School of Pure and Applied Sciences |
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Departments in the School of Pure and Applied Sciences
- Dept. of Technical and Applied Physics
- Dept. of Food Science and Technology
- Dept. of Earth, Environmental Science and Technology
- Dept. of Chemical Science and Technology
- Dept. of Biological Science and Technology
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
- Minimum Qualifications
Department of Technical and Applied Physics
The Department of Technical and Applied Physics was created in 2009 from what was then physics section within the Applied Science Department. Since then the Department has developed two programmes namely;
- Bachelor of Technology (Technical and Applied Physics)
- Diploma in Technology (Technical and Applied Physics)
The first graduates of the diploma program will complete their three year programme on April this year (2012) while the bachelor program admitted its first students this semester (January 2012). These are technical and unique courses which are not offered elsewhere within the country. The objectives of both curriculums are to provide training for technologist /technicians in the field of Physics. These programmes emphasize real- world applications besides sound understanding of the basics of physics at both levels. Deliberate emphasis has been placed on technical and practical skills through demonstrations, practical exercises, field work and attachments.Holders of Diploma in Technology (Technical and Applied physics) are eligible for admission into the bachelors programme in related Applied Physics areas. Major areas of research in applied physics such as material science, Instrumentation and energy among others are adequately covered.
The Department has started masters and PhD programmes in space science. Currently, it has initiated partnership with industries such as Camara International ltd. who have promised to donate ten computers with the necessary scientific software for research. Further Kettering University has expressed willingness to develop staff through exchange programmes as well as assist in design of our technical courses.
Career Opportunities: The opportunities for the graduate are wide and varied. Among the prospective employers of our graduates are such as those in the fields of energy, polymer, ceramics and glass. In government sector opportunities are available in ministry of Trade and Industries, Kenya Bureau of standards among others while in private sector; research bodies, Educational Institutions such as Universities laboratories, as well as colleges and secondary schools are in need of qualified technologist/technicians. The career opportunities for the graduate are wide and varied. They include the following fields: telecommunications, industrial physics, hospital physics, electronics, computing, quality control testing, banking, insurance, teaching, management, technical sales, armed forces, energy, polymer, ceramics instrumentation, material science and glass technology. In government sector opportunities are available in ministry of Trade and Industries, Kenya Bureau of standards among others while in private sector; research bodies, Educational Institutions such as Universities laboratories, as well as colleges and secondary schools are in need of qualified technologist/technicians.
Courses Offered
The Department has started masters and PhD programmes in space science. Currently, it has initiated partnership with industries such as Camara International ltd. who have promised to donate ten computers with the necessary scientific software for research. Further Kettering University has expressed willingness to develop staff through exchange programmes as well as assist in design of our technical courses.
Career Opportunities: The opportunities for the graduate are wide and varied. Among the prospective employers of our graduates are such as those in the fields of energy, polymer, ceramics and glass. In government sector opportunities are available in ministry of Trade and Industries, Kenya Bureau of standards among others while in private sector; research bodies, Educational Institutions such as Universities laboratories, as well as colleges and secondary schools are in need of qualified technologist/technicians. The career opportunities for the graduate are wide and varied. They include the following fields: telecommunications, industrial physics, hospital physics, electronics, computing, quality control testing, banking, insurance, teaching, management, technical sales, armed forces, energy, polymer, ceramics instrumentation, material science and glass technology. In government sector opportunities are available in ministry of Trade and Industries, Kenya Bureau of standards among others while in private sector; research bodies, Educational Institutions such as Universities laboratories, as well as colleges and secondary schools are in need of qualified technologist/technicians.
Courses Offered
- Bachelor of Technology (Technical and Applied Physics)
- Diploma in Technology (Technical and Applied Physics)
- Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) Distance Mode
Department of Food Science and Technology
The food Industry in Kenya is growing and has become one of the largest employers in the country.
As such, skilled personnel are required to ensure a consistent supply of quality products for the ever–discerning, quality–conscious consumers.
The food industry is very competitive and is constantly changing to meet consumer demands and use technological innovations. As the world population increases, food technologists are challenged with developing innovative applications in biotechnology for processing of food, as well as understanding the link between food, nutrition and health. Consequently there is an increasing need for graduates to work in a range of food business activities.
Food scientists work in basic research, product development, quality control, processing, engineering, packaging and technical sales, among others. They ensure food standards, laws and safety issues are met, as well as manage sanitation and waste treatment. Food scientists may spend their careers working on all aspects of one type of food such as grains, dairy products, meat, poultry, fats and oils, seafood -or work in one discipline with a multitude of food products such as chemists, engineers, microbiologists, depending on interests as well as the employer. The courses and research will expose students to all components of food processing: raw material handling, analytical methods, food microbiology, food chemistry, food processing, dairy technology, fruits and vegetable technology, cereal technology, food science and nutrition, brewing technology, sugar technology, quality control and assurance, food engineering. It is science oriented thus requiring a better understanding of organic chemistry, mathematics and process engineering.
