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Masters of Science (Biotechnology)

Introduction

MSc biotechnology is a postgraduate course that prepares graduates and equip them with skills for competitive participation in global scientific community. The course will inculcate a culture of scientific innovation in the learners for provision of unique solutions to current environmental, agriculture, industrial and health issues.

Rationale

MSc biotechnology builds on the foundation of basic biotechnology and other related science areas like biochemistry, biology in a highly practical approach.  It does not only research on the basic molecular science behind the biochemical mechanisms but integrates technology in altering the genetics of living things in order to enhance or silence a biochemical process for a different outcome.  It aims at bringing interventions in human and animal health, in agriculture and environment and in virtually all living spheres of life.

Objective

The goal of the programme is to produce graduates with requisite competence to assume responsibilities in the diverse fields of science research and innovations.

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

• Undertake basic and advanced Biotechnology based programmes and projects.
• Conduct and report biomedical laboratory-based investigations for various purposes.
• Promote the creation of innovative integration of technology in Biotechnology
• Engage the community in professional development and education in Biotechnology-based advances like GMOs.
• Assume strategic, mid-level management and leadership in fields in Biotechnology.

Admissions Requirements

The general regulations for master’s degree in the School of Pure and Applied Sciences shall apply. The following options shall be considered for enrollment in Master of Science (Biotechnology) programmes :

• A holder of a Bachelor of Science degree with at least an upper second class Honour’s with Biotechnology as a single subject or as one of the two science subjects.
• A holder of a Bachelor of Sience degree units to degree level and has attained at least an upper second class Honour’s.
• A holder of a Bachelor’s degree in any other relevant areas of study such as Biology, molecular biology, medical laboratory science, Biochemistry, Medicine among other biological science degree courses with at least an upper second Honour’s degree and has taken units related to biotechnology.
• A holder of Bachelor’s degree with a lower second class may be considered with grade C in the area of specialization.

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. Medical Biochemistry 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 molecular breeding, plant cell and tissue culture, Bioinformatics, microbial genetics  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

Graduates from this course can pursue any of these specific career paths or fields

-Biomedical research

-Alternative therapeutic products designs

-Plant breeding and pathology

-Pharmaceutical industrial manufacturing and research

-Genetic engineering

-Lecturing in institutions of higher learning

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 plant transformation laboratory where Global Scale research is carried out.  It has a glass green house for confinement purposes.  The graduate school process is organized in a manner that facilitates timely completion of our graduate students.