Skip to content
Pathrel
Start free
All courses
Science

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry is a programme that provides comprehensive training in the chemical processes of living organisms. Offered at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, JKUAT, Maseno University, Egerton University, Moi University and other institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in biochemistry, molecular biology and biotechnology.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 288,000
Ksh 1,152,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 472,200
Ksh 1,888,800 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 288,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,152,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 472,200 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 18 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Dental Ceramist, 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 biochemistry, molecular biology, enzymology, metabolism, genetics, immunology, microbiology, cell biology, biotechnology, clinical biochemistry, nutritional biochemistry, pharmaceutical biochemistry, bioinformatics, statistics, research methods and a research project. Students develop laboratory and analytical skills in biochemistry.

Kenya's healthcare sector, pharmaceutical industry and research institutions create demand for biochemistry graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, intensive laboratory sessions, industrial attachment and research projects.

Graduates are prepared for careers as biochemists, research scientists, clinical biochemists, pharmaceutical scientists, biotechnologists, quality control analysts, laboratory managers, food scientists and academic researchers. They work in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, food companies, universities, government laboratories and biotechnology firms.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English or Kiswahili. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and an interest in contributing to Kenya's socio-economic development. The programme provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate study and professional advancement in related fields.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Enzymology
  • Metabolism
  • Genetics
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Clinical Biochemistry

Modules

10 in the programme

  • Biochemistry

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Chemical processes in living organisms. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and ...

  • Molecular Biology

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    DNA, RNA and protein synthesis. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-s...

  • Enzymology

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Enzyme structure and function. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-se...

  • Metabolism

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Metabolic pathways. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exam...

  • Genetics

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Principles of genetics. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ...

  • Immunology

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Immune system. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinati...

  • Microbiology

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Microorganisms. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinat...

  • Clinical Biochemistry

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Diagnostic biochemistry. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester...

  • Biotechnology

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Biotech applications. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ex...

  • Research Project

    Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore

    Final year research project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-seme...

Specialisations

  • Molecular Biology

    Molecular research. 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 Biochemistry

    Diagnostic biochemistry. 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.

  • Nutritional Biochemistry

    Nutrition science. 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.

  • Pharmaceutical Biochemistry

    Drug development. 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 biochemistry lectures, working in biochemistry laboratories, conducting enzyme assays, studying metabolic pathways, researching molecular biology, analysing experimental data, using bioinformatics tools, and working on research projects.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Strong demand in healthcare and pharmaceuticalsLaboratory-intensive programme
Versatile degree with diverse career pathsMay require postgraduate qualifications for advancement
Strong foundation for postgraduate study in medicine and healthLaboratory work involves hazardous materials

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
Public153k to 288k
153k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology288k at University of Nairobi
Private170k to 472k
170k at Mount Kenya University472k at United States International University Africa

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 288K (Schedule II). JKUAT 152,806 (kenyaeducationguide). MKU 170K, USIU Applied Biochem 472K/yr.

HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available for eligible students.

Funding options

  • HELB Loan

  • County Bursaries

  • Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

Scholarships

3 recorded

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan undergraduate students

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students from participating counties

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan

    KUCCPS-placed students

Scholarships you could apply for

14 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+minimum entry
Alternative entry

KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English or Kiswahili. Diploma in medical laboratory sciences, chemistry or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Subject requirements
BiologyC+
ChemistryC+
MathematicsC+
English or KiswahiliC+

When it next starts

Taught at 18 institutions
January 202718 institutions

Including Technical University of Kenya, University of Nairobi, Laikipia University.

May 202718 institutions

Including Technical University of Kenya, University of Nairobi, Laikipia University.

September 202718 institutions

Including Technical University of Kenya, University of Nairobi, Laikipia University.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Written examination40% of the mark

    End of semester written exams

  • Research Project

    Project10% of the mark

    Final year research project

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat20% of the mark

    Regular tests and assignments

  • Laboratory Practicals

    Practicum30% of the mark

    Lab sessions and reports

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education

    AcademicRequired

    Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at multiple public and private universities. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English or Kiswahili. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

  • Clinical Biochemist

    Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 320,000

    Diagnostic biochemistry

  • Research Scientist

    Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 350,000

    Scientific research

  • Pharmaceutical Scientist

    Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 380,000

    Drug development

  • Biochemist

    High demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 300,000

    Biochemical analysis and research

  • Quality Control Analyst

    High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 280,000

    Quality assurance

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as biochemists, research scientists and clinical biochemists in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Microscope

    Laboratory equipmentPrimary

    Microscopy for biochemical analysis

  • UV-Vis Spectrophotometer

    Analytical instrumentPrimary

    Spectrophotometry for protein and enzyme analysis

  • ChemDraw

    Chemical drawing

    Biochemical structure drawing and visualization

  • SPSS

    Statistical analysis

    Statistical analysis for biochemistry research

  • R

    Statistical computing

    Statistical computing for molecular data

  • Microsoft Excel

    Spreadsheet

    Biochemical data management

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Biochemistry is just about mixing chemicals.

    The programme covers molecular biology, genetics, immunology, biotechnology and clinical biochemistry.

  • Biochemistry graduates only work in laboratories.

    Graduates work in research, pharmaceuticals, food science, healthcare and academia.

  • There are no jobs for biochemistry graduates in Kenya.

    Healthcare, pharmaceuticals and research create strong demand.

  • Biochemistry is the same as chemistry.

    Biochemistry focuses on chemical processes in living organisms.

Further reading

Read next