Agriculture

Master of Science in Molecular Entomology

The Master of Science in Molecular Entomology is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in molecular entomology, insect molecular biology, vector genomics, and insect biotechnology. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in vector molecular research, insect pest management, insect biotechnology, and disease vector control.

Core areas include molecular entomology, insect molecular biology, insect genomics, vector molecular biology, insecticide resistance genetics, insect biotechnology, molecular diagnostics, population genetics, genetic vector control, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical molecular entomology applications.

The programme is offered by Rongo University, Kirinyaga University, and Pwani University, with JKUAT as a college. JKUAT offers MSc Molecular Entomology at KES 357,000 total through its Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences. JKUAT has strong entomology research including tsetse fly and trypanosomiasis, and vector biology. UoN offers related MSc in Applied Entomology and Medical and Veterinary Entomology.

Students develop competencies in insect molecular biology, insect genomics, vector genetics, molecular diagnostics, genetic modification, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, field work, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years. JKUAT MSc Molecular Entomology total fees are KES 357,000. Entry requires Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, entomology, or related fields with Upper Second or Lower with research ability.

Graduates pursue careers as molecular entomologists, vector biologists, insect biotechnologists, research scientists, and lecturers in research institutions, vector control programmes, biotechnology companies, and universities.

Skills Required

Molecular Entomology and Insect Molecular Biology
Insect Genomics and Bioinformatics
Vector Molecular Biology and Genetics
Insecticide Resistance Genetics and Mechanisms
Molecular Diagnostics for Insects and Vectors
Insect Population Genetics and Phylogeography
Genetic Vector Control and Gene Drive
Insect Biotechnology and Genetic Modification
Insect Immunity and Microbiome
Molecular Entomology Research Methods

Key Subjects

Molecular Entomology
Insect Molecular Biology
Insect Genomics
Vector Molecular Biology
Insecticide Resistance Genetics
Insect Biotechnology
Molecular Diagnostics for Insects
Insect Population Genetics
Genetic Vector Control
Molecular Entomology Research Methods

Certifications

icipe Molecular Entomology Training
WHO Vector Control Certification

Specializations

Insect Molecular Biology

Focuses on insect molecular biology, insect genetics, gene expression, insect physiology, molecular pathways, and understanding insects at the molecular level.

Vector Genomics

Examines vector genomics, mosquito genome, tsetse genome, genome sequencing, comparative genomics, and applying genomics in vector research.

Insecticide Resistance Genetics

Covers insecticide resistance genetics, resistance genes, metabolic resistance, target site resistance, kdr mutations, and understanding and detecting resistance mechanisms.

Genetic Vector Control

Focuses on genetic vector control, gene drive, sterile insect technique, Wolbachia, CRISPR for vectors, and applying genetic methods for vector control.

Insect Biotechnology

Examines insect biotechnology, genetic modification, transgenic insects, insect cell culture, baculovirus expression, and applying biotechnology with insects.

Molecular Diagnostics

Covers molecular diagnostics for insects, PCR identification, barcoding, species identification, resistance detection, and applying molecular methods in entomology.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 178,500
Private, up to: Ksh 195,000
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

Molecular Entomology
Insect Molecular Biology
Insect Genomics
Vector Molecular Biology
Insecticide Resistance Genetics
Insect Biotechnology
Molecular Diagnostics for Insects
Insect Population Genetics
Genetic Vector Control
Molecular Entomology Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Insect Molecular Biology and Genetics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines insect molecular biology, gene expression, insect genetics, molecular pathways, insect physiology, transcription, and understanding insects at the molecular level.
Insect Genomics and Bioinformatics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers mosquito genome, tsetse genome, genome sequencing, comparative genomics, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, and applying genomics in vector research.
Vector Molecular Biology and Pathogen Interactions
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines vector genetics, vector competence, vector-pathogen interactions, salivary glands, midgut, immune response, and understanding vector molecular biology.
Insecticide Resistance Genetics and Mechanisms
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers resistance genetics, metabolic resistance, target site resistance, kdr mutations, detoxification genes, cytochrome P450s, and understanding and detecting resistance mechanisms.
Genetic Vector Control and Gene Drive
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines gene drive, CRISPR for vectors, sterile insect technique, Wolbachia, transgenic mosquitoes, RNAi, and applying genetic methods for vector control.
Insect Biotechnology and Genetic Modification
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers genetic modification, transgenic insects, insect cell culture, baculovirus expression, recombinant proteins, insect symbionts, and applying biotechnology with insects.
Molecular Diagnostics for Insects and Vectors
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines PCR identification, DNA barcoding, species identification, resistance detection, blood meal analysis, xenosurveillance, and applying molecular methods in entomology.
Insect Population Genetics and Phylogeography
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers population genetics, phylogeography, gene flow, population structure, microsatellites, SNPs, and analysing insect population genetics and evolutionary history.
Insect Immunity and Microbiome
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines insect immune system, antimicrobial peptides, melanisation, insect microbiome, symbiotic bacteria, Wolbachia, and understanding insect immunity and microbiome.
Molecular Entomology Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for molecular entomology, molecular techniques, bioinformatics, data analysis, insectary methods, and conducting molecular entomology research, preparing students for their thesis.
Insect Pest Management and Agricultural Entomology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines insect pest management, agricultural pests, IPM, biological control, pheromones, Bt crops, and applying molecular entomology in agricultural pest management.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a molecular entomology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and molecular entomology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Insect Molecular Biology
Focuses on insect molecular biology, insect genetics, gene expression, insect physiology, molecular pathways, and understanding insects at the molecular level.
Vector Genomics
Examines vector genomics, mosquito genome, tsetse genome, genome sequencing, comparative genomics, and applying genomics in vector research.
Insecticide Resistance Genetics
Covers insecticide resistance genetics, resistance genes, metabolic resistance, target site resistance, kdr mutations, and understanding and detecting resistance mechanisms.
Genetic Vector Control
Focuses on genetic vector control, gene drive, sterile insect technique, Wolbachia, CRISPR for vectors, and applying genetic methods for vector control.
Insect Biotechnology
Examines insect biotechnology, genetic modification, transgenic insects, insect cell culture, baculovirus expression, and applying biotechnology with insects.
Molecular Diagnostics
Covers molecular diagnostics for insects, PCR identification, barcoding, species identification, resistance detection, and applying molecular methods in entomology.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Molecular Entomology programme begins with morning lectures on molecular entomology, insect molecular biology, or vector genomics. Students engage in theoretical discussions on insect genetics, molecular pathways, and vector biology. Molecular entomology sessions cover insect molecular biology, gene expression, insect genetics, molecular pathways, insect physiology, and understanding insects at the molecular level. Insect genomics sessions examine mosquito genome, tsetse genome, genome sequencing, comparative genomics, transcriptomics, and applying genomics in vector research. Vector molecular biology sessions cover vector genetics, vector competence, vector-pathogen interactions, salivary glands, midgut, and understanding vector molecular biology. Insecticide resistance sessions examine resistance genetics, metabolic resistance, target site resistance, kdr mutations, detoxification genes, and understanding and detecting resistance mechanisms. Genetic vector control sessions cover gene drive, CRISPR for vectors, sterile insect technique, Wolbachia, transgenic mosquitoes, and applying genetic methods for vector control. Insect biotechnology sessions examine genetic modification, transgenic insects, insect cell culture, baculovirus expression, recombinant proteins, and applying biotechnology with insects. Molecular diagnostics sessions cover PCR identification, DNA barcoding, species identification, resistance detection, blood meal analysis, and applying molecular methods in entomology. Population genetics sessions examine population genetics, phylogeography, gene flow, population structure, microsatellites, and analysing insect population genetics. Insect immunity sessions cover insect immune system, antimicrobial peptides, melanisation, insect microbiome, symbiotic bacteria, and understanding insect immunity and microbiome. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, insect dissection, insectary work, and molecular techniques. Field work provides hands-on experience with insect collection, vector sampling, field molecular diagnostics, and ecological surveys. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering molecular entomology research methods, laboratory methods, and data analysis. Guest lectures from icipe scientists, KEMRI researchers, JKUAT professors, DVBNTD officials, and international molecular entomology experts provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

icipe, headquartered in Nairobi, provides world-class insect research infrastructure and collaboration opportunities for molecular entomology students in Kenya.
JKUAT offers established MSc Molecular Entomology at KES 357,000 through its Department of Biochemistry, with strong tsetse fly and trypanosomiasis research.
Career opportunities with icipe, KEMRI, DVBNTD, agricultural research institutions, biotechnology companies, and international health organisations.
Programme addresses critical challenges including insecticide resistance, vector-borne diseases, and agricultural pests, with growing global significance.

