Overview
Industrial Chemistry is the branch of chemistry which applies physical and chemical processes towards the transformation of raw materials into products that are beneficial to humanity. It falls in the physical sciences’ subject domain.
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry degree programme was launched during the 1999/2000 academic year. A revised curriculum was rolled out during the 2012/2013 academic year. The programme offers core chemistry course units and incorporates course units that links the learner with chemical engineering, chemical processing and entrepreneurship. It prepares learners for employment in the chemical and allied industries, in addition to postgraduate studies in any of the chemistry sub-disciplines.
Philosophy of the Degree Programme
The philosophy of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry degree programme is that students are facilitated by various instructional means and conducive environment to acquire high standard industrial chemistry knowledge and skills to enable them succeed in their careers and make local and global contributions in chemistry and related fields.
Rationale of the Degree Programme
The expected role of the education sector is to equip learners with desired values, attitudes, knowledge, skills and competencies essential for productive employment. Vision 2030 has set wealth creation as one of its goals and targets the exploitation of available natural resources to spur development in agriculture, energy, water and health among other economic sectors. To contribute to the achievement of these aspirations, there is need for the university to offer relevant knowledge and hands-on training in form of practicals, projects and industrial linkages to enhance development of entrepreneurial skills.
The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry degree programme responds to the goals of Vision 2030 by offering industrial chemistry knowledge and skills that can be applied in the exploitation of natural resources to drive the industrialization process. The review of the curriculum was informed by a needs assessment of the existing programme through questionnaires administered to students on session, former students, and employers in order to identify the gaps. A stakeholders’ workshop was held to give feedback on the quality of the prototype curriculum. The curriculum was benchmarked with similar programmes offered at other world-class universities.The programme has been formatted to comply with the Commission of University Education (CUE) guidelines for academic programmes.
Goals of the Degree Programme
The goal of the programme is to produce graduates who are well-grounded in chemistry and skilled in industrial chemistry as well as relevant chemical engineering knowledge to meet the needs of industry, academia and society.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the programme, the graduate will be able to:
1. Apply industrial chemistry and allied knowledge for problem solving, management of industrial processes, innovation, economic development and for improvement of quality of life and environment.
2. Demonstrate competencies in knowledge and skills relevant to postgraduate training in chemistry and related fields.
3. Employ chemical safety skills in laboratory, industry and other work environment.
4. Demonstrate effective communication skills in dissemination of chemical and related information.
5. Practice chemistry as a profession, lead and work in teams ethically with integrity.
Mode of Delivery of the Programme
The mode of delivery shall be either face-to-face and/or online or Open, Distance and eLearning (ODeL) and Blended.
Face-to-Face
The face-to-face mode of delivery is given to students admitted in the full time program and shall consist of comprehensive coverage of the syllabus through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars, workshops and industrial visits for a semester (15 weeks).
Online learning
The online mode of delivery is given to students admitted in the full time program and shall consist of comprehensive coverage of the syllabus through lectures, assignments, quizzes, tutorials, practicals, seminars, workshops using learning management systems (LMS) approved by Senate.
Open, Distance and e - Learning (ODeL)
This delivery mode shall use Open, Distance and e-leaning including:
• Written self instructional study modules issued at registration time consisting of course study materials, relevant literature and interactive devices and self tests;
• Limited face-to-face sessions to provide overview of the course at commencement of the semester, mid-semester and revision period before examinations;
• Support Study Centers at the University of Nairobi and its Regional Resource Centers to allow access to information through computers and e-learning platform as well as use of the library facilities.
• During orientation, students shall be introduced to the following;
• Orientation in Open, Distance and e-learning (ODeL) and the link between the University and satellite centres
• Reading skills and computer skills
• Mentorship, guidance and counseling
Blended
This mode combines the face to face leaning, distance learning and online learning delivery methods.
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For enquiries, kindly contact us via:
Email: dept-chem@uonbi.ac.ke
Tel: +254-772 459 087
Structure
Duration
The programme duration is a minimum four (4) academic years to a maximum of eight (8) academic years.
Courses Structure
In addition to the specialized courses pertaining to the programme, the structure complies with the University policy of offering common course units that impart social skills to undergraduate students
First Year
Learners take a minimum of Twelve (12) course units in the first year and include chemistry, mathematics, and physics.
Second Year
Learners take a minimum of Thirteen (13) course units in the second year of study
Third Year
Learners take a minimum of Ten (10) in the third year of study
Fourth Year
Learners take Ten (10) courses in the fourth years of study.
