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dbs@embuni.ac.ke

Welcome to the Department of Biological Sciences.

The Department of Biological Sciences won the Department of the Year 2022 Award.
Dr Josephine Ngunjiri, a senior lecturer receiving the certificate of recognition from the  Vice-Chancellor, Prof Daniel Mugendi, at a ceremony held at the University of Embu on 20th December 2022
Outstanding Young Researcher 2022
Dr Joshua Kiilu Muli, one of the two winners of the Outstanding Young Researcher Award 2022 of the University of Embu receiving a certificate of recognition from the Vice-Chancellor at a ceremony held at the University of Embu on 20th December 2022 (Click on the image to read more)
Handover of equipment from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation by the German Deputy Ambassador Mr Thomas Wimmer to Prof Kiplagat Kotut the DVC (ARE) of the University of Embu at the Microbiology Research Laboratory on 3rd December 2020
Mr Thomas Wimmer German Deputy Ambassador (centre) with DVC(ARE) Prof Kiplagat Kotut (right), Director Research Prof Romano Mwirichia (left) and other academic staff (Dr Franklin Nyabuga, Dr Julius Mugweru & Dr Mark Kimani) during the handover of the second donation of equipment from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation at the University of Embu at the Microbiology Research Laboratory on 3rd December 2020.
Prof Romano Mwirichia of the University of Embu explains to the German Deputy Ambassador Mr Thomas Wimmer how some of the equipment donated by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation work.
PROF. ADRIENNE EDKINS VISITS UNIVERSITY OF EMBU
Prof. Adrienne Edkins from Rhodes University, South Africa poses for a group photograph with UoEm Biological Sciences Department Staff and Postgraduate students shortly after a seminar presentation on Molecular Chaperones held at the University on 14th May 2019.
MEETING BETWEEN UoEm and GERMAN ACADEMIC EXCHANGE SERVICE (DAAD) ON 8TH OCTOBER 2018
Dr Helmut Blumbach (third from left) , Director DAAD Regional Office Nairobi, accompanied by the Vice Chancellor of University of Embu visited the Microbiololgy Laboratory in the Department of Biological Sciences on 8th October 2018.
MEETING BETWEEN UoEm and GERMAN ACADEMIC EXCHANGE SERVICE (DAAD) ON 8TH OCTOBER 2018
Dr Helmut Blumbach, Director DAAD, examines a specimen under the microscope in the Microbiololgy Laboratory in the Department of Biological Sciences.
MEETING BETWEEN UoEm and GERMAN ACADEMIC EXCHANGE SERVICE (DAAD) ON 8TH OCTOBER 2018
Dr Helmut Blumbach, Director DAAD in the company of Prof Daniel Mugendi VC follow an explanation on bacterial cultures grown in the Microbiololgy Laboratory at University of Embu.
MEETING BETWEEN UoEm and GERMAN ACADEMIC EXCHANGE SERVICE (DAAD) ON 8TH OCTOBER 2018
Prof Daniel Mugendi, VC UoEm examines a specimen during the visit by Dr Helmut Blumbach, Director DAAD to the Microbiololgy Laboratory at University of Embu.
MEETING BETWEEN UoEm and GERMAN ACADEMIC EXCHANGE SERVICE (DAAD) ON 8TH OCTOBER 2018
Prof Kiplagat Kotut, DVC Academics, Research and Extension UoEm examines a specimen during the visit by Dr Helmut Blumbach, Director DAAD to the Microbiololgy Laboratory at University of Embu.
MEETING BETWEEN UoEm and GERMAN ACADEMIC EXCHANGE SERVICE (DAAD) ON 8TH OCTOBER 2018
A section of UoEm academic staff and postgraduate students listen to a presentation by Mr Bonface Nyagah, Programme Office DAAD.
VISIT BY THE SWEDISH UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
University Management with a Team From The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) Who Visited The University of Embu Courtesy of The Department of Biological Sciences on 26th February 2018
VISIT BY THE SWEDISH UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
Dr Justin Nyaga, Chairman, Department of Biological Sciences Leads the SLU Team to the University Guest House.
VISIT BY THE SWEDISH UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Mugendi, Presenting a Gift Package to the SLU Team Leader Prof Helena Bylund.
2ND UNIVERSITY OF EMBU GRADUATION CEREMONY
Miss Susan Wairimu Muriuki (BSc Microbiology and Biotechnology, the best performing student in 2016/2017 receives award from the Chancellor during the 2nd graduation ceremony held on 15th September 2017.
2ND UNIVERSITY OF EMBU GRADUATION CEREMONY
Mr Sammy Musyoka (far right) graduated with MSc Plant Ecology during the 2nd graduation ceremony held on 15th September 2017.
1st Graduation Ceremony of EUC
Pioneer students graduate from the Department of Biological Science on 30th September 2016 Standing - BSc and BSc Biology among other Bachelor of Science students. Sitting - PhD in Ecology DrMutigain red gown and MSc in Genetics Mr Cherutich in black gown
1st Graduation Ceremony of EUC
The Chancellor of University of Nairobi, Dr (Mrs) VijooRattansi, prepares to confer the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Mariaciano Iguna Mutiga.
1st Graduation Ceremony of EUC
The Chancellor of University of Nairobi, Dr (Mrs) Vijoo Rattansi, confers the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Mariaciano Iguna Mutiga.

