DEPARTMENT’S HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY, VISION & MISSION

HISTORY

The B.Sc. Biology Programme formed one of the Programmes that were to be offered at the commencement of academic activities in the University. The structure (Outline Programme Proposal and Detailed Programme Proposal) of the programme was approved by the Senate of the University. The B.Sc. (Hon) Biology programme finally commenced in 2011/2012 session. The Programme provides constituent courses to other programmes in the Faculty of Sciences and relevant Science Education programmes of the Faculty of Education. The programme is intended for students who are primarily interested in careers as professional biologists or wish to have a thorough grounding in biology in preparation for professional or graduate school in biology and other related disciplines. In the year 2018, the programme secured its full accreditation. The programme has been in existence for about eleven years now, and one hundred and thirty (130) students graduated from the programme as at the last convocation in the year 2023

PHILOSOPHY, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME
PHILOSOPHY, VISION & MISSION
The philosophy of the B.Sc. Biology programme is to provide accessible and quality biological Science knowledge to learners through a functional, flexible and cost-effective learning which adds lifelong value to quality education for all who seek knowledge in the area of biological Sciences.

In its mission to make education available for all, the Open and Distance Learning programmes of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has become a veritable tool of National development.
The main aims and objectives of the degree programme in biology are:

a. To provide students with a broad and balanced foundation of biological knowledge and practical skills

b. To develop in students the ability to apply knowledge and skills to solving theoretical and practical problems in biology

c. To develop in students, a range of transferable skills that are of value in biological and non-biological employment

d. To provide students with knowledge and skills base from which they can proceed to further studies in specialized areas of biology or multi-disciplinary areas involving biology

e. To provide, through training and orientation, an appreciation of the salutary rewards of inter- and multi-disciplinary approach to the solution of complex life problems

f. To generate in students an appreciation of the importance of biochemistry in industrial, economic, environmental, technological and social development
g To instill in students a sense enthusiasm for biological sciences, an appreciation of its application in different contexts and to involve them in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and studying

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Application to the B.Sc Biology Programme should meet a minimum of 5 Ordinary Level (O’ Level) Credits including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and any one of the following: Geography, Agriculture or Economics with at least, a Pass (D7) in Physics at the National Examination Council (NECO) Level, Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE), General Certificate of Education (GCE), West African School Certificate (WASC) of the West African Examination Council (WAEC). Relevant certificates and Diplomas will be considered on individual merits.
Direct Entry – NCE with credit passes in any one of the options below may be admitted into 200 level of the programme:- NCE with credit passes in any one of the options below may be admitted into 200 level of the programme:

i. Biology/Chemistry

ii. Integrated Science/Chemistry

iii. Related Science based courses

– OND with upper credit pass in Biology or related programmes, and credit passes in requisite subjects at O’ Level may be admitted into 200 Level of the programme.

– A level Passes (A-D) in two or more relevant subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Geography, mathematics and Physics) may be admitted into 200 Level of the programme.

HND with credit pass in Biology or related programmes, and credit passes in requisite subjects at O’ Level may be admitted into 300 Level

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT
To graduate, a student shall have undergone at least 6-8 semesters of study, depending on the entry point, including field practical training. Course workload must meet the graduation requirements of the University based on minimum academic standards. However, in doing so, the student must earn a minimum of 120 credit units for the four-year programme and 90 credit units for the three years (Direct entry) programme. The submission of an undergraduate project thesis based on supervised research is a graduation requirement which cannot be compromised.

CRITERIA FOR GRADUATION
Minimum number of Credits Earned: 120 for normal entry
Minimum number of Credits Earned (Direct Entry):
Admitted into 200 Level: 90. The only compulsory year 1 (Lower level) course is GST107.
Admitted into 300 Level: 60. The only compulsory year 1 or 2 (Lower level) +course is GST107.
Minimum CGPA: 1.5
Minimum CGPA (Direct Entry): 1.5

OUTLINED PROGRAMME PROPOSAL

B.Sc. (Hons.) DEGREE IN BIOLOGY

Year I

1^st Semester

YEAR II

1^st Semester

YEAR III

1^st Semester

BIO 312 SIWES (Choose only 1 from the following areas):

• Environmental Pollution
• Pest Control
• Animal and Public Health
• Radiation Biology
• Biotechnology

YEAR IV

DETAILED PROGRAMME PROPOSAL (DPP)

GST101:         Use of English and Communication Skills 1 (2 UnitS)

Listening enabling skills; Listening and comprehending; comprehension; note-taking and information retrieval, including data, figures, diagrams and charts; listening for main idea, interpretation and critical evaluation. Effective reading: skimming and scanning; Reading and comprehension at various speed levels; Vocabulary development in various academic contexts; Reading diverse texts in narratives and expository; Reading and comprehending passages with tables; Scientific texts; Reading for interpretation and critical evaluation.

GST102:         Use of English and Communication Skills I1 (2 UnitS)

Writing paragraphs; Topic sentence and coherence; Development of paragraphs; illustration; Description; cause and effect including definitions; Formal letters: essential parts and stylistic forms; complaints and requests; jobs; ordering goods Letters to government and other organizations; Writing reports; reporting events, experiments, writing summaries

GST107:         A STUDY GUIDE FOR DISTANCE LEARNERS (2 UnitS)

Getting started: How to use the book, why read about skills, getting yourself organised ; what is studying all about, reading and note taking; Introduction, reactions to reading, your reading strategy, memory, taking notes, conclusion.  Other ways of studying: Introduction, learning in groups, talks and lectures, learning from TV and radio broadcasts, other study media. Working with numbers; Getting to know numbers, describing the world, describing with the tables, describing with diagrams and graphs; What is good writing? The Importance of writing, what does an essay look like, what is a good essay? Conclusion. How to write essays: Introduction, the craft of writing, the advantages of treating essay writing as a craft, making your essay flow, making a convincing case, the experience of writing. Preparing for examination.

BIO 101 GENERAL BIOLOGY I (2 UNITS)

Characteristics of living things; cell as the basic unit of living things, cell structure, organization, cellular organelles, tissues, organs and systems. Classification of living things, general reproduction and concept of inter-relationships of organism. Heredity and evolution. Elements of ecology (introduction) and habitats.

BIO 102 GENERAL BIOLOGY II (2 UNITS)

Systematic studies of diversity of life including monera, protista, plants (Algae, Fungi, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms and angiosperms) and animals (Protozoa, Platyhelminthes, Annelids, Arthropods, Fishes, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals) based on similarities and differences in external morphology. Taxonomic divisions of plant and animal kingdoms. Ecological adaptations of these forms.

BIO 191 GENERAL BIOLOGY PRACTICAL I (1 UNIT)

What practical work in biology involves. Laboratory organization. Handling common laboratory equipment. Microscopic handling and maintenance. Making microscopic measurements. Procuring animal materials for practical. Killing, preserving and maintaining animal materials. Procuring plant materials. External features of plants (differences and similarities). Preparation of temporary slides. Preparation of stains and reagents. Techniques for microbial culture and grain staining. Setting up demonstration for physiological processes in plants. Setting up apparatus for demonstrating physiological processes in animals. Preparation required for dissection.

BIO 192 GENERAL BIOLOGY LABORATORY II (1 UNIT)

Observation and description of the morphological and diagnostic features as well as the differences among the different phyla of the plant, animal, archebacteria, eubacteria, fungi and protista kingdoms. Identification of the taxonomic hierarchy of the members of the above groups. Study of the structure and functions of their parts and habitats specifications

CHM 101: INTRODUCTORY Inorganic Chemistry (2 units)

Hypothesis, theory and law with appropriate illustrations, Nature of matter – 3 states of matter, Atomic structure, electronic energy levels and orbital. Periodic classification of elements and its relationship to their electronic configurations, Chemical bonding, Survey of properties and trends in groups I, II, IV, VI and transition metal,

CHM 102: introductory organic chemistry (2 units)

Simple reactions of hydrocarbons, alcohols, and acids. Petroleum chemistry, Oils and fats, hydrogenation of oils, polymer and biologically important molecule.

CHM 103: INTRODUCTORY PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (2 UNITS)

Mole concepts and calculations based on it, methods of expressing concentrations, Chemical Kinetics and equilibrium, and related calculations, Important application of equilibrium – pH, solubility products and solubility of ionic solids, Thermo chemistry and simple calculations based on Hess’s law, Electrochemistry and working of various cells, Brief mentions of corrosion; chemical thermodynamics; ∆G = ∆H – T∆S

CHM 191: Introductory practical chemistry I (1 unit)

Practical based of CHM 101 and CHM 103: Cations and anions – identification, Acid- base titrations, Redox reactions and determinations

CHM 192: INTRODUCTORY practical chemistry II (1 unit)

Practical based on general chemistry CHM 101 and introductory organic chemistry I CHM 102- Determination of melting and boiling points and reaction of functional groups.

CIT 104:  INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE (2 units)

History of Computer Science and their generations.  Computer Hardware; functional components Modern I/0 units Software: Operating Systems, Application Packages Program: Development; Flow charts and algorithms; Program Objects, BASIC or VISUAL BASIC Fundamentals.

