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Introduction

Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary field that favourably complements other Biological and Physical Sciences. It seeks to describe the living world in terms of its Cellular and Molecular structures and transformations thereof.

It deals with animals, plants and microbes both in health and disease states as well as their interactions at the molecular level. Against this background, new aspects of the subject such as Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Molecular Genetics, Immunology and Medical Biochemistry are introduced.

The first year of this course comprises theory and practicals, Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry as designed for B.Sc. - Chemistry courses (CHEM 100,102,103); and two other subjects in the faculty. In the 2nd year, part of this course will include Organic and Physical Chemistry again as designed for B.Sc. Chemistry, courses (CHEM 200-203).

This is to build up the foundation to understanding the principles of Biochemistry. In addition, students will take core courses in Biochemistry plus two other subjects in the faculty. In the third year of study, students will take core courses in Biochemistry plus one other subject (3:3:2:2), such as Zoology or Botany. The fourth year will comprise of courses in the same fields as the third year, namely, Biochemistry plus one other subject in the faculty (3:3:2:2) such as Zoology or Botany.

Justification

There is a wide range of research and industrial concerns that are increasingly making use of Biochemistry to solve a variety of problems and develop high value products. Employment opportunities for graduates of Biochemistry therefore exist in the following areas:

• Fundamental institutions of Biochemistry;
• Medical and Biomedical colleges/Institutions for advanced research/teaching;
• Hospital establishments and laboratories of Clinical Medicine for investigative procedures;
• Field research for community health programmes;
• Pharmaceutical firm?s as medical representatives;
• Agricultural and Industrial establishments; and
• Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology concerns.

Objectives

The overall aim of the B.Sc. programme is to prepare graduates for scientific and technical roles in the above fields. The course provides a flexible approach to enable students take electives suited to their needs.

The course in Biochemistry is aimed at imparting Biochemical skills and knowledge in Biology and its application in Biological Science Research and Biotechnology.

Course Objectives
At the end of the course, the students will be expected to:

3.1 Have acquired necessary theoretical and practical skills in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biomedical Science to enable them engage in gainful self-employment such as consultancy;

3.2 Provide the skilled manpower required by research and development Institutions, Institutions of higher learning and Industry hence contributing to national economic growth;

3.3 Have acquired the necessary theoretical and practical competencies in Biochemistry to enable them undertake post-graduate studies in recognized Institutions of higher learning.

Admission

To be eligible for admission, candidates must satisfy the minimum entry requirements as set out by Egerton University Statutes.

In addition, candidates must have passed the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education or its equivalent with a minimum grade as follows:-

• Chemistry B or Physical Science B+
• Physics B or Physical Science B+
• Mathematics C+
• Biology B or Biological Science B+

Alternatively, candidates with the following minimum A level passes will be considered

• Chemistry B Biology B (With a Subsidiary pass in Mathematics)
• Physics C or Chemistry B
• Biology B with Credit in Physics at O-level
• Mathematics C+

Have any other qualifications accepted by Egerton University senate as equivalent.

Loading and Duration of Study
The course shall extend over a duration of four academic years each consisting of two semesters of 15 weeks of teaching and two weeks of examination.

Course Details

The course coding BIOC, standing for Biochemistry, followed by 3 digits is as described for the other programmes offered by the department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

The Course codes used are;

BIOC, Which stands for Biochemistry followed by 3 digits as described below.

Digit 1, indicates the study year course is offered or level of the course

Digit 2, indicates nature or sub discipline of the course within the discipline.

Digit 3, indicates serial number for courses in the respective disciplines.

Level 0, Introductory Courses

Level 1, Principles Courses

Examination
All Examinations for the programme shall be conducted in accordance to the University Rules and Regulations on Examinations. For units on Industrial Attachment (BIOC 308) and Seminar (BIOC 411), the students will be assessed while in the field by both field supervisors and departmental lecturers with each group awarding a maximum of 30% and 40%, respectively. The students will also be required to write a report that will carry a maximum of 30%.