Science

Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology is a degree programme that focuses on the practical application of biological sciences to solve real-world problems in health, agriculture, environment and industry. The programme is offered at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, equipping graduates with skills in biological techniques, biotechnology and laboratory science.

The curriculum covers cell biology, microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, biostatistics, ecology, immunology, plant biology, animal biology, biotechnology, analytical chemistry, research methods, bioinformatics and laboratory techniques. Students develop competencies in biological science theory and practical laboratory applications.

Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, laboratory practicals, field studies, industrial attachment and research projects. The practical approach ensures graduates can perform biological analyses, conduct molecular biology experiments, apply microbiological techniques and use biological principles to address challenges in health, agriculture and environmental management.

The programme emphasises the application of biological knowledge to practical problems, recognising that biotechnology, food safety, environmental monitoring and healthcare all require professionals with strong biological science skills. Students learn about biotechnology applications, microbial processes, genetic analysis and the role of biology in industrial and environmental contexts.

Graduates are equipped to work in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, food and beverage industries, agricultural research organisations, environmental agencies, biotechnology firms, academic institutions and regulatory bodies. They contribute to scientific research, product development, quality assurance and biological analysis.

Career opportunities exist in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, food and beverage industries, agricultural organisations, environmental agencies, biotechnology firms and academic institutions. Graduates work as biology research assistants, laboratory technologists, quality control analysts, biotechnology technicians and environmental officers across multiple sectors.

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: 25 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Cell Biology
Microbiology
Genetics
Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Biotechnology
Immunology
Ecology
Biostatistics
Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Cell Biology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Cell Biology: Structure and function of cells, organelles and cellular processes. Covers cellular processes, organismal biology, and ecological relationships.
General Microbiology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
General Microbiology: Introduction to microorganisms, microbial growth, metabolism and control. Covers cellular processes, organismal biology, and ecological relationships.
Genetics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles of inheritance, Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics and population genetics.
Molecular Biology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Molecular Biology: DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation and gene regulation. Covers cellular processes, organismal biology, and ecological relationships.
Biochemistry
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Biochemistry: Biomolecules, enzymes, metabolism and biochemical pathways in living organisms. Covers theoretical principles, laboratory techniques, and industrial applications.
Biotechnology
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Application of biological techniques in biotechnology, genetic engineering and industrial processes.
Immunology
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Immune system, antibodies, antigen-antibody reactions and immunological techniques.
Ecology
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Ecological principles, population dynamics, community ecology and environmental biology.
Plant Biology
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Plant Biology: Plant physiology, anatomy, taxonomy and plant biotechnology applications. Covers cellular processes, organismal biology, and ecological relationships.
Bioinformatics
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Computational analysis of biological data, sequence analysis and biological databases.
Analytical Chemistry
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Analytical techniques and instrumentation used in biological and chemical analysis.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Independent research project on an applied biology topic, including laboratory experiments and written report.

Specialisations

Biotechnology
Focus on genetic engineering, fermentation technology and industrial biotechnology applications. 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
Specialisation in microbial biology, virology, bacteriology and applied microbiology. 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.
Molecular Biology
Concentration on DNA technology, gene expression and molecular 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.
Environmental Biology
Focus on ecological processes, environmental monitoring and conservation biology. 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.
Plant and Animal Biology
Specialisation in plant physiology, animal biology and agricultural biotechnology. 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.
Ecology and Conservation
Specialization in Ecology and Conservation, preparing graduates for careers such as environmental-scientist.
Biochemistry
Specialization in Biochemistry, preparing graduates for careers such as biochemist. 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.
Bioinformatics
Specialization in Bioinformatics, preparing graduates for careers such as bioinformatics-specialist.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on cell biology and microbiology, conducting laboratory practicals on microbial culture and molecular techniques, analysing biological data using statistical software and participating in research project discussions.

The trade offs

In its favour

Broad and versatile biological sciences foundation
Practical laboratory and field training
Diverse applications in health, agriculture and environment
Pathway to postgraduate studies and research

Against it

May require further specialisation for some careers
Some entry-level research roles have modest salaries
Competition for research positions can be high
Research careers may require advanced degrees

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 244.8K/yr, UoN 260.9K/yr (KUCCPS). Kabarak 191.7K/yr. Strathmore doesn't offer biology.

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

3 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.
County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.

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 Science, Applied Sciences, Medical Laboratory Technology or related fields with Credit pass from recognised institutions may also apply.

How you are assessed

5 components

Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
Coursework20% of the mark
Final Examination
Coursework30% of the mark
Laboratory and Field Practicals
Coursework40% of the mark
Continuous Assessment Tests and Practical Examinations
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, laboratory practical assessments and reports throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination50% of the mark
Comprehensive written and practical examinations covering biology, microbiology and biotechnology.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Graduates working in medical laboratory settings may register with KMLTTB 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 Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB)
Professional
Graduates working in medical laboratory settings may register with KMLTTB for professional recognition.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles

Laboratory Technician
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 160,000
Operates laboratory equipment and conducts tests
Quality Control Officer
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000
Ensures quality in biological and food products
Biologist
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000
Conducts biological research and analysis
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 150,000
Supports scientific research in laboratories or field
Biology Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 90,000
Supports biological research projects at KEMRI, KALRO, ICIPE or universities through laboratory work and data analysis.
Laboratory Technologist
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 90,000
Conducts biological and clinical laboratory tests in hospital laboratories, research institutions or diagnostic centres.
Quality Control Analyst
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000
Performs quality control tests on food, pharmaceutical or biological products to ensure compliance with standards.
Biotechnology Technician
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 95,000
Works in biotechnology companies on fermentation processes, genetic engineering and product development.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as biology research assistants, laboratory technologists, quality control analysts, biotechnology technicians and environmental officers in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies and food industries.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for biological data management, analysis and reporting.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for biological research data analysis.
BLAST
Software
Bioinformatics tool for sequence alignment and molecular biology research.
ImageJ
Software
Image processing tool for microscopy and biological image analysis.
R
Software
Programming language for statistical analysis and ecological data modelling.
Microscope
Laboratory equipmentPrimary
Parasite identification and microscopy.
PCR Equipment
Laboratory equipment
Molecular parasite detection.
NMR Spectrometer
Analytical equipment
Molecular structure determination.
HPLC/GC
Analytical equipmentPrimary
Chromatographic analysis.
Mass Spectrometer
Analytical equipment
Molecular mass and structure analysis.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Applied Biology is the same as general Biology.
The programme emphasises practical applications of biology in biotechnology, industry and research, with strong laboratory components.
Graduates only work as teachers.
Graduates work in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, food industries, biotechnology firms and environmental agencies.
The programme does not include biotechnology.
Biotechnology, molecular biology and genetic engineering are core components of the curriculum.
Applied Biology has limited career options.
Graduates pursue diverse careers in research, quality control, laboratory technology, environmental management and biotechnology.