ESM 102: THE NIGERIAN ENVIRONMENT (2 UNITS)

General description of the natural, physical features of Nigeria: Vegetation, climate and climatic changes within the geographical expression; Geographical distribution of people and natural recourses. Brief description of economic importance of these features. Exploration and exploitation of natural resources. Brief impact of these on the environment

ESM 112: INTRODUCTORY ECOLOGY (2 UNITS)

Ecology. The Ecosystem. Energy Flow in Ecosystems.  Matters Recycling in Ecosystems. Species Interaction in Ecosystem. Terrestrial Ecosystems. Aquatic Ecosystems & Types. Major Oceans. Freshwater Ecosystems. Overview of Nigerian Environment. Nigerian Terrestrial Ecosystems. Nigerian Aquatic Ecosystem. Flora and Fauna in the Nigerian Ecosystem. Threats of Nigerian Ecosystems. Systems Approach to Ecosystem Stability and Instability. Human Impacts on Terrestrial Ecosystems. Concept, Meaning and Crisis of Ecosystem Management. Methods of Ecosystem Management. Problems of Ecosystem Management.

MTH 101: ELEMENTARY MATHEMATIC I (3 UNITS)

Elementary set theory, subsets, union, intersection, complements, Venn diagrams. Real numbers; integers, rational and irrational numbers, mathematic I, induction real sequences and series, theory of quadratic equations, binomial theorem. Complex numbers; algebra of complex numbers; the Argand Diagram. Re Moivre’s theorem, nth roots of unity. Circular measure, trigonometric functions of angles of any magnitude, addition and factor formalae.

MTH 102: ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS II (3 UNITS)

Calculus:  Function of a real variable, graphs, limits and idea of continuity. The derivative, as limit of rate of change. Techniques of differentiation. Extreme curve sketching; Integration as an inverse of differentiation. Methods of integration, Definite integrals. Application to areas, volumes.

PHY 101: GENERAL PHYSICS I (3 UNITS)

(Mechanics, Thermal Physics and Waves)

Space and Time, Units and dimension, Kinematics; Fundamental Laws of Mechanics, statics and dynamics; work and energy; Conservation laws. Elasticity; Hooke’s law, Young’s shear and bulk moduli, Hydrostatics; Pressure; bouyance, Archimedes’ Principles. Surface tension; adhesion, cohesion, capilarity, drops and bubbles. Temperature; heat; gas laws; laws of thermodynamics; kinetic theory of gases. Sound, Applications.

PHY 102: GENERAL PHYSICS: (3 UNITS)

(Electricity, Magnetism and Modern Physics)

Electrostatics; conductors and currents; dielectrics; magnetic fields and induction; Maxwell’s equations; electromagnetic oscillations and waves; Applications.

PHY 191: Introductory Practical Physics I (1 unit)

Graphs, Measurement, Error Analysis, Determination of Acceleration due to Gravity by Means of Simple Pendulum, Determination of force constant of a spiral spring, Determination of effective mass of a spiral spring and the constant, Determination of surface tension of water, Determination of specific latent heat of fusion of ice, Determination of the co-efficient of limiting static friction between two surfaces, Determination of the co-efficient of static friction on two surfaces using an inclined plane, Determination of Relative Density of kerosene using the specific Gravity Bottle, Determination of the Relative Density of a Granular substance not soluble in water using the specific gravity bottle.

PHY 192: Introductory Practical Physics II (1 unit)

Refraction through the glass block; Image formed by a concave mirror; Determination of the focal length of the convex mirror; Refraction through the triangular prism; Determination of the focal length of a converging lens and the refractive index of groundnut; Determination of resistance of resistors in series and in parallel in simple circuits; Determination of internal resistance of a dry cell using a potentiometer; To compare the E.M.F. of cells using potentiometer; Determine the unknown resistance of a resistor using Wheatstone Bridge; To determine the relationship between current through a Tungsten and a potential applied across it.

GST 201:   Nigerian Peoples and Culture   (2 UnitS)

Nigerian history, culture and arts in pre-colonial times; Nigerians’ perception of their world; culture areas of Nigeria and their characteristics; evolution of Nigeria as a political unit; indigene/settler phenomenon; concepts of trade; economic self- reliance; social justice; individual and national development; norms and values; negative attitudes and conducts (cultism and related vices); re-orientation of moral and national values; moral obligations of citizens; environmental problems.

