The Department of Biological sciences herein offers a course leading to Diploma in Applied Biology. The programme is being offered in conjunction with other departments including chemistry and sections in the department of biological sciences to give an opportunity for advancement to the technical staff
and technical oriented trainee and to provide an in depth knowledge, Skills and a solid foundation for technologists. We endeavor to produce Diploma Graduate Technologists who have acquired adequate understanding, knowledge and skills to work in research institutions such as: KALRO, KEFRI, KEMRI,
ILRI, KEMFRI, Universities as Technologists, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company such as Smithkline Beecham, Food Processing Industries including self-employment.

Admission Requirements
Candidates who intend to take Diploma in Applied Biology must satisfy the minimum of aggregate grade of C - (minus); with at least a C - (minus) in Biology and Chemistry and D+ in mathematics in KSCE examination, or attained division 3 with a pass in biology, chemistry or physical sciences. We
also admit those who have a credit pass/or a pass in any of the following certificate level trainings, agriculture, medical laboratory, food science, science laboratory, pharmaceutical technology from
recognized institutions or MMUST senate.

Duration of programme
Duration of the programme for Diploma in Applied Biology shall normally be three academic years consisting of three modules where each module is defined as one academic year divided into two semesters where each semester is defined as fourteen (14) teaching weeks and practical sessions and two weeks for university examinations.

The department of Mathematics offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics with Information Technology which is an instructional programme that provides classroom, laboratory and field experience in Statistics blended with information technology with a view to exploiting and harnessing knowledge for sustainable development. This programme strives to justify the utilitarian value of Statistics considering the choice of data and interpretation of the statistical measures

Applied statistics as a discipline is fundamental in policy formulation and decision making. The programme includes courses that emphasize the application of the statistical techniques to real life situations using information technology. Such areas include: Biological and Physical Sciences, Agriculture, Business, Finance, Economics, and Engineering among many other fields. Statistics as a discipline will empower the learners with analytical and computational skills that will give them critical insights in to data.

Statistics has gained application in many fields such as technology (e.g cryptology), engineering (e.g. reliability analysis), agriculture (e.g. design of Experiments and Sample Surveys), medicine (e.g Statistical modeling), and economics (e.g time series analysis and forecasting) among many others.

The programme offers the learners an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills necessary for placement in these diverse fields. It also prepares them for further specialized training or studies.

The academic programme Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry prepares students for changing trends in health, agriculture and research. Food and pharmaceutical industries require skilled personnel trained in biochemistry and molecular biology theories and techniques that this programme targets to address.

Our students get exposed to the principles of biochemistry and molecular biology. They learn the distinct biochemistry properties of animals, plants, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Our students get imparted with skills in cellular metabolism, physiology, molecular biology, immunology, medical biochemistry, biochemical pharmacology, and ecological biochemistry.

Students get equipped with skills relevant for applications in industry, agriculture, medicine, and the environment. They deepen in scientific analysis, writing and reporting and become able to pursue postgraduate studies, achieve employment in hospitals, research facilities and governmental and non-governmental institutions.

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology is a four-year programme that offers general education in different biological sciences such as zoology, botany, physiology, genetics, immunology, histology, microbiology, molecular biology and ecology.

The program offers strong foundation for advancement and specialization in biotechnology, genetic engineering, computational biology, genomics, molecular biology, and neurobiology. Foundation courses in chemistry, mathematics, physics, computer applications and other supportive courses are also offered as compulsory courses in the programme.

The BSc Applied Biology degree programme is designed to provide a broad-spectrum understanding of the themes that run through modern biology. This is ideal for those students who wish to have a comprehensive and integrated degree programme. The degree programme offers an excellent range of laboratory and field-based course with a strong emphasis on the
development of practical skills.

The academic programme Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry prepares students for changing trends in health, agriculture and research. Food and pharmaceutical industries require skilled personnel trained in biochemistry and molecular biology theories and techniques that this programme targets to address.

Our students get exposed to the principles of biochemistry and
molecular biology. They learn the distinct biochemistry properties of animals, plants, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

Our students get imparted with skills in cellular metabolism, physiology, molecular biology, immunology, medical biochemistry, biochemical pharmacology,
and ecological biochemistry.

Students get equipped with skills relevant for applications in
industry, agriculture, medicine, and the environment. They deepen in scientific analysis, writing and reporting and become able to pursue postgraduate studies, achieve employment in hospitals, research facilities and governmental and non-governmental institutions.

The department of Mathematics offers a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Economics with Information Technology which is an instructional programme that provides classroom, laboratory and field experience in Mathematics and Economics blended with information technology with a view to exploiting and harnessing knowledge for sustainable development. The courses offered in the first two years of the programme ensure that students have a solid foundation in both Mathematics and Economics. The elective courses offered in the third and fourth year of study allow the students to adapt the degree to their own interests, ambitions and ability by focussing on their area of interest.  