Career Opportunities: Food scientists work in basic research, product development, quality control, processing, engineering, packaging and technical sales, among others. They ensure food standards, laws and safety issues are met, as well as manage sanitation and waste treatment. Food scientists may spend their careers working on all aspects of one type of food such as grains, dairy products, meat, poultry, fats and oils, seafood -or work in one discipline with a multitude of food products such as chemists, engineers, microbiologists, depending on interests as well as the employer. The courses and research will expose students to all components of food processing: raw material handling, analytical methods, food microbiology, food chemistry, food processing, dairy technology, fruits and vegetable technology, cereal technology, food science and nutrition, brewing technology, sugar technology, quality control and assurance, food engineering. It is science oriented thus requiring a better understanding of organic chemistry, mathematics and process engineering.
Courses Offered
Courses Offered
- Bachelor of Technology in Food Science
- Bachelor of Philosophy in Food Technology
- Diploma in Technology in Food science
- Certificate in Food Technology
Department of Earth, Environmental Science and Technology
At DEEST the programmes goal is to train resource managers who can look at the environment in its totality, diagnose environmental resource issues and suggest sustainable mitigation measures at local, national and global levels.
The training is aimed at developing an awareness of the complexities of interrelationships between human and environment, because the way society frames these relationships determines how society allocates and/or conserves its natural resources.
Courses and areas of research include Environmental Resource Management, Environmental Science and Technology, Environmental Planning, Environmental Disaster Management, Geological Sciences, Atmospheric Science, Environment and Community Development and Integrated Water Resource Management. DEEST programmes join the rest of the institution to create a path way from certificate to PhD.
We at DEEST are determined to produce top environmentalists, environmental technologists and technicians who will apply their skills innovatively to conserve the environment for sustainable development.
Career Opportunities: DEEST graduates work with Kenya Agricultural Research Institutes, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) at National, Provincial and District levels, Kenya Wildlife service, Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI), Ministry of Water, Ministry of Environment and Mineral resources, Mines and Geological departments, United Nations Environmental programme (UNEP), UN-Habitat, Ministry of Fisheries, City and Municipal Councils, National Museums of Kenya, International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology(ICIPE), ILIRI, Meteorological departments, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute(KARI), Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Fisheries, Office of the Prime Minister department of Climate Change, Universities, Marine research institutes and Ministry of Forest and Wildlife resources. We at DEEST are determined to produce top environmentalists, environmental technologists and technicians who will apply their skills innovatively to conserve the environment for sustainable development.
Courses Offered
Courses Offered
- Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Resource management
- Diploma in Technology: Environmental Resource Management
- Diploma Geological science
- Diploma in Technology in Atmospheric science
- Certificate in Environmental Studies
- Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Resource Management
- Diploma Geological science
- Diploma in Technology in Atmospheric science
- Certificate in Environmental Studies
Department of Chemical Science and Technology

At DCST, we give our students the tools in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Technology to deliver quality services and make quality products that meet the ever changing human needs. We teach them to design, build, evaluate, and improve complex chemical, biological, and material systems. Our Chemical Technologists and Chemistry graduates leave with the knowledge to apply chemical and biological principles to benefit humanity, protect the environment, and build the future.
Career Opportunities: Careers in chemical Technology are more rewarding today than ever. Technologists are in high demand for bringing valuable skills to the development of new products, processing meAhods and materials. Chemical technologists work in every aspect of the chemical process industry from basic research to hazardous waste management. Research and development technologists work in experimental laboratories and process control technologists work in manufacturing or other industrial plants. Technologists operate many kinds of equipment and instrumentation, set-up apparatus for chemical reactions, prepare compounds, monitor commercial production, test for product quality, and collect and analyze samples produced through organic synthesis. Technologists also work in data management, quality assurance and shipping to provide technical support and expertise for these functions. Consequently, chemical technologists from Kenya Polytechnic University College are employed in government research institutions, universities; pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies, oil companies. However, the largest number of our chemical technologist get employment in industries such as polymer, biotechnology, consumer products, paint, soap, fragrance with well defined career ladders.