  • Message from Dr. Franklin Nyabuga

    Hello and welcome to the Department of Biological Sciences of the University of Embu.
    Biology explores all aspects of life from Biomolecules to Ecosystems and Communities. The Department of Biological Sciences advances an understanding of biological structure and function, and endeavors to develop solutions to address current and emerging problems facing all living organisms in their environments. The department strives to integrate research and teaching to create opportunities in training of future transformative leaders in Biology.
    The Department of Biological Sciences is one of the Departments at the School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Embu. Founded at the nascent stages of the University, a major goal of the Department is to provide training and promote cutting edge research in areas that are central to Biology now and into the future.
    The Department has made remarkable progress in training undergraduate learners in four programmes namely: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Conservation and Natural Resources Management. For details about each programmes, Click Here.
    The Department also offers postgraduate training leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees. The postgraduate programmes include: Applied Microbiology, Applied Parasitology, Genetics, Entomology, Plant Ecology and Biology of Conservation. For details about each programmes, Click Here.
    The students at all levels of learning have opportunities to put theoretical experiences into practical use in our well-equipped laboratories.
    Our academic staff include a complement of skilled trainers and scientists who strive to advance our knowledge in Biological Sciences. Research in the Department examines life across scales of size, from microorganisms to macro-organisms to the relationships of organisms and populations in ecosystems. Faculty interests are currently identified in three broad areas: Ecology and Environmental Biology, Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Biochemistry and Genetics. These thematic areas are geared towards developing solutions and innovations to emerging societal problems. For details about each faculty member, Click here.
    For further enquiries, please write to us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    Franklin Nyabuga, PhD.

  • Biological Sciences Staff Profiles

  • Latest Publications from the Department

    1. Jelagat, J., Budambula, N. L., Ngari, M., & Budambula, V. (2023). Polydrug Use among Students in a Public University in a Lower Middle-Income Country. BioMed Research Internationalhttps://doi.org/10.1155/2023/8085588
    2. Nzivo M. M., C.N. Waruhiu,J. M. Kang’ethe, and N. L. M. Budambula (2023). HIV Virologic Failure among Patients with Persistent Low-Level Viremia in Nairobi, Kenya: It Is Time to Review the >1000 Virologic Failure Threshold. BioMed Research International https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/8961372 
    3. Wekesa, E. N., Kimani, N. M., Kituyi, S. N., Omosa, L. K., & Santos, C. B. (2023). Therapeutic potential of the genus Zanthoxylum phytochemicals: A theoretical ADME/Tox analysis. South African Journal of Botany, 162, 129-141.
    4. Muturi, M., Mwatondo, A., Nijhof, A.M., Akoko, J., Nyamota, R., Makori, A., Nyamai, M., Nthiwa, D., Wambua, L., Roesel, K. and Thumbi, S.M., 2023. Ecological and subject-level drivers of interepidemic Rift Valley fever virus exposure in humans and livestock in Northern Kenya. Scientific Reports, 13(1), p.15342.
    5. Karuri, H. 2023. Nematode community response to intensive tomato production in the tropics. Rhizosphere, 25: 10068.
    6. Mokuah, D., Karuri, H. and Nyaga, J.M., 2023. Food web structure of nematode communities in irrigated rice fields. Heliyon, 9: e13183.
    7. Karuri, H. 2023. Nematode community response to intensive tomato production in the tropics. Rhizosphere, 25: 10068.
    8. Mokuah, D., Karuri, H. and Nyaga, J.M., 2023. Food web structure of nematode communities in irrigated rice fields. Heliyon, 9: e13183.

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Bachelor’s Degrees

The Department offers the following Bachelor's Degree Click Here

Postgraduate

The Department offers the following Postgraduate Courses Click Here

Department of Biological Sciences