Science

Bachelor of Science in Biosciences

The Bachelor of Science in Biosciences is a programme that provides students with a broad foundation in biological sciences, covering molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics and ecology. Offered at Murang'a University of Technology through the Department of Physical and Biological Sciences, the programme equips graduates for diverse careers in biological research, biotechnology and health sciences.

The curriculum covers cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, ecology, plant biology, animal biology, immunology, parasitology, biostatistics, research methods and laboratory techniques. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills across the biological sciences.

Kenya's bioscience sector is expanding with growth in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, agricultural science and public health. The programme responds to the need for trained bioscience professionals who can work in research laboratories, quality control facilities, educational institutions and biotechnology companies.

The programme is delivered through lectures, laboratory sessions, field practicals, industrial attachment and a research project. Students gain hands-on experience in microscopy, microbial culture, biochemical assays, DNA analysis and ecological sampling through laboratory work and field visits.

Graduates pursue careers as laboratory technologists, research assistants, quality control analysts, biology teachers, environmental health officers and sales representatives for scientific equipment companies. They work in research institutions, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, food and beverage industries, agricultural organisations and educational institutions. They can also pursue postgraduate study in specialised bioscience fields.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, an interest in living organisms and a commitment to scientific inquiry. The programme is suitable for students passionate about understanding biological systems and applying bioscience knowledge to solve practical problems.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 264,000
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
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Microbiology
Biochemistry
Genetics and Biotechnology
Ecology
Plant and Animal Biology
Immunology and Parasitology
Biostatistics
Laboratory Techniques

Modules

11 in the programme

Cell Biology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers cell structure, organelles, cell division, membrane transport, cellular metabolism and cell communication in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
General Microbiology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protists, covering their structure, classification, growth and roles in disease and industry.
Biochemistry Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers biomolecules including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids, enzyme function, metabolism and biochemical pathways.
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, gene regulation, Mendelian genetics and molecular techniques.
Biotechnology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces biotechnology principles including recombinant DNA technology, PCR, fermentation, bioprocessing and applications in agriculture, medicine and industry.
Ecology and Environment
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers ecological principles including population dynamics, community ecology, ecosystems, biodiversity and environmental conservation.
Immunology and Parasitology
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers immune system function, antibody-antigen reactions, parasitic organisms, host-parasite relationships and immunological techniques.
Plant and Animal Biology
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines plant anatomy, physiology and diversity, and animal physiology, classification and diversity, covering key biological systems.
Laboratory Techniques and Safety
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers laboratory safety, microscopy, sterilisation, culture techniques, biochemical assays, analytical methods and quality control in bioscience laboratories.
Biostatistics and Research Methods
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers statistical methods for biological data analysis, experimental design, scientific writing and research methodology for bioscience research.
Research Project in Biosciences
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
An independent research project on a bioscience topic, demonstrating the student's ability to conduct biological research and present findings in a written dissertation.

Specialisations

Microbiology and Biotechnology
Focuses on microorganisms and their applications in biotechnology, including industrial microbiology and fermentation technology.
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Specialises in molecular techniques, genetic analysis and biotechnology for careers in genetic research and molecular diagnostics.
Ecology and Environmental Bioscience
Focuses on ecological research, biodiversity conservation and environmental monitoring for careers in environmental management.
Medical Bioscience
Specialises in medical laboratory science, immunology and parasitology for careers in medical diagnostics and health research.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on cell biology or microbiology, followed by a laboratory session on microbial culture techniques or biochemical assays. Afternoon sessions may include a genetics workshop, a field practical for ecological sampling or group discussions on current bioscience research. Students also prepare laboratory reports and conduct independent literature reviews on emerging bioscience topics.

The trade offs

In its favour

The broad bioscience foundation provides flexibility for diverse career paths and postgraduate specialisation options.
Growing biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors in Kenya are creating increasing demand for bioscience graduates.
The programme includes practical laboratory skills that are directly applicable in workplace settings.

Against it

The broad nature of the programme may require postgraduate specialisation to access the best career opportunities.
Entry-level bioscience positions may have modest salaries, with earning potential increasing only with experience and 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 courses

Public245k to 264k

245k at Kenyatta University264k at University of Nairobi

Private189k to 472k

189k at Kabarak 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 BSc Biology 264K (Schedule II). KU 244,800/yr. Kabarak ~189K, USIU ~472K/yr.

Students can access HELB loans. Some research institutions offer internship opportunities for bioscience students.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised universities

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: KCSE Mean Grade C (Plain) with a Diploma in a relevant field, or KACE with two Principal passes in science subjects.

Biology or Biological Sciences
C+
Chemistry or Physical Sciences
C+
Mathematics or Physics
C

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering cell biology, microbiology and biochemistry fundamentals.
Laboratory Practical Reports
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory sessions including microscopy, microbial culture, biochemical assays and molecular techniques.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a research institution, hospital laboratory or biotechnology company.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
A final-year research project on a bioscience topic, assessed through a written dissertation and oral presentation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Murang'a University of Technology's School of Pure, Applied and Health Sciences, Department of Physical and Biological Sciences.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Murang'a University of Technology's School of Pure, Applied and Health Sciences.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Laboratory Technologist
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 120,000
Performs laboratory tests and analyses in medical, research or industrial laboratories, operating equipment and ensuring quality control.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Supports scientific research in research institutions, conducting experiments, collecting data and preparing research reports.
Quality Control Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 130,000
Tests and monitors product quality in food, pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies, ensuring compliance with standards and regulations.
Biology Teacher
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000
Teaches biology in secondary schools or colleges, requiring additional teaching qualification, with demand across Kenya's education sector.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as laboratory technologists, research assistants and quality control analysts in research institutions, hospitals and biotechnology companies across Kenya.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Biosciences is just about studying plants and animals.
The programme covers molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry and biotechnology, going beyond traditional biology to include cutting-edge bioscience applications.
Bioscience graduates can only work in laboratories.
Graduates work in diverse settings including research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, food industries, environmental agencies, educational institutions and scientific sales.
A biosciences degree is less valuable than specialised science degrees.
The broad foundation in biosciences provides flexibility, allowing graduates to specialise through postgraduate study or pursue diverse career paths across multiple bioscience sectors.
Biosciences does not lead to well-paying careers.
Bioscience graduates can earn competitive salaries in pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, research institutions and quality control, with earning potential increasing with specialisation and experience.