STEM PATHWAY CAREER GUIDE 1

Biology + Chemistry Subject Combinations (Core Mathematics Compulsory)

As Kenya transitions fully into the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), career guidance has become a critical part of Grade 9 to Grade 10 transition. One of the most popular and powerful STEM foundations is Biology and Chemistry, especially for learners interested in health, medicine, agriculture, environment, and applied sciences.

📌 Important Note:
Under CBC, Core Mathematics is compulsory for all learners.
The subject combinations discussed below therefore focus on Biology + Chemistry + ONE additional learning area.

Why Choose Biology + Chemistry in STEM?

Biology and Chemistry form the backbone of:

• Medical and health sciences

• Life sciences and biotechnology

• Agriculture and food sciences

• Environmental and natural resource management

When combined with another STEM or applied learning area, learners unlock multiple career pathways, not just one profession.

1. Biology + Chemistry + Physics

This is the classic medical and science combination, ideal for learners interested in health and advanced sciences.

Career Opportunities:

• Medical Doctor

• Dentist

• Pharmacist

• Biomedical Scientist

• Medical Laboratory Scientist

• Radiographer

• Physiotherapist

• Public Health Officer

• Biotechnologist

• Clinical Research Scientist

First Professional / Entry-Level Careers:

• Medical Laboratory Technician

• Clinical Assistant

• Health Sciences Trainee

2. Biology + Chemistry + Computer Studies

This combination blends life sciences with digital technology, preparing learners for modern, data-driven healthcare and research.

Career Opportunities:

• Bioinformatics Scientist

• Health Data Analyst

• Digital Health Systems Developer

• Biomedical Engineer

• Clinical Systems Analyst

• Medical Software Specialist

• AI in Healthcare Specialist

• Telemedicine Specialist

• Research Data Scientist

• Health Information Manager

First Professional / Entry-Level Careers:

• Health IT Support Officer

• Bioinformatics Assistant

• Health Data Assistant

3. Biology + Chemistry + Agriculture

Ideal for learners passionate about food security, animal health, farming innovation, and sustainability.

Career Opportunities:

• Veterinary Doctor

• Animal Health Scientist

• Agronomist

• Agricultural Scientist

• Food Scientist

• Horticulturist

• Seed Technologist

• Agricultural Extension Officer

• Environmental Scientist

• Agro-processing Specialist

First Professional / Entry-Level Careers:

• Veterinary Assistant

• Agricultural Extension Assistant

• Farm Research Technician

4. Biology + Chemistry + Geography

This combination focuses on environment, climate, public health, and conservation.

Career Opportunities:

• Environmental Scientist

• Climate Change Analyst

• Conservation Scientist

• Hydrologist

• Meteorologist

• Epidemiologist

• Environmental Health Officer

• Disaster Risk Analyst

• Natural Resource Manager

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Expert

First Professional / Entry-Level Careers:

• Environmental Science Assistant

• Climate Data Assistant

• Conservation Officer (Trainee)

5. Biology + Chemistry + Home Science

Perfect for learners interested in nutrition, community health, food quality, and family sciences.

Career Opportunities:

• Nutritionist

• Dietitian

• Food Scientist

• Community Health Officer

• Public Health Nutritionist

• Food Quality Assurance Officer

• Hospital Nutrition Officer

• Maternal & Child Health Specialist

• Home Economics Educator

• Catering & Hospitality Health Manager

First Professional / Entry-Level Careers:

• Nutrition Assistant

• Food Quality Control Technician

• Community Health Assistant

6. Biology + Chemistry + Business Studies

This combination prepares learners for healthcare management, pharmaceutical business, and biotech entrepreneurship.

Career Opportunities:

• Healthcare Administrator

• Hospital Manager

• Pharmaceutical Sales Manager

• Health Economics Analyst

• Medical Supplies & Procurement Officer

• Biotechnology Entrepreneur

• Agribusiness Manager

• Health Insurance Officer

• Clinical Research Manager

• Medical Marketing Specialist

First Professional / Entry-Level Careers:

• Medical Sales Representative

• Healthcare Administration Assistant

• Pharmaceutical Sales Trainee

7. Biology + Chemistry + General Science

A flexible combination for learners interested in laboratory work, research, and industrial science.

Career Opportunities:

• Laboratory Scientist

• Research Scientist

• Biotechnology Technician

• Quality Control Analyst

• Environmental Health Officer

• Forensic Science Technician

• Industrial Science Technologist

• Product Testing Specialist

• Science Educator

• Research Laboratory Manager

First Professional / Entry-Level Careers:

• Laboratory Technician

• Research Assistant

• Quality Control Assistant

8. Biology + Chemistry + Marine & Fisheries

This combination supports careers in the Blue Economy and aquatic sciences.

Career Opportunities:

• Marine Biologist

• Fisheries Scientist

• Aquaculture Specialist

• Marine Conservation Officer

• Blue Economy Expert

• Coastal Resource Manager

• Fish Health Specialist

• Marine Environmental Scientist

• Oceanographic Researcher

• Fish Processing Technologist

First Professional / Entry-Level Careers:

• Fisheries Technician

• Aquaculture Assistant

• Marine Research Assistant

9. Biology + Chemistry + Aviation

A specialized pathway combining health sciences with aviation and aerospace environments.

Career Opportunities:

• Aviation Medical Examiner

• Flight Safety & Health Officer

• Aviation Physiology Specialist

• Aerospace Human Factors Specialist

• Disaster & Emergency Response Specialist

• Aviation Environmental Health Officer

• Aerospace Research Scientist

• Biomedical Aviation Engineer

• Space Biology Researcher

• Aviation Health & Safety Manager

First Professional / Entry-Level Careers:

• Aviation Health & Safety Assistant

• Aerospace Research Assistant

10. Biology + Chemistry + Electricity

This combination focuses on medical technology and health infrastructure.

Career Opportunities:

• Biomedical Equipment Engineer

• Medical Devices Technologist

• Hospital Equipment Maintenance Officer

• Clinical Engineering Specialist

• Laboratory Equipment Technologist

• Dialysis & Imaging Equipment Specialist

• Health Technology Systems Engineer

• Renewable Medical Power Systems Engineer

• Hospital Infrastructure Engineer

• Industrial Health Systems Engineer

First Professional / Entry-Level Careers:

• Biomedical Equipment Technician

• Hospital Engineering Assistant

Final Thoughts: CBE Career Flexibility

Under CBE:

• One subject combination leads to many careers

• Learners begin with technician, assistant, or trainee roles

• Progression is through TVET, university, and professional certification

• Career paths remain flexible and expandable

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