GST 202: FUNDAMENTALS OF PEACE STUDIES AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

(2 UnitS)

Definition causes and types of conflict. Conflict theories phases in conflict analysis. conflict transformation. dynamics of conflict .relationship between perception and conflict. Language barriers in conflict and resolution. Early warning and early response mechanism. Arms control and demilitarisation. Peace and education. Trends in global issues. International, continental and regional organisations in the pursuance of world peace. Peaceful methods of conflict resolution. Coercive means of conflict resolution. gender issues and humanitarian intervention

GST 203: INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY AND LOGIC (2 UNITS)

General introduction to logic; clarity of thought, expression and arguments as basis for conclusions; fundamentals of logic and critial thinking; types of discourse; nature of arguments; validity and soundness; techniques for evaluating arguments; distinction between inductive and deductive inferences; etc. Illustrations from familiar texts, including literature materials, novels, law reports and newspaper publications.

BIO 201: GENETICS I (2 UNITS)

Hereditable and non-hereditable characteristics of living organisms, chromosomes, genes, the chromosome theory of inheritance, the chromosome structure of the Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes. Mendel’s laws. Genotype, phenotype, dominance, alleles, Linkage, crossing-over, sex-linkage, sex chromosomes and sex determination. Application of genetics in agriculture and medicine.

BIO 203 GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY I (2 UNITS)

Physical and chemical processes in animals and plants; diffusion, osmotic pressure and osmolarity. Water potential, turgor, plasmolysis, Gibbs-Donan relationship. Gas exchange, partial pressures (Tension), Hydrogen-ion concentration (Ph). Henderson Hasselbach equation, buffers in physiology. Nutrition; photo-autotrophism, heterotrophism (essential requirements of each), Respiration and photosynthesis; RQ and QIO in relation to metabolism, photosynthesis, oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

BIO 204: BIOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES (2 UNITS)

The course is geared towards introducing students to scientific methods using topics to illustrate ways and means of Biological research. Types of microscopes and their uses. Preparation of microscopic slides. Examination of materials. Dissection guides. Microtomy and hand sectioning. Photometry, Colorimetry. Chromatography. Conductometry. The course will also introduce students to what is research and the techniques of writing scientific reports through developing critical thinking and testing hypotheses, evaluating original research papers and expressing ideas.

BIO 205 INTRODUCTORY DEVELOPMENTAL CELL BIOLOGY (3 UNITS)

History of Cell Biology. Historical Viewpoint. The Cell Theory. Cell Division Processes in Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells. The Cell Cycle. Phases of Cell Cycle. Cell Growth. Prokaryotic Cell Structure. Eukaryotic Cell Structure. Plant Cell Structure. Review of Cell Structures of Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes. Proteins and Their Structures. Types and Functions of Proteins. Protein Synthesis. Introduction to Nucleic Acids. Nucleic Acid Components and Functions. Review of Proteins and Nucleic Acid.

BIO 206 STATISTICS FOR AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGY (2 UNITS)

Use of statistical methods in Biology and Agriculture. Continuous and discrete variables, Sampling procedure. Sample size. Presentation of statistical results. Frequency distribution. Law of probability, the binomial, Poisson and normal frequency distributions. Estimations and Tests of Hypothesis. Design of simple Agricultural and Biological experiments. Analysis of variance and co-variance, simple regression and co­rrelation, contingency tables, some non-parametric tests. The use of statistical packages such as SPSS and Minitab in statistical analysis.

BIO 207 LOWER INVERTEBRATES (2 UNITS)

Systematic approach to invertebrate morphology and levels of organization. Classification of Protozoa, Rhizopoda, Apicomplexa, Sarcomastigophora, Ciliophora, Parazoa; Porifera. Metazoan; Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nematode, Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata with emphasis on the differences and similarities among the groups; adaptive features to mode of life and their economic importance.

BIO 208 SEEDLESS PLANTS (2 UNITS)

Morphology of algae. Classification of algae. Reproduction in algae. Life cycle in algae. Fungi morphology. Life cycles in fungi. Reproduction in fungi. Morphology of bryophytes. Life cycle of bryophytes. Classification of bryophytes. Characteristics of pteridophytes. Life cycle of pteridophytes.  Classification of pteridophytes. Morphology of some pteridophytes.  General characteristics and relationship with other groups. Formation of fossils and their types.

BIO 209 CHORDATES (3 UNITS)

General Characteristics of Chordates. Classification of Chordates. Hemichordata. Urochordata. Cephalochordata. Vertebrata. Gnathostomata. Amphibia. Reptilia. Aves. Mammalia. .Eutherians. Evolution of Chordates. Adaptive Radiation of Chordates. Zoogeography of the Nearctic and Neotropical Regions. Zoogeography of the Palaearctic and Afrotropical Regions. Zoogeography of the Oriental and Australasian Regions.

BIO 210 SEED PLANTS (2 UNITS)

Introduction to Spermatophyte. Origin and Evolution of Seed Plant. Reproduction in Gymnosperms. Reproduction in Angiosperms. Vegetative Structure of Seed Plants- Stem. Vegetative Structure of Seed Plants- Leaf. Vegetative Structure of Seed Plants- Root. Vascular Tissues: Xylem and Phloem. Vascular Cambium and Cork Cambium.

