Science

Bachelor of Science in Applied Aquatic Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Aquatic Sciences is a programme that prepares students for careers in aquatic resource management, water science and freshwater ecosystem conservation. Offered at Egerton University through the Faculty of Science, the programme equips graduates with knowledge and skills for managing and conserving aquatic environments in Kenya.

The curriculum covers aquatic ecology, limnology, water quality management, aquatic biodiversity, fisheries science, freshwater biology, aquatic pollution, wetland management, water resource management, aquatic toxicology, hydrobiology, environmental impact assessment and research methods. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in aquatic science and water resource management.

Kenya's freshwater resources face increasing pressure from pollution, over-exploitation and climate change. The programme responds to the need for trained professionals who can assess, monitor and manage aquatic ecosystems, supporting sustainable use of water resources and conservation of aquatic biodiversity.

The programme is delivered through lectures, laboratory sessions, field practicals at lakes and rivers, industrial attachment and a research project. Students gain hands-on experience in water quality analysis, biological monitoring, aquatic organism identification and ecosystem assessment through fieldwork at Lake Nakuru, Lake Victoria and other aquatic environments.

Graduates pursue careers as aquatic scientists, water quality analysts, fisheries officers, environmental officers, wetland managers, conservation officers and research scientists in government agencies, research institutions, environmental consulting firms and NGOs. They can also pursue postgraduate study in aquatic science, limnology or environmental management.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, an interest in aquatic environments and a commitment to environmental conservation. The programme is suitable for students passionate about water resource management and freshwater ecosystem protection.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 260,950
Private, up to: Ksh 191,700
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Aquatic Ecology
Limnology
Water Quality Management
Aquatic Biodiversity
Fisheries Science
Freshwater Biology
Aquatic Pollution
Wetland Management
Aquatic Toxicology
Environmental Impact Assessment

Modules

11 in the programme

Introduction to Aquatic Sciences
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces aquatic environments, their types, characteristics and ecological significance, covering lakes, rivers, wetlands and groundwater systems.
Aquatic Ecology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines ecological principles applied to aquatic systems including food webs, energy flow, nutrient cycling and community dynamics in freshwater ecosystems.
Water Chemistry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers chemical properties of water, dissolved gases, nutrients, pH, alkalinity, water quality parameters and chemical analysis techniques for aquatic environments.
Limnology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of inland waters including lake stratification, circulation patterns and productivity.
Aquatic Biodiversity
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems including plankton, benthic organisms, fish, aquatic plants and microbial communities, with emphasis on identification and classification.
Aquatic Pollution and Monitoring
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines sources and types of aquatic pollution, pollution impacts on aquatic ecosystems, biomonitoring techniques and water quality assessment methods.
Fisheries Science
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers fish population dynamics, stock assessment, fishing methods, fisheries management and sustainable exploitation of aquatic resources.
Wetland Management
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines wetland ecology, wetland functions and values, wetland classification, threats to wetlands and wetland conservation and management strategies.
Aquatic Toxicology
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers toxic substances in aquatic environments, their effects on aquatic organisms, bioaccumulation, biomagnification and ecological risk assessment.
Environmental Impact Assessment for Aquatic Systems
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines EIA methodologies applied to aquatic environments, covering impact prediction, mitigation measures and EIA report preparation for projects affecting water resources.
Research Project in Aquatic Sciences
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
An independent research project on an aquatic science topic, demonstrating the student's ability to investigate aquatic ecosystem issues and present findings in a written dissertation.

Specialisations

Water Quality Management
Focuses on water quality monitoring, pollution assessment and water treatment for careers in water resource management and environmental compliance.
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Specialises in fisheries science, stock assessment and aquatic resource management for careers in fisheries agencies and research institutions.
Wetland Conservation
Focuses on wetland ecology, conservation and management for careers in conservation organisations and environmental agencies.
Aquatic Environmental Impact Assessment
Specialises in EIA for aquatic ecosystems, preparing graduates for careers as environmental consultants and NEMA-registered experts.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on aquatic ecology or limnology, followed by a laboratory session on water quality analysis or aquatic organism identification. Afternoon sessions may include field practicals at nearby water bodies for biological sampling, water quality monitoring or habitat assessment exercises. Students also participate in research projects investigating aquatic ecosystem health.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya has significant freshwater resources including the Lake Victoria basin, creating demand for professionals trained in aquatic science and water resource management.
The programme combines field-based learning with laboratory analysis, providing practical skills in water quality monitoring and ecosystem assessment.
Growing environmental awareness and water resource regulations in Kenya are increasing demand for aquatic science professionals.

Against it

Fieldwork involves working near water bodies in various weather conditions, which may be physically demanding.
Career opportunities may be limited compared to more mainstream science programmes, with fewer positions in the job market.

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

Public245k to 261k

245k at Kenyatta University261k at University of Nairobi

Private192k to 192k

192k at Kabarak University192k at Kabarak University

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 Biology 244.8K/yr, UoN Biology 260.9K/yr (KUCCPS). Kabarak 191.7K/yr. USIU unverified.

Students can access HELB loans. Some environmental research institutions offer internship opportunities with stipends for students interested in aquatic research.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised universities

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in a relevant field from a recognised institution.

Biology
C+
Chemistry
C+
Mathematics
C
Geography
C

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering aquatic ecology, water chemistry and foundational aquatic science content.
Laboratory and Field Practical Reports
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory sessions and field practical reports including water quality analysis, biological sampling and ecosystem assessment exercises.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a research institution, environmental agency or water resource organisation.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
A final-year research project on an aquatic science topic, assessed through a written dissertation and oral presentation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Egerton University's Faculty of Science and is KUCCPS-listed under programme code 1057347.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is KUCCPS-listed under programme code 1057347 at Egerton University.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Aquatic Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 150,000
Conducts research and monitoring of aquatic ecosystems, assessing water quality, biodiversity and ecosystem health for research institutions and environmental agencies.
Water Quality Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 120,000
Monitors and analyses water quality in lakes, rivers and water supply systems, ensuring compliance with water quality standards and regulations.
Environmental Officer
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 140,000
Assesses and manages environmental impacts on aquatic ecosystems, conducting EIAs and implementing environmental management plans.
Fisheries Officer
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 110,000
Manages fisheries resources including stock assessment, fishing regulation enforcement and fisheries extension services for sustainable aquatic resource use.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as aquatic scientists, water quality analysts and environmental officers in government agencies, research institutions and environmental consulting firms across Kenya.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Applied aquatic sciences is just about fishing.
The programme covers aquatic ecology, water chemistry, pollution monitoring, biodiversity conservation and environmental management, going far beyond fishing to encompass the science of aquatic ecosystems.
Graduates can only work as fishermen.
Graduates work as aquatic scientists, environmental consultants, water quality analysts, fisheries officers and researchers in government agencies, research institutions and consulting firms.
Aquatic science is not relevant in Kenya.
Kenya has significant freshwater resources including Lake Victoria, Lake Nakuru and the Tana River system, creating demand for professionals who can manage and protect these ecosystems.
The programme is the same as marine science.
Applied aquatic sciences focuses primarily on freshwater systems including lakes, rivers and wetlands, while marine science covers ocean and coastal environments, though there is some overlap.