Science

Bachelor of Science in Forensic and Molecular Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic and Molecular Sciences is a programme that blends forensic science with molecular biology to prepare graduates for investigative, analytical and diagnostic roles. Offered at Kabarak University through the School of Science, Engineering and Technology, the programme equips students with skills in crime scene investigation, DNA profiling, toxicology and molecular genetics.

The curriculum covers forensic biology, forensic chemistry, toxicology, crime scene investigation, molecular genetics, bioinformatics, DNA profiling, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, criminal law and evidence, research methods, forensic anthropology, quality assurance and laboratory management. Students develop both scientific knowledge and practical forensic analysis skills.

Kenya's law enforcement, public health and regulatory agencies increasingly require forensic science expertise for criminal investigations, paternity testing, food safety analysis and environmental monitoring. The programme responds to the growing demand for forensic professionals who can apply molecular biology techniques to investigative and diagnostic scenarios.

The programme is delivered through lectures, laboratory sessions, crime scene simulation practicals, industrial attachment and a research project. Students gain hands-on experience in DNA analysis, toxicology testing, evidence handling and molecular techniques using modern laboratory equipment in dedicated forensic science laboratories.

Graduates pursue careers as forensic scientists, DNA analysts, toxicology analysts, crime scene investigators, laboratory managers, research scientists and regulatory compliance officers in forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies, government regulatory bodies, research institutions, biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical firms. They can also pursue postgraduate study in forensic science or molecular biology.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, an interest in science and investigation, and a commitment to integrity and ethical practice. The programme is suitable for students passionate about applying science to justice and public safety.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 244,800
Private, up to: Ksh 200,000
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: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Forensic Biology
Forensic Chemistry
Toxicology
Crime Scene Investigation
Molecular Genetics and DNA Profiling
Biochemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Microbiology and Immunology
Criminal Law and Evidence
Bioinformatics

Modules

11 in the programme

Introduction to Forensic Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces forensic science principles, history, disciplines, crime scene processing, evidence types, chain of custody and the role of forensic science in the justice system.
Cell Biology and Genetics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers cell structure, function, division, Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics and the biological foundations relevant to forensic analysis.
General and Analytical Chemistry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers chemical principles, stoichiometry, equilibrium, analytical techniques, spectroscopy, chromatography and their applications in forensic chemistry.
Forensic Biology and DNA Profiling
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers biological evidence analysis, DNA extraction, PCR, STR analysis, DNA profiling techniques, interpretation of DNA evidence and statistical analysis.
Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers chemical evidence analysis, drug identification, poison detection, alcohol analysis, toxicological screening and analytical methods for forensic chemistry.
Crime Scene Investigation
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers crime scene management, evidence collection, photography, sketching, documentation, contamination prevention and crime scene reconstruction techniques.
Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers advanced molecular genetics, genome analysis, bioinformatics tools for forensic DNA analysis, population genetics and DNA database management.
Microbiology and Immunology in Forensics
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers forensic microbiology, microbial evidence, serology, immunological techniques, blood typing and body fluid identification in forensic analysis.
Criminal Law and Evidence
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines Kenyan criminal law, rules of evidence, expert witness testimony, courtroom procedures, forensic report writing and legal admissibility of scientific evidence.
Quality Assurance and Laboratory Management
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers laboratory accreditation, ISO standards, quality control, proficiency testing, laboratory safety, equipment calibration and forensic laboratory management.
Research Project in Forensic and Molecular Sciences
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
An independent research project applying forensic or molecular science techniques to a research question, assessed through a written dissertation and oral presentation.

Specialisations

DNA and Molecular Forensics
Focuses on DNA profiling, molecular genetics and bioinformatics for careers in DNA testing laboratories and molecular forensics.
Forensic Toxicology
Specialises in drug and poison analysis, toxicological screening and chemical evidence analysis for careers in toxicology laboratories.
Crime Scene Investigation
Focuses on crime scene management, evidence recovery and field investigation for careers in law enforcement agencies.
Wildlife and Environmental Forensics
Applies forensic techniques to wildlife crime investigation and environmental contamination analysis for careers in conservation and environmental protection.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on molecular genetics or forensic chemistry, followed by a laboratory session on DNA extraction and profiling or toxicology testing. Afternoon sessions may include a crime scene simulation practical, a workshop on evidence handling and chain of custody, or group discussions analysing case studies. Students also work on research projects applying molecular techniques to forensic questions.

The trade offs

In its favour

Forensic science is a unique and specialised field with growing demand as Kenya develops its forensic capabilities.
The programme combines molecular biology with forensic science, providing versatile career options in both forensic and non-forensic laboratory settings.
Graduates contribute to justice and public safety, making it a meaningful career with social impact.

Against it

Forensic science job opportunities in Kenya are currently limited, with most positions in government agencies that may have competitive recruitment processes.
The work can be emotionally challenging, involving analysis of evidence from crimes and accidents, requiring psychological resilience.

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 245k

245k at Kenyatta University245k at Kenyatta University

Private200k to 200k

200k at Kabarak University200k at Kabarak University

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

KU ~245K/yr (hivileo). Kabarak ~200K/yr tuition (official).

Students can access HELB loans. Kabarak University offers internal financial aid for qualifying 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: Diploma in a relevant biological or forensic science field from a recognised institution with a credit pass.

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

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering forensic science fundamentals, cell biology, genetics and chemistry.
Laboratory Practical Reports
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory sessions including DNA profiling, toxicology testing, crime scene processing and analytical chemistry practicals.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a forensic laboratory, research institution or regulatory body.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
A final-year research project applying forensic or molecular science techniques, assessed through a written dissertation and oral presentation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Kabarak University's School of Science, Engineering and Technology.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Kabarak University's School of Science, Engineering and Technology.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Forensic Scientist
Low demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 250,000
Analyses physical and biological evidence from crime scenes, conducting DNA profiling, toxicology testing and chemical analysis for law enforcement agencies.
DNA Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 200,000
Performs DNA extraction, profiling and interpretation in forensic or paternity testing laboratories, producing reports for legal proceedings.
Toxicology Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 180,000
Tests biological samples for drugs, poisons and chemicals in forensic, clinical or regulatory laboratories, supporting investigations and public health.
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000
Conducts molecular biology or forensic science research in academic or research institutions, developing new analytical methods and techniques.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as forensic scientists, DNA analysts and toxicology analysts in forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies, government regulatory bodies and research institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Forensic science is just like what you see on TV crime shows.
Real forensic science involves rigorous laboratory work, meticulous documentation, statistical analysis and adherence to legal procedures, with cases taking weeks or months rather than hours.
Forensic scientists only work on murder cases.
Forensic scientists work on diverse cases including paternity disputes, food safety, environmental contamination, wildlife crimes, fraud investigation and drug analysis, not just violent crimes.
There are no forensic science jobs in Kenya.
Kenya's DCI forensic laboratory, KEMRI, customs and border control, wildlife services and private laboratories all employ forensic science graduates, with demand growing as forensic capabilities expand.
Forensic and molecular sciences is just biology with some chemistry.
The programme combines forensic science, molecular biology, chemistry, toxicology, law and bioinformatics, requiring interdisciplinary knowledge across multiple scientific and legal domains.