BIO 211 COELOMATE INVERTEBRATES (2 UNITS)

Body cavities of invertebrates. Types of body cavities. Protostomes and Deuterostomes. Terms related to the development of a coelom. Diagnostic and special features of the Annelida. The Excretory system of the Annelida.  The reproductive system of the Annelida. The basic body plan of molluscs. Diversity of molluscs. Characteristics of the molluscan classes. Helix. The Exoskeleton of arthropod. Classification and Characteristics of the Arthropoda. Chelicerata. Body organisation of Astacus. Nervous system and sense organs of Astacus. Myriapodous arthropods. Outstanding features of the echinoderms

BIO 212 HELMINTHOLOGY (2 UNITS)

General classification and characteristics of trematodes, cestodes and nematodes, studies of their morphology and life cycles, epidemiology, pathogenesis and progenetic forms, diagnosis, control methods and economic importance. Practical components should give emphasis on parasite morphology and diagnostic techniques used to identify parasite species.

BIO 213 GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY I (3 UNITS)

Structure, properties and classification of amino acids, pH, pKa and buffer, peptide. Reactions of specific amino acids, separation of sequence of peptides, chemistry of proteins including their structural level and types of bonds stabilizing them, properties, functions and classifications of proteins, enzymes, vitamins and co-enzymes

BIO 214 STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF MAJOR CELL COMPONENTS (2 UNITS)

Prokaryotic versus Eukaryotic cells, elementary treatment of membrane structure (fluid mosaic model) and functions in the eukaryotic cells. Transport across membranes (passive and active), the regulation of the intracellular environment, intracellular organelles, their brief treatment of structure and functions. Preparations of sub-cellular inclusions: chlorophyll, porphyrins and carotenoids

BIO 215 GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY I  (1 UNIT)

Introduction to laboratory and laboratory equipment. Safety, housekeeping, washing and drying of glassware in the laboratory. Accuracy of measurement and transfer of liquids and solids. Introduction to photometry and colorimetry. Standard curve in absorption spectra. pH and buffer systems. Qualitative and quantitative tests for amino acids and proteins. Biuret method and estimation of proteins.

BIO 216 GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY II (3 UNITS)

Classification of physical properties of carbohydrates, structure of glucose, projection and perspective formular, structure of properties of other monosaccharaides, brief treatment of disaccharides and polysaccharides. Chemistry, classification and properties of lipids. Methods of analysis of lipids, lipoprotein, membrane and membrane structure. Chemistry of nucleic acids (Bases, Sugar and Phosphate acid). Structure and roles of RNA and DNA

BIO 217 GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY (3 UNITS)

Historical aspects. Scope of microbiology. General characteristics of microorganisms, growth and reproduction of microorganisms. Sterilization and disinfection. Brief survey of microbes as friends and foes. Systematic classification of bacteria fungi, viruses, etc. Microbial variation and heredity; biological and biochemical reactions of microorganisms; cycles of elements in nature; Nitrogen fixation.

BIO 218: GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY II (I UNIT)

General texts in concentration, Reaction of carbohydrate, thin layer of chromatographic separation of sugar. Estimation of glucose in biological fluid (blood and urine). Analysis of lipids for double bond and free fatty acids. Separation by thin layer chromatography. Separation and purification of nucleic acids. Estimation of DNA and RNA. Estimation of phosphate and titratable acidity

BIO 220 FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE (2 UNITS)

Present Status of Fisheries in Nigeria. Morphology and Basic Structure of Fishes. Morphology and Basic Structure of Fishes. Adaptation of Organisms to Aquatic Life and Evolution. Fundamental Principles of Fish Production and Management. Ways of Ensuring Sustainable Fish Production in Nigeria. Fishery Biodiversity Conservation. Water Quality Management in Aquaculture. Understanding Fish Nutrition, Feeds and Feeding. Fish Diseases and Management. Post-Harvest Handling of Fish and Marketing. General Knowledge and Fisheries Management. Wildlife Management in Nigeria. Principles of Wildlife Management. Orders of Nigerian Mammals.

BIO 301 GENETICS II (3 UNITS)

Selected topics from population genetics, Cytogenetics. Variations in plants and animals. Microbial genetics Animal and plant genetics. Biochemical and biomedical genetics. Human genetics. Further consideration of various deviations from basic principles. Pedigree analysis, Gene interactions.

BIO 302 FIELD COURSE I (1 UNIT)

Biological sampling techniques in local habitats. Students may visit and inspect laboratories, research institutes and industrial plants concerned with medical, biotechnological processes and related fields. A written report must be submitted to the Department for assessment.

