The philosophy of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is to impart and foster
students with the requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes for professional excellence and
Competencies in computer science theories and practice areas through quality teaching,
research and innovation. The dynamic and emerging trends in Information, Communication
and Technologies (ICTs) developments and the appropriation of the same ICTS, provides the
context that continues to inform our teaching and learning.
Rationale of the Programme
The School of Computing & Informatics, through this curriculum seeks to train computer
scientists who can use the gained knowledge and practical skills to innovate computer based
solutions to the emerging global challenges and opportunities.
Granted that our graduates are, and continue to be players in the global technology and sector
specific industries, this curriculum intends to bridge knowledge and skills gap that will
enhance employability and entrepreneurship, and is therefore informed by stakeholders
feedback analysis, academic benchmarking against IEEE/ACM guidelines for Computer
Science Curriculum development and Commission for University Education (CUE)
guidelines and standards.
Objectives
Facilitate acquisition, adoption and adaptation of Computer Science knowledge, techniques and tools. Develop graduates with the ability to apply Computer Science knowledge, skills, techniques and tools to create best-possible solutions to practical problems of varying complexity, in a wide range of contexts. Develop graduates who are innovative and creative, who possess good problem-solving skills and are capable of life-long learning. Develop all-rounded graduates with demonstrable ethical and professional behavior, and who possess effective communication, management, entrepreneurial and interpersonal skills.
Contacts of support persons
Schedule of intakes
The intake is in September
Mode of delivery
Face-to-Face Mode
The programme shall adopt blended learning through the use of face-to-face and Open,
Distance and Electronic Learning modes of delivery. For face-to-face learning, learning will
take place within classroom and laboratory settings.
The course will extend over a minimum period of 8 semesters and a maximum period of 16 semesters. Each academic year will have at least two semesters. The Second Year Projects shall be equivalent to two course units. The Industrial Attachment shall be equivalent to two course units.
The Fourth Year Project shall be equivalent to four course units. The course is organized into Knowledge Areas.
Industrial Attachment
The Student will undertake Industrial Attachment for a period of 8 weeks between semester 2 of year three and semester 1 of year four, in accordance to the School’s guidelines on Industrial Attachment.
Course Structure and Codes
BSc CS
Year of Study I (Compulsory Units)
SCS3101 Introduction to Computer Systems
SCS3103 Introduction to Programming
SCS3105 Discrete Maths
SCS3107 Programming Lab
SPH3105 Physics for Computing Systems
Year 1 Semester 2
SCS3102 Database Systems
SCS3104 Data Communication
SCS3106 Object-Oriented Programming
SCS3108 Data Structures and Algorithms
SCS3109 Digital Electronics
Year 2 Semester 1
SMA3114 Differential and Integral Calculus
SCS3201 Systems Analysis and Design
SCS3203 Computer Architecture
SCS3205 Knowledge-based Systems & Programming
SCS3207 Operating Systems
SCS3209 Software Engineering
SCS3211 Computer Networks
Year 2 Semester 2
SMA3124 Probability and Statistics
SCS3202 Assembly Language Programming
SCS3204 Automata Theory
SCS3206 Programming Project
SCS3208 Web and Services Programming
SCS3212 Machine Learning Algorithms & Programming
SCS3214 Foundations of Human-Computer Interaction
Year 3 Semester 1
SCS3213 Analysis and Design of Algorithms
SCS3301 Computer Graphics
SCS3303 Distributed Systems
SCS3305 Introduction to Organizations and Management
SCS3307 Artificial Intelligence Applications
SCS3309 Network Design Implementation and Management
SCS3311 Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Year 3 Semester 2
SCS3302 ICT Project Management
SCS3304 Network and Distributed Programming
SCS3305 Compiler Construction
SCS3308 Embedded Systems & Mobile Programming
SCS3312 Business Intelligence & Analytics
SCS3314 Computer Network Security
Year 3 Semester 3
SCS3322 Industrial Attachment
Year 4 Semester 1
SCS3401 ICTs and Society
SCS3403 Computer Systems Project
SCS3405 Information Systems and Organizations
SCS3407 Emerging Technologies Bootcamps
SCS3409 Distributed Databases
SCS3411 Computer games programming
Year 4 Semester 2
SCS3402 Cloud Computing and Services
SCS 3404 Information Systems Control and Audit
SCS3406 Informatics for Emerging Online
Admission RequirementsCandidates must satisfy the University's general admission criteria
Eligibility for consideration for admission into the degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in the School of Computing and Informatics is governed by the following minimum admission requirements or an equivalent qualification recognized by Senate:
KCSE Candidates
Candidates must have obtained a minimum grade of C+ in the following cluster subjects:
Cluster 1: Mathematics
Cluster 2: Physics
Cluster 3: Second Group II or Any Group III
Cluster 4: Any Group II/Group III/Group IV/Group V
A-Level Candidates
Candidates with 2 principal passes, one of which must be in Mathematics or Physics, and a subsidiary pass with a Credit pass in Physics at 'O' level.