Courses Offered
- Bachelor of Technology in Applied Chemistry (Industrial Chemistry)
- Bachelor of Technology in Applied Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry)
- Bachelor of Philosophy in Technology (Industrial Chemistry)
- Bachelor of Philosophy in Technology (Analytical Chemistry)
- Diploma in Technology in Applied Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry)
- Diploma in Technology in Applied Chemistry (Industrial Chemistry)
- Diploma in Technology in Applied Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry)
- Higher Diploma in QC, TQM, QMS
Department of Biological Science and Technology
The goal of the Department is to provide quality training in applied aspects of biological sciences. Our programmes are designed to produce graduates who are competent in practical skills and techniques applicable in science laboratories, in the field and in bio-production industries. Our core programme, Industrial and Applied Biology offers a wide range of options for specialization that include:- Industrial and Bio-production Technology, Epidemiology and Biometric Technology, Entomology, Pathology and Crop Protection Technology, Biological Science Laboratory Technology and Conservation and Environmental Science Technology.
Career Opportunities: Our graduates have a wide range of ports of call. These include research institutions, institutions of higher learning, industries dealing with biological and pharmaceutical products and quality control laboratories in wide range of industries. The diploma programme provide the students not only with technical skills suitable for direct employment, but also with avenue to transfer credit to the Bachelor of Technology Programme offered at the department and in a number of other universities both local and abroad.
Courses offered
- Bachelor of Technology in Industrial & Applied Biology
- Bachelor of Technology in Science Laboratory Technology
- Bachelor of Philosophy Applied Biology
- Diploma in Technology in Industrial & Applied Biology
- Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology
- Diploma in Technology in Industrial and Applied Biology (Vacation)
- Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology (Evening)
- Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology (Vacation)
- Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology (Evening)
- Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology (Vacation)
- Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology (Evening)
The Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
The Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology (DBB) offers training in the fields of both Biochemistry and Biotechnology. The programs at the diploma level include Diploma in Technology (Biochemistry) and Diploma in Technology (Biotechnology) which have been running. At Degree level we have two programmes currently running, these are Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology (with the first lot of students currently in the second year of study, while the second batch of students are in the first semester of their first year) and Bachelor of Philosophy in Biotechnology ( the first batch of students are in their second year of study). The first Batch of the Bachelor of Technology in Biochemistry will be joining in May 2012.
The department is currently working on the development of Curriculum for MSc. and PhD.
Career Opportunities: Graduates will be absorbed in service industries like diagnostics and forensics; manufacturing such as drug and biochemical design; Bio-production such as vaccines, gene products including proteins vitamins etc; Environmental management including bioremediation; Research in areas of medical, agriculture, Biotech-industries; education and training for instance in universities and Colleges, biotechnology process design, biological data management and servicing among others. These areas requires strong technical skills in biological sciences, engineering, physical sciences computational biology, management etc.
Our training is aligned to the national goals of promotion of science technology and innovation. We aim to produce innovators and techno-scientists equipped with the fundamental scientific principles Knowledge and its applications. This is to enable our graduates attain the knowledge of converting ideas into new technologies and be able to come up with new innovations that can lead to product development. This in turn will enable our graduates develop biotechnology enterprises which create wealth and employment.
To carry out these tasks of implementing our curriculum, we have Nine (9) Full time members of Teaching staff. One(1) Professor, Three(3) PhD ‘s . Three(3) MSc. Two of whom are currently pursuing their PhD studies and Two BSc. Holder‘s currently pursuing their MSc. There are two Technical staff at the Department one trained up to HND level.
The Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology offers the following programmes.
- Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology:- (Industrial, Medical, and Agricultural Options)
- Bachelor of Technology in Biochemistry
- Bachelor of Philosophy in Biotechnology (Industrial & Medical options)Bachelor of Philosophy in Technology Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
- Diploma in Technology (Biotechnology)
- Diploma in Technology in Biochemistry
- Diploma in Technology: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
The Department also offer the following short courses during vacations April, August, December
- DNA and Serological Forensics
- Quality Management System (QMS)
- Internal Quality Auditors (IQA)
- Biofuel (BioGas, BioDidesel, BioEthanol) production.
- Clinical Good Laboratory practices (GCLP)
- Laboratory Biosafety and Quality assurance (Module I)
- Laboratory Biosafety and Quality assurance (Module II)
- Microbiological Laboratory Techniques
Minimum Qualifications:
BACHELOR OF PHILOSOPHY | Credit Pass in a relevant Higher Diploma or Pass in a relevant Higher Diploma with two years working experience |
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY (POST-DIPLOMA)
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Credit Pass in a relevant Diploma or Pass in a relevant Diploma with two years working experience |
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY | KCSE Mean Grade C+ (Plus), including C+ (Plus) in relevant subjects |
DIPLOMA IN TECHNOLOGY | KCSE Mean Grade C - (Minus), including C - (Minus) in relevant subjects or A Certificate in a related course |
CERTIFICATE IN SLT | KCSE Mean Grade D+ (Plus) |
INTAKE | April, September and January |
DURATION |
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MODE OF STUDY |
All programmes are available for Government sponsored GS and Self-sponsored SS students, and can be taken on full-time or part time basis. |
Please refer to list of Courses