BIO 303 GENERAL CYTOLOGY (3 UNITS)

Light, phase-contrast, Dark-field and Electron Microscopy, Autoradiography, Florescence. Cell cycles. Introductory cytogenetics. History and present trends in cell biology. Reproduction and cell division, cell differentiation and growth of cells. Molecular basis of cell structure and developmental cell biology. Proteins and Nucleic acids.

BIO 304 GENERAL ECOLOGY (3 UNITS)

Definition of Ecosystem. Components of Ecosystem. Types of Ecosystems. The Concept of Food Chain. Trophic Levels and Pyramidal Relations. Concept of Productivity. Primary Productivity. Energy Flow. Energy flow and nutrient cycling. Types of interaction. Types of interaction. Concept of Population. Population structure. Population dynamics. Birth and death rate. Life tables and longevity. Communities in ecosystem. Influence of man.

BIO 305 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (3 UNITS)

Overview of Molecular Biology. Genetics studies of microorganism. Genes and chromosomes. Nucleic acids (RNA and DNA). Replication. Transcription. Genetic Code. Gene expression. Protein synthesis, Metabolic Pathways. DNA sequencing.

BIO 306 GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY II (3 UNITS)

Osmoregulation and osmotic response in the marine environment. Osmotic response in the freshwater environment. Osmotic Response in the terrestrial environment. Excretion and excretory products in plants and animals. Excretion in invertebrates. The vertebrate kidney. Transport system in plants. Transport system in animals. The cardiovascular system. Nervous coordination in animals. Endocrine coordination in animals. Homeostasis. Diffusion and osmosis. Osmotic and water potential. Absorption of water and minerals

BIO 307 EVOLUTION (2 UNITS)

Theories of evolution, Population genetics, gene frequency/equilibrium. Hardey Weinberg Principle. Polymorphism. Variation. Types and causes, reshuffling of genes, Mutation; origin and types. Polyploidy, isolation mechanism, adaptation. Origin of life; evolution of organic molecules, Polymer synthesis; isolation and replication, the first cell, origin of species. Evidence of evolution; fossils (carbon dating), comparative anatomy, Taxonomy, Comparative-biochemistry, physiology, immunology, cell biology. Evolution of the plants, role of oxygen, multicellular development. Phylogeny, geological periods and epochs.

BIO 308 BIOGEOGRAPHY (2 UNITS)

Distribution of world flora. Floristic regions of the world. Zoogeographic regions of the world. Comparison of tropical and temperate flora. Dispersal and colonization of land by plants and animals. Island biogeography. Relationships between vegetation, soil types and climate. Relationships between plant distribution and world fauna

BIO 309 PLANT BREEDING (1 UNIT)

Importance of plant breeding. Cytological principles of breeding. Heterosis. Inbreeding consequences. Incompatibility mechanisms. Sterility. Breeding methods. Disease and pest resistance and their inheritance. Major farm and domestic plants and the breeding practices used to sustain desired qualities.

BIO 310 PROTOZOOLOGY (2 UNITS)

Classification and evolutionary relationships of the protozoa. Macro and Micro structure of protozoa. The role of protozoa in ecosystems. The ecology of protozoa, their physiology and biochemistry. Life histories of protozoa of medical and veterinary importance, with emphasis on tropical species; the pathology, epidemiology and control of protozoan infections.

BIO 311 MYCOLOGY (2 UNITS) 

Major classes of fungi. General characteristics used in earlier classification of fungi. Taxonomy of fungi. Amplification of the classification of fungi. Modern classification of fungi. Asexual reproduction in fungi. Different types of asexual spores. Various methods of sexual reproduction in fungi. Fungal diseases in man. Systemic mycoses. Beneficial/importance of fungi.

BIO 312 SIWES (6 UNITS)

This is a compulsory course designed to train the students on the Industrial application of biological knowledge. The course will be undertaken within the country at laboratories, research institutes and industrial plants concerned with biological, medical, biotechnological processes and related fields. Each student will be supervised at least once while on attachment by a designated staff of the school.

BIO 313 ANIMAL ECOLOGY (2 UNITS)

The ecology of local terrestrial and aquatic animals; growth rate and age structure of animal populations; natality and mortality, survivorship curves. Life tables and K-factor analysis. Competition. The natural regulation of animal numbers. Population cycles. The dynamics of predator-prey systems. The ecology of African mammals. Behavioural ecology.

BIO 314 ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR (2 UNITS)

History of ethology. Reflex and complex behaviour. Orientation and taxes. Fixed action patterns, releasers, motivation and driver. Displays, displacement activities and conflict behaviour. Learning communication and social behaviour. The social behaviour of primates. Hierarchical organization. The physiology of behaviour. Habitat selection, homing and navigation. Courtship and parenthood. Biological clocks.

