Science

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology

This Bachelor's programme prepares students for professional careers in forensic biology and forensic science. It develops expertise in biological evidence analysis, DNA profiling, forensic genetics, and crime scene investigation while building technical skills for analysing biological evidence, supporting criminal investigations, and working with forensic laboratories.

Students study forensic biology, DNA analysis, forensic genetics, molecular biology, crime scene investigation, evidence collection, forensic toxicology, and legal aspects of forensic science. They also strengthen forensic biology skills, biological evidence analysis, DNA profiling, research methods, and understanding of Kenya's forensic science framework.

Kenya's criminal justice sector requires professionals who can analyse biological evidence, support criminal investigations, work with forensic laboratories, and provide expert testimony across police services, government agencies, forensic laboratories, and judiciary.

The programme combines coursework, forensic biology laboratories, DNA analysis projects, crime scene investigation, industrial attachment, and forensic research to build comprehensive forensic biology expertise.

Graduates pursue careers as forensic biologists, DNA analysts, crime scene investigators, forensic scientists, and forensic laboratory technicians across police services, government agencies, forensic laboratories, and judiciary.

The programme is ideal for students interested in forensic biology, forensic science, DNA analysis, crime scene investigation, and applying forensic biology knowledge to support criminal investigations and justice systems.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 277,185
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 6 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Forensic Biology and Biological Evidence
DNA Analysis and DNA Profiling
Forensic Genetics and Molecular Biology
Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Collection
Forensic Toxicology and Forensic Chemistry
Legal Aspects of Forensic Science and Expert Testimony
Forensic Microbiology and Serology
Forensic Pathology and Forensic Anthropology
Forensic Laboratory Management and Quality Assurance
Research Methods and Forensic Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Forensic Biology and Biological Evidence
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Forensic biology, biological evidence, forensic analysis, and supporting forensic biology.
Foundations of the Discipline
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
DNA Analysis and DNA Profiling
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
DNA Analysis and DNA Profiling: DNA analysis, DNA profiling, molecular genetics, and supporting DNA analysis. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Forensic Genetics and Molecular Biology
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Forensic genetics, molecular biology, genetic analysis, and supporting forensic genetics.
Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Collection
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Crime scene investigation, evidence collection, crime scene processing, and supporting crime scene investigation.
Forensic Toxicology and Forensic Chemistry
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Forensic toxicology, forensic chemistry, toxicological analysis, and supporting forensic toxicology.
Legal Aspects of Forensic Science and Expert Testimony
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Legal aspects, expert testimony, forensic law, and supporting legal aspects of forensic science.
Forensic Microbiology and Serology
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Forensic microbiology, serology, biological fluids analysis, and supporting forensic microbiology.
Forensic Pathology and Forensic Anthropology
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, forensic examination, and supporting forensic pathology.
Forensic Laboratory Management and Quality Assurance
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Forensic laboratory management, quality assurance, laboratory standards, and supporting forensic laboratory management.
Research Methods and Forensic Research
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methods, forensic research, data collection, and supporting research methods and project work.

Specialisations

Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Collection
Specialises in crime scene investigation, evidence collection, crime scene processing, and forensic investigation.
DNA Analysis and Forensic Genetics
Focuses on DNA analysis, forensic genetics, DNA profiling, and molecular genetics. 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.
Forensic Pathology and Forensic Anthropology
Focuses on forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, forensic examination, and forensic medicine. 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.
Forensic Toxicology and Forensic Chemistry
Concentrates on forensic toxicology, forensic chemistry, toxicological analysis, and chemical forensics.
Forensic Microbiology and Serology
Focuses on forensic microbiology, serology, biological fluids analysis, and microbiological forensics.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. 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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. 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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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 starts with morning lectures on forensic biology, DNA analysis, or crime scene investigation, followed by forensic biology laboratories, DNA analysis projects, or industry visits. Students study biological evidence, analyse DNA samples, work with forensic tools, conduct forensic research, and work on their forensic biology projects. Industrial attachments at forensic laboratories, police services, and government agencies provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — criminal investigation needs, forensic laboratory development, and justice system modernisation create strong demand for forensic biology professionals.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.
Social impact — forensic biology contributes to criminal justice, public safety, and justice delivery.

