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Master of Science (Industrial Microbiology)

Introduction

Master of science in Microbiology is a postgraduate programme that builds on the foundation of basics microbiology and other related biology science, It endeavors to deepen the skills and knowledge of all microorganisms and their economic importance especially in industrial applications.  It provides for research, isolation, identification, use and even genetic manipulations of the microorganisms to suit a particular outcome.

Rationale

The programme is designed to cover a wide range of areas of Microbiology to develop human resource capacity that is well trained to carry out research for generation of knowledge and their application in solving environmental, agricultural and health problems. It will equip students to adequately cope with the emerging technologies in Microbiology that ultimately promotes innovation in microbial sciences.

Objectives

By the end of the programme, the graduate shall be able to effectively;

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge in analyzing and optimizing microbial processes for industrial applications, including fermentation, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical production.
• Apply specialized techniques in industrial microbiology for developing microbial-based products, improving food safety, and enhancing pharmaceutical and biotechnological processes.
• Utilize advanced skills in microbial diversity analysis to enhance industrial processes, product quality, and environmental sustainability within manufacturing and production settings.
• Innovate microbiology solutions for commercialization, including technology transfer, intellectual property management, and entrepreneurship in industrial microbiology contexts.
• Apply principles of microbial ecology and biotechnology to optimize fermentation and production processes in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and food and dairy manufacturing.

Entry requirements

A student wishing to pursue a Masters degree in Industrial Microbiology must satisfy the minimum ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ and School of Pure and Applied Sciences entry requirements.

A student to be admitted must satisfy ANY of the following minimum requirements:

• Must be a holder of Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Education (Science) with at least Second Class Upper Division and has studied a relevant area of specialization at degree level.
• Holders of Second Class, Lower Division Degree in the above areas may be admitted provided the candidate can show proven evidence of research ability or have a minimum of two years work experience in a relevant field.

International Students

All international students will apply to the Commission for University Education (CUE) for assessment of their graduate qualifications for recognition and equation of foreign qualifications before enrolling for postgraduate studies.

Mode of Delivery and programme structure

The programme is offered by coursework and thesis.  The course work is offered in the first year on a Full Time basis and Continuous Education programme (CEP) through face to face blended with E-learning. A student registered for M.Sc Industrial Microbiology will take a total of 11 course units, with one of which will be a thesis. All the units are core. Ten units will be done in year one of study, where a student will take five units per semester.  Year two of study the student will develop a proposal, carry out experiments in the laboratory and field, and write a thesis.  These shall account for a minimum of 1050 hours.

Curriculum Highlights

The programme offers units like fermentation technology, food and dairy microbiology, microbiology innovations and commercialization among others.

Fee Structure

Year 1 regular – Ksh. 295 800 (Ksh 147,900 per semester)

Year 2 regular – Ksh. 295 800 (Ksh 147,900 per semester)

CEP

Year 1 regular – Ksh. 295 800 (Ksh 98 600 per semester)

Year 2 regular – Ksh. 295 800 (Ksh 98 600 per semester)

Career Opportunities

M.Sc. (Microbiology) graduates pursue careers in the following areas: –

Basic research in the various research institutions.

Education: They can be trainers in middle level colleges and can work in the universities as tutorial fellows/Assistant lecturers. Food and dairy industries as a quality control manager.  Environmental field.

Pharmaceutical industries.  Food industries.  Agricultural field

Why choose this programme at KU

At KU you will find highly trained and experienced faculty to provide training and research supervision. ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ has a well-equipped research laboratory and animal house with relevant animals for medical research. KU also  hosts the National Phytotherapeutic Research Centre which is equipped with state-of-the art research facilities which are accessible to the department. Additionally, the department hosts a well-equipped plant transformation laboratory where Global Scale research is carried out.  The graduate school process is organized in a manner that facilitates timely completion of our graduate students.