Health Sciences

Master of Science Medical Biochemistry

The Master of Science in Medical Biochemistry is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in biochemical research, clinical biochemistry, and molecular medicine. The programme combines biochemistry with medical application and molecular biology.

Core areas include advanced biochemical techniques, metabolic pathways, clinical biochemistry, recombinant DNA technology, cellular biochemistry, protein folding, advanced enzymology, bioinformatics, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both biochemistry theory and practical medical application through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by Moi University and Kenyatta University. Both are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in biochemical techniques, metabolic regulation, clinical biochemistry, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, enzymology, bioinformatics, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, and a research thesis.

Moi University charges approximately KES 177,200/year (KES 354,400 total). KU charges approximately KES 295,800/year. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with First Class or Upper Second Class Honours in biochemistry, molecular biology, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, or biomedical sciences from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as medical biochemists, clinical biochemists, research scientists, molecular biologists, laboratory managers, and lecturers in biochemistry across hospitals, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and universities.

Skills Required

Advanced Biochemical Techniques and Instrumentation
Integration and Control of Metabolic Pathways
Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostic Methods
Recombinant DNA Technology and Molecular Biology
Protein Folding, Design and Engineering
Advanced Enzymology and En Kinetics
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Biochemistry of Human Genetics and Genomics
Research Methods in Medical Biochemistry
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Advanced Biochemical Techniques and Instrumentation
Integration and Control of Metabolic Pathways
Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostic Methods
Recombinant DNA Technology and Molecular Biology
Protein Folding and Design
Advanced Enzymology
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Biochemistry of Human Genetics
Research Methods in Medical Biochemistry
Thesis Research

Certifications

KMLTTB Laboratory Certification
IUBMB Biochemistry Certification

Specializations

Clinical Biochemistry

Focuses on clinical biochemistry, covering diagnostic biochemistry, metabolic disorders, clinical enzymology, laboratory medicine, and managing clinical biochemistry.

Molecular Biology

Examines molecular biology, covering recombinant DNA, gene expression, molecular diagnostics, genomics, and managing molecular biology.

Protein Biochemistry

Covers protein biochemistry, covering protein folding, design, engineering, purification, proteomics, and managing protein biochemistry.

Metabolic Biochemistry

Focuses on metabolic biochemistry, covering metabolic pathways, regulation, metabolic disorders, energy metabolism, and managing metabolic biochemistry.

Bioinformatics

Examines bioinformatics, covering sequence analysis, structural bioinformatics, computational biology, databases, and managing bioinformatics.

Nutritional Biochemistry

Covers nutritional biochemistry, covering nutrient metabolism, nutritional genomics, clinical nutrition, diet and disease, and managing nutritional biochemistry.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 295,800
Private, up to: Ksh 150,000
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

Advanced Biochemical Techniques and Instrumentation
Integration and Control of Metabolic Pathways
Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostic Methods
Recombinant DNA Technology and Molecular Biology
Protein Folding and Design
Advanced Enzymology
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Biochemistry of Human Genetics
Research Methods in Medical Biochemistry
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Advanced Biochemical Techniques and Instrumentation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines chromatography, electrophoresis, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, centrifugation, radioimmunoassay, and managing biochemical techniques.
Integration and Control of Metabolic Pathways
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, protein metabolism, nucleic acid metabolism, metabolic regulation, and managing metabolic biochemistry.
Research Methods and Bio-Medicine Literature Appraisal
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, ethical issues, literature appraisal, and conducting biochemistry research, preparing students for their thesis.
Research Ethics, Bio-safety and Intellectual Property Rights
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines research ethics, biosafety, intellectual property, responsible research, regulatory compliance, and managing research ethics.
Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostic Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers diagnostic enzymology, metabolic disorders, liver function, kidney function, endocrine biochemistry, and managing clinical biochemistry.
Recombinant DNA Technology and Molecular Biology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines DNA cloning, PCR, gene expression, genetic engineering, gene therapy, molecular diagnostics, and managing molecular biology.
Cellular Biochemistry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers cell signalling, membrane biochemistry, organelle biochemistry, cell cycle, apoptosis, and managing cellular biochemistry.
Protein Folding and Design
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines protein folding, design, engineering, structure-function, purification, characterisation, and managing protein biochemistry.
Advanced Enzymology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers enzyme kinetics, mechanism, regulation, inhibition, allosteric enzymes, isoenzymes, and managing enzymology.
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines sequence analysis, structural bioinformatics, computational biology, databases, molecular modelling, and managing bioinformatics.
Biochemistry of Human Genetics and Genomics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers biochemical genetics, genomics, proteomics, genetic disorders, molecular diagnostics, pharmacogenomics, and managing biochemical genetics.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 29 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a medical biochemistry topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and biochemistry knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Clinical Biochemistry
Focuses on clinical biochemistry, covering diagnostic biochemistry, metabolic disorders, clinical enzymology, laboratory medicine, and managing clinical biochemistry.
Molecular Biology
Examines molecular biology, covering recombinant DNA, gene expression, molecular diagnostics, genomics, and managing molecular biology.
Protein Biochemistry
Covers protein biochemistry, covering protein folding, design, engineering, purification, proteomics, and managing protein biochemistry.
Metabolic Biochemistry
Focuses on metabolic biochemistry, covering metabolic pathways, regulation, metabolic disorders, energy metabolism, and managing metabolic biochemistry.
Bioinformatics
Examines bioinformatics, covering sequence analysis, structural bioinformatics, computational biology, databases, and managing bioinformatics.
Nutritional Biochemistry
Covers nutritional biochemistry, covering nutrient metabolism, nutritional genomics, clinical nutrition, diet and disease, and managing nutritional biochemistry.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Medical Biochemistry programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, practical workshops, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover advanced biochemical techniques, metabolic pathways, clinical biochemistry, molecular biology, and protein biochemistry. Advanced biochemical techniques sessions examine chromatography, electrophoresis, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, centrifugation, and managing biochemical techniques. Metabolic pathways sessions cover carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, protein metabolism, nucleic acid metabolism, metabolic regulation, and managing metabolic biochemistry. Clinical biochemistry sessions cover diagnostic enzymology, metabolic disorders, liver function, kidney function, endocrine biochemistry, and managing clinical biochemistry. Recombinant DNA sessions cover DNA cloning, PCR, gene expression, genetic engineering, gene therapy, and managing molecular biology. Protein biochemistry sessions cover protein folding, design, engineering, purification, characterisation, proteomics, and managing protein biochemistry. Advanced enzymology sessions cover enzyme kinetics, mechanism, regulation, inhibition, allosteric enzymes, and managing enzymology. Bioinformatics sessions cover sequence analysis, structural bioinformatics, computational biology, databases, molecular modelling, and managing bioinformatics. Human genetics sessions cover biochemical genetics, genomics, proteomics, genetic disorders, molecular diagnostics, and managing biochemical genetics. Research ethics sessions cover research ethics, biosafety, intellectual property, responsible research, and managing research ethics. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with biochemical techniques, molecular biology, protein purification, enzyme assays, and clinical biochemistry. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in medical biochemistry. Guest lectures from experienced biochemists, clinical scientists, and researchers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on a medical biochemistry topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Steady demand for medical biochemistry professionals with growing healthcare needs, pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology advancement, and research in Kenya.
Moi University offers competitive fees at approximately KES 177,200/year (KES 354,400 total).
Programme combines biochemistry with clinical application, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, providing versatile skills.
Detailed curriculum with both core and elective courses covering genomics, proteomics, and cancer biochemistry.

