Department of Applied and Technical Biology
Diploma Programs
Requirements
Duration
Diploma in Technology (Science Laboratory Technology)
KCSE Mean Grade C (Minus) with C (Minus) in Biology, C (Minus) in Chemistry/Physics and pass in Mathematics
OR
Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology, together with Mean Grade D Plus
3 Years (Full-time)
3 Years (Integrated Programme)
Diploma in Technology (Industrial and Applied Biology)
KCSE Mean Grade C (Minus) with C (Minus) in Biology, D (Plus) in Mathematics and Chemistry
3 Years (Part-Time)
Degree Programs
Requirements
Duration
Bachelor of Technology (Applied Biology)
KCSE Mean Grade C (Plus) with C (Plus) in Biology, C (Plain) in Maths and Chemistry
OR
KCSE Mean Grade C (Minus) and a Diploma in Technology in Applied Biology or Equivalent
4 Years (Full-time)
3 Years (Part time)
Bachelor of Technology (Science Laboratory Technology)
KCSE Mean Grade C (Plus) with C (Plus) in Biology, C (Plain) in Chemistry and Maths/Physics
OR
KCSE Mean Grade C (Minus) and a Diploma in Technology in Science Laboratory Technology or Equivalent
4 Years (Full-time)
3 Years (Integrated)
Career Prospects
Applied Biology and Science Laboratory Technology graduates with either a Diploma of Technology or Bachelor of Technology degree can expect to get employment in Research Institutes (e.g. ICIPE, KALRO, KEMRI, KEFRI, IPR, ICRAF, ILRI, KWS, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research institute, Kenya Forestry Service), Quality control institutions e.g. KEBS, Weight and Measures, Analytical laboratories in industries and Government e.g. Mines and Geology, Material Testing laboratories, Toxicology laboratories, Museums (e.g. National Museums of Kenya), Pharmaceutical Industries, Food Industries, Non-Governmental Organizations dealing with science based issues, County Governments, Universities, Colleges, Schools and International Organizations among others.
Laboratory technician
Your knowledge and expertise in biology will be useful in a career as a laboratory technician, such as one who works in a general or microbiology laboratory. Laboratory and quality control technician, laboratory assistant, laboratory technical officer, laboratory technician, laboratory technician-microbiology.
Microbiologists
Microbiologists study micro-organisms or microbes (organisms too small to see with the naked eye), such as fungi, viruses, bacteria, archaea, algae, protozoa, and prions.
Research assistants
Research assistants often work in a laboratory environment. Many assistants are young researchers who are also studying for a degree or postgraduate studies. Conducting experiments is the classic job activity. If this line of work interests you, you’ll need to demonstrate conscientiousness and meticulous attention to detail. Teamwork, as well as independent endeavors’, are required. A biology degree with plenty of research and laboratory experience is ideal. Being a research assistant is a path towards becoming a primary researcher. Job titles vary: director’s research assistant, research assistant, research assistant-network biology, research assistant-vector biology, technical assistant, and research support officer.
Pharmaceutical industry
Pharmaceutical industry needs biologists to work in research and development and to test new products and prepare them for market place. Other commercial industries include scientific services companies, marketing, sales and public relations.
Environmental Biologist
Environmental Biologist interested in solving environmental problems and helping to protect natural resources and plant and animal wildlife to conserve and sustain them for future generations. Marine/aquatic biologist, zoo biologist, ecologist etc.
Applied biology/Science laboratory Technology
With Applied Biology or SLT degree and a teaching profession, you will be equipped to work within education. You will enjoy working with young people and encouraging them to learn about the world, be that in a classroom, a lecture theatre, a laboratory or a museum. The higher up in the education you go, the more the qualifications required.
Forensic Scientist
As a forensic scientist you will be working within legal sector, alongside police departments or law enforcement agencies, in order to test and process evidence gathered in criminal investigations.
Biologist
Biologist with a focus on either plants (Botanist), interested in identification, naming, protection and utilization of plants or animals (Zoologist) interested in identification, naming, protection and utilization of animals.