Diploma in Computer Studies: A holder of an ordinary diploma in computer studies or equivalent with, a minimum pass at credit level, from an institution recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate. In addition, the candidate must have obtained a mean grade of C Plain at KCSE level with a C Plain in Mathematics and a C Plain in Physics.
Higher Diploma in Computer Studies: A holder of a Higher Diploma in Computer Studies or equivalent, from an institution recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate. In addition, the applicant must have obtained a minimum of C plain in Mathematics and Physics in KCSE.
Bachelor’s Degree: A holder of a Bachelor’s degree in a related academic discipline from an institution recognized by the University of Nairobi senate.
Attachment Opportunities
Career Prospects/Opportunities.
From games developer to manager of IT and communications services, you'll have a range of opportunities open to you as a computer science graduate
Job options
Jobs directly related to your degree include:
Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE COMPUTER SCIENCE - P15 | |||
YEAR 1 -15UNITS | |||
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS | |
TUITION | 180,000 | 180,000 | 360,000 |
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 8,000 | 7,000 | 15,000 |
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
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 |
ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
CAUTION - (ONCE) | 5,000 | 0 | 5,000 |
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | |
Total for year 1 | 216,750 | 189,250 | 406,000 |
YEAR 2 - 14UNITS | |||
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS | |
TUITION | 180,000 | 180,000 | 360,000 |
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 7,000 | 7,000 | 14,000 |
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 0 | 6,500 |
LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | 0 | 4,000 |
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 0 | 2,000 |
ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
Total for year 2 | 210,750 | 189,250 | 400,000 |
YEAR 3 -14UNITS | |||
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS | |
TUITION | 180,000 | 180,000 | 360,000 |
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 8,000 | 6,000 | 14,000 |
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 0 | 6,500 |
LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | 0 | 4,000 |
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 0 | 2,000 |
ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
Total for Year 3 | 211,750 | 188,250 | 400,000 |
YEAR 4 -12UNITS | |||
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS | |
TUITION | 180,000 | 180,000 | 360,000 |
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 6,000 | 6,000 | 12,000 |
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 0 | 6,500 |
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 0 | 2,000 |
ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | 0 | 4,000 |
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
Total for Year 4 | 209,750 | 188,250 | 398,000 |
Grand Total B.Sc. Computer Science | 1,604,000 |
i)has failed any course unit or its equivalent after four attempts or
ii)has failed the Second Year Project after four attempts or
iii)fails to successfully complete Industrial attachment after two attempts or
iv)has failed the Fourth Year Project after four attempts or
v)fails to complete the course within sixteen semesters
12. shall, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners and approval of Senate, be discontinued from the programme.
13. A pass obtained in any supplementary Examination shall be recorded as 40% in the candidate’s academic record.
14. In the event that this syllabus is revised, a candidate who is required to take any examination shall be required to take the examination in the equivalent course unit(s) in the revised syllabus.
15. The final award of the degree shall be based on the assessment of the candidate’s performance in the third and fourth years of study, including the industrial attachment and Fourth year project, based on the average mark scored over all course units.
16. For a candidate to qualify for the award the degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, he/she must pass the ALL the course units in the first, second and third years of study, Industrial attachment undertaken between the third and fourth years of study, four (4) compulsory course units in the fourth year of study, four (4) elective units in the fourth year of study and a project in the fourth year of study.
17. A candidate who passes the equivalent of one third or more course units through supplementary examinations or retake in the third and fourth year of study shall not be eligible for an Honours degree.
18. A candidate who successfully completes the first and second year of study shall be awarded a Diploma in Computer Science according to stipulated regulations for the diploma.
19. In the final year of study, a mark between 35% and 39% inclusive will qualify for application of the rule of compensation (see 5.1.19 below).
20. Compensation may be allowed in a maximum of the equivalent of two course units only and shall be made by taking two marks in one passed unit for each unit with a mark above 40% to make up for every failed mark.
Year II Project
Year IV Project
Industrial Attachment