Monday, October 27, 2008

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SPORTS NATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL TRAINING SCHOOL



NATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL TRAINING SCHOOL
P.O. BOX 3 TEL + 256 41 323945 ENTEBBE UGANDA


Location
The school is strategically located within Entebbe Municipality in the former buildings of Old Law Courts, Entebbe and Forest department on Kampala Road opposite Chief Magistrates Courts, Entebbe. It is within easy reach of Entebbe International Air Port; only about of 6 km which is about 10 minutes ride.

Historical Background
The National meteorological Training School (NMTS) is a government founded Institution started in 1990 under the department of meteorology in then Ministry of Natural Resources which transformed to ministry of Lands, Water and Environment. It started as a training institute for low medium meteorologists: WMO class IV, WMO III and WMO Class II after the loss of Institute of Meteorological training and Research in Nairobi which used to train all East African meteorological personnel to Kenya following break of East African Community in 1977. Currently the school is training both national and international students up to level of diploma in all meteorological related disciplines (WMO III and II).
In 1998, the Uganda government decided transferring all the line ministry schools to Ministry Of Education and Sports (MOES).Up today the control of the school is done by this ministry, under the department of Business, Technical, Vocational and Educational Training (BTVET).


Vision
To be a reputable training institution providing knowledge , skills and developing meteorological and other related sciences for sustainable development.

Mission
To produce well trained, competent and committed personnel for delivery of quality services in the fields of meteorology, aviation, forestry, environment, tourism, agriculture, etc.

Mandate
To train all medium meteorological personnel in Uganda which can deliver quality services to the fields of Meteorology, Aviation/Defence, Agriculture, Forestry/Agroforestry, Environment, Education.

School motto: To make weather and climate information a reality.
Objectives
1. To broaden the teaching curriculum and enhancement of library so as to improve marketability of the products;
2. To train more effective and skilled medium meteorologists to monitor and advise farmers on weather performance at level of sub county of every district;
3. To instill to public the use of weather and climate information in face of weather and climate extremes;
4. To enhance training and research in the science of meteorology and its related sciences.
Strategic objectives
1. To provide high quality and relevant education for effective and efficient service delivery in the fields of meteorology, aviation, forestry, environment, tourism, agriculture, et;.
2. To enhance capacity building for the institution management and development;
3. To mainstream gender, disadvantaged groups in meteorological training and education.;
4. To promote outreach programmes for national as well as community benefit;
5. To expand the school teaching curriculum to include other supplementary courses so as to suit today’s demands.
School management

The management of the school is as follows:

Governing Council (GC) is the supreme governing body of the school comprising 16
members whose representation is from public universities; relevant professional body of the tertiary institution; district council; Principal and Deputy Principal of tertiary institution; ministry of Higher Education; Ministry field of study; academic staff of the institution; non teaching staff; student’s association and alumina of the school. The GC is headed by the chairman referred to as “chair person”. The current chairman is a permanent representative in Uganda with World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Principal is the head of the institution and is responsible for day-to-day running of the school. He is also (a) the secretary to the GC (b) the chairperson to the Academic board (c) chief administrative officer. The Principal of the school is responsible to Chairman and MOES.

Deputy Principal is the assistant to the principal whose responsibilities include ( a) helping the Principal with day-to-day management of the Institution (b) supervises the non-teaching and support staff, principal instructors (c) organizes school workshops, seminars and refresher courses at the school ( d) ensures school development activities and training programmes are implemented.
Academic Registrar who is in charge of all matters related to students’ registration in the Institute.
Lecturers. This constitutes the academic staff. are mainly professional meteorologists who man all the courses.

