Overview of the programme
The Bachelor of Science in Biology is a program involves a deep understanding on Animals and Plants and their relationship with the environment. The course entails studies in Zoology, Botany and the Environment and therefore includes a wide range of Topics including, general zoology, invertebrate zoology, animal ecology, fisheries, animal physiology, parasitology, immunology, arthropod biology, plant physiology, taxonomy, plant biochemistry, plant ecology, population genetics, biostatistics and data analysis and laboratory and research techniques among other topics. To be awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science in Biology, a candidate must complete 52 units at the coursework level totaling 39 hours each or 3 credits for each unit. A student must complete a total of 2028 hours equivalent to 156 credits for the four years of study in the programme.
Rationale of the programme
The B.Sc. (Biology) course is a basic science that seeks to produce graduates capable of research and management of the diverse natural resources that tropical countries are endowed with. It was designed to enable the biology graduates acquire skills and knowedge to deal with the myriad of problems facing the world today including social conflicts, poverty, underdevelopment, hunger, diseases, pollution and ecosystem stability in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the economic and social pillars of the Kenya vision 2030. The review of B.Sc (Biology) programme was carried out in order ensure that the courses are in line with stakeholder expectations, current demands of the job market and the emerging global trends in environmental, health and agricultural sectors. The graduates of B.Sc. (Biology) will be equipped with current information to enhance their employability and tackle issues facing society. The review of B.Sc. (Biology) programme was carried out in consultation with stakeholders to ensure that the graduates are equipped with skills relevant to the current and foreseeable job market. Stakeholders were drawn from institutions of higher learning, research organization, governmental departments and community based organization, former and current students. The programme trains scientists who get equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge to promote the sustainable utilization and conservation of resources, and solve environmental, agricultural and health challenges. The programme seeks to produce graduates capable of conducting research and managing the diverse natural resources that tropical countries are endowed with. It is designed to enable the graduates have the required skills and knowedge to deal with the myriad of problems facing the world today including, poverty, underdevelopment, food insecurity, diseases, pollution and ecosystem stability, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the economic and social pillars of the Kenya vision 2030. The review of BSc (Biology) programme was carried out to ensure that the courses are rich and are in line with current demands of the job market and the emerging global trends in environmental, health and agricultural issues. The graduates of BSc (Biology) programme will be equipped with current information to enhance their employability and tackle issues facing society.
Objectives of the programme
To adequately equip learners with broad knowledge and skills in the theoretical and practical applications in specialized subjects in Biology including Ecology, Taxonomy, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Parasitology, Physiology, Physiology, and entomology.
To produce graduates equipped with holistic skills and knowledge important in solving problems in Botany, Zoology and the Environment through undertaking quality research and scientific communication in Biology.
Modes of delivery of the programme
The programme is delivered through both face-to-face as a regular programme and Open, Distance Learning and e-Learning (ODeL) programme through a variety of approaches including lectures, tutorials, discussions, student presentations, laboratory and field-based practical lessons, individual fourth year research projects, demonstrations, class assignments, continuous assessment tests, final examinations.
Admission requirements for the programme聽
a) Minimum Requirements for Candidates
A student wishing to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree must satisfy the minimum university entry requirements and School of Pure and Applied Sciences regulations. The minimum requirement for admission is Grade C+ at the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination (KCSE) or equivalent. A student must have passed Mathematics in the KCSE at a minimum grade of C. In addition, a student must have passed Biology or Biological Sciences at KCSE with a minimum of grade C+ and any other two subjects from the following alternatives at the minimum grades shown:
Alternative A: Chemistry C; Physics C; Geography C+.
Alternative B: Physical Sciences C+; Geography C+.
b) Alternative Requirements for Candidates Seeking Admission into the Programme聽
Career opportunities for the programme
There are many of lucrative Jobs for holders of B. Sc. degree in Biology. Some of these include: