Science

Master of Science in Molecular Biology

The Master of Science in Molecular Biology is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics. The programme provides comprehensive knowledge and practical training in DNA, RNA, protein analysis, genetic engineering, and computational biology.

Core areas include molecular biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, gene expression, proteomics, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both theoretical and practical work through coursework, laboratory work, computational sessions, and research.

The programme is offered by Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology as MSc in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology. JKUAT is a public university offering the programme over two years through full-time study, combining molecular biology with computational approaches.

Students develop competencies in molecular biology, genetic engineering, genomics, bioinformatics, gene expression analysis, and biomedical research. The programme includes coursework, examinations, laboratory work, and a supervised research thesis, preparing graduates for research, biotechnology, diagnostic, and teaching roles.

JKUAT charges KES 357,000 total for the programme (~KES 178,500/year). Entry requires at least a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised institution.

Graduates pursue careers as molecular biologists, research scientists, bioinformaticians, biotechnology specialists, geneticists, and lecturers in molecular biology across research institutions, biotechnology companies, diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and universities.

Skills Required

Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Recombinant DNA Technology
Gene Expression Analysis
Proteomics and Protein Analysis
PCR and Molecular Diagnostics
Cell Culture and Molecular Techniques
Research Methods in Molecular Biology
Computational Biology and Data Analysis
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Recombinant DNA Technology
Gene Expression and Regulation
Proteomics and Protein Analysis
PCR and Molecular Diagnostics
Cell Culture and Molecular Techniques
Research Methods in Molecular Biology
Computational Biology and Data Analysis
Thesis Research

Certifications

EMBO Professional Membership
ISCB Professional Membership

Specializations

Genomics and Bioinformatics

Focuses on genomics and bioinformatics, covering genomes, sequencing, analysis, computation, and managing genomic data.

Genetic Engineering

Examines genetic engineering, covering recombinant DNA, modification, expression, and managing genetic engineering.

Molecular Diagnostics

Covers molecular diagnostics, covering PCR, sequencing, detection, diagnosis, and managing molecular diagnostics.

Proteomics

Focuses on proteomics, covering proteins, expression, analysis, interactions, and managing proteomics research.

Gene Expression and Regulation

Examines gene expression, covering transcription, regulation, mechanisms, and managing gene expression research.

Biotechnology Applications

Covers biotechnology applications, covering agriculture, health, industry, products, and managing molecular biotechnology.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 295,800
Private, up to: Ksh 295,500
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Recombinant DNA Technology
Gene Expression and Regulation
Proteomics and Protein Analysis
PCR and Molecular Diagnostics
Cell Culture and Molecular Techniques
Research Methods in Molecular Biology
Computational Biology and Data Analysis
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Molecular Biology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines DNA, RNA, proteins, structure, function, and managing molecular biology.
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers genomes, sequencing, databases, analysis, computation, and managing genomic data.
Recombinant DNA Technology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines cloning, vectors, enzymes, transformation, and managing recombinant DNA technology.
Research Methods in Molecular Biology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, ethics, and conducting research, preparing students for their thesis.
Gene Expression and Regulation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines transcription, regulation, mechanisms, analysis, and managing gene expression research.
Proteomics and Protein Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers proteins, expression, analysis, interactions, and managing proteomics research.
PCR and Molecular Diagnostics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines PCR, sequencing, detection, diagnosis, and managing molecular diagnostics.
Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers modification, expression, applications, products, and managing genetic engineering and biotechnology.
Computational Biology and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines algorithms, tools, modelling, simulation, and managing computational biology.
Cell Culture and Advanced Molecular Techniques
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers culture, techniques, microscopy, analysis, and managing advanced molecular techniques.
Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines current research, CRISPR, gene therapy, personalised medicine, and managing advanced molecular biology topics.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 29 creditsCore
Original supervised research thesis on a molecular biology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and molecular biology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Genomics and Bioinformatics
Focuses on genomics and bioinformatics, covering genomes, sequencing, analysis, computation, and managing genomic data.
Genetic Engineering
Examines genetic engineering, covering recombinant DNA, modification, expression, and managing genetic engineering.
Molecular Diagnostics
Covers molecular diagnostics, covering PCR, sequencing, detection, diagnosis, and managing molecular diagnostics.
Proteomics
Focuses on proteomics, covering proteins, expression, analysis, interactions, and managing proteomics research.
Gene Expression and Regulation
Examines gene expression, covering transcription, regulation, mechanisms, and managing gene expression research.
Biotechnology Applications
Covers biotechnology applications, covering agriculture, health, industry, products, and managing molecular biotechnology.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Molecular Biology programme combines lectures, laboratory practicals, computational sessions, seminars, journal clubs, and independent study. Sessions cover molecular biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and genetic engineering. Molecular biology sessions examine DNA, RNA, proteins, structure, function, and managing molecular biology. Genetics sessions cover genes, inheritance, variation, mutations, and managing genetics research. Genomics sessions cover genomes, sequencing, assembly, annotation, and managing genomic data. Bioinformatics sessions cover databases, tools, analysis, computation, and managing bioinformatics. Genetic engineering sessions cover recombinant DNA, cloning, expression, modification, and managing genetic engineering. Gene expression sessions cover transcription, regulation, mechanisms, analysis, and managing gene expression research. Proteomics sessions cover proteins, expression, analysis, interactions, and managing proteomics research. Molecular diagnostics sessions cover PCR, sequencing, detection, diagnosis, and managing molecular diagnostics. Laboratory practicals provide hands-on experience with DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, sequencing, and cell culture. Computational sessions provide practical experience with bioinformatics tools, sequence analysis, and genomic data processing. Seminars and journal clubs provide opportunities for presenting research findings and discussing current scientific literature. Guest lectures from experienced molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, and researchers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a supervised research thesis on a molecular biology topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme combines molecular biology with bioinformatics, addressing modern computational biology needs.
JKUAT offers competitive fees at KES 357,000 total (~KES 178,500/year).
High demand for molecular biology professionals in biotechnology, diagnostics, and research.
Graduates are eligible for EMBO professional membership and ISCB professional membership.

