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Bachelor of Science in Zoology

The Bachelor Of Science In Zoology is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in zoology. The programme falls under the Agriculture & Environment category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 307,000
Ksh 1,228,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 191,700
Ksh 766,800 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 307,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,228,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 191,700 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE 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 8 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 9 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Aquaculture Technologist, at 3 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

The curriculum covers Zoology, Animal Biology, Animal Physiology, Animal Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Conservation. 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 Parasitology, Animal Ecology, Introduction to Zoology, Animal Genetics, Animal Physiology. 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 Conservation Biology, Wildlife Biology, Animal Physiology. 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 Zoology pursue careers as Zoologist, Wildlife Biologist, Environmental Consultant, Animal Researcher. 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.

What you study

6 subjects
  • Zoology
  • Animal Biology
  • Animal Physiology
  • Animal Ecology
  • Wildlife Biology
  • Conservation

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Introduction to Zoology

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Overview of zoology, animal biology, and animal diversity. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tes...

  • Animal Physiology

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Animal Physiology: Animal functions, body systems, and physiological processes. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Animal Ecology

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Animal Ecology: Animal ecology, habitat relationships, and ecological interactions. Covers ecosystem dynamics, conservation principles, and environmental management practices.

  • Invertebrate Zoology

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Invertebrate Zoology: Invertebrate biology, invertebrate diversity, and invertebrate ecology. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Vertebrate Zoology

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Vertebrate Zoology: Vertebrate biology, vertebrate diversity, and vertebrate ecology. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Animal Behaviour

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Animal behaviour, behavioural ecology, and ethology. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, co...

  • Parasitology

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Parasitology: Animal parasites, parasitic diseases, and parasite-host relationships. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Wildlife Biology

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Wildlife Biology: Wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, and wildlife management. Covers cellular processes, organismal biology, and ecological relationships.

  • Conservation Biology

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Conservation Biology: Conservation principles, species conservation, and biodiversity protection. Covers cellular processes, organismal biology, and ecological relationships.

  • Animal Genetics

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Animal Genetics: Animal genetics, population genetics, and genetic diversity. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Research Methods in Zoology

    Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore

    Research Methods in Zoology: Research methods, data analysis, and zoological research techniques. Covers quantitative and qualitative approaches, data collection, analysis, and reporting.

  • Zoology Project

    Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore

    Independent research project on zoology topic. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursewo...

Specialisations

  • Wildlife Biology

    Focus on wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, and wildlife management. 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.

  • Animal Physiology

    Specialization in animal functions, body systems, and physiological processes. 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.

  • Conservation Biology

    Focus on conservation principles, species conservation, and biodiversity protection. 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.

A day as a student

Students attend lectures, conduct laboratory analysis, participate in fieldwork on animals, and engage in zoological research.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Critical role in understanding animal biology and supporting wildlife conservation.Fieldwork can be physically demanding and requires working in remote areas.
Growing demand for zoologists due to biodiversity loss and conservation needs.Zoological research can be challenging due to funding constraints and ethical considerations.
Fieldwork provides direct experience with animals and wildlife research.—

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
Public131k to 307k
131k at Kenyatta University307k at University of Nairobi
Private152k to 192k
152k at Kenya Methodist University192k 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 131K/yr (victormatara), UoN 307K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). KeMU 152K, Kabarak 192K (educationnewshub).

HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.

Funding options

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

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

Scholarships you could apply for

13 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSEminimum entry
Alternative entry

Diploma holders in Biology, Animal Science, Environmental Science, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

Subject requirements
BiologyC+
ChemistryC+
Mathematics/PhysicsC
English/KiswahiliC

When it next starts

Taught at 9 institutions
January 20279 institutions

Including Kenyatta University, Chuka University, Garissa University.

May 20279 institutions

Including Kenyatta University, Chuka University, Garissa University.

September 20279 institutions

Including Kenyatta University, Chuka University, Garissa University.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Exam70% of the mark

    Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat30% of the mark

    Regular tests, assignments, and laboratory reports throughout the semester.

  • Research Project

    Project100% of the mark

    Independent research project on zoology topic.

  • Field Practice Assessments

    Practicum100% of the mark

    Evaluation of field skills in animal research, wildlife surveys, and conservation activities.

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education

    NationalRequired

    Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.

Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

  • Zoologist

    High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Study animals, conduct zoological research, and advise on animal conservation.

  • Wildlife Biologist

    High demandKsh 57,000 to Ksh 123,000

    Study wildlife populations, conduct wildlife research, and support conservation.

  • Environmental Consultant

    Medium demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000

    Provide consulting services on animal conservation, environmental protection, and biodiversity.

  • Animal Researcher

    Medium demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 122,000

    Conduct animal research, study animal biology, and advance zoological science.

  • Conservation Officer

    High demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000

    Implement conservation strategies, protect wildlife, and manage protected areas.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in zoology, wildlife conservation, and animal research across Kenya's environmental sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Microsoft Excel

    SoftwarePrimary

    Spreadsheet for extension data management, project planning and rural development budgeting.

  • SPSS

    SoftwarePrimary

    Statistical analysis software for rural development research and extension impact assessment.

  • QGIS

    Software

    GIS software for agricultural mapping and extension service planning.

  • PowerPoint

    Software

    Presentation tool for farmer training and extension education sessions.

  • KoboToolbox

    Software

    Mobile data collection tool for field surveys and extension needs assessment.

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Wolves have alpha leaders

    The alpha wolf concept is a myth based on captive wolf behavior. In the wild, wolf packs are family units led by parents, not dominant alphas.

  • Animals don't feel pain or emotions

    Scientific evidence shows many animals experience pain, stress, and emotions. Animal welfare science recognizes sentience across many species.

  • Zoos are only for entertainment

    Modern accredited zoos support conservation, species survival programs, research, and education. They are the third largest funder of conservation globally.

  • Cannibalism is rare in animals

    Cannibalism occurs naturally in many species for various reasons including population control, resource competition, and reproductive strategies.

  • All snakes are dangerous

    Most snake species are harmless to humans. Only a small percentage are venomous, and even fewer are dangerous to people.

  • Animals always act on instinct alone

    Many animals demonstrate learning, problem-solving, cultural transmission, and complex decision-making beyond simple instinctive behaviors.

Further reading

Read next