Overview
Philosophy of the programme
Over the years, the Department of Biochemistry 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 Health, Agriculture, Environment, Industry and Academia. This Master of Science in Biochemistry 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 use new and innovative research and training approaches to enable graduands remain at the helm of biomedical and biochemical research and training. This programme is interdisciplinary and collaborative and is 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 both local and global job market.
Rationale of the Programme
There have been major developments in the teaching and training of biochemistry 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 been developed. Thus, this revised 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 Master of Science in Biochemistry programme to be offered by the Department of Biochemistry provides a comprehensive coverage of areas in Biochemistry and related fields relevant to the professional requirements of postgraduates who may seek advanced specialization in the areas of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immuno-technology, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology and many other related bioscience disciplines.
Objectives of the programme
i) To equip students with theoretical and practical skills in Biochemistry and related fields that are applicable in major sectors of our economy including, Health, Agriculture and Industry.
(ii) To train skilled personnel to undertake research and academic responsibilities in institutions of higher learning in the field of Biochemistry and related disciplines.
iii)To enhance the capacity of the students to exploit and conserve the rich biodiversity available within the ecosystem.
Contact of support persons
- 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
- 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
- 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
Structure
Face-to-Face Mode
The programme shall be conducted through face-to-face lectures, seminars, tutorials, assignments, presentations, laboratory practicums 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.
Admission Requirements
The common regulations for Master’s degree for the University of Nairobi shall apply.
-
- Candidates shall be holders of Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry or Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry combined with another science subject with a minimum of an Upper Second-Class Honours and with at least a credit (60%) in Biochemistry.
- Holders of Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry or Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry combined with another science subject at a Lower Second-Class Honours may also be considered provided they produce evidence of having worked for at least two years in a biochemistry laboratory or a closely-related laboratory.
- Holders of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery or Bachelor of Pharmacy or Bachelor of Dental Surgery or Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine with at least a credit (65%) in Biochemistry.
Holders of an equivalent degree as in clauses 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 from another university recognized by University of Nairobi senate. This shall be determined based upon presentation of authentic examination transcripts.
Schedule of intakes
Students are admitted into the programme 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.
Application information
Applications to be admitted into the BSc Biochemistry programme is done and processed and feedback given online. Application is done continuously throughout the year on a rolling term basis
Please click here for a step-by-step application procedure
Careers
prospects/opportunities for the graduands
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 and Funding
|
YEAR 1 |
Year 2 |
TOTALS |
|
|
TUITION |
348,000.00 |
348,000.00 |
696,000.00 |
|
CAUTION - (ONCE) |
5,000.00 |
- |
5,000.00 |
|
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) |
5,000.00 |
- |
5,000.00 |
|
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) |
6,500.00 |
6,500.00 |
13,000.00 |
|
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) |
7,000.00 |
7,000.00 |
14,000.00 |
|
ID CARD (PER YEAR) |
1,000.00 |
1,000.00 |
2,000.00 |
|
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) |
4,500.00 |
4,500.00 |
9,000.00 |
|
ACTIVITY- (PER YEAR) |
2,000.00 |
2,000.00 |
4,000.00 |
|
LIBRARY (PER YEAR) |
5,000.00 |
5,000.00 |
10,000.00 |
|
STUDENT ORGANISATION (PER YEAR) |
1,000.00 |
1,000.00 |
2,000.00 |
|
THESIS EXAMINATION |
- |
30,000.00 |
30,000.00 |
|
Totals |
385,000.00 |
405,000.00 |
790,000.00 |
