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Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

A undergraduate programme preparing students with the knowledge, practical skills and professional discipline required in Science in Biochemistry.

Bachelors

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

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01

Programme Overview

Biochemistry refers to the study the chemistry of living organisms, at cellular and sub cellular levels.  It is a rapidly growing field, in both knowledge and techniques, exemplified by the elucidation of whole genomes of multiple organisms. This has opened avenues for better understanding of the molecular aspects of life and has resulted in the development of novel therapies, customized medicine, revolutionary industrial products and new developments in agriculture. Biochemical techniques are widely applied to research and applied in other fields of biological sciences and medicine. Core subjects include cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, metabolism and protein science, with an emphasis on understanding normal cellular processes and how derangements in these processes bring about disease states.Studying the structures and functions of biomolecules- the energetics, interactions, regulation and downstream signaling of biochemical pathways - and comparing pathways from different species and organisms, provides an understanding and appreciation of how living systems operate, survive and die.The course is offered as a full time programmeme

Clinical formationBuild competence through biomedical foundations, practical sessions and supervised health-sector exposure.
Patient-centred careDevelop safe, ethical and compassionate approaches to health service delivery.
Research awarenessUse evidence, inquiry and analytical thinking to understand problems and propose solutions.
Career readinessPrepare for employment, further study, entrepreneurship and service in relevant professional settings.
02

What You Will Learn

By the end of the programme, students are expected to demonstrate the knowledge, practical skills and professional conduct required for effective work in Science in Biochemistry.

Scientific foundationsApply biomedical, behavioural and professional knowledge to health-related decisions.
Practical competenceDevelop practical skills through laboratory, clinical or field-oriented learning.
Patient and community focusUnderstand health needs across individuals, families and communities.
Professional ethicsPractise with safety, accountability, documentation and respect for people.
Research and evidenceUse evidence-informed reasoning to improve practice and solve problems.
TeamworkWork effectively with peers, supervisors and multidisciplinary teams.
03

Course Structure and Learning Experience

The learning experience is organised to move students from foundational knowledge into applied, supervised and professionally oriented practice.

01

Foundation sciences

Students begin with the scientific and professional foundations required for health training.

02

Pre-practice preparation

Learning moves into practical, laboratory or simulated tasks that prepare students for supervised practice.

03

Applied practice

Students engage with discipline-specific practical work, field exposure or clinical learning where applicable.

04

Community orientation

The programme connects professional practice with prevention, service and community realities.

05

Research and professional readiness

Students consolidate learning through research, professional conduct and career preparation.

04

Admission Requirements

Four (3) entry points are available for persons wishing to enter the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry programme:

Holders of the Advanced (A) Level Certificate

In order to be eligible for direct entry into the programme, a candidate must have:

  1. Sat and passed the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examination or its equivalent and obtained a certificate in it with passes in at least five subjects taken at the same sitting.
  2. Sat and passed the Uganda Advanced Level School certificate of Education (UACE) or its equivalent with at least two (2) principal passes in Biology and Chemistry, and at least one (1) subsidiary pass in either Physics or Mathematics.

Other High School Certificates

Holders of Kenya School Certificate of Education

In order to be eligible for direct entry into the Biochemistry programme, a candidate must:

  1. Hold a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum mean grade of C+
  2. Have obtained a C+ in each of the four cluster subjects as shown below:

Holders of School Certificate Graded in Percentages and Average Points: In order to be eligible for direct entry into the programme, a candidate whose final high school marks are graded in percentages and average point systems such as in Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Burundi must have their grades first equated or standardized by UNEB before seeking KIU admission.

Holders of Diploma in Medical Sciences:

In order to be eligible for admission into the programme, a candidate must:

  1. Possess a Diploma with a minimum of credit or its equivalent in a health related field such as Clinical Medicine, Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiography, Public Health, Dental Health, Registered Nursing and Pharmacy Technology.
  2. The institution from which such a qualification was obtained must be recognized by KIU Senate.
05

Fees and Application Guidance

Tuition, functional fees and any programme-specific charges are confirmed by KIU Admissions and Finance for each intake. Applicants should review the current fee schedule before submitting an application.