Course Overview.
Applied Biology can be described as the understanding of how organisms work from sub cellular level to a whole organism level. It also involves the use of living organisms in most cases microbes to produce useful products that can improve life. As a profession, applied biology includes traditional processes such as brewing, cheese making as well as modern developments such as microbiology & genetic engineering which can lead to new drugs useful to human life. Applied Biology is currently at the forefront of scientific research and technological development and underpins various industries such as; food industries, brewing sector, biopharmaceutical sectors, biotechnology, diagnostics & bioanalyticals among others. Professionals in this field can be referred to as applied biologists or technologists among other titles. Applied biologists and technologists focuses on solving specific real-world problems and creating biological products useful to mankind.
Bachelor of Technology in Applied Biology is a four year course that is designed to prepare students with intensive education and training in the field of applied biology. The programme aims at equipping the students with knowledge and skills applicable to biological sciences and processes. The curriculum is designed with emphasis on giving the candidates practical knowledge and skills through elaborate laboratory work and Industrial based learning covered through internal and external attachment. During their final year, Students can choose their majors as either Biological Laboratory or Industrial Microbiology. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates can work as technologists in research and learning institutions and industries. Within the area of their work, graduates of the course will have the skills to effectively manage the day to day operations in Science Laboratories in Learning and Research institutions as well as in Industries involved in production of bio-products and in environmental conservation and waste management.
Entry Qualifications.
For self sponsored students, at least a mean grade of C+ in KCSE. For Government sponsored students, the minimum cut point which is announced annually applies. The students should in addition have good performance in the following cluster subjects; Subject 1 BIO, Subject 2 CHE, Subject 3 MAT A or PHY Subject 4, ENG/KIS or 3rd GROUP II or any GROUP III or any GROUP IV or any GROUP V.
Becoming an applied biologist
If you are passionate about biology and interested in careers in areas such as applied research, environmental and biomedical sciences, then pursuing this course might be a good choice for you. In addition, you should be prepared to develop skills that can help you grow and succeed in this field.
To successfully work in the field of applied biology, you need a set of skills that include but not limited to; ability to think clearly and logically, good practical skills, accuracy and attention to details, good team working skills, good interpersonal skills with ability to manage and develop a team, excellent written & communication skills, ability to think critically and solve complex problems, a good understanding of relevant computer packages and statistical methods, good problem solving skill and having the desire to keep up to date with advances in your field.
Work environment.
Depending on one specialist area, graduates of this course can work in offices, laboratories or in the industries among other areas.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course can find employment in areas such as; colleges & universities laboratories, research institutions bio-products industries, manufacture pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical research, environmental conservation and waste management among other fields. Graduates can also use their creativity to start their own businesses.
You may be explore these courses
Bachelor of Science in Genomic Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science in Applied Bioengineering
Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Biotechnology
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science & Technology
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology