Science

Master of Science in Biomathematics

The Master of Science in Biomathematics is a postgraduate programme that focuses on methods of applied mathematics and mathematical modelling to provide quantitative answers to practical questions in biomedical research. The programme integrates mathematical methods with the theory and practice of modern computational biology.

Core areas include mathematical modelling of biological systems, biomathematics, stochastic modelling, partial differential equation modelling in biology, computational structural biology, biomedical mathematics, statistical modelling with application to biology, and computational systems biology. Students use MATLAB, R, and C++ as computing languages for modelling.

The programme is offered by Strathmore University through its Institute of Mathematical Sciences. Strathmore is a private chartered university in Nairobi. The programme is the only MSc Biomathematics offered in Kenya, making it unique in the Kenyan higher education landscape.

Students develop competencies in mathematical modelling, computational biology, statistical analysis, biomedical data analysis, simulation, and research. The programme includes 16 course units offered over four academic semesters and a subsequent dissertation project. The programme is delivered as an evening programme from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

The programme is delivered over two years with evening classes. Intakes are in January, May, and September. Admission requires a Graduate Entrance Examination (GEE) and oral interview. The programme accommodates mathematics and related discipline graduates.

Graduates pursue careers as biomathematicians, computational biologists, biomedical data analysts, research scientists, and lecturers in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, health organisations, and universities.

Skills Required

Mathematical Modelling of Biological Systems
Computational Biology and Simulation
Stochastic Modelling
Partial Differential Equation Modelling
Statistical Modelling for Biology
Biomedical Data Analysis
Computational Systems Biology
MATLAB Programming for Biology
R Programming for Biostatistics
C++ Programming for Scientific Computing

Key Subjects

Modelling Biological Systems
Biomathematics
Stochastic Modelling
Partial Differential Equation Modelling in Biology
Computational Structural Biology
Biomedical Mathematics
Statistical Modelling with Application to Biology
Computational Systems Biology
MATLAB for Scientific Computing
Research Methods in Biomathematics

Certifications

SMB Professional Membership
AIMS Certification

Specializations

Mathematical Biology

Focuses on mathematical biology, modelling biological systems, differential equations in biology, and applying mathematical methods to understand biological processes.

Computational Biology

Examines computational biology, computational methods for biology, structural biology computing, and using computational tools to solve biological problems.

Biostatistics and Statistical Modelling

Covers biostatistics, statistical modelling with application to biology, biomedical data analysis, and applying statistical methods to biological and biomedical data.

Systems Biology

Focuses on systems biology, computational systems biology, modelling biological networks, and understanding biological systems as integrated wholes.

Biomedical Mathematics

Examines biomedical mathematics, applying mathematics to biomedical problems, physiological modelling, and mathematical approaches to medical research.

Stochastic Modelling in Biology

Covers stochastic modelling, random processes in biology, probabilistic models of biological systems, and understanding uncertainty in biological processes.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 388,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Evening
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Modelling Biological Systems
Biomathematics
Stochastic Modelling
Partial Differential Equation Modelling in Biology
Computational Structural Biology
Biomedical Mathematics
Statistical Modelling with Application to Biology
Computational Systems Biology
MATLAB for Scientific Computing
Research Methods in Biomathematics

Modules

12 in the programme

Modelling Biological Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines mathematical modelling of biological systems, constructing models of biological processes from cellular to population level using differential equations and dynamical systems.
Biomathematics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers biomathematics, applying mathematical methods to biological problems, including differential equations, dynamical systems, and optimisation in biology.
Stochastic Modelling
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines stochastic modelling, random processes in biology, probabilistic models of biological systems, and understanding uncertainty in biological processes.
Partial Differential Equation Modelling in Biology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers PDE modelling in biology, reaction-diffusion systems, wave propagation in biological contexts, and applying PDEs to biological problems.
Introduction to Computational Structural Biology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines computational structural biology, computational methods for protein structure, molecular dynamics, and structural analysis of biological molecules.
Biomedical Mathematics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers biomedical mathematics, applying mathematics to biomedical problems, physiological modelling, medical imaging mathematics, and mathematical approaches to medical research.
Statistical Modelling with Application to Biology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines statistical modelling for biology, regression analysis, Bayesian methods, and applying statistical methods to biological and biomedical data.
Computational Systems Biology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers computational systems biology, modelling biological networks, gene regulatory networks, metabolic pathways, and understanding biological systems as integrated wholes.
MATLAB for Scientific Computing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines MATLAB programming for scientific computing, numerical methods, simulation, and using MATLAB for biomathematical modelling and analysis.
R Programming for Biostatistics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers R programming for biostatistics, statistical analysis, data visualisation, and using R for biological and biomedical data analysis.
C++ for Scientific Computing
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines C++ programming for scientific computing, numerical algorithms, high-performance computing, and using C++ for computational biology and modelling.
Dissertation Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research dissertation applying mathematical and computational methods to a biological or biomedical problem, demonstrating mastery of biomathematics, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Mathematical Biology
Focuses on mathematical biology, modelling biological systems, differential equations in biology, and applying mathematical methods to understand biological processes.
Computational Biology
Examines computational biology, computational methods for biology, structural biology computing, and using computational tools to solve biological problems.
Biostatistics and Statistical Modelling
Covers biostatistics, statistical modelling with application to biology, biomedical data analysis, and applying statistical methods to biological and biomedical data.
Systems Biology
Focuses on systems biology, computational systems biology, modelling biological networks, and understanding biological systems as integrated wholes.
Biomedical Mathematics
Examines biomedical mathematics, applying mathematics to biomedical problems, physiological modelling, and mathematical approaches to medical research.
Stochastic Modelling in Biology
Covers stochastic modelling, random processes in biology, probabilistic models of biological systems, and understanding uncertainty in biological processes.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Biomathematics programme begins with evening classes from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at Strathmore University's Institute of Mathematical Sciences. Students attend lectures on mathematical modelling, computational biology, or statistical methods. Modelling biological systems sessions cover constructing mathematical models of biological processes, from cellular to population level. Biomathematics sessions examine applying mathematical methods to biological problems, including differential equations, dynamical systems, and optimisation. Stochastic modelling sessions cover random processes in biology, probabilistic models, and understanding uncertainty in biological systems. Partial differential equation sessions examine PDE modelling in biology, reaction-diffusion systems, and wave propagation in biological contexts. Computational structural biology sessions involve computational methods for protein structure, molecular dynamics, and structural analysis. Biomedical mathematics sessions apply mathematics to biomedical problems, including physiological modelling and medical imaging. Statistical modelling sessions cover statistical methods for biological data, regression, and Bayesian analysis. Computational systems biology sessions examine modelling biological networks, gene regulatory networks, and metabolic pathways. The programme uses MATLAB, R, and C++ as computing languages, with practical sessions involving coding, simulation, and data analysis. Students complete 16 course units over four semesters, followed by a dissertation project. The dissertation involves original research applying mathematical and computational methods to a biological or biomedical problem. Guest lectures from KEMRI researchers, icipe scientists, and visiting biomathematicians provide real-world insights. The programme's evening schedule accommodates working professionals.

The trade offs

In its favour

Strathmore's SIMS is the only institute offering MSc Biomathematics in Kenya, making graduates uniquely qualified and exclusive.
Programme integrates mathematical methods with computational biology, providing cutting-edge skills at the mathematics-biology interface.
Evening programme format accommodates working professionals, allowing students to study while employed.
Programme uses industry-standard tools including MATLAB, R, and C++, providing practical computational skills valued by employers.

Against it

Only offered at one private university, limiting choice and potentially making it less accessible geographically and financially.
Programme fees of KES 660,970 total are relatively high compared to public university alternatives.
Admission requires passing a Graduate Entrance Examination and oral interview, adding complexity to the application process.
Career demand for biomathematicians in Kenya is moderate, with limited direct employment opportunities in this specialised field.