The programme offers the learners an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills necessary for placement in these diverse fields. It also prepares them for further specialised training or studies in these areas. Economics teaches us that we have to meet our unlimited wants with limited resources.  It creates a sense of responsibility which in turn makes a person a better citizen. The  study of economics not only enables to understand different economic systems, that is capitalism, socialism, Islamic economic system but it also creates a vision to look into the working of a particular economic system. The two major content areas therefore provide an opportunity for learners to understand the dynamics of economic development and to participate in creating economic models suitable for rapid sustainable development.

The overall goal of the programme is to produce mathematics and economics graduates capable of offering solutions based on mathematical and economic ideas and concepts to real life problems for the benefit of humanity. The programme also seeks to prepare students for lifelong learning experience by integrating technological advancements into mathematics and economics for addressing present and future challenges.

The department of Mathematics offers a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Information Technology which is an instructional programme that provides classroom, laboratory and field experience in Mathematics blended with information technology with a view to exploiting and harnessing knowledge for sustainable development. The courses offered in the first two years of the programme ensure that students have a solid foundation in both mathematics and IT. The flexibility offered in the third and fourth years allows the students to adapt the degree to their own interests, ambitions and ability by specializing in any one of the three broad areas of mathematics namely: pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics.

The programme offers the learners an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills necessary for placement in these diverse fields. It also prepares them for further specialised training or studies in these areas. The overall goal of the programme is to produce a mathematics graduate capable of offering solutions based on mathematical ideas and concepts to real life problems for the benefit of humanity. The programme also seeks to prepare students for lifelong learning experience by integrating technological advancements into mathematical approaches for addressing present and future challenges

The academic programme Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology is designed to provide students with a scientific and technical understanding of bacterial, animal and plant biotechnology, as well as knowledge and application of molecular biological principles.

This programme will also introduce the development of disease and stress resistant organisms. Students will learn to identify and analyse the scientific, technical and non-technical dimensions of molecular and biotechnological problems, dive into molecular practices of gene cloning, DNA sequencing and tissue culture techniques.

This programme is offered through lectures, discovery learning, problem-based learning, e-learning, practical/experimental learning and field trips. Students will learn to communicate proposed biotechnological solutions to stakeholders.

Graduates of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology can find careers in or become research scientists and conduct consultancy and extension work in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology related research facilities, hospitals, governmental institutions, NGOs and other organizations and institutions engaged in molecular and biotechnology related work.

The department of Physics offers a four (4) year BSc. in Physics with Appropriate Technology degree. The BSc programme is designed to deliver concepts, theories, principles and laws of physics from both the points of view of science and technology. The programme endevours to not only explore knowledge methodically through observation and experimentation, stressing on discoveries and making predictions but also applying scientific knowledge for various purposes and emphasizing on inventions. This is in line with expectations of a University of Science and Technology.

Year one covers foundational physics courses with basic topics in Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Electricity and Magnetism, Light, Waves, Sound, Heat and Modern Physics.

Year two is basically a deeper study of the courses introduced at the first year level in Electricity and Magnetism, Vibration and Waves, Mechanics and Heat, Electronics, Optics, Modern Physics. At this level an introductory course to Appropriate Technology is also offered. Students opting to major in any areas of BSc in Physics with Appropriate Technology have to register for at least 23 units in Physics courses in addition to courses from other departments. The third and fourth years are devoted to an intensive study of Theoretical/Computational and Experimental Physics with Appropriate Technology courses and allow for a certain amount of specialized option courses in Materials Science, Computational/Theoretical Physics, Electronics and Renewable Energy together with the core courses; Mathematical Physics, Thermodynamics, Solid State Physics, Electromagnetism, Quantum Mechanics, Classical Mechanics, Appropriate Technology, Computational Techniques in Physics, Physics Practical, Statistical Mechanics and the Research Projects.

Our Physics Graduates get employed in Kenya Bureau of Standards, National and County Energy sectors, instructors in various Technical Training Institues, Telecommunications, Electronics & Internationally. Other graduates opt for Further studies (M.Sc. or Ph.D) in Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, Medical Physics etc.

The academic programme Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management integrates science and technology, use of ICT modes of lecture delivery, tutorials, appropriate hands-on laboratory and field courses and trips. Environment and natural resource managers apply scientific, economic and social knowledge to help society resolve issues surrounding the use of natural resources, the conservation of the environment and the impacts of development on the environment.

Our students get trained in conservation and management of arid and semi-arid lands, fauna and flora, natural forests, water-catchment areas, wetlands, the aquatic life and in balancing environment, development and natural resource usage. The offered courses make students aware of and appreciate why people make certain decisions related to managing the environment and natural resources therein.

Our students get equipped with knowledge of environmental systems, learn to appreciate the need for sustainable use of natural resources for development and acquire skills and capacity for solving environmental problems.

Students use appropriate technology and inter-disciplinary approaches in environmental conservation, management and ethics. Our students get equipped with necessary skills to address environmental challenges and make informed decisions depending on the circumstances.

The program is natured by the Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry and will behoused in the Directorate of Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET) andpartly at The Directorate of Science Technology Park and Industrial Linkages, which will host the cosmetology and beauty industrial training park. Cosmetology focuses onpersonal and professional grooming, body care and provides students with opportunities to explore cosmetology – related career opportunities.

The programme blends knowledge from the field of Cosmetology and Beauty Health Care practice. The curriculum for BTc. in Cosmetology is designed to equip students with an integrated knowledge and skills from the modern ‘cosmetology with business approach’ in fostering development of a wide range of cosmetology situations. The programme’s aim is to develop personnel with a high degree of creativity, leadership skills and one who understands that cosmetology work is holistic with various aspects of beauty in life such as economic, social, political and spiritual.

Thus, through this curriculum the learners will learn how to easily create a signature look for their customers and how to satisfy their styling wishes through the  development of the learners’ hair cutting, styling, and colouring skills. In this programme you get taught how to master the perfect manicure and pedicure, as well as develop techniques such as nail shaping, art, and specialties like application and maintenance of acrylics. Also, with the learners’ new aesthetics and skin care skills they will meet their customers' everyday beauty needs with facials, waxes, and makeup applications.

The programme teaches the skills of practicing cosmetologists, like salon business skills, proper safety and sanitation practices, and hands-on experience to prepare learners to start their careers immediately upon graduating.

As an industry Cosmetology helps people overcome social and health problems, in the community setting such as facial beauty, physical health and relaxation. Holiday makers especially tourists are getting attracted to the world of beauty and environment in the context of life enhancement.

The integration of healthy living is a reflection of beauty; herefore the need for skills in health exercise is paramount to beauty training.

The programme is designed to provide the student with a broad perspective and in-depth knowledge in advanced Applied  Mathematics and its applications in solving real world problems in other disciplines.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics programme will provide training in different aspects of Applied Mathematics, equipping graduates with a range of mathematical skills in problem-solving, critically required in industry and generally in research. The graduates of the program will be able to think logically and approach real life problems in analytical and creative ways, and use Mathematics as a tool for innovations in Science and Technology. The program will also provide a broad-based knowledge of Applied Mathematics and its applications in mathematical and computational modeling.

The recent expansion of institutions of higher learning and the ever growing demand for highly trained and competent staff will greatly benefit from the graduates of this programme.

Candidates may register for full-time or part-time doctorate programme. Full-time program shall normally take three (3) academic years and a period not exceeding 5 academic years unless with prior approved deferment. Part-time program shall run for a period not exceeding seven (7) academic years, unless with prior approved deferment.

Bioinformatics is a frontier science of the 21st Century, that combines the information sciences (informatics, mathematics, and statistics) and the life sciences (biology, medicine, chemistry, and biotechnology). Bioinformatics is concerned at how computer-assisted techniques can be applied to biological processes, particularly in the fields of pharmaceutical research and medicine. Informatics methods can be employed in the construction of mathematical models for analyzing biological data sets generated by large research studies, such as the Human Genome Project. Bioinformatics is a key technology and the experts with specific, interdisciplinary skills in this field are highly sought after by biotechnological companies and academic institutions and clinical research institutions as data scientists. Career prospects are high due to a shortage of qualified bioinformatics graduates with the necessary scientific and technical background. Our Master’s program in Bioinformatics, taught over four semesters, is designed to equip students with a thorough understanding of bioinformatics, informatics, and molecular biology and biochemistry. Research is conducted on various topics of bioinformatics and theoretical systems biology, mainly in close cooperation with wet-lab science teams. Our main focus is the mathematical modelling and computer simulation of various metabolic pathways. Most of these computer-assisted studies are conducted in view of medical and biotechnological applications, such as drug design, discovery and maximization of yield in biotechnological production processes such as in Bioprocess and cellular engineering.
The program is taught jointly with other departments such as biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and computer sciences, which means students benefit from contact with leading experts and research specialists in all fields of bioinformatics. Teaching and learning methods include elective modules, practical work, and a research project. Graduates of the Master's in Bioinformatics program from our department are well qualified for careers in both industry, academy, and research. Our PhD program in Bioinformatics offers a unique interdisciplinary training for graduate students in the sciences, engineering, medicine, and mathematics. This program seeks to prepare top researchers for careers in academia and industry in the fields of molecular life sciences.

