Science

Master of Science in Biology

The Master of Science in Biology is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in advanced biological science, covering both plant and animal biology. The programme prepares graduates for careers in research, education, and applied biology.

Core areas include cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, physiology, taxonomy, microbiology, biotechnology, evolution, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical laboratory and field applications across the biological sciences.

The programme is offered by Great Lakes University of Kisumu, with the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton and Pan Africa Christian University as colleges. GLUK is a private chartered university in Kisumu with a focus on health sciences and community development. UEAB is a Seventh-day Adventist institution known for biological and agricultural studies.

Students develop competencies in biological research, laboratory techniques, field biology, data analysis, scientific writing, and applying biology to real-world challenges. The programme includes coursework, laboratory sessions, field work, examinations, and a research thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time and part-time study modes. The programme accommodates biological science graduates and related disciplines. All three institutions are private universities.

Graduates pursue careers as biologists, researchers, laboratory managers, science educators, environmental consultants, and lecturers in research institutions, schools, universities, and environmental organisations.

Skills Required

Cell and Molecular Biology
Genetics and Genomics
Ecology and Environmental Biology
Plant and Animal Physiology
Taxonomy and Systematics
Microbiology Techniques
Biotechnology Applications
Biological Research Methods
Laboratory Techniques in Biology
Scientific Writing and Communication

Key Subjects

Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Genetics
Ecology
Physiology
Taxonomy and Systematics
Microbiology
Biotechnology
Evolutionary Biology
Research Methods in Biology

Certifications

KEMRI Research Certification
KNAS Professional Membership

Specializations

Cell and Molecular Biology

Focuses on cell biology, molecular biology, cellular processes, molecular techniques, and understanding biological processes at cellular and molecular level.

Ecology and Environmental Biology

Examines ecology, environmental biology, ecosystem dynamics, population ecology, and understanding organisms and their environment.

Genetics and Genomics

Covers genetics, genomics, molecular genetics, genetic analysis, and understanding inheritance and genetic variation in organisms.

Plant Biology

Focuses on plant biology, botany, plant physiology, plant ecology, and understanding plant biology and plant science applications.

Animal Biology

Examines animal biology, zoology, animal physiology, animal ecology, and understanding animal biology and zoological science.

Microbiology

Covers microbiology, microbial biology, microbial ecology, and understanding microorganisms and their roles in biology and environment.

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
Molecular Biology
Genetics
Ecology
Physiology
Taxonomy and Systematics
Microbiology
Biotechnology
Evolutionary Biology
Research Methods in Biology

Modules

12 in the programme

Advanced Cell Biology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines advanced cell biology, cellular structure, function, cellular processes, cell signalling, and understanding biological processes at cellular level.
Molecular Biology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers molecular biology, DNA replication, transcription, translation, molecular techniques, and understanding biological processes at molecular level.
Advanced Genetics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines advanced genetics, molecular genetics, genetic analysis, population genetics, and understanding inheritance and genetic variation.
Ecology and Environmental Biology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers ecology, population dynamics, community ecology, ecosystem processes, and understanding organisms and their environment.
Plant and Animal Physiology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines plant and animal physiology, understanding how organisms function, physiological processes, and adaptation to environments.
Taxonomy and Systematics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers taxonomy, systematics, biological classification, species identification, and understanding biological diversity and evolutionary relationships.
Microbiology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines microbiology, microbial biology, microbial ecology, culturing microorganisms, and understanding microorganisms and their roles.
Biotechnology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers biotechnology, applying biological techniques to develop useful products, genetic engineering, and biotechnology applications.
Evolutionary Biology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines evolutionary biology, evolutionary theory, natural selection, speciation, and understanding evolutionary processes in biology.
Research Methods in Biology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for biology, experimental design, data analysis, and conducting biological research, preparing students for their thesis.
Biostatistics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines biostatistics, statistical methods for biological data, experimental design, and using statistical software for biological data analysis.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a biology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and biological knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Cell and Molecular Biology
Focuses on cell biology, molecular biology, cellular processes, molecular techniques, and understanding biological processes at cellular and molecular level.
Ecology and Environmental Biology
Examines ecology, environmental biology, ecosystem dynamics, population ecology, and understanding organisms and their environment.
Genetics and Genomics
Covers genetics, genomics, molecular genetics, genetic analysis, and understanding inheritance and genetic variation in organisms.
Plant Biology
Focuses on plant biology, botany, plant physiology, plant ecology, and understanding plant biology and plant science applications.
Animal Biology
Examines animal biology, zoology, animal physiology, animal ecology, and understanding animal biology and zoological science.
Microbiology
Covers microbiology, microbial biology, microbial ecology, and understanding microorganisms and their roles in biology and environment.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Biology programme begins with morning lectures on cell biology, genetics, or ecology. Students engage in theoretical discussions on biological processes, evolutionary theory, and ecological principles. Laboratory sessions form a central part of the programme, involving microscopy, cell culture, molecular biology techniques, microbiology, and physiological measurements. Cell biology sessions cover cellular structure, function, and processes at molecular level. Genetics sessions examine inheritance, genetic variation, molecular genetics, and genomic analysis. Ecology sessions cover population dynamics, community ecology, ecosystem processes, and environmental biology. Physiology sessions examine plant and animal physiology, understanding how organisms function. Taxonomy sessions involve species identification, classification, and understanding biological diversity. Microbiology sessions cover microbial biology, culturing microorganisms, and understanding microbial ecology. Biotechnology sessions examine applying biological techniques to develop useful products and processes. Field work takes students to natural habitats, research sites, and conservation areas where they conduct ecological surveys and collect biological samples. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing. The programme provides broad biological science training applicable to diverse careers. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