BIO 315 INTRODUCTORY NEMATOLOGY (2 UNITS)

Principal characteristics of nematodes, morphology, position and outlines of classification of nematodes. Morphology and biology of important plant parasitic nematodes and their economic importance. Nematological techniques. General principles and methods of controlling nematodes.

BIO 316 INTRODUCTION TO BIOINFORMATICS (1 UNIT)

Definitions. Database Hierarchies. Sequence databases, Tools & databases. BLAST. Nucleotide and Amino acids Alignments. Sequence Analysis, Gene mining. Phylogenetic analysis. Gene Annotation. Data Analysis.

 BIO 318 IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOCHEMISTRY (3 UNITS)

Basic concepts of immunology, structure of antigenic determinants cellular response, genetics of response to antigenic stimulation. Structure and classification of immunoglobulin and antibodies. Mechanisms of antibody formation. Antigen-antibody interactions; role of lymphoid tissues and thymus in immuno-responses. Hypersensitivity, immunopathology, auto-pathology, auto immunology, tumor and transplantation immunology, immunoprophylaxis modern techniques in immunology and immunochemistry. Principles of Chemotherapy. History of chemotherapy. Basic pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Chemotherapeutic agents: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral antiprotozoan and antihelminths. Modes of action of antimicrobials. Chemotherapy of specific diseases. Drug bio-assays and sensitivity tests

BIO 320 MICROBIAL ECOLOGY (3 UNITS)

Microbes and ecological theory. Principles of microbial ecology. Colonization and succession succession in natural habitats micro-organisms in ecosystems. Microorganisms in ecosystems. Aeromicrobiology. Aquatic microbiology. Soil microbiology. Microbial adaptations to marine and fresh water environments. Survival of micro-organism in soil. Survival of micro-organism in air physiological, morphological and genetic adaptations of microorganisms to their environment. Bioconversion. biodeterioration. Biodegradation. Microbial interactions. Neutralism. mutualism. Commensalism. Amensalism. Prey=predator relationships competition. Microbial bio-conversions

BIO 400 RESEARCH PROJECT (6 UNITS)

Each student, in consultation with a Departmental academic staff, will select a specific problem in biology discipline to be his/her project and will write a research proposal at the beginning of the first semester of level 400. The student will learn how to design, carry out, and evaluate the results of a research project in the university laboratory and/or in the field and at the end, to write and present a seminar on the results of his research project to graduates and staff of the Department.

BIO 401 FIELD COURSE II (2 UNITS)

To undertake field trips in fulfillment of certain courses such as entomology, hydrobiology, ecology, helminthology, parasitology e.t.c. Students may visit and inspect laboratories, research institutes and industrial plants concerned with medical, biotechnological processes and related fields.

BIO 402 CYTOGENETICS OF PLANTS (3 UNITS)

Definition and History of Cytogenetics. Chromosome Theory of Inheritance. Chromosome Packaging, Chromosome Morphoplogy. Chromosome Classification Based on Size and Other Attributes. Variation in Chromosome Number: An Overview. Monoploidy. Diploidy and Introduction to polyploidy. Triploidy. Tetraploidy and Higher Polyploidy. Aspects of cell and nuclear divisions, morphology and behaviour of chromosomes, chromosomal aberrations and polyploidy. Aneuploidy: An Overview. Aneuploidy and its Genetic Consequences. Variation in Chromosome Structure. Inversion. translocation.

BIO 403 POPULATION GENETICS (3 UNITS)

Population concept of evolution: genetic equilibrium. Natural selection, analysis of gene frequencies, genetic variation in population, divergent speciation, isolating mechanism, migration and genetic drift, adaptive drift, adaptation and survival.

BIO 404 SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY (3 UNITS)

Principles and methods in biosystematics. Concept of Taxonomic characters. Morphological anatomical, palynological, embryological, cytological and physiochemical characters. Principles used in the delination of taxa and attribution of rank. Numerical taxonomy. Concepts of specific and intraspecific categories. Morphological study of selected plant families to illustrate evolutionary tendencies and phylogenetic relationships

BIO 405 HYDROBIOLOGY (3 UNITS)

Physical and chemical aspects of freshwater environments, spatial and temporal pattern of light, temperature and Oxygen. Fresh water flora and fauna with particular reference to West Africa. Plankton, benthic invertebrates, fish and plant communities, production and energy flow. Characteristics of African freshwater. Case studies of various African fresh water habitats: a tropical swamp (Lake Chilwa), a warm spring (Wikki spring), an ancient lake (Lake Tanganyika), a new man-made lake (Lake Kainji and Tiga Lake). Problems associated with tropical freshwater, eutrophication, pollution and water-linked diseases. The practical component of the course should include basic techniques for isolation and characterisation of environmental soil and water microfauna, including methods for enumeration and measurement of physiological activity.

