Overview
  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.

 

Mode of Delivery

 

Face-to-Face Mode

The programme shall be conducted through face-to-face lectures, seminars, tutorials, assignments, presentations, laboratory practicals and self-directed learning and will require students to be physically present in the department. This mode will ensure close interaction between the lecturer and the learners as well as among the learners.

ODeL Mode

The programme will also be conducted through Open, distance and e-learning (ODeL) mainly comprising of self-instructional study modules, course study materials, relevant literature as well as ODeL interactive devices. It shall in addition consist of limited face-to face sessions at the defined periods within the semester.

Blended Learning

Students will be exposed to Blended Learning Mode via electronic and online media as well as traditional face-to-face mode. For this mode, the face-to-face tuition will be conducted during residential training. Additionally, the learner support services including academic and teaching will be conducted using multi-media approaches and during limited face-to-face learning.

Contact of Support Persons

 

    1. Gerald Juma, PhD

Chairman,

Department of Biochemistry

P.O Box 30197-00100

Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254 (020)494152

Mobile No. +254 (02) 722600922/ 704252505

Email: dept-biochem@uonbi.ac.ke

 

    1. Ms Rose Minoo Makewa.

Senior Administrative Assistant,

Department of Biochemistry

P.O Box 30197-00100

Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254 (020)494152

Email: dept-biochem@uonbi.ac.ke

 

    1. MS Nelly Waringa, Akinyi

Chief Technologist,

Department of Biochemistry

P.O Box 30197-00100

Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254 (020)494152

Email: dept-biochem@uonbi.ac.ke

Admission Requirements

Candidates eligible for admission to the BSc Biochemistry degree programme will be required to be holders of at least one of the following minimum qualifications.

2.1 An aggregate of C+ grade which is the minimum University of Nairobi admission requirement and must have obtained at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) the following grades:

Biological Sciences

C+

Physical Sciences

C+

Mathematics

C+

English/Kiswahili

C+

                                                    OR

                      

Biology

C+

Chemistry

C+

Mathematics/Physics

C+

English/Kiswahili

C+

  • 2.2 Two principal passes at A level in Biology and Chemistry and a subsidiary in Mathematics or Physics, all obtained at the same sitting.
  • 2.3 A degree in Biological Sciences and/or Chemistry from any recognized University.
  • 2.4 A Diploma in any of the following from a Senate recognized training institution:
  • Animal Health
  • Agriculture
  • Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Science Laboratory Technology
  • Food Science Technology
  • Education (Biology and Chemistry)
  • Dental Sciences
  • Public Health
  • Basic or Advanced Nursing Diploma
  • Radiography
  • Pharmaceutical Technology
  • Clinical Medicine (Clinical Officers Diploma)
  1. -In addition, an applicant must have a minimum of C+ in Biology or Biological Sciences and Chemistry or Physical Sciences at KCSE.
  2. 2.5 Be registered at the University of Nairobi or at any University recognized by the Senate for degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery or Bachelor of Dental Surgery or Bachelor of Pharmacy or Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and must have successfully completed the pre-clinical programmes to join in level one of study.
  3. 2.6 Any other qualification equivalent to the above subject to Senate’s approval.
  4.  
  5. Schedule of Intakes into the Programme
  6. Students are admitted once yearly usually in the month of September with exception of variation that may arise from unforeseen circumstances. Applications are, however, received and processed continually throughout the year on a rolling basis for the yearly admission.
  7.  
  8. Application Information
  9. Applications to be admitted into the BSc Biochemistry programme is done, processed and feedback given online. Application is done continuously throughout the year on a rolling term basis
  10. Please click here for a step-by-step application procedure

  11.  

Career prospects/opportunities

This programme is designed for students who intend to pursue careers in Biomedical Research, Quality Assurance in food and beverage industries, Academia, Pharmaceutical industry, Nutritional counseling and self-employment in biochemical/biotechnological entrepreneurship and consultancies. 

Attachment Opportunities

 

Students can be attached but not limited to the following:

  • Local and international research institutions such as KEMRI, ICIPE, ILRI, IPR, ICRAF, Museums of Kenya
  • Non-Governmental Organizations
  • Food and Pharmaceutical industries

Government bodies and parastatals, like Kenya Bureau of standards, Government chemists

 

FEES STRUCTURE FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOCHEMISTRY

 

 

 

 

YEAR 1

 

 

 

         
 

Tuition

   

        240,000.00

 

Laboratory

 

             5,000.00

 

Medical

   

             5,000.00

 

Examination

 

             5,000.00

 

Student Organisation

 

             1,000.00

 

Caution

   

             5,000.00

 

Activity

   

             2,000.00

 

Registration

 

             1,000.00

 

ID Card

   

                500.00

         
 

Total Semester 1

 

        144,500.00

 

Total Semester 2

 

        120,000.00

         
 

Total-Year 1 Fees

 

        264,500.00

         
 

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE-BIOCHEMISTRY-YEAR 2

 

 

 

Tuition

   

        240,000.00

 

Laboratory

 

             5,000.00

 

Medical

   

             5,000.00

 

Examination

 

             5,000.00

 

Activity

   

             2,000.00

 

Student Organisation

 

             1,000.00

 

Registration

 

             1,000.00

 

ID Card

   

                500.00

         
 

Total Semester 1

 

        139,500.00

 

TOTAL Semester 2

 

        120,000.00

 

 

Total-Year 2 Fees

 

        259,500.00

 

 

 

 

 

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE-BIOCHEMISTRY-Year 3

 

Tuition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

240,000

 

Medical

   

             5,000.00

 

Examination

 

             5,000.00

 

Activity

   

             2,000.00

 

Student Organisation

 

             1,000.00

 

Registration

 

             1,000.00

 

ID Card

   

                500.00

 

Semester 1

 

        139,500.00

 

Semester 2

 

        120,000.00

 

Total-Year 3 Fees

 

        259,500.00

         
 

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE-BIOCHEMISTRY-YEAR 4

   
 

Tuition

   

        240,000.00

 

Laboratory

 

             5,000.00

 

Medical

   

             5,000.00

 

Examination

 

             5,000.00

 

Activity

   

             2,000.00

 

Student Organisation

 

             1,000.00

 

Registration

 

             1,000.00

 

ID Card

   

                500.00

 

Semester 1

 

        139,500.00

 

Semester 2

 

        120,000.00

 

Total-Year 4 Fees

 

        259,500.00

 

Grand totals

 

    1,043,000.00

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