General biology master's provides versatile training applicable to diverse careers in research, education, environmental management, and biotechnology.
GLUK is a chartered private university with focus on health sciences and community development, offering quality education with small class sizes.
Programme covers broad biological science including molecular biology, genetics, ecology, and biotechnology, providing comprehensive training.
Biology graduates have diverse career options in research, education, environmental management, health, and biotechnology sectors.

Against it

Only offered at private universities, which may be more expensive than public university alternatives.
Specific fee structures could not be independently verified from official websites.
General biology may be perceived as less specialised than focused degrees like molecular biology or biotechnology.
Limited number of institutions offer this specific programme, reducing choice for prospective students.

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

Public326k to 366k

326k at Kenyatta University366k 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

KU 326.4K/yr (ku.ac.ke). UoN ~365.5K/yr (biology.uonbi.ac.ke). Private null.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KEMRI supports biological and biomedical research. GLUK may offer financial aid for qualifying students. The programme's biological science focus attracts research council and science organisation funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KEMRI Research Grants
GLUK Financial Aid

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate biology studies at recognised universities.
KEMRI Research Grants
GrantKsh 400,000Kenyan
KEMRI provides research grants for biological and biomedical research in Kenya, supporting postgraduate research in biology and related fields.
GLUK Financial Aid
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Great Lakes University of Kisumu may offer financial aid for qualifying postgraduate students demonstrating financial need.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme is designed for biological science graduates. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time study modes. All listed institutions are private universities. The programme provides broad biological science training with opportunities for specialisation through electives and thesis research.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, field reports, and class participation throughout the programme.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, and physiology, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory and Field Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory and field skills including microscopy, molecular techniques, field surveys, and laboratory reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a biology 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). Great Lakes University of Kisumu offers MSc in Biology as a private chartered university. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate biology training.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Great Lakes University of Kisumu is a private chartered university offering MSc in Biology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate biology training.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Biologist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts biological research, studying organisms, ecological systems, and biological processes in research institutions or universities.
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts scientific research in biology and related fields, developing new knowledge and contributing to scientific understanding.
Laboratory Manager
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 400,000
Manages biology laboratories, overseeing operations, quality control, equipment maintenance, and ensuring laboratory compliance with standards.
Science Educator
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Teaches biology and science in educational institutions, developing curricula, conducting demonstrations, and training future scientists.
Environmental Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Consults on environmental and biological issues, conducting environmental assessments, and advising on conservation and sustainability.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches biology in universities, conducting research and training future biologists, scientists, and science professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as biologists, researchers, and science educators in research institutions, schools, universities, and environmental organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Light Microscope
EquipmentPrimary
Light microscope for cell biology, histology, microbiology, and examining biological specimens in laboratory work.
PCR Machine
EquipmentPrimary
PCR machine for molecular biology, DNA amplification, genetic analysis, and molecular techniques in biological research.
R Statistical Computing
Software
Open-source statistical computing environment for biological data analysis, ecological modelling, and biostatistics.
Cell Culture Equipment
Equipment
Cell culture equipment including biosafety cabinets, incubators, and microscopes for growing and studying cells in vitro.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

A general biology master's is less valuable than specialised degrees.
A general biology master's provides versatile training applicable to diverse careers in research, education, environmental management, and biotechnology.
Biology graduates can only become teachers.
Biology graduates pursue careers in research, laboratory management, environmental consulting, biotechnology, conservation, and industry, not just teaching.
There is limited demand for biologists in Kenya.
Kenya's research institutions, environmental sector, health sector, and agricultural development create demand for qualified biologists.
Private university biology programmes are inferior to public university programmes.
Private universities like GLUK and UEAB are CUE-accredited and offer quality biology programmes with smaller class sizes and individual attention.
Biology is outdated compared to modern molecular science.
Modern biology integrates molecular techniques, genomics, and biotechnology, making it more relevant and advanced than ever.
This programme is too general for meaningful specialisation.
The programme provides foundational knowledge with opportunities for specialisation through elective courses and thesis research.