Departments. There are mainly five departments, namely Climatology and Research; Instruments and Observations; Mathematics and Physics and Special courses and extra-curricular
activities
Present status of the school

In recent times, the National Meteorological Training school decided to diversify its programmes to counterbalance the market demand in the country, more so to take its programmes outside the department of meteorology. This has been possible because it is large enough to train at least 5 or so different courses at a time and to accommodate up to a bout 100 students or more. It is mixed day and boarding. The school very much emphases gender mainstreaming, welcomes disadvantaged groups in its training. It is therefore an institution for every capable person. Computer training is compulsory in all the courses. This is because a computer is the working tool. It is for this that the school has a complete computer centre. The facilities for training and boarding are conducive.
Training facilities:
· There are enough Lecture rooms to handle all courses at a time
· There is a computer room and laboratory where computer courses are carried out. Computer studies in the school are compulsory for students who are doing other courses other than computer.
· There are projectors for illustrations during lessons are available
· There is a full-fledged Model weather station for training in weather observation within the school
· Library with fairly stocked reference books is available.
· Well trained lecturers are available
· The National Meteorological Centre (NMC) where field work can be done is within easy reach.

Transport facilities
There is easy transport between the school and its neighborhoods. Public taxes operating between the airport and Town also to the Main city, Kampala are available all the time.

Boarding facilities
· There are dormitories for both male and female students are within the school. Staying in the dormitory is not compulsory. One can choose to stay outside the school for accommodation facilities are also found around town.
· The meals are provided to the students who are staying within the school.
· Day scholars who pay for meals can also be provided with lunch

Surroundings and recreation
The school is surrounded by interesting features if visited one will not regret for having come to study here. The International Air Port, Entebbe now receives at least 5to 10 different air crafts at a time. It is only 10 minutes ride. If one is not there in the evenings then should be at one of the several beaches found on the shore lands of Lake Victoria which is within a kilometer from the school. Some of which include Lindo, Lutembe, Resort. to mention but a few. The site of Lake Victoria alone can keep one enjoying the evening while at a strategic point at the school. Other places include: Zoo within the town; Botanical Gardens; Kasenyi Landing Site; Lake Victoria Islands; Uganda Museum (near Kampala city); Kasubi Tombs; The Owen Falls Dam in Jinja.

Courses Available
1. Certificate in Basic Meteorology-CBM (WMO class IV meteorologist course)
This is a basic course for Meteorological monitors. Though it is no longer offered on regular basis it is necessary for other professionals who would like to improve their skills at work since it is tailored so as to meet demand at the market. Personnel such as: Traffic controllers; Rainfall Observers; Climate & Weather recorders and reporters; Agriculturists; Environmentalists; Flight crew; Communicators; Foreign WMO students are encouraged to apply.
Minimum requirements: UCE with credits in Physics maths, Geography, English or its equivalent from any recognized institutions.
Objectives
To equip Non- Service and Service Personnel with required knowledge about weather and climate services for sustainable development.
Duration: 1 year.
Phase 1: Theory – 9 months
Phase 2: Field work – (3) months.
Award: WMO class IV certificate in basic meteorology
Admission: On request
Places Available: As applied
Tuition: UG X 300,000= per semester
2. Certificate in Meteorology- CM ( WMO Class III meteorologists course)
This is a lowest professional certificate in Meteorology an equivalent of a meteorological Technician (complete BIP-MT) run on a semester basis. It combines both WMO class IV & III syllabi. The course is comprehensive, so because of need to keep on WMO standards as well as market forces. After successful completion of this course a student may pursue a degree course in any meteorological related discipline.
Minimum requirements: UCE with credits in maths, physics, geography and English. WMO Class IV holders may also apply for it. The following category of people is also recommended for this course: air traffic controllers; ground instructors; air force; flight crews; foreign meteorological personnel.
Objectives
1. To provide broad and effective first hand knowledge on effectiveness of weather and climate information
2. To broaden the scope of the course so as enhance its marketability and students competitiveness for higher professions.
3. To develop students ability to communicate through symbol interpretation and be able to present public weather and forms of communication.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Phase 1: Theory – 21 months
Phase 2: Industrial Training -3 months at National Meteorological, Agro meteorological and hydrometeorological centres or any relevant organization.

