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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.  It provides for research, isolation, identification, use and even genetic manipulations of the microorganisms to suit a particular outcome.  It equally employs whole microbe formulations like bio fertilizers and bacteriophages in improvement of agriculture, environment conservation and disease control respectively. The course is offered by coursework and thesis.  The course work is offered in the first year and research in relevant medical biochemistry area that culminates into a thesis write up in the second year.

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;

• Undertake microbiology-based programmes and projects.
• Conduct and report biomedical laboratory-based investigations for various purposes.
• Promote the creation of innovative approaches to technology in microbiology.
• Undertake education, training and mentorship tasks for microbial science professionals.
• Engage the community in professional development and education in public health, disease control and microbiology-based advances.
• Assume strategic, mid-level management and leadership in fields in microbiology such as research, agriculture, healthcare, higher learning institutions, and various types of industries

Entry requirements

A student wishing to pursue a Masters degree in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology 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 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 plant and soil microbiology, applied mycology, food and dairy microbiology, advanced microbial diversity 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.

Environmental field.

Public health

Pharmaceutical industries

Food industries

Medical field

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.