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Bachelor of Science in Applied Animal Laboratory Science

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Animal Laboratory Science is a degree programme that focuses on laboratory techniques and diagnostic methods applied to animal health and biomedical research. The programme is offered at the University of Eldoret, equipping graduates with specialised skills in animal laboratory diagnostics, research methodology and quality control.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 275,400
Ksh 1,101,600 total
Private tuition
Ksh 178,800
Ksh 715,200 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 275,400 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,101,600 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 178,800 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 4 years, full-time, with 8 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Aquaculture Technologist, at 3 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

The curriculum covers animal laboratory science, laboratory techniques, animal health diagnostics, research methodology, quality control, biomedical research, clinical chemistry, haematology, microbiology, parasitology, histology, molecular biology, biostatistics, laboratory management, biosafety and animal ethics. Students develop competencies in laboratory diagnostics and research.

Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, laboratory practicals, diagnostic exercises, research projects and industrial attachment. The practical approach ensures graduates can perform laboratory tests, diagnose animal diseases, manage laboratory quality systems and conduct biomedical research following established protocols.

The programme emphasises the critical role of laboratory science in animal health and biomedical research, recognising that accurate diagnostics and research data are essential for disease control and scientific advancement. Students learn about laboratory safety, quality assurance, diagnostic technologies and the application of molecular techniques in animal health.

Graduates are equipped to work in veterinary diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, university laboratories, agricultural research organisations, food safety laboratories and public health institutions. They contribute to disease diagnosis, research and quality assurance in animal and biomedical laboratory settings.

Career opportunities exist in veterinary diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, university laboratories, food safety laboratories and public health institutions. Graduates work as laboratory technologists, research assistants, diagnostic technicians, quality control officers and laboratory managers in animal health and biomedical research settings.

What you study

6 subjects
  • Animal Laboratory Science
  • Laboratory Techniques
  • Animal Health Diagnostics
  • Research Methodology
  • Quality Control
  • Biomedical Research

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Introduction to Animal Laboratory Science

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Overview of animal laboratory science, laboratory operations, and diagnostic applications.

  • Laboratory Techniques

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Fundamental laboratory techniques, including sample handling, preparation, and analysis.

  • Animal Health Diagnostics

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Diagnostic techniques for animal diseases, including serology, microbiology, and parasitology.

  • Clinical Chemistry

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Clinical chemistry analysis, biochemical testing, and interpretation of results.

  • Hematology

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Hematology: Blood analysis, hematological testing, and blood disorder diagnosis. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Microbiology

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Microbial identification, culture techniques, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

  • Parasitology

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Parasite identification, diagnostic techniques, and parasitic disease diagnosis.

  • Quality Control in Laboratories

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Quality control systems, laboratory accreditation, and quality assurance protocols.

  • Laboratory Management

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Laboratory Management: Laboratory operations management, resource allocation, and laboratory safety. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.

  • Research Methodology

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Research design, experimental methods, and data analysis for laboratory research.

  • Molecular Diagnostics

    Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore

    Molecular Diagnostics: Molecular techniques for disease diagnosis, including PCR and DNA analysis. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Laboratory Science Project

    Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore

    Laboratory Science Project: Independent research project on animal laboratory science topic. Involves independent research, data analysis, and scholarly writing under supervision.

Specialisations

  • Molecular Diagnostics

    Focus on molecular techniques, PCR, and DNA-based diagnostics. 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.

  • Clinical Diagnostics

    Focus on clinical chemistry, hematology, and diagnostic techniques. 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.

  • Microbiology

    Specialization in microbial identification, culture techniques, and antimicrobial testing. 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.

