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.

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.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 288,000
Private, up to: Ksh 472,200
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 50 students
Award: Bachelor

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 favour

Strong demand in healthcare and pharmaceuticals
Versatile degree with diverse career paths
Strong foundation for postgraduate study in medicine and health

Against it

Laboratory-intensive programme
May require postgraduate qualifications for advancement
Laboratory 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

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
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.

Biology
C+
Chemistry
C+
Mathematics
C+
English or Kiswahili
C+

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

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.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya

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

Industry links

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.