Expected Outcomes
The candidates shall be expected to demonstrate mastery of the core concepts of Bioinformatics including advanced methods in computational biology, chemical principles that underpin biochemistry, molecular biology, and genomics. Candidates shall also be expected to demonstrate knowledge in design and implementation of biological databases, and fundamental concepts in probability and statistics, construction of predictive mathematical modeling of biological systems etc. Taken together, our graduates should be capable of using critical thinking and research skills in Bioinformatics to understand computational and experimental data. In addition to formal coursework, this ability will be learned and demonstrated in thesis development, postgraduate presentations in scientific conferences, graduate seminars, and a final viva voce.The candidates will be expected to demonstrate the ability to produce and present original research in Bioinformatics. The most important manifestation of this outcome will be demonstrated by publication of peer-reviewed research papers in particular, papers with the candidate as the first author in credible journals. It is also expected that candidates shall Conduct demonstrable and creative scholarly research in a professional and ethical manner and shall develop the ability for clear scientific communication, interpretation of the meaning, potential impacts, and risks associated with one’s research findings to a nontechnical audience in ways that confer a sense for its value to society
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Our Conviction
We hypothesize that this program will elucidate with clarity on Bioinformatics algorithms and develop the requisite skills, adapt protocols, and discern the limitless possibilities of Bioinformatics algorithms. In addition to building a solid foundation of Bioinformatics skills, the Department of Biological Sciences believes that this program will incredibly help students develop confidence discussing science with a competitive edge over their peers. This program offers cutting edge research domiciled in the School of Natural and Applied Sciences of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, a prestigious teaching and research institution with exceptional resources, including state-of-the-art labs, and renowned faculty. We blend our teaching of Bioinformatics with molecular Biology. Molecular biology is the toolbox for the emerging new field of systems biology; expanding the traditional reductionist approach of science. In a progressively competitive world, we hypothesize that no life science career can remain absolutely viable without Bioinformatics. While offering both depth and breadth across this field, this program enables candidates put into perspective the importance and relevance of Bioinformatics and of its fundamentals to the global resear

The Department of Mathematics offers, among other programs, a graduate program leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Pure Mathematics. The program is designed to provide the student with a broad perspective in advanced Pure Mathematics concepts and their applications. To this end, the program stresses a solid foundation in graduate-level Mathematics as well as an exposure to the use of mathematics in other disciplines.

After completing introductory graduate courses in such areas as Abstract Integration, Group Theory, Functional Analysis, Coding Theory, Ring Theory, Field Theory, Complex Analysis, Homological Algebra, Banach Algebra, Operator Theory,Topology among others, the student chooses an area of concentration within the three areas of Pure Mathematics ie Algebra, Analysis and Topology. In addition to taking courses to prepare themselves for research in their chosen areas of Pure Mathematics, the PhD candidates may, at the advice of the Departments’ Graduate Committee, take any other courses. The candidate shall be required to pass exams in such prescribed courses by the second year of study. After the Written Comprehensive Exams, and prior to admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree, each student must write and defend a Thesis Proposal in the proposed area of research.  The final stage of the program is the Doctoral Thesis that consists of original research in one of the research specialties of the Department.  Additionally, the Department of Mathematics participates with other Departments/ Institutes in the university in interdisciplinary programs. This helps in the integration of Mathematics at graduate level with other disciplines of science and Management Sciences.

The duration of the PhD programme shall normally be a minimum of three (3) years and a maximum of five (5) years. A part time student may be registered for a period of a minimum of four years (4) and a maximum of seven (7) years. Continuance of registration will depend on evidence of satisfactory progress.

The Department of Mathematics offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics as a purely research programme that provides field experience in Statistics blended with computational packages. The programme seeks to prepare graduates for industries that require data manipulation at advanced level. The demand for lecturers in Statistics has been on the increase with the increase of Universities from mere 1 to 47 in number. For one to teach at University level he/she requires a minimum qualification of at least a Master’s Degree in the field of specialization. This problem is compounded with the fact that statistics is a cross cutting field that is required in nearly all fields of study exerting more pressure on the demand for statisticians in all spheres of life. This demand is a necessity in achieving the Vision 2030, hence the need for this programme.

The duration of the PhD programme shall normally be a minimum of three (3) years and a maximum of five (5) years. A part time student may be registered for a period of a minimum of four years (4) and a maximum of seven (7) years. Continuance of registration will depend on evidence of satisfactory progress.