Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences
The Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences is a doctoral programme offered at the University of Nairobi through the Department of Biology, School of Biological Sciences. It is a comprehensive programme offering ten specialisations covering the full breadth of biological research. The programme is designed to produce world-class scholars capable of advancing biological knowledge and its application to Kenyan and global challenges.
The programme offers ten specialisations: Plant Taxonomy and Economic Botany, Plant Ecology, Mycology, Medical Entomology, Genetics, Entomology, Hydrobiology, Biology of Conservation, Agricultural Entomology and general Biological Sciences. Students engage with advanced theoretical and practical topics relevant to their specialisation, supported by rigorous research methodology training.
Kenya's rich biodiversity, the need for conservation research, agricultural pest management and medical entomology for disease control create demand for doctoral-level biological sciences expertise. The programme supports Kenya's biodiversity conservation goals, agricultural development and public health initiatives.
Teaching is delivered through coursework and supervised research at the University of Nairobi's Chiromo campus. The programme runs for a minimum of three years and maximum of seven years. Annual tuition fees are KSh 360,000, with Year 1 total of KSh 392,000 and Year 3 total of KSh 437,000 including thesis examination.
Graduates pursue careers as university professors, biological researchers, conservation biologists, entomologists, geneticists and mycologists. They work in universities, KEMRI, KALRO, National Museums of Kenya, Kenya Wildlife Service and international research organisations.
The programme is ideal for individuals with backgrounds in biology, zoology, botany, genetics or related life sciences who wish to contribute original research to biological sciences.
- Duration
- 3-7 years
- Public, up to
- Ksh 392,000
- Private, up to
- Ksh 168,000
- Job market
- High
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
- 5 students
- Award
- PhD
What you study
10 subjects- Plant Taxonomy and Economic Botany
- Plant Ecology
- Mycology
- Medical Entomology
- Genetics
- Entomology
- Hydrobiology
- Biology of Conservation
- Agricultural Entomology
- Research Methods in Biological Sciences
Modules
8 in the programmeAdvanced Topics in Biological Sciences
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced theoretical and practical topics in the chosen specialisation, exploring cutting-edge developments, theoretical frameworks, and research methodologies at the forefront of the discipline.
Research Methods in Biological Sciences
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Research design, methodology and statistical analysis, covering quantitative and qualitative approaches, data collection techniques, and analytical frameworks relevant to doctoral-level research.
Specialisation Coursework
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Specialised courses in one of 10 areas of biological sciences, covering theoretical foundations, practical methodologies, and contemporary research developments relevant to doctoral study in this.
Field and Laboratory Techniques
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced field and laboratory methods for biological research, providing hands-on experience through laboratory work, field exercises, and practical applications of theoretical concepts.
Biostatistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Statistical methods for biological data analysis, including probability theory, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and statistical software applications for doctoral research.
Scientific Communication
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Writing and presenting scientific research, covering communication theories, media analysis, and their application in contemporary information environments.
Departmental Seminars
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Research presentations and peer review of doctoral work, providing a platform for doctoral candidates to present research findings, engage with peer feedback, and explore contemporary debates in.
Thesis Research
Year 3Semester 26 creditsCore
Doctoral thesis research and dissertation writing, involving original research, literature review, data analysis, and the production of a doctoral dissertation contributing new knowledge to the.
Specialisations
Medical Entomology
Insects of medical importance and disease vectors
Conservation Biology
Conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems
Plant Taxonomy and Economic Botany
Classification and economic uses of plants
Genetics
Genetic research across organisms
A day as a student
A typical day varies by specialisation but generally involves conducting field or laboratory research, examining biological specimens under the microscope, analysing data using statistical software, reviewing scientific literature, attending seminars on biological sciences, meeting with supervisors to discuss research progress, and engaging with research institutions for collaboration.
The trade offs
In its favour
- 10 specialisations covering the full breadth of biological sciences
- Kenya's rich biodiversity provides exceptional research opportunities
- Access to NMK, KWS, KEMRI and KALRO for research collaboration
Against it
- Field research can be logistically challenging and expensive
- Limited funding for biological research in Kenya
- Broad programme may require self-directed specialisation
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 243 science coursesAnnual 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 392K/yr (biology.uonbi.ac.ke). KU 367.2K (ku.ac.ke). MKU 150K, KeMU 168K/yr (eafinder).
HELB provides postgraduate loans. DAAD offers scholarships for postgraduate study. NACOSTI provides research grants for science and technology research. KWS and NMK may offer research collaboration opportunities for conservation-related research.
Funding options
HELB Postgraduate Loan
DAAD Kenya Scholarship
NACOSTI Research Grant
Scholarships
3 recordedDAAD Kenya Scholarship
ScholarshipKenyan
Postgraduate students in Kenya
HELB Postgraduate Scholarship
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan postgraduate students
NACOSTI Research Grant
GrantKenyan
Science and technology researchers in Kenya
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- Masters Degree
- Alternative entry
- Holders of MSc in Biological and Physical Sciences, Bioinformatics, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry from UoN or equivalent from a recognised university. Must submit a detailed doctoral research proposal at the time of applying for admission.
MSc in Biological Sciences, Bioinformatics, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy or Dentistry
Relevant Masters from recognised university
How you are assessed
3 componentsThesis
Thesis50% of the mark
Doctoral thesis research, submission and oral defence
Thesis Proposal Defence
Oral defence20% of the mark
Defence of detailed doctoral research proposal before departmental panel
Coursework
Continuous assessment30% of the mark
Assignments, laboratory reports and seminar presentations
Accreditation
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at the University of Nairobi (Department of Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Chiromo campus). Programme code I80. The programme offers 10 specialisations and runs for 3-7 years.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesGeneticist
High demandKsh 170,000 to Ksh 420,000
Genetics research at universities and research institutes
Entomology Researcher
High demandKsh 160,000 to Ksh 400,000
Research on insects at KEMRI, KALRO and research institutes
University Professor
High demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 450,000
Teaching and research in biology and life science departments
Conservation Biologist
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 380,000
Conservation research at KWS, NMK and conservation organisations
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as university professors, biological researchers, conservation biologists and entomologists. They work at NMK, KWS, KEMRI, KALRO, universities and international research organisations.
Where these fields lead
8 careersCertifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Biological sciences is a general degree with no focus.
The programme offers 10 distinct specialisations from plant taxonomy to medical entomology.
There is no demand for biology PhDs in Kenya.
Kenya's biodiversity, conservation needs and disease challenges create demand across specialisations.
Biological research is purely descriptive.
The programme uses molecular techniques, statistical analysis, field experiments and computational methods.
Biology is only for teaching careers.
Graduates work in research, conservation, agriculture, health and environmental management.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.