Against it

Job market demand is moderate, with fewer dedicated molecular entomology positions compared to general biology or microbiology.
Programme requires biology, biochemistry, entomology, or related background, which may exclude some graduates.
Laboratory work requires access to molecular biology facilities, insectaries, and sequencing equipment, which may vary across institutions.
Programme involves advanced molecular techniques and bioinformatics, which may be challenging for students without molecular biology background.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 303 agriculture courses

Public150k to 179k

150k at Rongo University179k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Private119k to 195k

119k at Mount Kenya University195k at Kabarak 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

JKUAT 357K total=178.5K/yr verified. Rongo, MKU, Kabarak unverified

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. icipe supports insect research and capacity building in Africa. KEMRI supports medical research including vector biology. WHO supports vector control capacity building. The programme's molecular entomology focus attracts research and international health funding, particularly from icipe and global health initiatives.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
icipe Research Funding
KEMRI Research Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate molecular entomology studies at recognised universities.
icipe Research Funding
GrantKsh 400,000Kenyan
icipe supports insect research and capacity building in Africa, providing funding for postgraduate research in molecular entomology and vector biology.
KEMRI Research Funding
GrantKsh 400,000Kenyan
KEMRI supports medical research including vector biology and insecticide resistance, providing funding for postgraduate research.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts graduates from biology, biochemistry, entomology, genetics, biotechnology, agriculture, zoology, and related fields. JKUAT requires Upper Second or Lower with research ability. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time modes. JKUAT total fees KES 357,000.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, case studies, molecular analysis projects, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering molecular entomology, insect genomics, vector biology, and insecticide resistance, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory and Field Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory work, molecular techniques, insectary work, insect dissection, field collection, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a molecular entomology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and molecular entomology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). JKUAT offers MSc Molecular Entomology at KES 357,000 through its Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences. JKUAT has established tsetse fly and trypanosomiasis research. UoN offers related MSc in Applied Entomology and Medical and Veterinary Entomology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate molecular entomology training. icipe in Nairobi provides world-class insect research infrastructure.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. JKUAT offers MSc Molecular Entomology at KES 357,000 through its Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences. JKUAT has established tsetse fly and trypanosomiasis research. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate molecular entomology training.
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)
Professional accreditation
icipe provides world-class insect research and training. Graduates may benefit from icipe collaboration, training programmes, and research opportunities.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Molecular Entomologist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts molecular entomology research, overseeing insect molecular biology, genomics, vector genetics, and supporting entomology research.
Vector Biologist
High demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Researches disease vectors, overseeing vector molecular biology, resistance genetics, vector competence, and supporting vector control.
Insect Biotechnologist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Applies biotechnology with insects, overseeing genetic modification, transgenic insects, insect cell culture, and supporting insect biotechnology.
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts molecular entomology research, overseeing research projects, genomic studies, resistance research, and supporting entomological research.
Agricultural Entomologist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Applies molecular entomology in agriculture, overseeing pest management, IPM, resistance monitoring, and supporting agricultural pest control.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches molecular entomology in universities, conducting research and training future molecular entomology professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as molecular entomologists, vector biologists, and research scientists in research institutions, vector control programmes, and biotechnology companies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

BLAST
SoftwarePrimary
Bioinformatics tool for sequence similarity searching, insect gene identification, vector genome analysis, and comparing insect DNA and protein sequences.
VectorBase
DatabasePrimary
Vector genome database providing mosquito, tsetse, and other vector genome data, bioinformatics tools, and supporting molecular entomology research.
R Statistical Computing
Software
Open-source statistical computing for population genetics analysis, genomic data analysis, phylogeography, and research data analysis in molecular entomology.
Geneious
Software
Bioinformatics software for sequence analysis, genome assembly, phylogenetics, primer design, and analysing insect molecular data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Molecular entomology is just about studying insects under a microscope.
The programme involves insect genomics, molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, genetic vector control, and research, covering advanced molecular entomology.
This programme is only for biology graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from biology, biochemistry, entomology, genetics, biotechnology, agriculture, and related fields.
There is limited demand for molecular entomologists in Kenya.
Kenya's vector-borne disease burden, icipe presence, insecticide resistance challenge, and agricultural pest management create moderate demand for qualified molecular entomology professionals.
Molecular entomology is too specialised with limited career options.
Molecular entomology skills are relevant for vector control, agriculture, biotechnology, research, conservation, and public health, providing diverse career options.
Genetic vector control is science fiction.
Genetic vector control methods including gene drive, SIT, and Wolbachia are being actively researched and deployed globally, making molecular entomology highly relevant.
A master's in molecular entomology is redundant after a bachelor's in biology.
The master's provides specialised molecular entomology skills, research capability, and career progression to senior research and vector control positions.