Against it

Only one university (JKUAT, public) confirmed offering this specific programme.
No private university confirmed offering this programme.
Programme requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant science discipline, limiting access.
Specialised field requiring significant laboratory and computational infrastructure.

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

Public179k to 296k

179k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology296k at Kenyatta University

Private150k to 296k

150k at Kabarak University296k at USIU-Africa

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

JKUAT 357K/2yr=178K/yr (kenyaeducationguide.com). KU ~296K/yr (spas.ku.ac.ke). USIU ~295K/yr.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KEMRI may offer research grants for molecular biology research. EMBO may offer research grants and fellowships for molecular biology research. Some research institutions, biotechnology companies, and international bodies may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KEMRI Research Grant
EMBO Research Grant

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
KEMRI Research Grant
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
KEMRI may offer research grants for molecular biology research.
EMBO Research Grant
ScholarshipKsh 200,000
EMBO may offer research grants and fellowships for molecular biology research.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: JKUAT requires at least a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline. Lower Second Class may be considered with acceptable evidence of research ability or academic work. Contact JKUAT 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, computational exercises, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering molecular biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and genetic engineering.
Laboratory and Computational Assessment
Project40% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory work, computational exercises, molecular techniques, and demonstrating molecular biology skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original supervised research thesis on a molecular biology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and molecular biology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (public) offers MSc in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate training in molecular biology. Graduates are eligible for EMBO professional membership and ISCB professional membership.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (public) offers MSc in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate training in molecular biology. Graduates are eligible for EMBO professional membership and ISCB professional membership.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Molecular Biologist
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts molecular biology research and analysis, overseeing DNA, RNA, proteins, and managing molecular biology.
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts molecular biology research, overseeing research, experiments, analysis, and managing research projects.
Bioinformatician
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages bioinformatics operations, overseeing data, analysis, tools, and managing bioinformatics.
Biotechnology Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages biotechnology operations, overseeing products, processes, quality, and managing biotechnology.
Geneticist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts genetics research and analysis, overseeing genes, variation, inheritance, and managing genetics.
Molecular Biology Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Teaches molecular biology at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

PCR and Real-Time PCR Systems
EquipmentPrimary
PCR and real-time PCR systems for molecular analysis, covering amplification, detection, quantification, and managing molecular biology.
BLAST and Bioinformatics Tools
Software
BLAST and bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis, covering alignment, searching, analysis, and managing bioinformatics data.
Gel Electrophoresis Systems
Equipment
Gel electrophoresis systems for DNA and protein separation, covering separation, visualisation, analysis, and managing molecular biology.
Python and R
Software
Python and R for bioinformatics and data analysis, covering data, analysis, scripting, and managing computational biology.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Molecular biology is just about DNA.
Molecular biology covers comprehensive DNA, RNA, proteins, gene expression, genomics, and bioinformatics beyond just DNA.
This programme is only for biologists.
Molecular biology skills are valuable for computer scientists, pharmacists, doctors, and agricultural scientists beyond just biologists.
Bioinformatics is just about using databases.
Bioinformatics covers comprehensive sequence analysis, structural modelling, systems biology, and computational biology beyond just using databases.
Genetic engineering is just about making GMOs.
Genetic engineering covers comprehensive recombinant DNA, gene therapy, protein production, diagnostics, and research beyond just making GMOs.
Molecular biology careers are limited to research.
Molecular biology careers span biotechnology, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, forensics, and education beyond just research.
Genomics is just about sequencing genomes.
Genomics covers comprehensive assembly, annotation, comparative analysis, functional genomics, and personalised medicine beyond just sequencing genomes.