Science

Master of Science in Biological Sciences

The Master of Science in Biological Sciences is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in biological research, ecology, and organismal biology. The programme combines biological theory with practical field and laboratory research application.

Core areas include cell biology, genetics, ecology, entomology, plant biology, animal biology, microbiology, evolution, biostatistics, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both biological theory and practical research through coursework, fieldwork, and laboratory work.

The programme is offered by the University of Nairobi through the Department of Biology. It is a public university offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in cell biology, genetics, ecology, entomology, plant biology, animal biology, microbiology, evolution, biostatistics, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, fieldwork, and a research thesis with specialisation options in entomology or other biological disciplines.

UoN charges approximately KES 365,500/year (KES 731,000 total) including tuition, examination, and statutory charges. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in biological sciences, botany, zoology, or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as biologists, research scientists, ecologists, entomologists, conservation scientists, and lecturers in biological sciences across research institutions, environmental organisations, government agencies, and universities.

Skills Required

Cell Biology and Molecular Techniques
Genetics and Genomics
Ecology and Environmental Biology
Entomology and Pest Management
Plant Biology and Taxonomy
Animal Biology and Physiology
Microbiology and Microbial Ecology
Evolution and Population Biology
Biostatistics and Research Methods
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Cell Biology and Molecular Techniques
Genetics and Genomics
Ecology and Environmental Biology
Entomology and Pest Management
Plant Biology and Taxonomy
Animal Biology and Physiology
Microbiology and Microbial Ecology
Evolution and Population Biology
Biostatistics and Research Methods
Thesis Research

Certifications

Kenya Wildlife Service Research Certification
IUBS Biological Sciences Certification

Specializations

Entomology

Focuses on entomology, covering insect taxonomy, insect ecology, pest management, medical entomology, agricultural entomology, and managing entomological research.

Ecology and Conservation

Examines ecology, covering population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, conservation biology, biodiversity, and managing ecological research.

Plant Biology

Covers plant biology, covering plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant ecology, ethnobotany, plant breeding, and managing plant biology research.

Animal Biology

Focuses on animal biology, covering animal physiology, animal behaviour, zoology, wildlife biology, and managing animal biology research.

Microbiology

Examines microbiology, covering microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, industrial microbiology, medical microbiology, and managing microbiological research.

Genetics and Evolution

Covers genetics and evolution, covering population genetics, molecular evolution, phylogenetics, conservation genetics, and managing genetics research.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 365,500
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Cell Biology and Molecular Techniques
Genetics and Genomics
Ecology and Environmental Biology
Entomology and Pest Management
Plant Biology and Taxonomy
Animal Biology and Physiology
Microbiology and Microbial Ecology
Evolution and Population Biology
Biostatistics and Research Methods
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Cell Biology and Molecular Techniques
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines cell structure, function, signalling, molecular techniques, microscopy, cell culture, and managing cell biology research.
Genetics and Genomics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers molecular genetics, population genetics, genomics, genetic analysis, bioinformatics, and managing genetics research.
Research Methods and Biostatistics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, statistical methods, experimental design, and conducting biological research, preparing students for their thesis.
Ecology and Environmental Biology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, biodiversity, conservation biology, and managing ecological research.
Entomology and Pest Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers insect taxonomy, insect ecology, pest management, medical entomology, agricultural entomology, and managing entomological research.
Plant Biology and Taxonomy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant ecology, ethnobotany, plant breeding, and managing plant biology research.
Animal Biology and Physiology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers animal physiology, animal behaviour, zoology, wildlife biology, comparative anatomy, and managing animal biology research.
Microbiology and Microbial Ecology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, industrial microbiology, medical microbiology, and managing microbiological research.
Evolution and Population Biology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers evolutionary theory, population genetics, phylogenetics, speciation, molecular evolution, and managing evolutionary research.
Conservation Biology and Biodiversity
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines biodiversity assessment, conservation planning, threatened species management, protected areas, and managing conservation research.
Elective Specialisation Module
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Elective module in chosen specialisation area, covering advanced topics in entomology, ecology, plant biology, animal biology, microbiology, or genetics.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 29 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a biological sciences topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and biological knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Entomology
Focuses on entomology, covering insect taxonomy, insect ecology, pest management, medical entomology, agricultural entomology, and managing entomological research.
Ecology and Conservation
Examines ecology, covering population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, conservation biology, biodiversity, and managing ecological research.
Plant Biology
Covers plant biology, covering plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant ecology, ethnobotany, plant breeding, and managing plant biology research.
Animal Biology
Focuses on animal biology, covering animal physiology, animal behaviour, zoology, wildlife biology, and managing animal biology research.
Microbiology
Examines microbiology, covering microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, industrial microbiology, medical microbiology, and managing microbiological research.
Genetics and Evolution
Covers genetics and evolution, covering population genetics, molecular evolution, phylogenetics, conservation genetics, and managing genetics research.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Biological Sciences programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, fieldwork, practical workshops, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover cell biology, genetics, ecology, entomology, plant biology, and animal biology. Cell biology sessions examine cell structure, function, signalling, molecular techniques, microscopy, and managing cell biology research. Genetics sessions cover molecular genetics, population genetics, genomics, genetic analysis, bioinformatics, and managing genetics research. Ecology sessions cover population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, biodiversity, conservation, and managing ecological research. Entomology sessions cover insect taxonomy, insect ecology, pest management, medical entomology, agricultural entomology, and managing entomological research. Plant biology sessions cover plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant ecology, ethnobotany, plant breeding, and managing plant biology research. Animal biology sessions cover animal physiology, animal behaviour, zoology, wildlife biology, and managing animal biology research. Microbiology sessions cover microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, industrial microbiology, medical microbiology, and managing microbiological research. Evolution sessions cover evolutionary theory, population genetics, phylogenetics, speciation, molecular evolution, and managing evolutionary research. Biostatistics sessions cover statistical methods, experimental design, data analysis, statistical computing, and managing biological data. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with molecular techniques, microscopy, cell culture, microbiology, and biological analysis. Fieldwork sessions provide practical experience with ecological surveys, biodiversity assessment, specimen collection, and field research. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in biological sciences. Guest lectures from experienced biologists, ecologists, and researchers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on a biological sciences topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Steady demand for biology professionals with growing environmental concerns, conservation needs, biotechnology advancement, and research in Kenya.
Programme offers specialisation options in entomology, ecology, plant biology, animal biology, microbiology, and genetics, providing versatile career paths.
Programme combines fieldwork, laboratory work, and coursework, providing comprehensive practical and theoretical training.
Strong industry links with KWS, KEFRI, NMK, and other research institutions providing collaboration and career opportunities.

