Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Medical Biochemistry

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Biochemistry is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in medical biochemistry. The programme falls under the Sciences category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Medical, Biochemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Community Health, Medical Ethics, Research Methods. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in technical and analytical competencies. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Industrial Attachment, Microbiology, General Chemistry, Mathematics for Sciences, Cell Biology and Genetics. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Medical Biochemistry, Clinical Practice, Public Health. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Medical Biochemistry pursue careers as Research Data Analyst (Junior), Research Program Coordinator, Marine Research Assistant (Junior), Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior). They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 288,000
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: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

6 subjects

Medical
Biochemistry
Anatomy & Physiology
Community Health
Medical Ethics
Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
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.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
General Chemistry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter, and chemical reactions.
Mathematics for Sciences
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Mathematics for Sciences: Calculus, algebra, trigonometry, and statistical methods for science students. Covers theoretical foundations, problem-solving techniques, and practical applications.
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
Microbiology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, cultivation, and applied microbiology.
Project Management
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.
Industrial Attachment
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Industrial Attachment: Supervised attachment at research institutions, laboratories, or industry. Provides hands-on industry experience, mentorship, and professional skills development.

Specialisations

Medical Biochemistry
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Medical Biochemistry. 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.
Clinical Practice
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Medical Biochemistry. 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.
Public Health
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Medical Biochemistry. 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.
Health Administration
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Medical Biochemistry. 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.
Laboratory Science
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Medical Biochemistry. 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.
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

Lectures, practicals, group discussions, and independent study form the core of the student experience. Industrial attachment and research projects provide real-world exposure.

The trade offs

In its favour

Solid foundation for diverse career paths across multiple sectors
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Recognised qualification accredited by CUE
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.

Against it

Competitive job market requiring additional skills or experience
Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
May require further specialisation for advanced roles
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 349 health sciences courses

Public245k to 288k

245k at Kenyatta University288k at University of Nairobi

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 Biochem 244,800/yr; UoN Biochem 288K/yr (Schedule II). Private unverified.

HELB loans available for eligible students. University and external scholarships may be available.

Funding options

HELB Loan
KUCCPS Placement

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.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.
AMREF International University Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Health sciences students demonstrating financial need
Ministry of Health Kenya Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Healthcare workers sponsored by national or county governments

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma holders may upgrade through bridging programmes.

English or Kiswahili
C+
Mathematics
C

How you are assessed

5 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Written Examinations
Exam50% of the mark
End-of-semester examinations.
Continuous Assessment
Cat25% of the mark
Assignments, tests, and presentations.
Industrial Attachment
Clinical10% of the mark
Supervised attachment report.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).

Accredited by

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

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles

Research Data Analyst (Junior)
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Sciences. Research Data Analyst (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Stable.
Research Program Coordinator
Low demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 120,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Sciences. Research Program Coordinators work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
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.
Marine Research Assistant (Junior)
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 90,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Sciences. Marine Research Assistant (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior)
Low demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 110,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Sciences. Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers in health sciences or proceed to further studies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Python
ProgrammingPrimary
Data analysis and machine learning for risk modelling.
PlantVillage Nuru
Agriculture
QGIS
GisPrimary
R
Analytics
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for medical biochemistry research data.
BLAST
Software
Bioinformatics tool for sequence alignment and molecular biology research.
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

This programme has limited career options.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors including government, private sector, NGOs, and entrepreneurship.
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.
Graduates cannot find employment in Kenya.
Kenya's growing economy creates demand for qualified graduates across public, private, and NGO sectors.