Science

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

The Bachelor of Science in Microbiology is a four-year programme offered at Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, JKUAT, Moi University, and other institutions. It provides practical and professional expertise in microbial sciences, equipping graduates for careers in research, industry, and healthcare.

Students study bacteriology, mycology, virology, microbial genetics, immunology, industrial microbiology, and molecular biology. The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with extensive laboratory practicals, industrial attachment, and research projects, ensuring graduates can manipulate microorganisms for applications in agriculture, medicine, and environmental management.

Entry requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with at least C+ in Biology and C in Chemistry and Mathematics. The programme is offered full-time over four academic years, with students completing approximately 49 departmental units plus three university common units.

Graduates work as microbiologists in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, food and beverage industries, research institutions, and environmental agencies. They contribute to disease diagnosis, drug development, quality control, and bioremediation efforts across multiple sectors.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and prepares graduates for professional roles in Kenya growing biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Students gain hands-on experience with current biochemical and molecular techniques.

Career opportunities include roles in medical microbiology, food safety, industrial fermentation, biofertilizer production, and public health surveillance. The demand for microbiology expertise continues to grow with expansion in Kenya healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

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

Microbiology
Research Methods
Statistics
Laboratory Techniques
Scientific Communication
Research Methods

Modules

8 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.
Advanced Mathematics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced calculus, algebra, and mathematical methods. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, c...
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.
Laboratory Techniques
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Advanced laboratory methods and instrumentation. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, course...
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Scientific research methodology and experimental design. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests...
Advanced Topics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced theoretical and applied topics in the discipline. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tes...
Research Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Independent research project in pure or applied science. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests...

Specialisations

Microbiology
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. 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 Methods
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. 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 Analysis
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. 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.
Data Analysis
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. 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.
Field Studies
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. 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
Recognised qualification accredited by CUE

Against it

Competitive job market requiring additional skills or experience
May require further specialisation for advanced roles

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 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 Microbiol 244,800/yr; UoN Microbiol&Biotech 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

3 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
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies

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

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Cat25% of the mark
Assignments, tests, and presentations.
Written Examinations
Exam50% of the mark
End-of-semester examinations.
Industrial Attachment
Clinical10% of the mark
Supervised attachment report.
Research Project
Research15% of the mark
Final-year research project.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).

Accredited by

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

5 roles

Research Program Coordinator
Low demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 120,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Research Program Coordinators 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 Pure & Applied Sciences. Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Marine Research Assistant (Junior)
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 90,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Marine Research Assistant (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Research Data Analyst (Junior)
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Research Data Analyst (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Stable.
Research Scientist
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 80,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Research Scientists work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers in pure & applied sciences or proceed to further studies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

MATLAB
SoftwarePrimary
Numerical computing environment for optical simulations, data analysis and modelling.
Zemax OpticStudio
SoftwarePrimary
Optical design software for designing and analysing optical systems.
Python
Software
Programming language for data analysis, optical simulations and automation.
COMSOL Multiphysics
Software
Simulation software for electromagnetic and optical wave propagation modelling.
LabVIEW
Software
Laboratory virtual instrumentation software for data acquisition and instrument control.

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.