BIO 406 PARASITOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY (2 UNITS)

Concept of immunity. Passive immunity. Active immunity. innate immunity. Acquired immunity infection. Examples of infections. Prevention as a means of protection. Non-specific resistance. Specific immune response to infection hypersensitivity. Specific terminology. Origin of antigens. Hypersensitivity. Causes of autoimmunity. Low level autoimmunity.  Immunological tolerance. Genetic factors. Environmental factors. Types of transplants. Evidence that graft rejection is immunological. Mechanism of graft rejection pathogenesis of autoimmunity.

BIO 407 BASIC ENTOMOLOGY (2 UNITS)

Insect evolution. General characteristics of insects. Success of insects. Beneficial effects of insects. Detrimental effects of insects. Evolution of insects. Classification and distribution. Elements of classification organization of external structure. Maintenance and locomotion. Ingestion, digestion, excretion, blood circulation and nervous system. Behavior and ecology of social insects.

BIO 408 SOIL ECOLOGY (3 UNITS)

Soil formation. Factors determining soil formation. weathering processes. Processes of soil formation. soil taxonomy. Bases of soil classification. Nomenclature of soil taxonomy. Chemical components of soil. Soil analysis. Application of plant analysis. Plant, soil and water relationship. Physical properties of the soil. Chemical properties of soil. Detritus organisms-microflora and microfauna. Nutrient resources and limitations. Cycling of minerals and nutrient pool.

BIO 409 RESEARCH SEMINAR (2 UNITS)

This is usually a scholarly research paper that students write on a specific topic chosen in the field of Biological Sciences under the supervision of a designated academic staff. The topic will be researched, written in a typical scientific format and presented before academic staff in the Department for assessment.

BIO 410 FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE (3 UNITS)

The gross external morphology of bony and cartilaginous fishes; Basic functions of piscine organs and major systems in fish; food and feeding habits of fishes; Age and growth determination, fecundity; fish culture techniques eg. Monoculture, Polyculture, pond construction and management, hatchery, management; fish feed formulation; induced breading and hybrization techniques. Major fish processing techniques

BIO 411 PARASITOLOGY (3 UNITS)

Principles of Parasitological and Zoo-economic effects. Introduction to parasitism history and evolution of parasitism, types of parasitism, host-parasite relationships. Parasitic protozoa, trematodes, cestodes, nematodes, acanthocephalans, leeches and arthropods.

BIO 412 WILDLIFE ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION (3 UNITS) General principles of ecosystem management, wildlife disease, principles of wildlife management. Wildlife in Nigeria; conservation policies, problems and prospects. World wildlife resources and their protection

BIO 413 DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY (3 UNITS)

Principles of Development in Biology. Anatomical Approach to Development. Gametes Interaction during fertilization. The Determination of germ cell in different group of animals. Mitosis and Meiosis. Fertilization and gamete formation in major groups of organisms. Fertilization in Animals. Cleavage, morula and Blastocyst formation. Cleavage patterns in major groups of organisms. Gastrulation and Invagination in major groups of organisms. Organogenesis. General Embryology. Embryonic membrane and Placenta.

BIO 414 APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY (3 UNITS)

Introduction to the systematics and biology of the major economically important insets and mites, their roles as pests and parasites. Chemical pest control methods, their formulations, metabolisms, behaviour in the environment problems of resistance, intergrated pest management. Alternative control strategies (insect-plant co-evolution, plant resistance and insect numbers, insect-insect relationships, manipulating insect behaviour, semio-chemicals, sterile-insect-technique. Pest forecasting.

BIO 415 VIROLOGY AND TISSUE CULTURE (2 UNITS) Viruses pathogenic to man and animals with emphasis on virulence types of diseases caused methods of control. Experiments with bacteriophages and representative animal viruses to demonstrate characteristics of viruses and viral virulence. Methods of viral cultivation and identification, with special reference to tissue culture techniques

BIO 416 INDUSTRIAL MICROBIOLOGY (3 UNITS)

Nature of Industrial Microbiology. Microorganisms of industrial importance. Aspects of the biology of molds, yeasts, Actinomycetes and viruses of importance in various fermentations. Culture techniques and maintenance of selected cultures. Mutation, strain selection and development, hybridisation, media formulation and economics. Optimization of fermentation media at laboratory scale. Perimeter design operation. Antifoams. Aspects of biochemical engineering. Patents and patent