Bachelor of Biology and Chemistry
Department of Biology and Chemistry
Provides interdisciplinary education in biology and chemistry with pedagogy, teaching methodology and supervised teaching practice, developing professionals who contribute to the scientific, educational and teaching communities of Somalia.
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Biology and Chemistry — Bachelor of Science in Education (BScEDU)
Duration
5 Years (10 Semesters)
Total Credit Hours
171 Credit Hours
Total Courses
60 Courses
Language of Instruction
English
Campus Location
Mogadishu, Somalia
Overview
The Department of Biology and Chemistry, within the Faculty of Education, is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and science education in Somalia. Biology and chemistry represent the scientific foundation of the life and biomedical sciences, and together they underpin critical national priorities in health, agriculture, the environment, and education. The programme is interdisciplinary by design: living organisms are chemical systems, and understanding life at any level of sophistication requires command of both sciences. The curriculum builds progressive competence in both, integrating laboratory science throughout so that graduates are practising scientists as well as trained educators, organised around University Requirements, Faculty of Education Requirements (pedagogical theory, curriculum knowledge, and teaching practice), Department Requirements (biology and chemistry from foundational principles through advanced laboratory science), and Supportive Requirements in mathematics and physics.
Background and Rationale
Somalia faces a significant shortage of professionally qualified science teachers at the secondary and post-secondary levels. This shortage affects the quality of science education that young Somalis receive, constrains entry into health professions and scientific careers, and weakens the country's capacity to address challenges in public health, food security, and environmental sustainability. The Bachelor of Biology and Chemistry programme has been established to address this shortage systematically, by producing graduates who combine deep scientific knowledge with the pedagogical competence to teach it effectively.
Vision & Mission
To be a premier centre of excellence in the education of future scientists and educators, fostering deep understanding of biology and chemistry and equipping graduates with the skills to advance science education in Somalia and beyond.
To provide high-quality, interdisciplinary education in biology and chemistry, emphasising critical thinking, scientific inquiry, practical laboratory skills, and a comprehensive understanding of pedagogy and the national curriculum, in order to develop professionals who will contribute to the scientific, educational, and teaching communities of Somalia.
Objectives & Learning Outcomes
- 1Deliver a curriculum that provides a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and related fields, structured progressively from foundational to advanced levels.
- 2Develop analytical, problem-solving, and laboratory skills for careers in education, research, and healthcare.
- 3Provide the pedagogical theory, teaching methodology, curriculum studies, and supervised teaching practice that students require to become effective classroom practitioners.
- 4Promote research-based learning and encourage scientific exploration and innovation through a substantial graduation project.
- 5Foster an inclusive academic environment with equal opportunities for all students, particularly underrepresented groups in STEM disciplines.
- 6Enhance professional development through practical laboratory experiences, micro-teaching, and supervised school internship.
- 7Contribute to the Somali community and the region through advances in science education, research capacity, and educational leadership.
- 1Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fundamental biological and chemical concepts through assignments, examinations, and laboratory experiments.
- 2Apply experimental methodologies to solve biological and chemical problems and extend knowledge to new scientific challenges.
- 3Demonstrate proficiency in both written and oral scientific communication when discussing biological and chemical topics with diverse audiences.
- 4Conduct original research, validate new knowledge, and design effective experiments that adhere to standard scientific practices and record-keeping.
- 5Demonstrate exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, integrating lecture concepts with laboratory skills to formulate hypotheses and analyse results.
- 6Apply pedagogical skills and teaching methodologies effectively to deliver biology and chemistry education in school settings.
- 7Demonstrate technical mastery of wet laboratory skills, adhere to safety protocols, and utilise technology for scientific problem-solving.
- 8Contribute individually and collaboratively to research, applying classroom knowledge and laboratory experience to advance scientific and educational goals.
Programme Duration
- Total duration: five (5) academic years, including a Foundation Year (Year 1) focused on essential academic skills and foundational knowledge.
- Structure: ten (10) semesters, at a rate of two semesters per academic year, each semester 17 weeks in length, inclusive of examinations.
- Modes of study: full-time; part-time; virtual delivery for theoretical components — laboratory components are undertaken on site.
- Academic load: 60 courses and 171 credit hours in total, distributed across the ten semesters as prescribed in the Study Plan.
Admission & Graduation Requirements
Entry Criteria
- Secondary School Leaving Certificate (grade 12) or equivalent qualification recognised by the Ministry of Education.
- Satisfactory performance on the university entrance examination.
- Satisfactory performance in the personal interview.
- Demonstrated proficiency in English sufficient to follow instruction delivered in that language.
Required Documents
- Complete application form (the university enrolment form).
- Official secondary school transcript.
- Four passport-size photographs (white background).
- Application fee receipt.
- Complete all required coursework comprising a total of 60 courses and 171 credit hours approved by the Faculty of Education.
- Pass all courses with no grades of F/Fail, NG/No Grade, or I/Incomplete.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 overall, 2.00 in the major (Department Requirements), 2.00 in the minor concentration (Faculty Requirements), and 2.00 in general education (University Requirements).
- Successfully complete the graduation project (Graduation Project I and II).
- Complete the prescribed teaching practice in an affiliated school.
- Obtain clearance from all University departments and complete all administrative graduation procedures.
Career Opportunities
Teaching biology and chemistry at secondary school, college, and university levels.
Conducting research in academic, government, and private-sector institutions.
Working in hospitals, clinics, and medical laboratories.
Analysing and addressing environmental issues through scientific expertise.
Designing and implementing educational programmes and materials in biology and chemistry.
Researching and developing new drugs, treatments, and health interventions.
Managing educational institutions and overseeing curriculum implementation.
Leading educational programmes, policies, and strategies.
Pursuing postgraduate studies in biology, chemistry, or education.
Delivery & Assessment
- Classroom-based instruction through lectures, seminars, and structured discussions.
- Laboratory-based practical training in biology and chemistry laboratories, with regular hands-on experiments.
- Research-based learning, including project work and the graduation research project.
- Supervised teaching practice in affiliated schools, including micro-teaching and full classroom internship.
- Self-directed study, assigned readings, and independent problem-solving.
- Continuous assessment and feedback through written examinations, practical evaluations, written reports, and teaching practicum evaluation.
| Assessment Component | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Written Examinations | 60% |
| Practical and Skills Demonstrations | 30% |
| Continuous Assessment, Assignments, and Teaching Practicum | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Contact Information
Faculty of Education, Somali International University (SIU)