Engineering Mechanics-An Undergraduate Subject guide 

Mechanics is the study of forces that act on bodies and the resultant motion that those bodies experience. So, its one of the disciplines dedicated to provide solutions in mechanics through engineering principles (where physical principles are given special emphasis), together with scientific and mathematical applications. Engineering mechanics can be applied in areas such as aerospace, manufacturing, electronics, biotechnology, acoustics, automotive, to list but a few.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has defined the term as ‘the art and science of generating, transmitting and utilizing mechanical power; of the production of tools, machinery and their productions; including research, development, design, application, and the co‐ordination of materials, personnel and management’.
Engineering mechanics field is therefore concerned solely with the design and production of all purely mechanical contrivances; including all types of prime movers, vehicles and general engineering products. Here, you lean building blocks of statics, dynamics, strength of materials, and fluid dynamics. Read more
 

PSFU Applauds Busitema University's Outstanding Engagement in the Work Readiness Program

A team of Officials from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda conducted an Evaluation Visit at Busitema University Library, where graduates participating in the Work Readiness Program are placed. The team consisted of Mrs. Flavia Lubega, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of the SG+ Project, and Ms. Brenda Akisa, the Graduates' Relations Officer, was received by Dr. Fredrick Kiwuwa Lugya, the University Librarian and supervisor of the graduates.

Under its Private arm (Busitema University Fund), Busitema University partners with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda to implement the Work Readiness Program (WRP), a collaborative effort between Enabel and PSFU aimed at enhancing the employability and productivity of young graduates. The WRP provides practical work experience and develops soft skills for recent university graduates, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing (including agro-processing), construction, tourism, and ICT. This program empowers graduates to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, thereby improving their Employability.

Dr. Lugya expressed gratitude to PSFU for their support and commended the graduates for their exceptional performance in the program. The PSFU team, in turn, appreciated Dr. Lugya for fostering a strong partnership between PSFU and Busitema University.

Mrs. Lubega Flavia advised the graduates to continue working hard, emphasizing the importance of listening to their supervisors taking the program as a valuable learning opportunity, and sticking to their purposes in the workplace. The team engaged in one-on-one interactions with both new and old cohorts of graduates to gather their feedback on the program and to listen to some of the success stories. Cited among them was Moses Byaruhanga's story who participated in the Work readiness program and attained a number of skills that facilitated his recruitment as a University permanent staff working as an Assistant IT Officer in charge of Web systems 

In conclusion, certificates of completion were presented to graduates from the first cohort, including Ms. Rosemary Nalwanga, Mr. Byaruhanga Moses, Mr. Bageya Ivan, Mr. Semirembe Koyada, and Ms. Nandera Sharon.

Welcome to Engineering Mathematics Subject Guide

This is applied mathematics driven by engineering applications taken directly from core Engineering courses. It is concerning with mathematical methods and techniques used in engineering and industry. It has topics such as Algebra, Trigonometry, 2-D Vectors, Basics of Integration, Differential Equations, Matrices & Systems of Equations and Complex Numbers. Therefore, it is an interdisciplinary subject. The specialized branches include engineering optimization and engineering statistics. Read more

Free and Discounted Open Access Publishing for Busitema Researchers

Busitema University Library announces an exciting partnership Between the Consortium of Uganda University Libraries (CUUL) and Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL) to offer Ugandan authors free and discounted access to open-access publishing opportunities. 

Through negotiations facilitated by EIFL, CUUL has secured agreements with various publishers to waive or discount Article Processing Charges (APCs) for corresponding Ugandan authors. This means that researchers affiliated with CUUL member Institutions now have the chance to publish their scholarly articles in various reputable journals across various subject areas, without the financial burden typically associated with such publications.
A diverse selection of journals covering fields like Management, Health Sciences, Science Education, Humanities, and Agriculture are accessible to Ugandan scholars. Some of the notable journals include the "American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias," "Experimental Agriculture," "Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine: An Open Access Journal," "European Journal of Psychotraumatology," and "BRQ Business Research Quarterly," among many others.
Publishers such as SAGE Publications, Cambridge University Press, Taylor & Francis, and World Scientific actively participate in this initiative.

