Science

Diploma in Human Biosciences

The Diploma in Human Biosciences is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in human biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology and molecular biology. Offered at Kirinyaga University, the programme prepares students for technical and laboratory careers in healthcare, research institutions, biotechnology companies and the pharmaceutical industry.

The curriculum covers human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics, immunology, histology, laboratory techniques, biostatistics, research methods, communication skills and industrial attachment. Students choose between a Biochemistry option and a Biotechnology option, developing specialised skills in their chosen area.

Kenya's biosciences sector is growing, with increasing demand for laboratory technicians and technologists in hospitals, research institutions, biotechnology companies and quality control laboratories. The programme responds to the need for trained biosciences personnel who can support laboratory operations, research projects and biotechnology applications.

The programme is delivered through lectures, laboratory practicals, field visits, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, biochemical analysis, microbiological testing, molecular biology procedures and biotechnology applications through practical sessions and attachment at laboratories, research institutions or biotechnology companies.

Graduates pursue careers as laboratory technologists, research assistants, quality control technicians, biotechnology technicians and biosciences assistants in hospitals, research institutions, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies and food processing companies. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Biotechnology or related degree programmes.

Prospective students should have interest in biology, chemistry and laboratory work. The programme is suitable for students seeking technical careers in biosciences, healthcare laboratories and biotechnology.

Duration: 3 years
Public, up to: Ksh 34,920
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: 30 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Human Anatomy, Physiology and Histology
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Microbiology and Immunology
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Biotechnology and Bioprocessing
Laboratory Techniques and Biosafety
Biostatistics and Research Methods
Industrial Attachment and Biosciences Project

Modules

8 in the programme

Human Anatomy, Physiology and Histology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers human body systems, organ structure and function, tissues, histology techniques, cellular organisation and human biology fundamentals.
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers biomolecules, enzymes, metabolism, cell structure, cell function, membrane biology, cellular processes and biochemical pathways.
Microbiology and Immunology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers microbiology fundamentals, bacterial, viral and fungal biology, microbial culture, immunology, immune response, antigens and antibodies.
Laboratory Techniques and Biosafety
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers laboratory safety, biosafety levels, laboratory equipment, microscopy, staining techniques, pipetting, centrifugation, sterilisation and quality control.
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, gene expression, molecular biology techniques, PCR, gel electrophoresis and human genetics.
Biotechnology and Bioprocessing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers biotechnology principles, fermentation, bioprocessing, enzyme technology, bioproducts, industrial biotechnology and biotechnology applications.
Biostatistics and Research Methods
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers biostatistics, data analysis, experimental design, research methods, scientific writing, literature review and biosciences research.
Industrial Attachment and Biosciences Project
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
A three-month industrial attachment at a hospital laboratory, research institution or biotechnology company, plus a biosciences research project assessed through a report.

Specialisations

Biochemistry
Focuses on biomolecules, metabolism, enzymes and biochemical analysis for careers in clinical and research laboratories.
Biotechnology
Specialises in bioprocessing, fermentation, molecular techniques and bioproduct development for careers in biotechnology companies.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on biochemistry or microbiology, followed by a laboratory practical on biochemistry techniques or microbiological testing. Afternoon sessions may include a molecular biology practical, a biostatistics workshop, or a group discussion on research methods. Students also work on biosciences projects and prepare for industrial attachment.

The trade offs

In its favour

The programme offers two specialisation options (Biochemistry and Biotechnology), providing career flexibility.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Biotechnology or related degree programmes.
Kenya's growing healthcare and biotechnology sectors create demand for laboratory-trained biosciences personnel.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study location options.
Some laboratory positions may require additional certification from KMLTTB or other professional bodies.

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

Public35k to 35k

35k at Kirinyaga University35k at Kirinyaga 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

KyU GoK ~35K/yr excl. accommodation (kyu.ac.ke). SSP not published. Not offered privately.

Students can access HELB loans. Kirinyaga University may offer internal bursaries for deserving students.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C
Alternative entry: KCSE C- with a Credit pass in a relevant certificate from a recognised institution, or KCE Division III with a Pass in Biology.

Biology
C-
Chemistry
C-
Mathematics
C-

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology and laboratory techniques.
Laboratory Practical Assessment
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory skills through practical examinations covering microscopy, staining, culture techniques and biochemical assays.
Biosciences Research Project
Project40% of the mark
A biosciences research project on a biochemistry or biotechnology topic, assessed through a written report and oral presentation.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a hospital laboratory, research institution or biotechnology company.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Kirinyaga University with options in Biochemistry and Biotechnology.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Kirinyaga University.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Laboratory Technologist
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 150,000
Performs laboratory tests and analyses in hospitals, research institutions and quality control laboratories, supporting diagnosis and research.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 140,000
Supports research projects in biosciences, conducts experiments, collects and analyses data, and assists with laboratory operations.
Quality Control Technician
Moderate demandKsh 27,000 to Ksh 130,000
Performs quality control testing in pharmaceutical, food processing and biotechnology companies, ensuring products meet standards.
Biotechnology Technician
Low demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 140,000
Supports biotechnology processes including fermentation, bioprocessing and product development in biotechnology companies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as laboratory technologists, research assistants and quality control technicians in hospitals, research institutions and biotechnology companies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Human Biosciences is the same as nursing or clinical medicine.
Human Biosciences focuses on laboratory-based scientific analysis, biochemistry and biotechnology, not direct patient care.
There are no jobs for biosciences graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's growing healthcare, research and biotechnology sectors create demand for laboratory technologists, research assistants and quality control technicians.
You need to be a doctor to work in a medical laboratory.
Laboratory technologists and technicians with biosciences qualifications operate medical laboratories, performing tests and analyses that support medical diagnosis.
Biotechnology is only about genetic modification.
Biotechnology covers a wide range of applications including fermentation, diagnostics, vaccine production, bioprocessing and environmental bioremediation.