Biological and Marine Sciences Unit

Biology is the study of life, aimed at addressing fundamental questions about the origin, evolution, development, and behaviour of living organisms, from the structure and function of their molecules and cells to the interactions and evolutionary dynamics between organisms and their ecosystems.

 In the Biological and Marine Sciences Unit  at Marian University College (MARUCO) we offer courses that highlights the remarkable and often surprising ways in which life emerges, changes, grows, and dies across a diversity of microbes, plants, and animals, including humans.  Understanding biology helps us to understand the past, present, and future of the natural world that surrounds us, and better appreciate our own place within it.

Since biology is a multifaceted field that covers all elements of life that have ever existed, MARUCO strives to hire academic staff who excel in the various fields of study surrounding the biological sciences.

While programmes are rigorous and demanding the Unit maintains an informal and friendly atmosphere encouraging interaction and exchange of ideas and equipment between academic staff and all students. This provides a very welcoming environment for everyone at Marian University College.

 

Careers in Biology

Careers in biology include teaching secondary school and higher level institutions. In addition, biologists travel the world to research animals, investigate microorganisms in the laboratory, and develop medical advances in the life sciences. They work for scientific research and development organizations, government agencies, diagnostic laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies.

 

Degree Programme

BSc with Education (Chemistry and Biology, Geography and Biology, and Physics and Biology).

Biological and Marine Sciences Unit Staff

Dr. Reuben Maghembe

Senior Lecturer in Biology

Profile:

Dr. Reuben Maghembe is a respected academic figure, holding the distinguished position of Lecturer within the Biological and Marine Sciences Department at Marian University College (MARUCo). His extensive academic background and research pursuits reflect his dedication to advancing knowledge in the realm of biological sciences.

Educational Background:

Dr. Maghembe's academic journey is marked by excellence. He earned a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree with a major in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Dar es Salaam in 2010. Building upon this foundation, he pursued further studies, obtaining a Master of Science in Biochemistry in 2015 from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). His academic ascent culminated in a notable achievement—a PhD in Molecular Biosciences from a collaborative effort between the University of Dar es Salaam (TZ) and Lund University (Sweden), which he successfully completed in 2021.

Specializations and Research:

Dr. Maghembe's expertise spans diverse domains within the biological sciences, encompassing Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and Immunology. His research endeavors are firmly anchored in microbiome studies, bioprospecting, and genome mining for drug discovery from microorganisms. Notably, he is currently engrossed in the bioprospecting of Bacillus spp. and related bacteria, exploring their potential in combatting ESKAPE pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca. His innovative approach combines genomic bioinformatics with experimental methods, aiming to develop novel therapeutic agents against microbial pathogens and metabolic diseases.

Consultancy and Publications:

Dr. Maghembe's expertise extends to consultancy work, specifically in multiomic approaches encompassing genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, as well as the intricate bioinformatics underpinning these methodologies.

His contributions to the field are further exemplified through a diverse array of publications, which can be accessed via his Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3QtIDjQAAAAJ&hl=en.

Contact Information:

To engage with Dr. Reuben Maghembe's scholarly pursuits or collaborate on innovative research, please utilize the provided contact information:

Dr. Peter F. Kasigwa

Title: Senior Lecturer in Biology

Mr. France P. Mdoe

Title: Assistant Lecturer in Biology

Mr. Shabani Said Selemani

Title: Assistant Lecturer in Biology
TOP