Overview
OVERVIEW
The Bachelor of Science programme is a Natural science programme that involves the study of natural phenomena including, geological, physical, chemical, and biological factors of the universe. As such, the BSc degree is interdisciplinary and cuts across five (5) disciplines namely Chemistry, Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, Meteorology, Physics as well as Mathematics and Biology (Botany and Zoology). The diversity of this program encourages sharing and exchange of ideas across disciplines and promotes multidisciplinary teaching, research, consultancy, and community service. The BSc program is offered through face-to-face, online, Open, Distance and electronic Learning (ODeL), and blended modes of learning.
The BSc. degree curriculum is designed to produce graduates with the requisite knowledge and practical skills to primarily participate, through innovation and creativity, in the creation of new jobs, redefine existing jobs, and secondarily, work in diverse fields.
Philosophy of the Degree Programme
The philosophy of the programme is to foster excellence in science, creativity and innovation, academic freedom, professionalism and integrity through quality scholarly work, training, and research.
Rationale of the Degree Programme
Cognizant of the transformative power of science and technology, there is need to train highly motivated and competent manpower capable of addressing any emerging issues and innovations in the spectrum of information, science and technology.
The programme will provide leadership in innovation in the region for the benefit of the society and industry and further meet the societal needs such as in teaching, research laboratories, medical, industry, undertaking postgraduate studies and address new emerging issues related to information, science and technological innovations. The programme is envisaged to create employers and employable graduates in both formal and informal sectors.
Goals of the Degree Programme
The goal of the programme is to train high-level and competent personnel with the relevant knowledge and refined skills in science and related applications that is necessary for scientific innovations capable of making transformative contribution to the world of science, information and technology and further addressing societal challenges of industrial and human resource development for the betterment of humanity.
Expected Learning Outcomes of the Programme
The program aims to produce graduates who should be able to:
- Demonstrate relevant scientific knowledge in basic sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Meteorology, Botany, Zoology and/or Mathematics.) and creativity, skills and techniques in solving problems in society.
- Acquire relevant scientific writing, logical reasoning, and analytical skills.
- Apply acquired knowledge to solve problems and contribute to the advancement of science as well as address emerging societal issues in industry and academia.
Mode of Delivery of the Programme
The mode of delivery shall be either face-to-face and/or online or Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) and Blended.
Face-to-Face
The face-to-face mode of delivery is given to students admitted in the full-time program and shall consist of comprehensive coverage of the syllabus through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars, workshops and industrial visits for a semester (15 weeks).
Online learning
The online mode of delivery is given to students admitted in the full-time program and shall consist of comprehensive coverage of the syllabus through lectures, assignments, quizzes, tutorials, practicals, seminars, workshops using learning management systems (LMS) approved by the University Senate.
Open, Distance and e - Learning (ODeL)
This delivery mode shall use Open, Distance and e-leaning including:
• Written self-instructional study modules issued at registration time consisting of course study materials, relevant literature and interactive devices and self-tests;
• Limited face-to-face sessions to provide overview of the course at commencement of the semester, mid-semester and revision period before examinations;
• Support Study Centers at the University of Nairobi and its Regional Resource Centers to allow access to information through computers and e-learning platform as well as use of the library facilities.
During orientation, students shall be introduced to the following;
• Orientation in Open, Distance and e-learning (ODeL) and the link between the University and satellite centres
• Reading skills and computer skills
• Mentorship, guidance and counseling
Blended
This mode combines the face-to-face leaning, distance learning and online learning delivery methods.
Structure
Duration of the program
The program shall normally run for four (4) academic years (8 semesters). Common University regulations shall apply. Maximum duration of the course shall be eight (8) years. The Open, Distance and eLearning programme will run for a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 8 years.
Structure of the Programme
(a) Bachelor of Science (I20) students must take a minimum of 12 units in the first year, which are a combination of three course units from three Departments, in addition to the three common course units. This is with exception for students intending to register for double mathematics, where they shall register for six (6) mathematics units and another three (3) units from one other Department. Candidates can select units from the following Departments depending on what you want to specialize in:
(i) Department of Biology
(ii) Department of Mathematics
(iii) Department of Chemistry
(iv) Department of Earth and Climate Sciences under the thematic areas:
- Atmospheric sciences (Meteorology)
- Geoscience and Hydrologic Sciences (Geology)
- Environmental and Peace Studies (Geography and Environmental Studies)
(v) Department of Physics
(c) In the second year of study, candidates will be required to register for four course units from three departments.
(d) In the third and fourth years of study, a candidate shall specialize in either one or two subject areas in which they registered in first or second year of study.
Admission Requirements
SCHEDULE OF INTAKES
Intakes are in September every calendar year. Registration and admission for qualified applicants commences in August.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Admission Requirements
A candidate wishing to register for a Bachelor of Science degree must have attained the minimum University of Nairobi and Faculty of Science and Technology entry requirements. In addition, the candidate must have any of the following:
- Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or equivalent qualifications recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate, with minimum mean grade of C+ (C Plus) and C+ (C Plus) passes in at least three science subjects (ONE OF WHICH MUST BE IN MATHEMATICS) in either of the following two alternatives (A or B),
|
Alternative A |
Alternative B |
|
Chemistry C+ |
Physical Sciences C+ |
|
Biology C+ |
Biological Sciences C+ |
|
Physics C+ |
Geography C+ |
|
Geography C+ |
Mathematics C+ |
|
Mathematics C+ |
Computer Science C+ |
|
Computer Science C+ |
|
- Holders of KCSE mean grade of C- (C Minus) plus a Diploma in a relevant field from an institution recognized by the Senate.
- Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) or equivalent qualification with at least two principal passes in mathematics and physical or biological subjects.
- Diploma in a relevant field from an institution recognized by the Senate.
- A science/technology-based degree or its equivalent from an institution accredited by the Commission for University Education.
Contacts
Dean,
Faculty of Science and Technology
Email: dean-fst@uonbi.ac.ke
Tel: 020 4914102
Careers
Bsc graduates are very versatile and the degree equips them with numerical and analytical skills that are highly sought in many fields. These fields include academia, banking, audit firms, manufacturing industries, to mention but a few.
The career opportunities mainly depend on the subject majors. Students who major in physical or biological sciences can pursue postgraduate education in those fields which prepares them for careers in research institutions and academic institutions e.g., KEFRI, KMFRI, ILRI, ICIPE, KALRO etc.
Some of the manufacturing industries that have employed a number of BSc graduates include: EABL, KAPA OIL REFINERIES, BAMBURI CEMENT, DIVERSY LIMITED, SGS, etc.
All possible employers can offer attachment opportunities to the students before and after graduation. Students are also encouraged to submit attachment applications through NITA.
Fees and Funding
| BACHELOR OF SCIENCE -I20 | |||
| YEAR 1 -12UNITS | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS | |
| TUITION | 132,000 | 132,000 | 264,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 6,000 | 6,000 | 12,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
| CAUTION - (ONCE) | 5,000 | 5,000 | |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 6,500 | |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 2,000 | |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | 4,000 | |
| Total-Science General Year 1 | 166,750 | 140,250 | 307,000 |
| YEAR 2 -12UNITS | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS | |
| TUITION | 132,000 | 132,000 | 264,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 6,000 | 6,000 | 12,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 6,500 | |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 2,000 | |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | 4,000 | |
| Total-Science General Year 2 | 161,750 | 140,250 | 302,000 |
| YEAR 3 -10UNITS | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS | |
| TUITION | 132,000 | 132,000 | 264,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 5,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 6,500 | |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | 4,000 | |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 2,000 | |
| Total-Science General Year 3 | 160,750 | 139,250 | 300,000 |
| YEAR 4 -10UNITS | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS | |
| TUITION | 132,000 | 132,000 | 264,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 5,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 6,500 | |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 2,000 | |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | 4,000 | |
| Total-Science General Year 4 | 160,750 | 139,250 | 300,000 |
| Grand TOTALS | 1,209,000 |