A day as a student

Students attend lectures, conduct laboratory experiments, participate in diagnostic testing, and engage in research activities.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Critical role in animal health diagnostics and disease surveillance.Laboratory work requires strict adherence to safety protocols and quality standards.
Hands-on laboratory experience with advanced diagnostic techniques.Laboratory work can be repetitive and requires attention to detail.
Growing demand for laboratory professionals due to increased focus on animal health.—

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 303 agriculture courses
Public261k to 275k
261k at University of Nairobi275k at Kenyatta University
Private111k to 179k
111k at Mount Kenya University179k at University of Eastern Africa, Baraton

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

KU Animal Health 275.4K/yr, UoN BSc 260.9K/yr (KUCCPS). MKU Lab Sci 111K/yr, UEAB 178.8K/yr.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships and county government bursaries.

Funding options

  • HELB Undergraduate Loan

  • Universities Fund Government Scholarship

  • County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan

    Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.

  • Ministry of Health Kenya Scholarships

    ScholarshipKenyan

    Healthcare workers sponsored by national or county governments

  • TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship at Egerton University

    ScholarshipKenyan

    Students admitted to agriculture, natural resources and food science programmes at Egerton University

  • County Government Bursaries

    GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan

    Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.

Scholarships you could apply for

7 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSEminimum entry
Alternative entry

Diploma holders in Laboratory Science, Animal Health, Biology, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

When it next starts

Taught at 1 institution
January 20271 institution

Including University of Eldoret.

May 20271 institution

Including University of Eldoret.

September 20271 institution

Including University of Eldoret.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Research Project

    Project100% of the mark

    Independent research project on animal laboratory science topic.

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat30% of the mark

    Regular tests, assignments, and laboratory reports throughout the semester.

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Exam70% of the mark

    Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.

  • Laboratory Practical Assessments

    Practicum100% of the mark

    Evaluation of laboratory skills, diagnostic techniques, and quality control procedures.

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    NationalRequired

    CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. This programme must be offered by a CUE-accredited university.

  • Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB)

    Professional

    Graduates working in veterinary diagnostic laboratories may register with KVB for professional recognition.

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at the University of Eldoret. Graduates working in veterinary diagnostic laboratories may register with the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) for professional recognition.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

  • Research Scientist

    Medium demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 140,000

    Conduct research, develop diagnostic methods, and contribute to scientific knowledge.

  • Laboratory Technologist

    High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Conduct laboratory tests, implement diagnostic protocols, and ensure quality control.

  • Diagnostic Specialist

    Medium demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000

    Specialize in diagnostic techniques, interpret test results, and advise on diagnosis.

  • Quality Control Officer

    Medium demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000

    Ensure quality control, implement quality systems, and maintain laboratory standards.

  • Laboratory Manager

    Low demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000

    Manage laboratory operations, oversee staff, and ensure laboratory efficiency.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in animal laboratory science, diagnostics, and research across Kenya's animal health sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Microsoft Excel

    SoftwarePrimary

    Spreadsheet for laboratory data management, analysis and reporting.

  • SPSS

    SoftwarePrimary

    Statistical analysis software for research data analysis and interpretation.

  • ImageJ

    Software

    Image processing and analysis tool for microscopy and histology images.

  • BLAST

    Software

    Bioinformatics tool for sequence alignment and molecular biology research.

  • LIMS

    Software

    Laboratory Information Management System for sample tracking and laboratory workflow management.

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Applied Animal Laboratory Science is the same as Medical Laboratory Science.

    This programme focuses on animal laboratory diagnostics and biomedical research, whereas Medical Laboratory Science focuses on human clinical diagnostics.

  • Graduates only work in veterinary clinics.

    Graduates work in veterinary diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, food safety laboratories and public health institutions.

  • The programme is just about drawing blood from animals.

    The programme covers clinical chemistry, haematology, microbiology, parasitology, histology, molecular biology, biosafety and laboratory management.

  • The programme is available at multiple universities.

    Only the University of Eldoret offers this exact programme in Kenya, as confirmed by KUCCPS.

  • Career opportunities are limited.

    Graduates work in diverse settings including research institutions, diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and food safety organisations.

  • The programme does not cover research skills.

    Research methodology, biostatistics and independent research projects are core components of the curriculum.

Further reading

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