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 short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 244,800 a year at a public institution, Ksh 979,200 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 200,000 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 1 institution.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Cybersecurity Data Lawyer, at 9 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
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.
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 programmeIntroduction 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 | Against it |
|---|---|
| Forensic science is a unique and specialised field with growing demand as Kenya develops its forensic capabilities. | Forensic science job opportunities in Kenya are currently limited, with most positions in government agencies that may have competitive recruitment processes. |
| The programme combines molecular biology with forensic science, providing versatile career options in both forensic and non-forensic laboratory settings. | The work can be emotionally challenging, involving analysis of evidence from crimes and accidents, requiring psychological resilience. |
| Graduates contribute to justice and public safety, making it a meaningful career with social impact. | — |
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
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 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised universities
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma in a relevant biological or forensic science field from a recognised institution with a credit pass.
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding Kabarak University.
Including Kabarak University.
Including Kabarak University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous 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
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 rolesForensic 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- Cybersecurity Data LawyerLaw9Low exposure
- In-House CounselLaw11Low exposure
- Commercial Mediation SpecialistLaw15Low exposure
- Forensic DNA ScientistScience15Low exposure
- Neuromorphic Computing ResearcherScience15Low exposure
- Agricultural EntomologistScience17Low exposure
- Data Privacy CounselLaw17Low exposure
- Neurotechnology Research EngineerScience17Low exposure
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.