BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOCHEMISTRY

1. The programme takes FOUR (4) academic years of eight (8) semesters.
2. An academic year constitutes 2 semesters.
3. A course unit is defined as 45 instructional hours comprising of lectures, tutorials, assignments and practicum.

Students carry out supervised research culminating in a Research Project Report in the 4th year of study.

Philosophy of the Programme

Over the years, the Department of Biochemistry of the University of Nairobi has been a Centre of academic and research excellence with a distinguished track record of producing many recognized academicians and research scientists key in driving science and research agenda both nationally and internationally. The Department has been a leader in building capacity in Biochemistry through innovative research and training producing high quality manpower to drive technological innovations and industrial development in areas of Health, Agriculture, Environment, Industry and Academia.  This Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry Degree programme is designed to advance biochemical knowledge, skills and practices to keep pace with new knowledge and major technological advances and developments in this fast-evolving field. It aims to utilize new and innovative research and training approaches to enable graduands remain at the helm of both biochemical and biomedical research and training. The BSc Biochemistry programme is interdisciplinary and collaborative meant to promote and support scientific diversity and inclusion in research and training mission to meet the expertise and specialization of the students and faculty. It is focused on producing highly competitive graduates for the local, regional and global job market.

Rationale of the Programme

There have been major developmental shifts in the teaching and training of Biochemistry and molecular Biology over recent years with a number of newer and emerging fields including the Omics (e.g., genomics, proteomics and metabolomics). In addition, new techniques and experimental tools such as next generation sequencing and bioinformatics have also emerged.  Thus, this curriculum is tailored to comply with the current market trends and industrial requirements, stimulate innovation and increase local and global competitiveness of its graduands. This Bachelors of Science Programme offered by the Department of Biochemistry provides a comprehensive coverage of areas in Biochemistry and related fields relevant to the professional requirements of undergraduate students keen to specialize in the area of Biochemistry, Molecular biology, Biotechnology, Forensic Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Nutritional, and Environmental Biochemistry.   The programme is market driven, having been developed with immense input from various stakeholders including students, lecturers, alumini, business enterprise and many other industries stake holders.

Objectives of the Programme

1. To equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in biochemistry and related fields applicable in major sectors of our economy namely, health, agriculture and industry.
2. To impart knowledge necessary to competently undertake research and academic responsibilities in institutions of higher learning in the field of biochemistry and related disciplines
3. To enhance the capacity of students to exploit, respect and conserve the rich biodiversity available within the environment.