Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in biochemistry and molecular biology. The programme falls under the Natural Sciences category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.
The curriculum covers Cell Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Genomics, Lab techniques, Bioinformatics (Python/R), Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Bioremediation. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.
Throughout the programme, students study Cell Biology & Genetics, General Chemistry I, Mathematics for Sciences, General Chemistry II (Organic), Microbiology. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.
The programme offers specialisations in Biology & Biotechnology, Chemistry & Materials Science, Physics & Applied Mathematics. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology pursue careers as Environmental Science, Laboratory Manager, Biomedical Scientist, Chemistry. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.
- Duration
- 4 years
- Public, up to
- Ksh 288,000
- Private, up to
- Ksh 472,200
- Job market
- Moderate
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time, Part-time
- Attachment
- 3 months
- Average class
- 35 students
- Award
- Bachelor
What you study
6 subjects- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Laboratory Techniques
Modules
12 in the programmeMathematics for Sciences
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Mathematics for Sciences: Calculus, algebra, trigonometry and statistical methods for science students. Covers theoretical foundations, problem-solving techniques, and practical applications.
Cell Biology & Genetics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Cell structure, function, division, DNA replication, gene expression and inheritance.
General Chemistry I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter and chemical reactions.
General Chemistry II (Organic)
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
General Chemistry II (Organic): Organic chemistry: functional groups, reactions, mechanisms and biomolecules. Covers theoretical principles, laboratory techniques, and industrial applications.
Microbiology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, cultivation and medical microbiology.
Analytical Chemistry
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Quantitative analysis, titrimetry, spectroscopy, chromatography and instrumental methods.
Physics for Sciences
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Mechanics, waves, electricity, optics and modern physics for science programmes.
Ecology & Environmental Science
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ecosystems, population dynamics, biodiversity, conservation and environmental monitoring.
Laboratory Techniques & Safety
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Laboratory Techniques & Safety: Advanced lab techniques, equipment, quality control, safety and GLP. Covers safety regulations, risk assessment, and workplace hazard management.
Biostatistics & Research Methods
Year 3Semester 12 creditsCore
Experimental design, statistical analysis, scientific writing and research ethics.
Industrial Attachment / Internship
Year 3Semester 26 creditsCore
Industrial Attachment / Internship: Supervised placement in a research lab, industry or environmental agency. Provides hands-on industry experience, mentorship, and professional skills development.
Final Year Research Project
Year 4Semester 18 creditsCore
Independent scientific research: literature review, experiments, analysis and thesis.
Specialisations
Biology & Biotechnology
Cell biology, genetics, microbiology and biotechnology applications. Students gain laboratory skills for research, healthcare and industry.
Chemistry & Materials Science
Organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry, plus materials characterisation. Students learn techniques for research, quality control and industry.
Physics & Applied Mathematics
Classical and quantum physics, mathematical modelling and computational methods. Students develop analytical skills for research and technology roles.
Environmental Science
Ecology, conservation, environmental monitoring and sustainability science. Students learn to assess and manage environmental challenges.
Geology & Earth Sciences
Mineralogy, petrology, geological mapping and natural resource exploration. Students gain skills for mining, oil and environmental geology.
A day as a student
A typical day blends lectures, practicals and group work, with attachment/internship in the field.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Transferable skills across sectors.
- Diverse career paths.
Against it
- Competitive entry-level market.
- Some paths need further specialisation.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 243 science coursesAnnual 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
JKUAT Biochem&MolBio 152,806/yr (kenyaeducationguide). UoN 288K (Schedule II). MKU 170K, USIU 472K/yr.
HELB loans, county scholarships and university bursaries available.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Government Bursary
CDF Scholarship
Self-sponsored
Scholarships
5 recordedNational Research Fund Science Scholarship
PartialKsh 300,000Kenyan
Kenyan; Science student; Research potential; Academic merit
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
FullKsh 8,000,000Kenyan
Kenyan; Academic excellence; Financial need; Leadership
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
FullKsh 6,000,000Kenyan
Kenyan; Academic excellence; Leadership; Community service
County Government STEM Bursary
PartialKsh 80,000Kenyan
Resident of county; Science student; Financial need
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- C+
- Alternative entry
- Diploma progression or bridging.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Cat20% of the mark
Continuous Assessment Tests for this programme.
Laboratory Practicals
Practical20% of the mark
Laboratory Practicals for this programme.
End-of-Semester Exam
Exam60% of the mark
End-of-Semester Exam for this programme.
Accreditation
Accredited by CUE and relevant professional bodies.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Accredits university-level programmes.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesEnvironmental Science
High demandKsh 72,000 to Ksh 250,000
Graduates can work as environmental science in Kenya's natural sciences sector.
Laboratory Manager
Medium demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
Graduates can work as laboratory manager in Kenya's natural sciences sector.
Biomedical Scientist
Medium demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 238,000
Graduates can work as biomedical scientist in Kenya's natural sciences sector.
Chemistry
Medium demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 200,000
Graduates can work as chemistry in Kenya's natural sciences sector.
Lab Manager
Medium demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Graduates can work as lab manager in Kenya's natural sciences sector.
Biotechnology Research Scientist
Low demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 300,000
Graduates can work as biotechnology research scientist in Kenya's natural sciences sector.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find opportunities across natural sciences in Kenya's public, private and entrepreneurship sectors.
Where these fields lead
8 careersTools you will learn
Elicit
Research
Jupyter Notebook
Analytics
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet
Python
CodePrimary
R
AnalyticsPrimary
SPSS
Analytics
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
This course has limited career prospects.
Graduates find opportunities across the public service, private industry, entrepreneurship, and further academic study.
The course is too theoretical with no practical value.
Programmes incorporate practical training, internships, and industry attachment to ensure graduates are job-ready.
You must have a related background to enrol.
Most programmes accept students from diverse academic backgrounds, with bridging support where needed.
Graduates of this course earn very little.
Earnings grow steadily with experience, specialisation, and professional certification.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.