Admission: Entirely private
Award: Certificate in Meteorogy (equivalent of WMO class III)
Enrolment: Annual between September and October
Tuition: UG X 300,000= per semester for Ugandan students and $ 200 for foreign students.
Recommendable areas of specialization for WMO Class III certificate holders:
Agrometeorology; Hydrometeorology; Climatology; Satellite meteorology/GIS; Radar meteorology; Instruments & Observations

Course Unit
Year One
Semester one

1.CM 911 Mathematics I
2.CM912 General meteorology I
3.CM913 Aeronautical Meteorology I
4.CM914 Meteorological Instruments
5.CM915 Observation methods
6.CM916 Introduction to computer
7.CM 917 Physics I




Semester two
1.CM 921 Mathematics II
2.CM922 General meteorology II
3.CM923 Aeronautical Meteorology II
4.CM924 Meteorological instruments and observation methods
5.CM925 Computer applications
6.CM926 Physics II
7 Industrial Training
Year two
Semester One

1.CM 811 Introduction to statistics
2.CM812 Computer applications
3. CM813 Introduction to remote sensing
4.CM814 General climatology

Semester two

1.CM 821 Agrometeorology
2.CM822 General meteorology III ( Physical )
3. CM823 Tropical and synoptic Meteorology
4.CM824 Introduction to research Methods and project designing
5.Industrial training
3. Diploma in Meteorology –DM (WMO Class II meteorologist course)
This is a diploma level meteorological course, run on a semester basis, whose graduates will qualify as competent meteorological and other related scientists capable of forecasting, analyzing and interpreting weather for public interest. The course has been amended to form a comprehensive one. After successful completion of this course a candidate will of an equivalent Meteorological Technician (Condensed BP-MT) who will be eligible for Bsc.Meteorology or any meteorological related degree course for his/her further training.
Minimum requirements: WMO class III certificate obtained from any recognized Meteorological institute. UACE with principal passes in either Physics or Maths and any one subsidiary Passes. Principal passes in chemistry, agriculture and biology are also accepted. Knowledge of computing is an added advantage for the candidate.
Objectives
1. To equip students with relevant knowledge and skills so as to enable them deliver quality weather and climate forecasts for public utility.
2. To prepare personnel to deliver quality research work and advisory services in the fields of meteorology, forestry, aviation, defence, environment, tourism, agriculture for sustainable development.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Phase 1: Theory – 21months
Phase 2: Industrial training-3months at National Meteorological, Agro meteorological and hydrometeorological centres or any relevant organization
Award: Diploma in Meteorology (WMO Class II)
Admission: Annual and is both Government and Private Sponsorship
Enrolment: Annual between September and October
Tuition: UG X 350,000= per semester for Ugandan students and $ 226 for foreign students.


Course Units
Year One
Semester one

1.DM I11 Mathematics I
2.DM112 Physics I
3.DM13 Physical Climatology
4DCM114 Meteorological Instruments
5.DM115 Statistics I
6.DM116 Introduction to computer





Semester two
1.DM 21 Mathematics II
2.DM122 Physics II
3.DM123 Climatology
4.DM124 Meteorological instruments and observation methods
5.DM125 Statistics II
6.DCM126 Computer applications
7 Industrial Training
Year two
Semester One

1.DM211 Tropical Meteorology
2.DM212 Dynamic Meteorology
3. DM213 Physical Meteorology I
4.DM214 Agrometeorology and Hydrometeorology
5.DM215 Remote sensing and satellite meteorology

Semester two

1.DM 221 Dynamic meteorology II
2.DM222 Aviation meteorology
3. DM223 Physical Meteorology II
4.DM224 Chart Analysis
5.DM225 Information Communication Technology
6.DM226 Project/ Research
7. Industrial training

4. Diploma in Agrometeorology
This is a specialized course which is expressed in short as agricultural meteorology. This course is intended to make student develop demonstrative minds on the uses of meteorological and hydrological factors in agricultural production activities that include; animal and crop husbandry, forestry, fisheries and horticulture. At the end of the course students should be able to
· demonstrate role of rainfall in crop and animal rearing;
· Know methods of water harvesting;
· assess the extent of weather/ climate disaster
· make timely advisories to public concerning weather disaster