Against it

Only one university (UoN) confirmed offering this specific programme, limiting institutional choice.
UoN fees are relatively high at approximately KES 365,500/year (KES 731,000 total).
No private university confirmed offering this programme, limiting options.
Programme requires biological sciences or related background, which limits access for non-related graduates.

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

Public366k to 366k

366k at University of Nairobi366k 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

UoN ~365.5K/yr (biology.uonbi.ac.ke). Private unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. UoN may offer postgraduate bursaries for eligible students. KWS and KEFRI may provide research support for biology professionals. Some environmental organisations may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
UoN Postgraduate Bursary
KWS Research Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
UoN Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
University of Nairobi offers postgraduate bursaries for eligible students.
KWS Research Support
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenya Wildlife Service and partner organisations may provide research support for biology and conservation professionals.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Most universities require Upper Second Class Honours in biological sciences, botany, zoology, or related fields. Lower Second Division holders with evidence of research ability may be considered. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, fieldwork reports, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering cell biology, genetics, ecology, entomology, plant biology, animal biology, and microbiology.
Laboratory and Fieldwork Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory exercises, fieldwork, ecological surveys, specimen collection, and demonstrating biological skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a biological sciences topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and biological knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). University of Nairobi (public) offers MSc in Biological Sciences through the Department of Biology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate training in biological sciences. Graduates are eligible for KWS research certification and IUBS biological sciences certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Nairobi (public) offers MSc in Biological Sciences through the Department of Biology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate training in biological sciences. Graduates are eligible for KWS research certification and IUBS biological sciences certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Biologist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts biological research, overseeing research design, data collection, analysis, publication, and managing biological research.
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts scientific research, overseeing research design, experimentation, analysis, publication, and managing scientific research.
Ecologist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts ecological research, overseeing ecological surveys, biodiversity assessment, conservation planning, and managing ecological research.
Entomologist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts entomological research, overseeing insect taxonomy, pest management, medical entomology, and managing entomological research.
Conservation Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages conservation programmes, overseeing biodiversity conservation, protected area management, species monitoring, and managing conservation.
Biology Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches biological sciences at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, laboratory supervision, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

R
SoftwarePrimary
R for statistical analysis, covering ecological data analysis, biodiversity statistics, population modelling, and managing biological data.
Python
Software
Python for bioinformatics and data analysis, covering biopython, data analysis, molecular modelling, and managing biological data.
BLAST
Software
BLAST for sequence analysis, covering DNA sequence comparison, homology search, sequence alignment, and managing molecular data.
GIS Software
Software
GIS for spatial analysis, covering ecological mapping, species distribution modelling, habitat analysis, and managing spatial data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Biological sciences is just about studying plants and animals.
Biological sciences covers comprehensive cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, microbiology, molecular biology, and biostatistics beyond just studying plants and animals.
This programme is only for those who want to become teachers.
Biological sciences skills are valuable for research, conservation, environmental management, biotechnology, public health, and industry beyond just teaching.
Biological sciences has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With growing environmental concerns, conservation needs, biotechnology advancement, and research, demand for biology professionals is steady in Kenya.
Ecology is just about counting species.
Ecology covers comprehensive population dynamics, community interactions, ecosystem processes, biodiversity assessment, conservation planning, and environmental management.
Entomology is just about collecting insects.
Entomology covers comprehensive insect taxonomy, ecology, physiology, pest management, medical entomology, and agricultural entomology with significant practical applications.
Genetics is just about inheritance patterns.
Genetics covers comprehensive molecular genetics, population genetics, genomics, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and conservation genetics.