Bachelor of Science (Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics)
The Bachelor of Science (Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics) is a multidisciplinary science degree programme that provides students with a broad foundation across the four core science disciplines. The programme is offered at Laikipia University, preparing graduates for careers in education, research, industry and further specialisation in any of the four science subjects.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 264,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,056,000 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Cloud Security Engineer, at 14 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, cell biology, microbiology, genetics, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, calculus, linear algebra, statistical methods, ecology and research methods. Students develop competencies in laboratory techniques, scientific analysis and interdisciplinary problem-solving across physics, biology, chemistry and mathematics.
Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, laboratory practicals, field work, industrial attachment and research projects. The practical approach ensures graduates can conduct scientific experiments, analyse data using mathematical and statistical tools and apply interdisciplinary knowledge to solve complex scientific problems.
The programme emphasises the integration of the four core sciences, preparing students to understand the connections between physical, biological and chemical processes through mathematical analysis. Students learn about scientific reasoning, experimental design, data interpretation and the application of mathematical models to biological, chemical and physical phenomena.
Graduates are equipped to work in educational institutions, research organisations, quality control laboratories, environmental agencies, pharmaceutical companies and government scientific departments. They play a critical role in teaching science, supporting research and applying multidisciplinary scientific knowledge across various sectors.
Career opportunities exist in secondary school teaching, research institutions, quality control laboratories, environmental organisations, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies and further academic specialisation. Graduates work as science teachers, laboratory technicians, research assistants, quality control officers and scientific analysts across multiple industries.
What you study
10 subjects- Classical Mechanics
- Cell Biology
- Organic Chemistry
- Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Electromagnetism
- Microbiology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Statistical Methods
- Quantum Physics
- Ecology
Modules
8 in the programmeClassical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Newton's laws, energy conservation, thermodynamic principles and their applications.
Cell Biology and Genetics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Cell Biology and Genetics: Cell structure, function, division and principles of genetics and inheritance. Covers cellular processes, organismal biology, and ecological relationships.
Organic and Analytical Chemistry
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Organic and Analytical Chemistry: Organic compounds, reactions and analytical techniques for chemical analysis. Covers theoretical principles, laboratory techniques, and industrial applications.
Electromagnetism and Optics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Electromagnetism and Optics: Electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves and optical phenomena. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Calculus and Linear Algebra
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Differential and integral calculus, matrices, vectors and linear transformations.
Microbiology and Ecology
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Microorganisms, their roles in ecosystems and ecological principles and interactions.
Statistical Methods and Data Analysis
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Probability, statistical inference, hypothesis testing and data analysis techniques.
Research Methods and Scientific Communication
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research design, scientific writing, experimental methods and project management.
Specialisations
Physics Specialisation
Focus on classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics and computational physics. 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.
Biology Specialisation
Specialisation in cell biology, microbiology, genetics and ecology. 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.
Chemistry Specialisation
Focus on organic, analytical and inorganic chemistry with laboratory techniques. 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.
Mathematics Specialisation
Specialisation in calculus, linear algebra, statistical methods and mathematical modelling. 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 involves attending physics lectures in the morning, conducting chemistry experiments in the laboratory, working on calculus problem sets, and examining biological specimens under the microscope during practical sessions.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). | Limited programme specialisation options may be available. |
| Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding. | 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 243 science coursesAnnual 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 BSc 240,000/yr (ku.ac.ke). UoN Basic Sciences 264,000/yr (Schedule II). Private: unverified.
Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. DAAD offers scholarships for STEM students.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
Loan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Scholarship
Needy students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
DAAD Scholarship
Scholarship
Undergraduate students in STEM fields
Scholarships
3 recordedHigher 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.
Scholarships you could apply for
6 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE C+ (Plus) OR A Level with two principal passes; OR a relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate and CUE.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Laikipia University, Meru University of Science and Technology.
Including Laikipia University, Meru University of Science and Technology.
Including Laikipia University, Meru University of Science and Technology.
How you are assessed
2 componentsContinuous 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.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Laikipia University under the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences Technology.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesGraduate 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.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as science teachers, laboratory technicians, research assistants and quality control officers in educational institutions, research organisations and industry.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- Embedded Firmware EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Embedded Linux DeveloperTechnology15Low exposure
- Forensic DNA ScientistScience15Low exposure
- Neuromorphic Computing ResearcherScience15Low exposure
- Site Reliability EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Applied Cryptography EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Python
SoftwarePrimary
Programming language for scientific computing, data analysis and mathematical modelling.
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for laboratory data management, statistical calculations and scientific reporting.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for research data analysis and hypothesis testing.
MATLAB
Software
Numerical computing software for physics calculations and mathematical modelling.
R
Software
Programming language for statistical analysis and biological data visualisation.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
A general science degree has no career value.
The multidisciplinary programme provides flexibility for careers in teaching, research, quality control and further specialisation in any of the four science disciplines.
Graduates are jacks of all trades but masters of none.
Graduates develop strong foundations in all four sciences and can specialise through postgraduate study or choose interdisciplinary career paths.
The programme is only for students who cannot get into specialised science degrees.
The programme is designed for students who want a broad science education and interdisciplinary understanding, which is valuable for teaching and research careers.
Graduates can only become teachers.
While teaching is a common career path, graduates also work in research institutions, quality control laboratories, environmental agencies and pharmaceutical companies.