGRICULTURE
- Passes in a minimum of five (5) subjects, of which at least two (2) must be at the CAPE or GCE A-level, while the remainder may be acceptable passes in CXC (CSEC) General Proficiency (Grades I – III) or GCE or BGCSE O-level, or their equivalents
- A Diploma in Agriculture or Bachelor’s degree from a recognised tertiary level institution
Approved Science GCE A-level subjects:
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Geography
- Geology
- Applied Mathematics
- Pure Mathematics
- Mathematics
FOR BSC GEOGRAPHY
- Passes in a minimum of five (5) subjects at CSEC (CXC) General Proficiency (Grades I-II pre 1998 and Grades I-III from June 1998) which must include English Language, Mathematics and Geography
- Two 2-unit passes at CAPE/GCE A-level, one of which must be Geography
- For teachers, any advanced certificate from a recognised tertiary level institution will be accepted, in addition to at least one (1) year teaching experience of the subject
- For mature students, the requirements are relevant working experience, educational certificates and successful completion of the programme’s prerequisite course
About undergraduate degree programmes
BSc General (Agricultural Science/Agribusiness)
BSc in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Human Ecology (with specialisations in Nutritional
Sciences, Family and Consumer Service, Foods an Food Service Systems
Management)
Diploma in Agricultural Extension
Diploma in Instituitional and Community Nutrition and Dietetics
The Diploma/Internship programme in Instituitional and Community Nutrition and
Dietetics qualifies graduates of the BSc Human Ecology (Nutrition and Dietetics Option)
for professional accreditation. Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of
Health of Trinidad & Tobago this programme equips students with the practical experience
needed to function effectively as a nutritionist, a dietician or as a professional
in a related field.
University Certificate Programme in Agriculture (UCPA) by Distance
The UCPA by distance teaching offers a:
- Certificate in Tropical Agriculture (CTA), which targets post-secondary school
candidates with limited work experience who wish to matriculate into the Agribusiness
Management or general Agriculture degree programme offered by
the Faculty.
- Certificate of Specialisation in Tropical Agriculture (CSTA) which is designed to fulfill the training needs of middle managers and other professionals in the Agri-food, Agro-environment and Education sectors, who have a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree and after years of work experience, wish to upgrade their knowledge or require certification in a specialised area. the faculty of science & agriculture
School of Sciences
Life Sciences
Areas of study in the Life Sciences are for persons interested in investigating the complex interactions among plant, animal and human life. Students also address strategies for the effective management and sustainable use of technology and the environment. Graduates may pursue careers as science educators, environmental scientists, fisheries biologists, forest conservationists, microbiologists, ecologists, and biotechnologists, or further studies in the medical field.
Mathematics
Regarded as one of the oldest and most fundamental sciences, Mathematics is used extensively in all walks of life. Apart from teaching and research, mathematical theories and techniques are also used to formulate and solve practical problems in business, government, and engineering, and in the physical, life, and social sciences. In fact, many of the individuals working in or with mathematics do not carry the title of ‘mathematician’. For example, engineers, computer scientists, physicists, and economists are among those who use mathematics extensively. Other interesting careers related to the field of mathematics, include actuarial science, business and management, education, engineering, government, law enforcement, operations research and statistics, to name a few.
Computer Science
Today, with computers being used in almost every aspect of our every day lives, coupled with the dynamism of the computer industry there couldn’t be a better time for considering a future in computer sciences. Students with majors in Computer Science have a wide variety of career opportunities available to them after graduation in areas such as computer programming, computer services, telecommunications and Internet services and systems development.
Physics
Physics, a field that has fascinated and challenged the imagination of great men like Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, is regarded as the foundation of modern science. The invention of the cell phone, the laser printer, the Internet and MRI are only a few examples of the phenomenal physicsbased technological progress witnessed in recent times. An education in physics develops problem-solving skills thus allowing physicists to seek employment in a wide range of academic, government, and industrial settings, well beyond the traditional boundaries of physics.
Chemistry
Chemists study the unique link between the biological and physical sciences, and spur advances in the areas of medicine, agriculture, food processing, and industry. Chemical research has led to the discovery and development of new and improved synthetic fibers, paints, adhesives, drugs, cosmetics, electronic components, lubricants, and many other products, as well as processes that save energy and reduce pollution, such as improved oil refining and petrochemical processing methods. These are only a few of the areas of research and application open to persons with a degree in chemistry.

