Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry)
Introduction
Students enrolling to pursue a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Biochemistry will be equipped with knowledge and skills on the interactions of biomolecules in eukaryotes and prokaryotes and the resultant outcomes.听 The content of the programme spans from basic biomolecules to their complex interactions.
Rationale
Many careers in the biological sciences, especially in biomedical sciences, biotechnology practice, research or academia, require biochemistry as a necessary foundation. Biochemists analyze the chemical characteristics and processes that are involved within living organisms, to increase our general understanding about them, or work on solving specific problems such as detection and control of pollutants, new drug therapeutics or development of sustainable processes such as production of biofuels. An undergraduate degree in biochemistry prepares the student to go on to graduate school and usually fulfills prerequisites for medical school. Alternatively, the advanced education required makes biochemists strong candidates for research and development managers in biomedical companies and even managerial or upper-tier administrative roles at academic and research institutions.
Objectives
The overall goal of the Biochemistry Program is to provide undergraduate students with a foundational understanding of the chemical basis of biological processes as well as the skill sets to critically evaluate, interpret, create and /or apply biochemical information.
By the end of the programme, the graduate shall be able to effectively;
Mode of Delivery and Programme Structure
The programme shall be offered on a Full Time basis. Teaching will be physical (Face to face). The programme听 will be offered within a period of four academic years, each year comprising two semesters.听 Semester one runs between September to December and Semester two from January to May. To graduate with a B.Sc in Biochemistry, the candidate shall have satisfactorily completed听49听Departmental units听 in addition to the听three听(3)University common units. All units offered during the first semester within the four years and during the second semester of year one and two will be core while those offered during second semester of third and fourth year will be elective where one will register for six units for each case.听听 听These Shall account for a minimum total of 1820 hours.
Curriculum Highlights
The programme offers units like structures of biomolecules, carbohydrates metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acids and nucleotide metabolism, molecular biology among others. In third year, the students must participate in industrial attachment for three (3) months. In the fourth year, a student can opt to carry out a research project in a related area which is equated to two units.
Admissions/Entry Requirements
The candidate must meet the 吃瓜头条 and the School of Pure and Applied Sciences requirements. To be admitted to Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, the candidate shall be required to have passed KCSE at a mean grade of C+ and obtained at least for those in alternative A: Biology B- (B minus), Chemistry B- (B minus), physics C+ (C plus) and Mathematics C+ (C plus).听 For those from Alternative B:听 Biological Science B, Physical Science B and Mathematics C+; 听OR Diploma certificate in a relevant discipline, with KCSE mean grade of C (plain) or KCE Division III and C+ in each of the mandatory subjects plus at least two years relevant working experience.
International Students
Before admission into the programme, all international students certificates will have to be evaluated and qualified by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA).听 Apply through 听QAV Portal:听
Fee Structure
Full Time; Fees Ksh.244,800=听 Digital Ksh.244,800, Non-East Africans Ksh . 306,000 p.a
Career Opportunities
Biochemistry graduates can pursue careers as
Why choose this programme at KU
At KU you will find highly trained and experienced faculty to provide training and research supervision. The faculty are involved in cutting edge research topics spanning from basic biochemistry to advanced biochemical interactions including those in contemporary applied and multidisciplinary topics. KU hosts the National Phytotherapeutic Research Centre which is equipped with state-of-the art research facilities which are accessible to the department.