DEPARTMENT’S HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY, VISION & MISSION

HISTORY

Department of Biological Sciences is one of the pioneer units in the (defunct) School of Science and Technology that was established as a servicing unit at the inception of the University in 2004. The unit continued in its servicing capacity until the 2011/2012 academic session when the full B.Sc. (Biology) programme took off.
The University adopted the Faculty system in the year 2016, leading to the establishment to the Department of Pure and Applied Science on 12th July 2016. The Department of Pure and Applied Science emerged from the merger of the Biology Unit, Chemistry Unit and Physics Unit of the former School of Science and Technology. As the University grew, there was a need for the creation of departments from the hitherto merged units. Thus, the creation of the Department of Biological Sciences became necessary for better administration and management.

PHILOSOPHY, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME

In its mission to make education available for all, the Open and Distance Learning programmes of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) have 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 approaches 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 instil in students a sense of 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- OND with upper credit may be admitted into the 200 level of the programme.- NCE with credit passes in any one of the options below may be admitted into the 200 level of the programme:

i. Biology/Chemistry

ii. Integrated Science/Chemistry

iii. Related Science based courses-

HND with a pass at Upper Credit and a minimum of Lower Credit levels in Biology or related programmes, and credit passes in requisite subjects at O’ Level may be admitted into 300 Level.- A level Passes (A-D) in two or more relevant subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics and Physics)

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.

OUTLINED PROGRAMME PROPOSAL

1. 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:         The Good Study Guide (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 UNITS)

What practical work in biology involves. Laboratory organization. Handling common laboratory equipment. Microscopic handling and maintenance. Making microscopic measurements. Procuring animal materials for practicals. 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 UNITS)

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; DG = DH – TDS

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 101:  Computers IN Society (2 UNITS)

What is Computer, Types  of Computer,  History of Digital Computer, Element  of  a Computer  :   Hardware  and Software.  How to work with a computer.  Operating System  Windows Files  word processing, copying a text, saving, Changes to  a document  and Formatting, spelling checker and introduction to  Printing a document.  Spread sheet, Entering and correcting data.  Using  Formula, Numeric Formats Creating Charts.  Types of Charts  Power  Points  and  presentation. Networking, Internet and E-mail. Reading and responding  to  an E-mail message.

CIT 102:  SOFTWARE APPLICATION SKILLS  (2 units)

Brief description of the computer system: CPU, I/O devices; operating systems; computer file management; Computer software: overview, types, etc.; Application software: common application software; Using Microsoft Word, Using Microsoft Excel, Features of Database applications and Microsoft Access; Statistical analysis applications: Using SPSS software; Introduction to Desktop Publishing applications; Computer applications in the Sciences; Managing the computer system with the control Panel.

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)

General consideration of ecosystems including influence and interaction of human beings with their environments. Similarities, differences of ecosystems. Characteristics and ecological adaptations of various forms life.

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 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 and present trends in cell biology. Reproductive cell division, differentiation and growth of cells. Molecular basis of cell structure and development. Proteins and nucleic acids.

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 co­relation, 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)

Account of systematics, morphology and reproduction, life histories and ecology of Algae, Fungi, Bryophytes and Pteridopytes, including fossils

BIO 209 CHORDATES (3 UNITS)

Evolution, classification and general characteristics of vertebrate phyla. Evolution and adaptive radiation. Zoogeography.

BIO 210 SEED PLANTS (2 UNITS)

Detailed account of the origin and evolution of seed plants (angiosperms), the mode of reproduction, vascular elements, morphology and anatomy.

BIO 211 COELOMATE INVERTEBRATES (2 UNITS)

Organization and Biology of higher metazoan groups. Anatomy and sexual dimorphism of the metazoans. Economic importance.

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 CHEMISTRY OF AMINO ACIDS AND PROTEINS (2 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 (I 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 CHEMISTRY OF CARBOHYDRATES, LIPIDS AND NUCLEIC ACIDS (2 UNITS)

Classification of physical properties of carbohydrates, structure of glucose, projection and perspective formular, structure of properties of other monossacharides, brief treatment of dissacharides and polyssacharides. 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.

GST301: ENTREPRENEURIAL STUDIES I (2 UNITS)

Introduction to entrepreneurship and new venture creation; Entrepreneurship in theory and practice; The opportunity, Forms of business, Staffing, Marketing and the new venture; Determining capital  requirements, Raising capital; Financial planning and management; Starting a new business, Feasibility studies; Innovation; Legal Issues; Insurance and environmental considerations.  Possible business opportunities in Nigeria. knails, screws making Dyeing/Textile blocks paste making.

BIO 301 GENETICS II (2 UNITS)

Selected topics from population genetics, cytogenetics, 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 (2 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 (2 UNITS)

The ecosystem approach to the study of ecology. Types of interaction. Energy flow and nutrient cycling, population structure, population dynamics: birth and death rate, life tables and longevity. Communities in ecosystem. Influence of man.

BIO 305 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (2 UNITS)

Genetics studies of microorganism, metabolic pathways, genes and chromosomes, nucleic acids (RNA and DNA), replication, transcription, gene expression and sequencing, protein synthesis, genotype, genetic code,

BIO 306 GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY II (2 UNITS)

A general study of osmo-regulation, excretion, transport, homeostasis, and their coordination in animals. Plant-water relationships, growth regulation. Physiological aspects of crop yield

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 and zoogeographic regions of the world, comparision 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)

Classification, structure, life cycles and physiology of fungi, their economic importance.

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 Databses, 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 ofimmunology, structure of antigenic determinants cellular response, genetics of response to antigenic stimulation. Structure and classification of immunolglobulins 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 Chemothorapy. History of chemotherapy. Basic pharmaco dynamics and pharmacokinetics. Chemotherapeutic agents: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral antiprotozoan and anti helminths. 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. Physiological, morphological and genetic adaptations of microorganisms to their environment. Microbial interactions. Microorganisms in ecosystems. 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 (2 UNITS)

 Aspects of cell and nuclear divisions, morphology and behaviour of chromosomes, chromosomal aberrations and polyploidy.

BIO 403 POPULATION GENETICS (2 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 (2 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)

Nature of immunity. Innate immunity (non specific defence mechanisms). Antigen. Acquired immunity. Hypersensitivity. Immunology of tissue transplantation. Infection, immunity and protection. Autoimmunity. Interaction of antibody with antigens.

BIO 407 BASIC ENTOMOLOGY (2 UNITS)

Insect evolution, classification and distribution. Organization of external structure. Ingestion, digestion, excretion, blood circulation and nervous system. Behavior and ecology of social insects.

BIO 408 SOIL ECOLOGY (2 UNITS)

Classification and characterization of soils. Chemical components and analysis of soils and plant tissue. Plant, soil and water relationships. Physical and chemical properties of soil. Detritus organisms. Cycling of mineral 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 e.g. Monoculture, Polyculture, pond construction and management, hatchery, management; fish feed formulation; induced breading and hybrization techniques. Major fish processing techniques

BIO 411 PARASITOLOGY (2 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 (2 UNITS) Gametogenesis, fertilization, morulla formation, invagination, organogenesis, and general embryology.

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