Bachelor of Science in Biology
The Bachelor of Science in Biology is a programme that provides comprehensive training in biological sciences, from molecular to ecosystem level. 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 biological research, education and applied biology.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 264,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,056,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 188,700 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 30 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic DNA Scientist, at 15 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers cell biology, genetics, microbiology, botany, zoology, ecology, evolution, physiology, molecular biology, biostatistics, biochemistry, taxonomy, conservation biology, environmental biology, research methods and a research project. Students develop scientific and analytical skills across biological disciplines.
Kenya's biodiversity, conservation needs, agricultural sector and research institutions create demand for biology graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, laboratory sessions, fieldwork, industrial attachment and research projects.
Graduates are prepared for careers as biologists, research scientists, laboratory technologists, conservation officers, environmental officers, biology teachers, science communicators, biotechnologists and quality control officers. They work in research institutions, universities, schools, environmental agencies, conservation organisations, pharmaceutical companies, government and NGOs.
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- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Botany
- Zoology
- Ecology
- Evolution
- Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Conservation Biology
Modules
10 in the programmeCell Biology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Cell structure and function. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-seme...
Genetics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Heredity and variation. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ...
Microbiology
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Microorganisms. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinat...
Botany
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Plant biology. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinati...
Zoology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Animal biology. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinat...
Ecology
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Ecosystems and environment. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semes...
Evolution
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Evolutionary biology. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ex...
Physiology
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Animal and plant physiology. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-seme...
Conservation Biology
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Biodiversity conservation. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semest...
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
Ecology and Conservation
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.
Genetics
Genetics and genomics. 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.
Marine Biology
Aquatic 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.
Microbiology
Microorganisms. 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 biology lectures, working in biology laboratories, studying specimens under microscopes, conducting field ecology surveys, researching genetics, analysing biological data, and working on research projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Kenya's rich biodiversity creates unique research opportunities | May require postgraduate qualifications for research roles |
| Versatile degree with diverse career paths | Some career paths have limited direct employment |
| Strong foundation for postgraduate study in health and environmental sciences | Fieldwork can be physically demanding |
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
UoN BSc Biology 264K (Schedule II). KU 244,800/yr. MKU ~110K, Kabarak ~189K/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 recordedCounty Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan
Kenyan students from participating counties
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
KUCCPS-placed students
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students
Scholarships you could apply for
14 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- University of Eldoret TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullUniversity of Eldoret / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English or Kiswahili. Diploma in biological sciences, laboratory technology or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 4.
When it next starts
Taught at 30 institutionsIncluding Koitalel Arap Samoei University College, University of Nairobi, Meru University of Science and Technology.
Including Koitalel Arap Samoei University College, University of Nairobi, Meru University of Science and Technology.
Including Koitalel Arap Samoei University College, University of Nairobi, Meru University of Science and Technology.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Cat20% of the mark
Regular tests and assignments
Laboratory and Field Practicals
Practicum20% of the mark
Lab and field sessions
Research Project
Project10% of the mark
Final year research project
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination50% of the mark
End of semester written exams
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 rolesBiology Teacher
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 160,000
Teaching (with PGDE)
Biologist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 280,000
Biological research and analysis
Conservation Officer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 230,000
Conservation management
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 350,000
Scientific research
Laboratory Technologist
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 220,000
Laboratory operations
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as biologists, research scientists and conservation officers in research institutions, universities and environmental agencies.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Forensic DNA ScientistScience15Low exposure
- Neuromorphic Computing ResearcherScience15Low exposure
- Agricultural EntomologistScience17Low exposure
- Neurotechnology Research EngineerScience17Low exposure
- Phage Therapy ResearcherScience17Low exposure
- Applied GeochemistScience18Low exposure
- Computational ToxicologistScience18Low exposure
- Computational Toxicology SpecialistScience18Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Python
ProgrammingPrimary
Data analysis and machine learning for risk modelling.
PlantVillage Nuru
Agriculture
QGIS
GisPrimary
R
Analytics
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Biology is just about memorising facts.
The programme covers experimental design, research, data analysis and critical thinking.
Biology graduates only become teachers.
Graduates work in research, conservation, biotechnology, environmental management and industry.
There are no jobs for biology graduates.
Kenya's biodiversity and research sector create opportunities for biology professionals.
Biology is less rigorous than physical sciences.
Biology requires strong analytical skills and integrates chemistry, mathematics and statistics.