Against it

Only two public universities (Moi, KU) confirmed offering this specific programme, limiting institutional choice.
No private university confirmed offering this programme, limiting options.
KU fees are higher at approximately KES 295,800/year.
Programme requires biochemistry, medicine, or biomedical sciences 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 349 health sciences courses

Public177k to 296k

177k at Moi University296k at Kenyatta University

Private120k to 150k

120k at Great Lakes University of Kisumu150k at Kenya Methodist 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

KU ~295.8K/yr, KeMU ~150K, GLUK ~120K verified. Moi partially verified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KU may offer postgraduate bursaries for eligible students. KEMRI and other research institutions may provide training support for biochemistry professionals. Some pharmaceutical companies may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KU Postgraduate Bursary
KEMRI Training Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
KU Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
Kenyatta University offers postgraduate bursaries for eligible students.
KEMRI Training Support
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
KEMRI and partner organisations may provide training support for medical biochemistry and research 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 First Class or Upper Second Class Honours in biochemistry, molecular biology, or biomedical sciences. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience are considered. Medical, pharmacy, and dentistry graduates with credit in biochemistry are also eligible. 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, seminar presentations, literature appraisals, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering advanced biochemical techniques, metabolic pathways, clinical biochemistry, molecular biology, and protein biochemistry.
Laboratory Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory exercises, biochemical techniques, molecular biology, protein purification, enzyme assays, and demonstrating biochemistry skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a medical biochemistry topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and biochemistry knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Moi University and Kenyatta University (both public) offer MSc in Medical Biochemistry. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in medical biochemistry. Graduates are eligible for KMLTTB laboratory certification and IUBMB biochemistry certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Moi University and Kenyatta University (both public) offer MSc in Medical Biochemistry. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in medical biochemistry. Graduates are eligible for KMLTTB laboratory certification and IUBMB biochemistry certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Medical Biochemist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts biochemical research, overseeing biochemical analysis, molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and managing medical biochemistry.
Clinical Biochemist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages clinical biochemistry laboratories, overseeing diagnostic testing, quality assurance, result interpretation, and managing clinical biochemistry.
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts biochemistry research, overseeing research design, molecular biology, publication, and managing scientific research.
Molecular Biologist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts molecular biology research, overseeing DNA analysis, gene expression, molecular diagnostics, and managing molecular biology.
Laboratory Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages biochemistry laboratories, overseeing laboratory operations, quality assurance, equipment management, and managing laboratory management.
Biochemistry Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches biochemistry 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

Python
SoftwarePrimary
Python for bioinformatics and data analysis, covering biopython, data analysis, molecular modelling, and managing bioinformatics data.
BLAST
Software
BLAST for sequence analysis, covering DNA sequence comparison, homology search, sequence alignment, and managing molecular data.
PyMOL
Software
PyMOL for protein visualisation, covering molecular graphics, protein structure, 3D visualisation, and managing structural data.
SPSS
Software
SPSS for statistical analysis, covering data analysis, statistical tests, research data, and managing research data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Medical biochemistry is just about blood tests.
Medical biochemistry covers comprehensive biochemical research including molecular biology, protein engineering, genomics, metabolomics, and clinical diagnostics beyond just blood tests.
This programme is only for those who want to work in hospital labs.
Medical biochemistry skills are valuable for research, pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, academia, and public health beyond just hospital laboratories.
Medical biochemistry has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With growing healthcare needs, pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology advancement, and research, demand for medical biochemistry professionals is steady in Kenya.
Recombinant DNA technology is just about genetic engineering.
Recombinant DNA technology covers comprehensive molecular cloning, gene expression, gene therapy, molecular diagnostics, and functional genomics.
Bioinformatics is just about using databases.
Bioinformatics covers comprehensive sequence analysis, structural modelling, computational biology, systems biology, and drug discovery.
Protein biochemistry is just about protein purification.
Protein biochemistry covers comprehensive protein folding, design, engineering, structure-function, proteomics, and protein therapeutics.