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

Public148k to 388k

148k at Kenyatta University388k 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 Maths MSc ~388K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). KU ~148K/yr (international.ku.ac.ke). Private: unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. AIMS provides scholarships for African mathematical scientists. Strathmore University may offer financial aid for qualifying students. The programme's unique mathematical biology focus attracts research council and international mathematical science organisation funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
AIMS Scholarships
Strathmore University Financial Aid

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate biomathematics studies at recognised universities.
AIMS Scholarships
ScholarshipKsh 500,000
African Institute for Mathematical Sciences provides scholarships for African mathematical scientists, supporting postgraduate training in mathematical sciences including biomathematics.
Strathmore University Financial Aid
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
Strathmore University may offer financial aid and scholarships for qualifying postgraduate students demonstrating academic excellence and 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 mathematics and related discipline graduates. Two-year evening programme at Strathmore University. Intakes in January, May, and September. Admission requires passing a Graduate Entrance Examination (GEE) and oral interview. Applicants must present two reference letters from academic referees. Interview fee KES 2,500 payable on the interview day. The programme covers 16 course units over 4 semesters plus a dissertation project.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, programming exercises, modelling projects, and class participation throughout the programme.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering mathematical modelling, computational biology, stochastic modelling, and statistical methods, conducted at end of each semester.
Practical and Computing Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of practical computing skills including MATLAB, R, and C++ programming, simulation, modelling projects, and computational analysis.
Dissertation Project
Research100% of the mark
Original research dissertation applying mathematical and computational methods to a biological or biomedical problem, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Strathmore University offers MSc in Biomathematics through its Institute of Mathematical Sciences (SIMS). The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate biomathematics training. Strathmore is a private chartered university.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Strathmore University offers MSc in Biomathematics through its Institute of Mathematical Sciences (SIMS). The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate biomathematics training. Strathmore is a private chartered university.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Biomathematician
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Applies mathematical modelling to biological and biomedical problems, developing models for disease dynamics, physiological processes, and biological systems.
Computational Biologist
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Uses computational methods to solve biological problems, developing algorithms, simulating biological systems, and analysing biological data.
Biomedical Data Analyst
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 550,000
Analyses biomedical data using statistical and computational methods, supporting medical research, drug development, and health programmes.
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts research at the mathematics-biology interface, developing new mathematical and computational methods for biological applications.
Epidemiological Modeller
Moderate demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 550,000
Develops mathematical models of disease transmission, supporting public health decision-making and outbreak response in health organisations.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches biomathematics and computational biology in universities, conducting research and training future mathematical scientists.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as biomathematicians, computational biologists, and biomedical data analysts in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and health organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

MATLAB
SoftwarePrimary
Numerical computing environment for mathematical modelling, simulation, and analysis of biological systems using MATLAB programming.
R
SoftwarePrimary
Open-source statistical computing environment for biostatistics, statistical modelling, and biological data analysis.
C++
SoftwarePrimary
Programming language for scientific computing, high-performance numerical algorithms, and computational biology applications.
Python (SciPy/NumPy)
Software
Programming language with scientific computing libraries for data analysis, computational biology, and mathematical modelling.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Biomathematics is just applied statistics.
Biomathematics involves mathematical modelling, differential equations, dynamical systems, computational biology, and stochastic processes, far beyond applied statistics.
There is no demand for biomathematicians in Kenya.
Kenya's research institutions, health sector, and growing biotechnology industry create demand for graduates who can apply mathematics to biological and biomedical problems.
This programme is only for pure mathematicians.
The programme accepts graduates from mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science, biology, and related disciplines with strong mathematical background.
Biomathematics is too theoretical for practical applications.
The programme focuses on practical applications, using computational tools to solve real biomedical problems including disease modelling, drug development, and physiological modelling.
Only Strathmore offers this, so it must be inferior.
Strathmore's SIMS is a reputable mathematical sciences institute, and being the only provider makes the programme exclusive, not inferior.
The evening programme is less rigorous than full-time study.
The evening programme covers the same rigorous curriculum as full-time study, with 16 course units and a dissertation, designed for working professionals.