Science

Bachelor of Science in Geophysics and Mineralogy

The Bachelor of Science in Geophysics and Mineralogy is a degree programme that focuses on the physical properties of the Earth and the study of minerals. The programme is offered at Kisii University, preparing graduates for careers in mineral exploration, mining, oil and gas exploration, environmental geophysics and geological surveying.

The curriculum covers physics of the Earth, seismology, gravity and magnetic methods, electrical and electromagnetic methods, mineralogy, crystallography, petrology, geochemistry, structural geology, geological mapping, well logging, remote sensing, GIS, research methods and environmental geophysics. Students develop competencies in geophysical surveying, mineral identification and geological data analysis.

Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, laboratory practicals for mineral analysis, field geophysical surveys, industrial attachment and research projects. The practical approach ensures graduates can conduct geophysical surveys, identify minerals, analyse subsurface geological structures and interpret geophysical data.

The programme emphasises the importance of geophysics and mineralogy in Kenya's mining and extractive sector, where mineral exploration and resource assessment are critical for economic development. Students learn about exploration techniques, resource estimation, environmental impact of extraction and the application of geophysical methods to groundwater and engineering investigations.

Graduates are equipped to work in mining companies, oil and gas exploration firms, the Ministry of Mining, the Geological Survey of Kenya, environmental consulting firms, construction companies and research institutions. They play a critical role in resource discovery and geological hazard assessment.

Career opportunities exist in mining companies, oil and gas firms, the Ministry of Mining, Geological Survey of Kenya, consulting firms, construction companies and research institutions. Graduates work as geophysicists, mineralogists, exploration geologists, geological surveyors and environmental geophysicists across the geosciences sector.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 324,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Physics of the Earth
Seismology
Gravity and Magnetic Methods
Mineralogy
Crystallography
Petrology
Geochemistry
Structural Geology
Geological Mapping
Environmental Geophysics

Modules

12 in the programme

Physics of the Earth and Seismology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Earth structure, seismic waves, earthquake seismology and Earth's internal properties.
Foundations of the Discipline
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Mineralogy and Crystallography
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Mineral classification, crystal systems, optical mineralogy and mineral identification.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Gravity and Magnetic Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Gravity surveys, magnetic surveys, data acquisition and interpretation for subsurface exploration.
Petrology and Geochemistry
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic petrology, geochemical analysis and rock-forming minerals.
Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Electrical resistivity, electromagnetic surveys and induced polarisation methods.
Structural Geology and Geological Mapping
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Geological structures, mapping techniques, field geology and structural analysis.
Remote Sensing and Well Logging
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Remote Sensing and Well Logging: Remote sensing applications, borehole geophysics and well log interpretation. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Research Methods and Geophysics Project
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research Methods and Geophysics Project: Research design and a project applying geophysics and mineralogy principles. Covers quantitative and qualitative approaches, data collection, analysis, and ...

Specialisations

Exploration Geophysics
Focus on mineral exploration techniques, seismic methods and resource assessment. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Mineralogy and Crystallography
Specialisation in mineral identification, crystal structure analysis and mineral chemistry. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Environmental Geophysics
Focus on groundwater investigation, environmental site assessment and geological hazard analysis. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Oil and Gas Geophysics
Specialisation in petroleum exploration, well logging and reservoir characterisation. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending geophysics lectures, analysing mineral samples in the laboratory, conducting gravity or magnetic surveys in the field, processing geophysical data using specialised software, and studying crystallography and mineral identification techniques.

The trade offs

In its favour

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 243 science courses

Public240k to 324k

240k at Kenyatta University324k at University of Nairobi

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

UoN BSc Geology ~324K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). KU BSc ~240K/yr (ku.ac.ke). Private: unverified.

Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. DAAD offers scholarships for STEM and geosciences students.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Loan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Scholarship
Needy students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
DAAD Scholarship
Scholarship
Undergraduate students in STEM and geosciences fields

Scholarships

3 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: KCSE C+ (Plus) OR A Level with two principal passes; OR a relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate and CUE.

How you are assessed

2 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Kisii University under the School of Pure and Applied Sciences.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Graduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as geophysicists, mineralogists, exploration geologists and geological surveyors in mining companies, oil and gas firms, government agencies and consulting firms.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Oasis montaj
SoftwarePrimary
Geophysical data processing software for gravity, magnetic and electromagnetic survey data.
QGIS
SoftwarePrimary
GIS software for geological mapping, mineral exploration data and spatial analysis.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet for geophysical data analysis, mineral composition calculations and reporting.
MATLAB
Software
Numerical computing software for geophysical modelling and signal processing.
Google Earth
Software
Satellite imagery for geological site assessment and terrain analysis.
ArcGIS
SoftwarePrimary
GIS software for geophysical mapping and mineral exploration.
R
Software
Programming language for statistical computing in geophysical research.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Geophysics is just about rocks.
The programme covers Earth physics, seismology, gravity and magnetic methods, mineralogy, geochemistry and environmental geophysics.
Graduates only work in mines.
Graduates work in oil and gas exploration, environmental consulting, construction, groundwater investigation, research institutions and government agencies.
Geophysics has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya's growing mining and oil exploration sector creates demand for geophysics professionals.
Mineralogy is just about identifying minerals.
Mineralogy involves crystallography, mineral chemistry, economic geology and the study of mineral formation processes.