Science

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.

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.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 307,000
Private, up to: Ksh 191,700
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 8 months
Average class: 35 students
Award: Bachelor

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 favour

Critical role in understanding animal biology and supporting wildlife conservation.
Growing demand for zoologists due to biodiversity loss and conservation needs.
Fieldwork provides direct experience with animals and wildlife research.

Against it

Fieldwork can be physically demanding and requires working in remote areas.
Zoological research can be challenging due to funding constraints and ethical considerations.

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

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: Diploma holders in Biology, Animal Science, Environmental Science, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

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

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

Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.

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.