Agriculture

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.

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.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 275,400
Private, up to: Ksh 178,800
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 8 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Bachelor

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 favour

Critical role in animal health diagnostics and disease surveillance.
Hands-on laboratory experience with advanced diagnostic techniques.
Growing demand for laboratory professionals due to increased focus on animal health.

Against it

Laboratory work requires strict adherence to safety protocols and quality standards.
Laboratory work can be repetitive and requires attention to detail.

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.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: Diploma holders in Laboratory Science, Animal Health, Biology, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

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

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.

Accredited by

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.

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

Industry links

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.