Minimum requirements:
A good WMO class III certificate or holders of UACE with at least 2 principal passes in biology and chemistry with subsidiary passes in agriculture and mathematics or physics or its equivalent from any recognized institution.
Duration: 2 years
Phase 1: Theory – 11/2 years
Phase 2: Field work -6months
Award: Diploma in Agrometeorology
Tuition: 350,000= per semester for Ugandan students and $ 226 per semester for foreign students.
Admission: Annual between September and October

Course units
Year one
Semester One
DAM 700 Basic Meteorology
General Meteorology
Mathematics
Physics
Meteorological Instruments & methods of Observations
Semester two
DAM 701 Introduction of Agrometeorology
· Definition
· Aims & Objectives
· Scope
DAM 702 Soil Science
DAM 703 Solar Radiations
DAM 704Agrometeorological Instruments & methods of observations
DAM 705 Micrometeorology
DAM 706 IT in agrometeorological techniques
Year two
Semester One
DAM 707 Agronomy
DAM 708 Animal production, managerial services & early warning systems
DAM 709 Crop and Animal modeling Techniques
DAM 710 Management of water resources

Semester two
DAM 711 Remote sensing in agriculture
DAM 712 Irrigation management
DAM 713 Statistical methods in agrometeorology and research
DAM 714 Project and Field work



5. Certificate in agrometeorology ( CAM)
This is one of certificate course in the field of agricultural meteorology. It is intended to make students appreciate the role that meteorological and hydrological factors play during agricultural production. At the end of this course students should be able to advise farmers on how to use Meteorological and hydrological factors in agricultural production Activities such as animal and crop husbandry, forestry, fisheries and horticulture, irrigation, beekeeping very much rely on agrometeorology.
Objectives
To equip non-service and service personnel with basic skills in agricultural
production and preparedness
UCE with credits in chemistry, biology management
Minimum requirements, geography, mathematics and English.
A good WMO Class IV certificate or its equivalent from any recognized institution.
Duration: 2 years
Phase 1: Theory – 21months
Phase 2: Field work (3) months
Award: Certificate in agrometeorology
Admission: Annual and purely Private
Tuition: UG X 300,000= per semester for Ugandan students and $ 200 for foreign students.

Course units
YEAR ONE
Semester one
CAM 811 Mathematics I
CAM812 Introduction to basic meteorology
CAM 813 Instruments and observation

Semester two
CAM 821 Statistical methods
CAM 822

6. Specialized certificate in Agrometeorology (SCAM)
This is highly specialized certificate in agricultural production management. It is mainly intended for In-service personnel who would like to improve on their working experiences especially extension agricultural services. Personnel like agricultural assistants and officers; rainfall observers in agricultural estates; meteorological assistants; Instructors from district farm institutes; extension workers; community leaders; teachers from agricultural colleges , primary and secondary schools; agroforesters in particular benefit from this course.
Objective
To improve skills and knowledge of the In-service during his or her delivery of services in place of work.
Duration: 3 months
Award: Specialised certificate in agrometeorology
Admission: Purely private
Tuition: UG X 300,000= per course.


7. Specialised certificate in weather Instruments And Observations (SCWIO)
This is highly specialized certificate in weather instruments and weather observations. It is mainly intended for In-service personnel who would like to improve on their working experiences and awareness of impact of weather and climate around us. Climate and weather affect us daily and therefore there is need to monitor it very closely.Peronnel such as those prescribed in No. 5 above are also recommended for this course.
Objective
1. To equip personnel with knowledge of weather and climate awareness so as enhance day-to-day weather and climate forecasts.
2. To train students in language expressions through symbol interpretation.
3. To equip students with the technology of instruments in use in weather measurements
Duration: 3 months
Award: Specialized certificate in weather Instruments and observations
Admission: Purely private
Tuition: UG X 300,000= per course.