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.
Emotional demands — forensic biology involves dealing with crime scenes, traumatic evidence, and emotional stress.
Safety risks — crime scene investigation and forensic analysis involve safety risks, hazardous materials, and physical hazards.

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

Public96k to 277k

96k at Kisii University277k at Kisii 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

Kisii Univ 96K-277K/yr (newsblaze/hivileo). Private unverified.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, forensic science sponsorships, and international forensic biology scholarships are available.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursary

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Education Assistance Programme
BursaryKenyan
Children of deceased or distressed advocates and law students in need
Forensic Science Sponsorships
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
Forensic laboratories, police services, and government agencies may sponsor forensic biology students in exchange for service commitment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Varies by county.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related fields from recognised institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant laboratory or forensic experience is advantageous.

English or Kiswahili
C+
Biology
C
Chemistry
C
Mathematics or Physics
C

How you are assessed

5 components

End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent forensic biology research project, assessed through written report and presentation.
Industry Attachment Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of industry attachments including forensic biology work, laboratory work, documentation, and supervision evaluation.
Forensic Biology Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of forensic biology competencies including DNA analysis, biological evidence, crime scene investigation, and forensic analysis.
End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering forensic biology, DNA analysis, forensic science, and forensic research.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The Evidence Act governs forensic evidence. The National Forensic Science Policy guides forensic practice.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits university programmes in Kenya.
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles

Graduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.
Crime Scene Investigator / Forensic Investigator
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 160,000
Investigates crime scenes, collects evidence, processes crime scenes, and supports crime scene investigation at police services, government agencies, or DCI.
Forensic Scientist / Forensic Laboratory Technician
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 150,000
Conducts forensic analysis, forensic testing, evidence examination, and supports forensic science at forensic laboratories, government agencies, or research institutions.
Forensic Toxicologist / Forensic Chemist
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Analyses toxicological evidence, conducts forensic chemistry, toxicological testing, and supports forensic toxicology at forensic laboratories, government agencies, or medical institutions.
Forensic Biologist / DNA Analyst
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Analyses biological evidence, conducts DNA analysis, DNA profiling, and supports forensic biology at forensic laboratories, government agencies, or police services.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as forensic biologists and DNA analysts. Forensic biology is in high demand driven by criminal investigation needs. Salaries range from KES 70,000 to 180,000 per month. CUE, DCI, Government Chemist, and forensic laboratories offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Office Suite
ProductivityPrimary
Essential tools for report writing, case analysis, and research documentation.
SPSS
Statistical analysisPrimary
Statistical analysis software for criminal justice research and data analysis.
LexisNexis
Legal research
Legal research database for case law, statutes, and legal publications.
Google Workspace
Collaboration
Collaboration tools for group projects and research assignments.
ArcGIS
Mapping
GIS software for crime mapping and spatial analysis of crime patterns.
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for forensic data management and case analysis.
BLAST
Software
Bioinformatics tool for DNA sequence analysis and comparison.
R
Software
Programming language for statistical computing in forensic biology research.
Microsoft Word
Software
Word processing for forensic case reports and laboratory documentation.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Forensic biology is only like TV crime shows.
Forensic biology involves detailed laboratory work, evidence analysis, DNA profiling, and scientific investigation — TV shows dramatise the process. Forensic biology applies to criminal investigations, civil cases, missing persons, and various legal contexts beyond criminal cases.
There are limited career opportunities for forensic biology graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's criminal investigation needs, forensic laboratory development, and justice system modernisation create demand for forensic biology professionals at DCI, government agencies, and forensic laboratories.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.
The programme is only for top-performing students.
While academic excellence is valued, the programme accepts students meeting the minimum KCSE requirements and supports diverse learners.