Being a CUUL Member, Busitema University authors and researchers now have free or discounted access to these reputable journals to share their knowledge with the global academic community without financial barriers.  If you click on the Download button, you will get a full list of eligible journals for corresponding authors from Uganda to publish in open access under these agreements. You can also find details of negotiated agreements, including how to claim the waivers or discounts with each publisher on this page

A Ministry of Public Service delegation paid a courtesy visit to Busitema University today to conduct an audit of the University's records management procedures, processes, and systems. Dr. Frederick Kiwuwa Lugya, the University Librarian and caretaker of the Central Registry and University Records welcomed the team. Dr. Lugya provided an insightful overview of the current records management systems in place at Busitema University, including a detailed explanation of the upcoming University Digital Records Management System. The delegation also received a guided tour of the Central Registry, during which Dr. Lugya highlighted the university's aspirations to modernize the registry to meet contemporary standards upon the availability of funding.

As the University continues to explore avenues for improvement, the delegation has recommended collaborations and benchmarking with other governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Public Service to ensure that; the best records management processes and systems are in place. This fruitful discussion between the delegation and university leadership shows a promising future for enhancing record-keeping practices and ensuring accountability within Busitema University in our continued pursuit of Excellence.
 

Busitema University Final-Year Students Library Clearance Instructions

All final-year students of Busitema University are required to clear their respective Campus Libraries before they can graduate. The library clearance exercise will take place at the respective Campus Libraries during the library open hours, thus no student is required to travel to Busitema Campus to complete the library clearance exercise.

According to the library clearance instructions issued by the University, students must carry evidence that they have submitted their final signed copies of their research reports or dissertations to the Campus  Librarian. The instructions provide a link to the Electronic dissertation submission, where students can upload their final copies.

Students are also required to return all borrowed books to the library. The Campus Librarian will use the student ID to check whether any unreturned or overdue books are on the student's account. Students who have unreturned or overdue books will be guided on the procedure.

In addition, students are required to return all the book borrower cards they received during their first library registration. These cards are the property of the library and form part of the evidence that students do not have any borrowed books.

The library staff will conduct the clearance exercise at the reference desk, and students who encounter challenges are advised to seek guidance from the Campus Librarian.

The university wishes all the final-year students the best in their careers, and those who require support can visit the University Library website for News and contact details.

All final-year students need to comply with the library clearance instructions to ensure a smooth Graduation process.

Libraries play a crucial role in students' Academic journey, providing access to valuable resources that aid in research and learning. However, many students often do not know how to effectively utilize these resources to achieve Academic excellence. This is where library training sessions come in.

On the 2nd of February 2024, the Pallisa Campus Library conducted a training session for graduate students. The session was led by Dr. Lugya Fredrick, the University Librarian, alongside Mr. Wejuli Joseph, the Campus Librarian of Pallisa, Mr. Ntaga Eriya from the Namasagali Campus, and Ms. Glorious Asiimwe, the Campus Librarian for Health Science Library Mbale.

The session's focus was to enlighten students about the various services offered by the library and their significant role in academic enhancement. Dr. Fredrick Lugya and his team provided students with valuable insights into the different electronic resources and facilities available at the library, emphasizing the importance of utilizing these resources effectively to achieve academic excellence.

The graduate students found the training session to be highly enriching, and it enabled them to gain a deeper appreciation for the library's critical role in their academic journey. The session helped them understand how to navigate the library's vast resources and how to use them effectively to enhance their research and learning.

Library training sessions offer various benefits to Graduate students. Here are some of the reasons why attending these sessions is essential:

1. Gain a deeper understanding of library resources: Library training sessions provide students with an opportunity to learn about the different resources available and how to utilize them effectively. This knowledge is crucial in enhancing their academic performance.

2. Learn how to conduct effective research: Libraries offer a wealth of information that can aid in research. Attending training sessions helps students understand how to conduct research effectively, including how to use the library's databases, search engines, and other research tools.

3. Access to expert guidance: Library training sessions are usually led by experienced librarians who are knowledgeable about the library's resources and services. Students can access expert guidance and ask questions that can help them better understand how to utilize the library effectively.

In conclusion, library training sessions are essential for graduate students who seek to excel academically. These sessions not only provide access to valuable resources but also equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to utilize them effectively. As such, attending library training sessions should be a priority for all graduate students.