To graduate, learners shall take a minimum of Forty five (45) course units. To qualify for the award of a degree, a candidate shall have passed in at least THIRTY SEVEN units, with a minimum of TEN (10) units passed in the 1st years of study, ELEVEN (11) units in the 2nd year of study, EIGHT (8) units in the 3rd year of study and a minimum of EIGHT (8) units passed in the 4th year of study AND shall have obtained an average score of at least 40% in the 3rd and 4th years of study.
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Admission Requirements
Application to join the programme
Submission of application to join the programme normally opens in April of every year. Applicants wishing to be sponsored by the government must submit their applications through Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
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Self sponsered students wishing to join the programme should submit their applications through University of Nairobi Online Application Portal.
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Schedule of Intakes
Intakes are in September every calendar year. Registration and admission for qualified applicants commences in August.
Minimum Admission Requirements
a) A candidate who wishes to register for Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry degree must have the following minimum University general admissions requirements.
(i) At least C+(Plus) in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or its equivalent
(ii) At least C- (Minus) in KCSE and a Diploma or its equivalent
(iii) At least two Principal Passes in KACE
b) In addition to meeting (a) above, candidates wishing to register for Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry degree must have any of the following:
(i) At least C+(Plus) in KCSE or its equivalent with passes in at least three subjects in either of the following two alternatives (A or B):
Alternative A
Chemistry C+
Biology C+
Physics C+
Geography C+
Mathematics C+
Computer Science C+
Alternative B:
Physical Sciences C+
Biological Sciences C+
Geography C+
Mathematics C+
Computer Science C+
(ii) At least C- (Minus) in KCSE and a KNEC Diploma or its equivalent in physical science subjects (Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry), with at least a pass.
(iii) Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) or equivalent qualification with at least two principal passes in science subjects one of which must be chemistry.
(iv) A science/technology based degree or its equivalent from an institution accredited by the Commission for University Education.
Regulations on Credit Transfer
A candidate may be exempted from some course units and credit transferred from accredited institutions and programs, subject to the following conditions;
(i). Request for exemption should be made in writing, on admission, addressed to the Academic Registrar, through the Dean, School of Physical Sciences and must be accompanied by officially endorsed supporting documents including the institutions syllabuses for the relevant courses.
(ii). In case of joint programmes, credit transfers shall be applicable only to specific memoranda of understanding or agreements signed in advance between the University of Nairobi and the collaborating Universities/Institutions.
(iii). No candidate shall be exempted from more than one third of the total number of core course units for similar programs at the same level.
(iv). A candidate may be required to sit and pass applicable University of Nairobi examinations in the relevant course units, provided they have paid the appropriate examination fees
(v). The exempted units must be only of grade C (C plain) and above to be considered for exemption.
(vi). Applications for transfer or exemption shall be considered only after an applicant has paid the required fees.
Careers
Career Prospects
Graduates of this program find employment in the chemical and allied industries, manufacturing industries, consumer industries, Non-governmental organizations. They also acquire skills that enable them venture out as entrepreneurs. In addition, they can pursue postgraduate studies in any of the chemistry sub-disciplines.
Attachment Opportunities
The department has over the years formed very strong collaborations with various public and private institutions where our students can go for attachment. They include Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), Government Chemist, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Kobian, Geothermal Development Company (GDC). Students are encouraged to submit their attachment applications through NITA.
Fees and Funding
| BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY - I08 | |||
| YEAR 1 -12UNITS | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS | |
| TUITION | 144,000 | 144,000 | 288,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 6,000 | 6,000 | 12,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| CAUTION - (ONCE) | 5,000 | 0 | 5,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 0 | 6,500 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 0 | 2,000 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | 0 | 4,000 |
| Total-Industrial chem Year 1 | 178,750 | 152,250 | 331,000 |
| YEAR 2 -13UNITS | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS | |
| TUITION | 144,000 | 144,000 | 288,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 6,000 | 7,000 | 13,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 7,000 | |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 6,500 | |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 2,000 | |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | 4,000 | |
| Total--Industrial chem Year 2 | 173,750 | 153,250 | 327,000 |
| YEAR 3 -10UNITS | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS | |
| TUITION | 144,000 | 144,000 | 288,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 5,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 6,500 | |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 2,000 | |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | 4,000 | |
| Total--Industrial chemYear 3 | 172,750 | 151,250 | 324,000 |
| YEAR 4 -10UNITS | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS | |
| TUITION | 144,000 | 144,000 | 288,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 5,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 6,500 | |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 2,000 | |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | 4,000 | |
| Total--Industrial chem Year 4 | 172,750 | 151,250 | 324,000 |
| Grand TOTALS | 1,306,000 |