8. Advanced Forecasting course (AFC)
This is specialized certificate course mainly for meteorological officers / weather forecasters already having WMO class II or diploma in Meteorology with several years of experience in Chart analysis and weather forecasting. Its curriculum combines formal lectures, tutorials, chart analysis and simulated on-job-training
Objective:
1. To refresh weather forecasters on the basic principles and skills of weather forecasting methods
2. To update weather forecasters knowledge on the latest developments in day-to-day weather forecasting in order to deliver accurate forecasts
Duration: 3 months
Award: Certificate in advanced Forecasting course
Admission: Purely private
Tuition: UG X 1,765,000= per course for Ugandan students and $ 960 for foreign students
Course Content

TROPICAL METEOROLOGY
Tropical systems and disturbances
Origin of ITCZ and its developments
Tropical and extra-tropical weather Analysis
Analysis of East African climatology
SYNOPTIC METEOROLOGY
Air masses
Pressure patterns and streamlines
Fronts and frontogenesis
Tephigrams analysis
Chart analysis
Forecasting techniques and presentations
Aviation forecasts
PHYSICAL METEOROLOGY
Cloud physics
Radar meteorology
Atmospheric electricity


DYNAMIC METEOROLOGY
· Development theory
· Basic equations and scale analysis
· Applications of horizontal equations of motions
· Circulation and vorticity
· Numerical weather prediction / products concepts and their models
REMOTE SENSING AND SATELLITE METEOROLOGY
Satellite applications
Radar observations and interpretation of satellite imageries
ENTERPRENEURSHIP
Management skill
Managing climate and weather information
Controlling extreme weather events
ICT
Adaptation to modern computer techniques
Adaptation to new meteorological codes
PROJECT /FIELD WORK
Computer Courses ( Purely private)
1. Certificate in computer science
This is a course intended to introduce computer science to students who are coming across computer for first time. It aims giving skills to students so that they apply these skills for solving their day-to-day prolems.
Course Content:
Course unit 1: Introductory computer course
Introduction to computer operations & Microsoft Disc Operation system (MS-DOS);Window 95;Window 98;Windows XP;Window 2000
Minimum requirements
Primary Leaving Examination (PLE). UCE is an added advantage
Duration: 1month
The course targets the following category of people: PLE leavers; office secretaries including copy typists; air force and generally holiday makers
Award: Certificate in computer science
Admission: monthly
Unit 2: Word Processing
Course content:
Microsoft word; Word perfect
Minimum requirements
Good certificate in computer introduction; UCE however UACE is an added advantage;
Award: Certificate in computer science
Admission: monthly
Duration: 1month. This is a course intended to give skills to people who have big work load at offices and business places. The following category of people are especially are recommended for this course: office secretaries & copy typists; personnel officers; bankers; nurses etc.
Unit 3: Spread sheets
Course content:
Microsoft Excel; Lotus 1-2-3 smart suite
Minimum requirements
As above.
Tuition: Depends upon the course taken.

Objectives
To equip In-service and Non-service personnel with basic skills and knowledge of computing so as enable them to apply these skills to solve their day-to-day problems
Award: Certificate in computer science of National Meteorological Training School.
Admission: monthly
Duration: 1month.

2. SPECIALIZED COMPUTER COURSES
This course is intended for people who are dealing with technical problems requiring computer applications, like for examples researching, solving mathematical problems.
Objectives
To expose professional In-service Personnel to technical computer applications so as to enhance their skills in researching
Unit 4: Specialized computer science course
Course content:
Data processing management (office automation); Information Technology; Research methods;
Systems analysis and design
Minimum requirements
A very good computer background; Meteorological officers; Environment officers; doctors; secondary school teachers; Forest officers ; Population officers etc
Award: Certificate in computer science of National meteorological Training school.
Admission: monthly
Duration: 3months
3. PROFESSIONAL COURSES IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Cert. management information systems
Subject Content:
System concepts; Information technology applications; Information and organization; Managing & implementation of systems; System development & evaluation; Information system planning & information Technology; Strategic planning for information systems; Cert. Introduction to information systems
Subject content:
Overview of information systems; Information system and information technology; Systems analysis and design; Management of information system; System implementation
Basic requirement:
Basic knowledge about computer operations; Windows environment (95, 98, 2000, professional, NT, etc; Basic knowledge about common operating systems such as DOS, Windows 95, 98,
2000, professional, NT, etc.)
Target group
Programmers; Local area network users; Data entry clerks; system analysts; System administrators.