Click here for more details about the Library's Instruction Programme 

Explore the intricacies of Parkinson's disease through this 25-minute multimedia lecture titled "Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2)" by Prof. Mark Cookson, available in HS Talks under the Biomedical & Life Sciences Collection. The lecture covers critical milestones from 2002, unveiling a new locus, to familial variants in 2004-2005, and a common variant in 2005. The spotlight then shifts to LRRK2 domains and mutations, spotlighting the impact of ROC: COR mutations and the heightened kinase activity induced by LRRK2 p.G2019S. The lecture sheds light on the significance of LRRK2's role in regulating a subset of Rab GTPases and how multiple mutations enhance its kinase activity, raising the pivotal question: is this kinase activity crucial for pathogenesis? Professor Cookson's insights extend to in vivo experiments with kinase inhibitors and a summary of data gleaned from Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), with a focus on two signals, variable penetrance, and a pleomorphic risk locus. The lecture also unravels the intricate relationship between LRRK2 and endolysosomes through experiments in knock-out mice, lysosomal inhibitors, and the intriguing phenomenon of lysosomal tubulation/sorting driven by LRRK2 (LYTL). The journey continues with discussions on LRRK2 activation pathways, its presence in immune cells, and a parallel mechanism in neurons. Prof. Cookson integrates genetic and functional perspectives, exploring single-cell brain expression by genotype and LRRK2 activity in the human frontal cortex and microglia, with a poignant note on the age-related increase of LRRK2 in microglia. The lecture concludes by highlighting the value of single-cell validation in iPSC-derived cells, a screen for functional variants, and the intricate interplay between inflammation and lysosomal gene expression.For further details, watch a video

In the title "Control of Vascular Tone via Transformation of Hydrogen Peroxide" by Prof. Emeritus Roland Stocker from the Heart Research Institute, Australia, the regulation of vascular tone is intricately explored in a 57-minute lecture. The lecture focuses on the intrinsic pathways governing arterial relaxation, introducing Kynurenine as an endothelium-derived relaxing factor produced during inflammation. Prof. Stocker challenges the dogma surrounding Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) as a reductive dioxygenase, unveiling its peroxidase activity and its role in redox signaling and oxidative stress in vessels. The presentation explores the impact of IDO1 on blood pressure in human sepsis and pre-clinical models, detailing its effects on hypotension and endothelial expression in mice. Prof. Stocker elucidates the mechanism of IDO1-mediated arterial relaxation and blood pressure lowering, revealing L-Trp-induced relaxation and the formation of the arterial relaxant cis-WOOH. The lecture highlights the novel role of cis-WOOH in oxidative activation of PKG1α, regulating arterial relaxation and blood pressure. The redox signaling by cis-WOOH is explored through thiol-dependent hydroperoxide metabolism, involving the reaction with GPx4, Prx2/4, and PKG1α in arteries. Prof. Stocker summarizes the intricate redox signaling mechanisms mediated by IDO1 and cis-WOOH, contributing to our understanding of vascular tone control.For further details, watch a video 

OECD principles on good laboratory practice (GLP): OECD Document No. 1, by Ms. Jyoti Baweja Freelancing GLP Professional, India

This 50-minute lecture entitled "OECD Principles on Good Laboratory Practice (GLP): OECD Document No. 1" by Ms. Jyoti Baweja, is a complete exploration of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) principles as presented. The Agenda covers the scope and areas of expertise, emphasizing the global application of GLP and its significance. The lecture delves into the essential elements of GLP principles, outlining roles and responsibilities, particularly those related to test facility management and quality assurance. Ms. Baweja discusses the necessity of GLP and the ALCOA+ principles, providing insights into the facilities, test systems, materials, and reagents involved in conducting studies. The lecture emphasizes the importance of standardized procedures (SOPs), the role of a study director, study personnel responsibilities, and the rigorous performance, conduct, and reporting of studies. Ms. Baweja concludes by addressing the critical aspects of record storage and retention, facility-specific records, and poses challenging questions to reinforce understanding. The lecture serves as a comprehensive guide to OECD principles on GLP, offering valuable insights into the principles and practices governing laboratory studies. For further details, watch a video