Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology programme offers high-level hands-on training in the new cutting-edge biotechnology techniques. These techniques can be exploited to solve human, animal, and plant health as well as environmental problems that continuously put the world under the pressure of diseases, pollution, and food shortage. Current trends in biotechnology offer an important solution to most of these problems in a multidisciplinary approach. The aim of this program is to train holistic graduates who are able to assume leadership roles in pursuit of knowledge through quality biotechnology research, consultancy, and community service. This course is aligned to the UNESCO standards classification of education and training (ISCED-F, 2013) section 0588 (Inter-disciplinary programmes and qualifications involving natural sciences, mathematics, and statistics) of the international standard classification of education by UNESCO. The Ph.D. candidates will be required to carry out their thesis research under supervision and subsequently compile a thesis that would be presented for examination in the prescribed manner for a Doctoral thesis in all faculties.
Structure
Philosophy of the Programme
The Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics is guided by the institution's philosophy which is to provide quality education and training through creation, preservation, integration, transmission, and utilization of knowledge, and need to unite Kenyans, The Centre endeavors to provide excellent training and research leadership and does so passionately with a sense of moral responsibility.
The Rationale of the Programme
The revised Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology degree programme responds to the question of relevance and of the degree to market, societal, economic, and environmental demands. The rationale arises from the need for integration of new molecular biology and Biotechnology techniques and approaches into the syllabus and conformation to higher education guidelines set by the Commission for University Education.
Objectives/Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of this programme, the learner should be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the fundamentals that constitute the biotechnology field such as biology, computer applications, and mathematics and research methods.
- Apply modern biotechnological tools and related techniques in solving real-world biological challenges and improve quality of life.
- Illustrate the ability to carry out quality applied and basic research in a multidisciplinary platform.
- Evaluate and critique studies in related fields and assess tools for research.
- Design and implement biosafety guidelines for genetically modified organisms and recombinant DNA products for the benefit of society.
The Programme Structure and Duration
- The Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics programme is by research only.
- The student shall complete a research project and present the research findings in a thesis.
- Every semester, the student shall submit a progress report to the Graduate School through their supervisors and the Centre Director in a prescribed format by the Graduate School.
- The student will be required to publish at least two(2) research articles in a peer-reviewed journal(s).
- The course shall be covered in a minimum of six (6) semesters of 15 weeks each, and a maximum of fourteen (14) semesters of 15 weeks each.
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
- Common regulations for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) degree at the University of Nairobi shall apply.
- Holders of Master of Science degree in Biological and Physical Sciences, Bioinformatics, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dentistry of the University of Nairobi.
- Holders of Master of Science degree in Biological and Physical Sciences, Bioinformatics, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry or equivalent qualification from a University recognised by Senate.
- Candidates will be required to draw and submit a detailed Doctoral research proposal in the prescribed manner at the time of applying for admission.
Mode of Delivery of the Programme
This program will involve blended learning. The project may be undertaken at the Centre or can also be undertaken at the collaborating institutions.
Careers
Career prospects/Opportunities
- Academic Institutions
- Research Institutions
- Industry
- Public and private sector
- International organisations
- Entrepreneurship
Attachment/Internship Opportunities
CEBIB has well-equipped state-of-the-art research laboratories that support cutting-edge research activities. The labs have the capacity to accommodate the postgraduate students' research projects leading to thesis submission and research publications. CEBIB students may also be attached to collaborating institutions for funded research projects. The Centre offers three(3) attachment/internship for students with biotechnology or related backgrounds for a period of 3 months
Contacts of Support person:
Dr. George O. Obiero
Director, Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
University of Nairobi
P.O.BOX 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
Email: george.obiero@uonbi.ac.ke/ cebib@uonbi.ac.ke
Tel: +254-(0)-20-4914107
Fees and Funding
| DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIOTECHNOLOGY (I823) | YEAR 1 | ||
| YEAR 1 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS |
| TUITION | 198,000 | 198,000 | 396,000 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 5,000 | 0 | 5,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| CAUTION - (ONCE) | 5,000 | 0 | 5,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 0 | 6,500 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 0 | 2,000 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | |||
| Total | 227,750 | 200,250 | 428,000 |
| YEAR 2 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS |
| TUITION | 198,000 | 198,000 | 396,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 5,000 | 0 | 5,000 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 0 | 6,500 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 0 | 2,000 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | |||
| Total | 222,750 | 200,250 | 423,000 |
| YEAR 3 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS |
| TUITION | 198,000 | 198,000 | 396,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 5,000 | 0 | 5,000 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 0 | 6,500 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 0 | 2,000 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| THESIS EXAMINATION | 0 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | |||
| Total | 222,750 | 250,250 | 473,000 |
| 0 | |||
| Grand Total | 1,324,000 |
Exam Regulations
Thesis Assessment
All Common regulations of the University of Nairobi regarding examination of research projects/ Thesis/Dissertation Assessment shall apply.
