Department of Biology/ Microbiology

INTRODUCTION 

The department of Science Laboratory Technology offers courses leading to the award of National Diploma (ND) after two years study that includes four months compulsory supervised industrial works experience scheme (SIWES) and Higher National Diploma (HND) with options in Biology/Microbiology or Environmental Biology after two years of study (for those whose interests are in the Biological Sciences).  

PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES 

The HND programme in Biology/Microbiology and Environmental Biology gives students a broad exposure to the theory and practical study of Microorganisms and their interaction with each other and other living things and their Environment. These disciplines lay emphasis in their application in Medical Microbiology, Industrial Microbiology, Environmental Health Technology, Pharmaceutical Industry, Biotechnology, Agriculture, Public Health and other relevant fields. Students are required to take mandatory ancillary courses in Biology, Physics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Morphology and Physiology of Living Things and Research Chemistry Methodology. There are elective courses in Mathematics, Statistics, Use of English Language, Computer Science, Social Sciences, Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship Education. These courses in modern language are geared towards making the students confident, with the ability to express themselves fluently.  

*PROGRAMME/COURSE OBJECTIVES 

NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY 

 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES  

The National Diploma Programme in Science and Laboratory Technology is designed to produce technicians capable of carrying out various laboratory analysis and practical works under the supervision of a technologist. 

HND MICROBIOLOGY  

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES   

This programme is designed to produce Technologists capable of carrying out microbiological analysis and applying the knowledge in the control and use of microbes.  

*ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

 Admission into the ND programme is through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the institutions post UTME examination. To qualify for the above examination, candidates must have five (5) credit O’ level passes obtained in not more than two sitting in SSCE or NECO or GCE O’ level which must include: Mathematics, Biology or Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Physics, a social science course and a credit or pass in English Language. 

For admission into the HND programme a candidate must have a CGPA of 2.5 and above and must pass the Institution’s Examination. In addition to the above requirements the candidate must provide at the beginning of the programme evidence of 12 months post ND industrial training in a relevant are of study. However, candidates with pass (2.0 – 2.49) grade must provide evidence of 24 months post ND Industrial Training (I.T). 

*SCOPE/COURSES 

 NATIONAL DIPLOMA COURSE CONTENT 

ND I First semester first year 

Plant and Animal Taxonomy (STB 111) 

The objective of this course is to help students to understand the classification of the plant and animal kingdoms. Emphasis is also on the distinguishing characteristics of the Class Vertebrata and phyla such as Protozoa, Platyhelminthes, Coelenterata, Nematoda, Annelida, and Arthropoda. In addition, preservative methods for vertebrates and invertebrates are treated. 

Morphology and Physiology of Living Things (STB 112) 

The aim of this course is to teach students about the morphology, life cycles and economic importance of selected examples of certain divisions (Thallophyta, Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, Spermatophyta, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms) and phyla (Protozoa, Coelenterata, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Amphibia, Pisces, Reptilia and Mammalia). 

General Principles of Chemistry (STC 111) 

Students are made to understand about atoms and molecules and their composition and structure which invariably leads to understanding of the arrangement of the elements in the periodic table. The course also teaches the relevance of the first and second laws of thermodynamics, their significance and implications as well as the Arrhenius, Bronsted-Lowry and Lewis acid and base concepts along with their properties and reactions. In addition, students are introduced to concepts such as oxidation and reduction reactions and chemical equilibrium. 

Inorganic Chemistry I (STC 112) 

The course teaches students the use of stoichiometry in chemical reactions (write balanced chemical equations and calculate amounts of reagent and product, percentage yields and express concentrations in terms of molarity), an understanding of the shape of molecules (Lewis dot structures and the application of valence bond electron pair repulsion theory to molecular shape), the chemistry of group VII elements and characteristic properties of transition metals (metallic character, variable valency, paramagnetism, etc.) 

Mechanics (STP 111) 

The aim of the course is to teach rotational motion of rigid bodies (inertia about an axis, angular momentum, and torque of body about an axis) and understanding of surface tension (coefficient of surface tension and variation of surface tension with temperature). In addition, periodic motion (parameters associated with simple harmonic motion and velocities of bodies in periodic and harmonic motion) and the behavior of fluids (velocity gradient, Newton’s formula for viscosity and Bernoulli’s equation) are treated. 

Heat Energy (STP 112) 

The course teaches students how to construct and use different types of thermometers (liquid in glass, resistance, thermocouple, pyrometer, gas and clinical), understand different methods of determining specific heat capacity, Newton’s laws of cooling and the behavior of gases (Brownian motion and kinetic theories of gases) and the application of different modes of heat transfer.  

Algebra for Science (STP 113) 

The course teaches students how to use the law of indices in simplifying algebraic expressions, the theory of logarithm and surds in the manipulation of scientific expression and the binomial theorem in the expansion of scientific expressions. In addition, the course will teach students how to solve simultaneous linear and quadratic equations. 

Electronic Logic for Science (STP 114) 

The aim of the course is to teach students to understand binary, octal and hexadecimal arithmetic coding schemes (conversion from binary to decimal and decimal to binary numbers), the fundamentals of Boolean algebra (associative, distributive, identity and negative laws) and the operation of basic logic gates and their applications (conversion of a Boolean expression to logic diagram, truth table to Boolean expression and a logic diagram to a truth table). 

Technical English (STC 113); 

The course aims to teach students how to write laboratory reports and investigations in scientific subjects using good English and format, engage in professional correspondence and deliver a short lecture on a scientific topic (seminar). 

GLT, Module (i) Care and maintenance of laboratory wares and equipment and module (ii) Safety in the laboratory (GLT 111) 

Students acquire knowledge about common laboratory hazards and the basic safety rules that must be adhered to in laboratories. They also learn how to use and understand the calibration of glass ware. In addition, knowledge of the maintenance of balances, microscopes, heating apparatus, cooling equipment, microtomes, basic electrical appliances and audio-visual equipment are taught to students. 

ND I FIRST YEAR SECOND SMESTER 

Cell Biology (STB 121) 

Students are taught that the cell is the basic unit of life and to know the composition of the nucleus and cytoplasm of the cell and the different types of cell divisions (mitosis and meiosis) and their significance. Students are introduced to the different types of specialized cells (meristematic, parenchymatous, collenchyma, bone marrow, blood and bone) and the concepts of photosynthesis (importance of chloroplast, factors affecting photosynthesis and the role of oxygen in the light reaction), respiration (difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration, ATP production in glycolysis and Kreb’s cycle and role of mitochondria in respiration), transpiration (factors affecting transpiration, importance of transpiration and the different types of transpiration), and tanslocation (mechanism and factors affecting translocation and importance of phloem to the process)). In addition, processes such as ion and water absorption in plants and growth and movement in plants are explained. 

Organic Chemistry I (STC 121) 

Students are taught how to classify organic compounds according to functional groups, understand bonding in alkanes, alkenes and alkynes and their industrial uses, and know the chemical properties, preparations and uses of monosubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbons and understand various methods used in refining petroleum. 

Physical Chemistry (STC 122) 

The course aims at teaching students to understand the relationship between energy distribution within a reacting system and the factors (temperature, concentration and catalyst) which affect the rate of reaction, basic concepts in electrochemistry (Faraday’s laws of electrolysis and Arrhenius theory of electrolytic dissociation), the effect of solutes (non-volatile and molecular concentrations of the solute) on the properties of solvents in addition to the colligative properties of solutions. 

Electricity and Magnetism (STP 121) 

The course aims at helping students to understand the concept of static electricity, capacitance and the use of capacitors in D.C. circuits, the behavior of moving charges in conductors, the chemical effect of electric current and magnetic fields. 

Optics and Waves (STP 122) 

The aim of the course is to explain the principles and applications of refraction and reflection on plane and curved surfaces, the working principles of optic instruments (focal lengths and magnifying power), the basic concepts of photometry and the phenomena of wave, optics and sound waves. 

Analytical Chemistry (STC 123) 

The course teaches students to understand analytical processes (sample collection and methods of calibration), physical/chemical principles involved in separation methods (adsorption and partition chromatography, solvent extraction and electrophoresis), statistical analysis of experimental data (student’s t test, F test and Chi-square distribution), principle of titrimetric analysis (use of indicators and different types of titrations) and the principles and applications of gravimetric analysis ( precipitation, co-precipitation and pot-precipitation). 

Ecology (STB 222) 

The course teaches students various ecological terminologies (commensalism, succession, predation, etc.) and types of habitat (aquatic, terrestrial and arboreal), the concept of succession (primary and secondary, as well as factors responsible for succession) and population ecology. In addition, students are taught about various pollutants and their effects on the environment. 

Genetics (STB 221) 

The course teaches the basic concepts of genetics, the rudiments of Mendelian genetics (Mendelian laws and ratios) as well as deviations from Mendelian genetics. Students are also taught about sex determination, sex linkage, mechanisms of variation and mutation and the concept and significance of genetic engineering. 

GLT, Module III, preparation of laboratory side shelf reagents and Module IV, separation techniques and sample management (GLT 121) 

The course teaches students how to prepare solutions (normal, molar, saturated and super saturated) and reagents and to know the different types of solvents and their applications. In addition, students will learn about the storage, extraction, dispensing, recovery and disposal of chemicals, understand techniques of sampling, the physical and chemical principles involved in laboratory separation methods, the setting up and management of aquaria and animal houses and the collection and handling of laboratory specimens. 

Computer Packages I (COM 123) 

The course enables students to know the existing application packages and their various features, electronic spread sheets (know the concepts and the various types), fundamentals of accounting packages (Peach tree, DacEasy, Sage and Quickbrooks) and the areas in accounting  and financial management that use them, and how to use educational and medical packages. Students are also acquainted with processing and presentation packages. 

ND II SECOND YEAR FIRST SEMESTER 

Microbiology (STM 211) 

The course aims at teaching students the history and scope of microbiology (early scientists involved in the development of the microscope and the role of microbiology in medicine, agriculture and industry), how to examine microorganisms with the aid of various microscopes (light, compound, dark field, phase contrast, etc.), how to isolate, cultivate, preserve and control various microorganisms (media types, composition and characteristics) and to understand systematic microbiology (characteristics of viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and algae and the morphological and biochemical basis of their classification). 

Pests and pest control (STB 211) 

The course aims at acquainting students with animal phyla containing pests and helping them to understand the characteristics of the important orders of insects of agricultural importance, the importance of vertebrate pests, various crop protection techniques, the formulation, types, protection and modes of action of pesticides as well as the hazards that may result from their use. 

Inorganic Chemistry II (STC 211) 

The course teaches students the relation of alkali and alkaline metals to atoms, the gradation in properties of elements (metallic character and chemical behavior), an understanding of the electronic configuration of group I and II elements, the relationships in properties of elements of group III and IV and the effects of the presence of group II metal ions in water. 

Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Quality Control (STC 212) 

The course gives students an understanding of the basic principles of spectrophotometry, atomic spectroscopy (principles and methods of atomizing samples, ion selective electrodes, mass spectrometry, quality control, NMR and the techniques of HPLC and GC). 

Electronics (STP 211) 

The course gives a basic understanding of the concepts of semiconductors (types of semiconductors and their properties), the construction, operation and simple application of p-n junction diodes (forward and reverse modes), the construction, operation and characteristics of bipolar transistors (n-p-n and p-n-p transistors and configurations such as common emitter and collector), and the construction and characteristics of vacuum triode, tetrode and pentode values. 

Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism (STP 212) 

The course aims to make students understand the first and second laws of thermodynamics and their applications, the magnetic effect of current and its applications (Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, mutual and self induction, etc.) and the principles of a.c. circuits and their applications. 

Calculus for Science (STP 213) 

The course teaches students the basic concepts of differential calculus and its application in solving scientific problems (limits and differentiation), integration as the reverse of differentiation (indefinite and definite integral, integration of algebraic, logarithmic and exponential functions) and its application to scientific problems. In addition, basic concepts of partial differentiation and first order homogenous linear ordinary differential equations are explained. 

Computer Packages II (COM 215) 

The course helps students to learn common graphics packages (types and uses of graphic packages i.e. to produce flyers, certificates, brochures, greeting cards and letter heads), the concept of computer aided design (AutoCAD), database management (Microsoft Access) and data analysis packages (SPSS and SSIDM). 

Organic Chemistry II (STC 221) 

The course teaches students a basic understanding of the chemistry of ethers, amines, aromatic compounds, phenols, carbonyl substituted benzenes, benzoic acids, benzamides, anilines and diazonium compounds and azo dyes in addition to the mechanism of electrophilic and nucleophilic substitution in aromatic compounds. 

Biochemistry (STC 222) 

Upon the completion of the course students are to understand the molecular organization of the living cell and its topochemistry (structure and function of intracellular organelles), the importance of water and the concepts of pH and buffers (common laboratory buffer systems and how they resist pH changes), the properties, sources, uses and structure of carbohydrates, monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides, the nature, biological and industrial importance of lipids, the classification of amino acids, the structure (primary, secondary, tertiary and quartenary) and behavior of proteins and the nature of enzymes. 

Maintenance and Repair of Science and Electronic Equipment (STP 221) 

The course aims at making students understand soldering techniques (selection of soldering lead and iron), circuit layout on chassis and the general concept of maintenance (different types of maintenance and when to carry them out). In addition, the course identifies basic tools and instruments used in maintenance and repair of scientific and electronic equipment and give students an insight into troubleshooting and fault isolation in various equipment. 

GLT Module VII, Vacuum Techniques, and Module VIII, Glassblowing 

The aim of the course is to teach students the principles of vacuum production (classify pressure gauges, explaining the units in vacuum technology as well as the various components of a simple vacuum), discuss the common types of vacuum pumps (rotary and diffusion) and explain the use of vacuum gauges (McLeod, vacustat, Pirani, cold and hot ionization gauges). In addition, the course discusses various types of glass ware, their construction and the hazards involved in their production. 

Practical Project and Seminar (STS 221) 

Lecturers help students to coin a laboratory based experiment in their relevant field and explain to them how to carry out a coherent and well organized literature review using the internet. Students are to defend the seminar, carry out the experiments over the course of the academic year and write a project report in a scientific format which consists of an abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion and references. 

Small Business Management I (STA 225) 

Upon completion of this course students will understand the nature (range and scope, types of businesses and expected problems), legal framework, business planning (components and purpose of business plan), marketing management (basic concept of marketing, channels of distribution, promotional activities and pricing strategies) and role of governments (effect of government policies and institution) in small scale enterprises. 

HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA COURSE CONTENT 

Biology/ Microbiology option 

FIRST YEAR/FIRST SEMESTER 

Laboratory Management (GLT 301) 

The course is meant to provide students with the knowledge and skills of laboratory management. Students are intimated with laboratory designs, layouts, proper places to install instruments (balance beam in room with no breeze, dust, vibrations etc.), proper store keeping (function and liabilities of storekeeper), technical information (reference books, journals, storage and retrieval of technical information), record keeping (equipment loan book) and administrative functions (optimal student/staff ration). 

General Instrumentation (GLT 302) 

The course gives students a thorough understanding of the principle of operation, use and maintenance of measuring and analytical instruments. It emphasizes knowledge of measuring instruments (both analogue and digital instruments like thermocouples and oscilloscopes), signal generators (low, high, variable and fixed frequency signal generators which produce different types of wave forms), pressure measuring instruments (barometers, manometers, and pressure gauges), recorders and reproducers (chart and audio-video recorders), and power supply units (mains, batteries etc.). 

Biological and Chemical Instrumentation (GLT 303) 

The purpose of this course is to help students understand the use of instruments for chemical analysis. Instruments of interest include spectrophotometers, colorimeters, flame photometers, spectroscopes, fluorimeters, polarimeters, refractometers and microscopes. The course covers the various types and working principle behind each instrument. 

Bacteriology (STM 311) 

The course focuses on the structure, taxonomy, nature and economic importance of bacteria. The course also teaches students procedures used to identify bacteria (stain reactions and biochemical tests) as well as control measures such as sterilization and disinfection by chemical and physical methods, respectively. The course includes an in-depth look into the morphological, cultural, biochemical and antigenic properties of major groups of bacteria. 

Microbial Techniques I (STM 312) 

The aim of the course is to teach students how to apply various scientific techniques in the study of microorganisms. This can be achieved by using various staining techniques (Gram’s staining and Ziehl- Neelson) and preparing various buffers (citrate, citrate-phosphate, and veronal), cell suspensions and dilution fluids (physiological saline, buffered saline and Ringer solution). Various sterilization techniques are taught in order to reduce the rate of contamination and increase the chances of obtaining pure cultures for study. 

Virology (STM 324) 

The course gives an insight into the historical background of viruses (studies with tobacco mosaic virus, bacteriophages and foot and mouth disease virus), their characteristics (size, shape, nucleic acid types and arrangement of units of the protein coat), method of classification (based on type of viral nucleic acid, size and morphology, pathology, immunological property and susceptibility to physical and chemical agents), mode of reproduction (mode of viral attachment and entry into host, assemblage of new viral macro-molecules and modes of viral progeny release) and a discussion on the difficulties and safety concerns involved in viral cultivation as well as their economic impact on society. 

Entomology and Pest Control (STB312) 

The course is designed to acquaint students with the knowledge of insects of agricultural, medical and veterinary significance and their control measures. The course examines the external structures, internal physiology and life cycle of insects in addition to the biology and epidemiology of medically significant insects. Students will appreciate the destructive power of insects and the economic implications they incur on man. 

Computer Application Package (COM 123/ 301) 

This course is designed to introduce the student to basic computer packages.  On completion of this course, the students will be able to know the existing application packages, understand word processing packages, know electronic spread sheets, know the fundamentals of accounting packages, understand presentation packages and know how to use education, medical and other packages. 

Use of English (GNS 301) 

This course is intended to further improve the student’s level of proficiency and competence in language use. It is designed to increase the student’s ability to master and manipulate the various language skills of a higher level, know how to construct good sentences, apply the basic principles of logic, write different types of essays, and appreciate literature in English. 

  Research Methodology (STB 326) 

The course focuses on makin students understand the nature and scope of research, develop theoretical and empirical knowledge in problem solving, know and understand the nature of research problem, understand the concept of hypothesis as the framework for the realization of research objective, understand variables in research, understand the procedures in review of literature, understand the relevance of research design, understand the procedures in population and sample selection, develop knowledge of data in research, understand the tools and techniques of data collection, understand the use and importance of some measures of control tendency and measures of dispersion in summarizing data, know the procedure for the determination of instrument validity and reliability, understand the impact of computer and internet in research and acquire the knowledge of research reporting/research proposal. 

Microbial Biochemistry (STH 301) 

This course is designed to enable students understand the structure, properties and functions of nucleic acid and biosynthesis of proteins, understand the structure and function of biological membranes, understand the pathways of carbohydrates, protein and lipid metabolism, and understand the correlation in the pathways of carbohydrates, protein and lipid metabolism 

FIRST YEAR SECOND SEMESTER 

Mycology (STB 313) 

The aim of the course is to acquaint students with fungal morphology and taxonomy as well as their agricultural importance and economic implications. Millions of dollars are lost world wide due to loss or damage of stored agricultural products. Emphasis is on the life cycles of both higher and lower fungi as well as their different modes of nutrition. 

Biological Techniques I (STB 314) 

The course intimates students with knowledge of uses, care and maintenance of various laboratory equipment and more especially the theory and techniques of preparing biological materials such as reagents, preservatives, fixatives, buffers, and stains. Special emphasis is placed on the preparation of tissues which implies fixation, dehydration, clearing, impregnation, embedding, sectioning with a microtome, staining and viewing under the microscope. 

Plant Pathology (STB 315) 

The course aims to make students appreciate plant pathogens, the various diseases they cause and understand the various measures needed to control them. The course covers the mode of entry, symptoms and control of fungal, bacterial, viral and nematode infestation of plants. In addition, emphasis is placed on various methods of prevention. 

Immunology and Public Health (STM 325) 

Upon completion of the course students will have a basic understanding of the immune system (early concepts of immunology, antigens and antibodies and natural and artificial immunity), antigen-antibody reactions (hypersensitivity and allergic reactions, ABO blood grouping and rhesus incompatibility), toxin and antitoxin reactions (preparation of toxoids, vaccines and methods of immunization) as well as the impact of immunology on public health (epidemics, endemics and pandemics). 

Food Microbiology (FST 122) 

The course provides students with the knowledge of microorganisms in food (mode and process of contamination as well as chemical, physical and biotic factors that affect microbial growth) and their role in food spoilage (identification of bacteria associated with spoilage), processing and preservation. Attention is given to indices of food sanitation and microbiological standards (coliform counts and total enterobacteriaceae count) as well as identification of food borne diseases (infection caused by bacteria, protozoans, helminthes and viruses). 

Applied Genetics (Plant and Animal Breeding) (STB 422) 

The course teaches concepts in Mendelian genetics which aids in the understanding of the process of gametogenesis. Breeding technology involving both self pollinated and cross pollinated plants are examined. This implies knowledge of the type of traits that breeders select for. In addition, specialized breeding techniques such as mutation, tissue culture, and inter-specific hybridization are examined. Results obtained from such studies may later be tested statistically. 

Students are exposed to other breeding techniques such as artificial insemination, effects of external factors on breeding, effect of various diseases, and the effect of production factors such as feeds and fodder, over population, poor genetic potential and nutrition, and adverse climatic conditions. In addition, good record keeping is emphasized for successful breeding programs. 

Microbial Physiology and Metabolism (STM 323) 

The course arms students with knowledge about the basic structure of microorganisms (bacterial cell wall, cell membrane and surface appendages) and characteristics of their growth (requirements for growth, influence of environmental factors etc.). The course also gives insight into how microorganisms acquire nitrogen and carbon, how they transport solutes (active and passive and factors affecting them), how they synthesize amino acids, nucleic acids and protein and the various metabolic pathways which they use. 

Computer Programming (COM 323) 

Communication in English (GNS 302) 

On completion of this course, the student will be able to acquire the principles and practice of written communication, comprehend more difficult reading materials and apply the procedure for writing project reports. 

SECOND YEAR FIRST SEMESTER 

Microbial Genetics (STM 411) 

The course provides students with an understanding of the basic nature and structure of microbial chromosomes (circular chromosomes and extra-chromosomal material) and nucleic acids (structure of DNA and RNA, structure and kinds of sugars in a nucleic acid, replication in DNA and transcription in RNA), effect of mutation (spontaneous and induced mutation, factors affecting mutation rate, effect of mutagens and various ways of isolating mutants) and importance of genetic engineering to mankind (useful products obtained from genetic engineering such as hormones and enzymes, use of protoplast fusion to generate hybrids and cloning of organisms). 

Microbiological Techniques III (STM 412) 

The course helps students to explore techniques allied to microbiological assays such as immunofluorescence (fluorescent microscopy), membrane filtration (application of millipore filtration to water, media and blood), anaerobic cultivation (use of anaerobic jars to grow anaerobic organisms) and biological standardization (units of measurement, and various bioassay methods such as direct and indirect). 

Pharmaceutical Microbiology (STM 413) 

The course is designed to show the relevance of microbes in the pharmaceutical industry. It explains the scope of pharmacology (principles of drug production and action), sources of drugs (plant, animal and microorganisms), the importance of microorganisms (in the spoilage of drugs), antibiotic production (production of penicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and synthetic antibiotics), action of antimicrobial agents on microorganisms (on cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, and cell membranes) and drug tolerance, abuse and addiction (types of drug abuse and characteristics of drug abuse). 

Medical/ Pathogenic Microbiology (STM 414) 

The focus of the course is on disease causing microorganisms. Students will understand the concepts of pathogenicity and virulence (virulence factors in pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses), learn about bacterial, fungal and viral infections (their causative agent, symptoms, mode of infection and diagnosis) as well as the control and therapy of bacterial and fungal infections (testing for susceptibility and resistance). 

Plant Anatomy and Physiology (STB 412) 

Students are expected to understand the anatomy and normal functions of plants as well as their behavior to various stimuli. Concepts to be grasped include osmosis, transpiration, photosynthesis, growth and movement in plants and dormancy. In addition, students should have a clear understanding of the mechanism of respiration in plants, mode of action of plant hormones, secondary growth in plant organs, mineral salt absorption and translocation, nature, action and types of enzymes as well as the effect of short and long day length on flowering plants. 

Animal Morphology and Taxonomy (STB 413) 

Students will be intimated with a broad knowledge of the structure and use of morphological characteristics in animal taxonomy in order to be able to classify both vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. In addition, students will understand the basic techniques of dissection as well as animal breeding techniques. 

Seminar (STM 424) 

The course encourages students to pick current topics of interest in almost any field of science. The main aim of the course is to teach students how to obtain very current information from journals, especially from the internet. The acquired skills will then help the students when they are doing their projects. Skills to be learned include how to do proper referencing both within the text and at the end of the work, how to put up short and precise abstracts or summaries from an assigned topic and the ability to organize one’s ideas and thoughts into a coherent scientific dissertation.  

Parasitology (STB 316) 

The course teaches knowledge of protozoan, nematode, tapeworm, cestode, and trematode parasites and the various diseases they cause. Students will learn how to prepare and examine samples for proper identification. In addition, they will learn the economic relevance/importance of the various parasites and the preventive and control measures which must be under taken to prevent and check infection by the various parasites. 

Environmental Microbiology (STM 322) 

The course teaches students about the ubiquitous nature of microbes and their activity in the environment. Emphasis is placed on isolation of microbes from soil, water and air as well as the effect of anthropogenic factors on the microbes themselves. Various indices of water pollution are examined along with their implications. In addition, the role of microorganisms in the environment will be explained so that students can better appreciate the effect of pesticides, detergents, petroleum hydrocarbons, industrial effluents, etc on microbes. 

Biological Technique II (STB 318) 

The course will enable students to know how to set up botanical and zoological gardens, aquaria, vivaris, and a frogery. It also inculcates knowledge of the factors to be considered in raising and breeding laboratory animals such as diet, environmental conditions, breeding methods, handling and general welfare. There is a concise and in-depth treatise of the mounting of biological specimens, from microscopic specimens to large organisms such as crocodiles. Students are taught the difference between wet and dry mounts, permanent and temporary mounts and the advantages and disadvantages of each method.  

Entrepreneurship Development (EED 413) 

This course is directed towards developing in the student skills, competencies, understandings and attributes that will equip Students to be innovative, and to identify, create, initiate, and successfully manage personal, community, business and work opportunities, including working for themselves. The student are, therefore, made to understand the history and government efforts in promoting entrepreneurship development in Nigeria, understand the role of personal savings and portfolio investment in National Economic Development, understand various life skills needed by an entrepreneur, understand the various sources of information for entrepreneurship development, appreciate the roles of commercial and development banks in small scale industrial development, know the functions of various support agencies in small and medium scale industrial development understand the activities of different industrial associations in relation to entrepreneurship, know the functional areas of business, understand the need for business planning, understand the strategies for consolidation and expansion of a business enterprise,understand the need for management and business succession plan 

Communication in English (GNS 401) 

At the end of this course the student is expected to be fully equipped to fit into all establishments requiring extensive use of communication skills for general and specific purposes. The student should be able to comprehend the theory and practice of communication and know the concept of organisational communication. 

Second Year Second Semester 

Industrial Microbiology (FST 421/ STM 422) 

The course provides students with an understanding of the general principles and technology of industrial utilization of microbes. At the end of the course students will understand the nature and principles of industrial microbiology (microorganisms of industrial importance and criteria for choosing nutrients for their culture), characteristics of microbial fermentation processes (yeasts of economic importance and their culture, and lactic and acetic acid bacteria), methods of cultivating industrial microorganisms (continuous and batch cultivation), technology of fermented alcoholic and distilled alcoholic beverages (influence of raw materials on the quality of alcohol and technology for production of wine, beer, gin, rum and whiskey) and fermentation of foods (ogi/akamu and gari. 

Seminar (STB 419) 

The course encourages students to pick current topics of interest in almost any field of science. The main aim of the course is to teach students how to obtain very current information from journals, especially from the internet. The acquired skills will then help the students when they are doing their projects. Skills to be learned include how to do proper referencing both within the text and at the end of the work, how to put up short and precise abstracts or summaries from an assigned topic and the ability to organize one’s ideas and thoughts into a coherent scientific dissertation.  

Project (STM 425) 

This is a culmination of almost everything that the student has learnt. Students are given interesting topics in their field of discipline. The aim is for the student to research and find a proper methodology to utilize, perform the relevant experiments and use the material obtained from the internet to put up a coherent and cohesive dissertation of their findings. In addition, students are encouraged to use proper statistical methods to add credence to their findings.  

Biological Techniques III (STB 411) 

The course enlightens students on the various methods involved in the collection of museum and herbarium specimens, their transportation to the laboratory, preservation techniques, labeling and storage. Interest focuses on preparation of stuffed birds, mice, rats and birds (taxidermy) and the proper maintenance and display of such organisms. 

Applied Ecology and Environmental Management (STB 415) 

The course emphasizes the role of ecology to the survival of the human race. Students are taught basic ecological terms (habitat, population, community, ecosystem, biotic and abiotic), various agricultural practices (mono cropping, crop rotation, mixed farming etc.), various types of manuring (artificial and natural), pest control methods (biocontrol), use and misuse of  water by man (irrigation and its deleterious effects, sewage and aquaculture), soil depletion (over grazing, bush burning, excessive lumbering, etc.), the need for the creation of game reserves and national parks, the impact of agriculture on the environment and exploitation of natural resources (both renewable and non-renewable). 

Waste Treatment and Disposal (STM 423) 

  This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge of waste treatment and disposal. The student trained to know the various wastes of food, allied and other industries and methods of their disposal, understand various methods of non-biological effluent waste treatment, understand various methods of biological waste treatment, recycling and reuse, understand various methods of air pollution control and introduction to the principles of Environmental Impact Assessment 

Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (STH 413) 

The course is designed to enable students to understand the manipulation of the genetic coding of microorganisms for the benefit of technology. Students are taught the concept of biotechnology and genetic engineering, the significance of biotechnology to medicine, biotechnology processes, the technology of plant and animal culture, genetics and biotechnology, concept of genetic engineering, concept of single cell production, use of isolated biological units or enzymes in industry and medicine, biological fuel generation in biotechnology, application of biotechnology in agriculture and forestry and the role of biotechnology in environment technology.  

Microbiological Quality Control (STM 421) 

This course is designed to provide the student with knowledge of the principles and practice of Microbiological quality control. The student are made to understand the significance and the conduct of routine microbiological tests in quality control, know the types of microorganisms in water and the methods of assessing the microbiological quality of water, know the type of microbes in food and food products and the methods for assessing the microbiological quality of foods, understand the microbiological examination of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, know the types of microorganisms involved in the contamination and spoilage of pharmaceuticals and the methods of assessing the quality of these products, know the types of microbes involved in the contamination and spoilage of biological (vaccines, sera, infusion, fluid etc) and the methods of assessing the quality of these products. 

Literary Appreciation and Oral Composition (GNS 402)  

This course is designed to impart analytical, evaluative and interpretative writing and speaking techniques to the student.  The aim is to encourage creativity. The student is, therefore, expected to appreciate the literary genres as sustained composition, understand the development of the literary essay and know how to make oral presentation. 

*AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION/SPECIALTIES 

The areas of specialization of individual lecturers in the Department are as follows: 

*PROSPECTIVE CAREERS/JOBS 

MICROBIOLOGY AS A CAREER 

Microbiologists study microscopic forms of life such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, algae and fungi to increase scientific knowledge and develop medical, veterinary, industrial, environmental, and other practical applications. 

What is Microbiology? 

Most people know that microbes are the cause of infectious diseases like 'flu, or whooping cough, but they don't realize that exploiting microbial activities brings us  many benefits. Microbes can make you ill, but they are also the source of the antibiotics that can cure you. And, although many microorganisms cause food spoilage, others are essential for its production. Without yeast there would be no beer or bread and we could not make yoghurt without lactic acid bacteria. 

On a planetary scale, microorganisms have an essential role in the cycling of the nutrients which make up every living creature. Microbes are responsible for the degradation of dead animals and plants, releasing components that can be used again. They are the only organisms that can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into living material. Photosynthetic microbes in the oceans fix the carbon dioxide from which all marine life is derived. If these processes did not occur, life on this planet would soon grind to a halt. So Microbiology is not a single subject. It has many areas of specialization. However it is a science based on the use of pure cultures - looking at one sort of organism at a time. 

Many of the techniques developed by microbiologists are now used in molecular and cell biology to provide the basis for studying higher organisms. Microorganisms also play a central role in recombinant DNA technology and act as the agents for genetic modification. Applying knowledge gained from these techniques can lead to many improvements in the quality of our lives. In this way microbiology makes an important contribution to biotechnology, an area of science that applies industrial techniques to biological processes. 

-The range of job opportunities for microbiologists is as diverse as the organisms they work with; understanding microbes has never been more important.  

*Choose microbiology for your career, because microbiologists carry out research and develop new products; they also work in quality control to monitor manufacturing processes and check the microbiological safety of goods. They are needed in:  

 The Pharmaceutical Industry 

The traditional pharmaceutical industry is a great commercial success. Big Pharmaceutical companies employ thousands of scientists in research facilities and manufacturing plants. The industry has pioneered the development and manufacture of a wide range of products designed to improve human and animal health. An important example is the continued development of antibiotics to combat diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Many microbes have acquired resistance to the antibiotics used against them and the pharmaceutical industry works towards modifying existing products and developing new ones in its effort to stay one step ahead. And of course the development of vaccines, there’s enough money to be made. The microbiologist is an important anchor in the pharmaceutical industry. 

Biotechnology start-up companies and "spin-outs" 

The number of small to medium size biotechnology companies has increased dramatically in recent years. These organisations develop biopharmaceuticals or produce specialist instruments for use in the biomedical, healthcare or biotechnology fields. Some companies are set up by universities to exploit the commercial potential of their academic research. 

Advances in gene technology have revolutionized the production of medicines such as insulin which is produced by genetically modified microbes. Previously the hormone was extracted from the carcasses of horses and pigs. 

The large-scale culture of microbes in fermenters requires special skills in the area where microbiology and chemical engineering overlap. "Scaling-up" the growth of microorganisms from a flask in the laboratory (up to 10 litres of culture), through pilot scale fermenters (25-1000 litres) to full production (1-100 tonnes) is not an easy task and each culture behaves differently. Industrial microbiologists are also needed for downstream processing -the recovery and processing of the actual therapeutic compounds from the fermenters. Microbiologists are also employed to evaluate drugs in clinical trials, and in the registration of new products 

Biochemicals 

Microbiologists are involved in the production and quality testing of many other useful compounds, including amino acids, antiseptics, organic acids and proteins. 

Using microbes to produce enzymes for scientific use is an industry in its own right. Many diagnostic procedures in clinical biochemistry use microbial enzymes, and a long list of bacterial enzymes is sold for use in molecular biology techniques like DNA "fingerprinting" 

We all know the benefits of adding (microbial) enzymes to washing detergents. Clothes can be cleaned at lower temperatures, using less detergent and water softener in the powder, leading directly or indirectly to reduced pollution. Some enzymes used in the food industry are also made on a large scale from microbes 

Cosmetics & toiletries 

Microbiologists check the effectiveness of anti-microbial products such as creams against acne and anti-dandruff shampoos and develop preservative systems to ensure that cosmetics and toiletries are free from microbial contamination both during manufacture and use by the consumer. 

Medical Microbiology (In sickness and in health) 

Microbiologists play a major part in finding ways of identifying, preventing and treating infectious diseases such as TB, a bacterial disease, and the viral infection 'flu. Some fungi cause minor infections such as thrush, dandruff and athlete's foot although they can also cause more serious infections in people with compromised immune systems. Microbiologists are also helping to pioneer gene therapy techniques against genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and inherited cancers. Viruses are used to introduce genes carrying the desired characteristic into the cell nuclei of the host organism. Gene technology also has many applications in the development of medicines and diagnostics 

Hospitals 

Microbiologists in hospital laboratories (Biomedical Scientists) deal with samples from patients, isolating and identifying the microbes that cause illness and giving advice on appropriate treatment. They also try to prevent patients from picking up infections in wards or operating theatres, and to trace and eliminate any infections which may occur. Opportunities exist too in the Red Cross, Blood Bank and veterinary establishments. 

Epidemiology 

The prevention of disease has a far greater impact on the population at large than the treatment of sick people. Microbiologists in the Public Health Units (PHU) monitor pathogens from patients and the environment. In this way, a disease such as ‘flu’ can be tracked and if there is risk of an epidemic, vulnerable people can be immunized against it. Microbiologists in PHU’s can (like their hospital colleagues) isolate and identify pathogens. Their records are analyzed centrally by computer to provide a continuous picture of the progress of infections and the information is used by health authorities in the control of disease. PHUs utilize microbiologists to track down the restaurant kitchen or batch of factory-prepared food that are the source of a Salmonella food poisoning 

outbreak, or find the air-conditioning system harbouring the Legionella bacteria responsible for an outbreak of Legionnaire's disease. Food, milk and water supplies are also routinely tested to ensure that they are of good microbiological quality and not contaminated. A number of private laboratories also carry out this kind of work. 

Microbial genomics 

Some microbiologists study the structure and function of microbial genomes, sequencing and identifying the genes of organisms which cause illness. We hope this knowledge will lead to better design of therapies against individual pathogenic organisms. This technology is also used to improve understanding of beneficial microbes such as those living in the gut. 

Medical research 

Medical microbiologists also work in research institutes and universities where they study topics such as how diseases develop or the interaction between pathogenic microbes and host cells. Some industrial research and development sites employ medical microbiologists to work on the development of medicines and vaccines. 

Manufacture 

Microbial fermentations have been used for centuries to produce foods such as cheese and yoghurt and alcoholic beverages like wine and beer. Microbiologists are also needed at all stages of modern food and drink manufacturing processes. They are involved in the maintenance of the microbial culture (the inoculum) that is used to start the fermentation of the milk or grape juice, to prevent deterioration of existing strains and to develop or improve existing ones. Olives and some processed meats are made by fermentation. However, the best known fermented products are beer, wine and spirits - the brewing industry is a major commercial force employing many microbiologists. Some beers are still produced by traditional methods, but in the main, brewing is a strictly controlled operation. Microbiologists maintain the strains of yeasts used and produce improved strains, as well as supervising the fermentation. They also have to solve the problem of dealing with waste materials produced by the process. Our food contains many other, less obvious, microbial products, such as flavours and colours. Many factory-produced foods lose important vitamins during processing, and to keep our diet healthy, vitamins are added back to the food (e.g. breakfast cereals). These vitamins are made by high yielding bacterial strains and are a relatively inexpensive ingredient. 

Safety & hygiene 

As we store food for longer periods, it becomes more difficult to prevent spoilage by microbes. Some spoilage just makes food look unattractive but food poisoning is caused by human pathogens such as Salmonella growing on food. The increased demand for production and storage of ready-to-eat meals, has caused a rise in the number of cases of food poisoning by the bacteria Listeria and Campylobacter. 

Microbiologists are employed in quality control to ensure that products are safe and wholesome; in product development and basic research into food hygiene and preservation. 

Water 

We need plenty of good quality water for domestic and industrial purposes. Rivers and reservoirs supply water to purification plants where microbiological and chemical tests are carried out to check its quality before distribution. The action of bacteria and protozoa in sewage treatment plants breaks down waste material so that effluent can safely be released back into the rivers. Microbiologists in water companies and the Environment Agency monitor and control these processes. 

In the field 

Microbes play an important part in agriculture. They fix nitrogen in the soil into a form that can be used by plants as a fertilizer and turn grass into the winter animal feed, silage. Microbiological research in these and other agricultural topics is carried out in institutes and industry. Farm animals and crops are susceptible to pests and diseases. Veterinary microbiologists and plant pathologists do research and give advice on problems farmers may encounter. Microbes are also used for biocontrol. Pests or weeds can be sprayed with a microbe that attacks them instead of spraying crops with pesticides or herbicides which kill many types of harmless organisms. Biocontrol has great potential, particularly in developing countries where a sustainable method of crop protection is the preferred approach. 

The environment 

Microbiologists in research institutes and universities study the ecology of microbes in fresh water, the sea and other habitats. Microbial activities can be harnessed to avoid or minimize environmental pollution. Factory wastes are treated with suitable cultures or enzymes produced from bacteria. Microbes can also be used in production processes. For example, microbes can be used to replace harmful chemicals in dye production and leather processing. Some parts of our environment are already badly damaged by pollution. Industrial processes (and accidents) have left land contaminated with such things as toxic heavy metals and phenolic compounds. Microbial processes are being developed to clean up such pollution - known as bioremediation 

Out of the Laboratory 

Many microbiologists apply their knowledge and skills in work outside of the laboratory. There are opportunities in the civil service, local government, industry and commerce. One example is sales and marketing of pharmaceutical products or laboratory equipment and consumables. A period of lab experience helps a sales consultant understand the concerns of microbiology-focused customers. 

Another area of work is in information science and librarianship. Some microbiologists become technical or science writers or work for scientific publishers, editing journal articles or books. Others go into the law and accountancy where scientists are popular with recruiters. The biotechnology business boom has resulted in many more jobs for technology transfer specialists, business development managers and patent lawyers who need to have a sound grasp of the scientific basis of the subject. Some microbiology graduates undertake teacher training and go on to work in schools or further education colleges. A few lectureships in universities/polytechnics are available, but candidates must usually have obtained a postgraduate qualification such as M.Sc or PhD and worked for several years as a researcher. 

Simply put, microbiologists are employed in federal, state, territory and local government organisations, including research organisations and hospitals. They are also employed in the private sector in a wide range of industries, such as agriculture, food production and pharmaceuticals. beverage industries, environmental companies, medical institutions, mining companies,  research laboratories ,technical supply companies, 

universities, veterinary institutions, water authorities, International –World Health Organisation. 

*DEPARTMENTAL STUDENT LEADERS 

The National Association of Science Technology Students (NASTES) is an umbrella students’ association body that houses all the Departments in Science Technology. The Department of Biology/Microbiology has produced four Presidents of NASTES; Comrade Achilike Kelechi (2008), Comrade Iyke Emereonye (2010), Comrade Ugwu Augustine C (2018) and Comrade Uzoma Uchenna S (2020) (the current President of NASTES).  

The students’ body joined the National Association of Microbiology Students (NAMS) in 2018. This was accomplished by the pioneer acting President, Comrade Ugwuegbu Wisdom U and members of his excos. The first inauguration of NAMS Excos took place early this year (2020) with Comrade Uchendu Jude C, as the first inaugurated President. Other members of the excos include; Comrade Vincent Faith C (Vice President), Comrade Edwin Maranatha C (Sec. Gen.), Comrade Eseni Ogbonnaya E (Fin.Sec), Comrade Mbah Confidence (Ethics and Research), Comrade Nwokorie Kingsley U (Dir. Of Socials), Comrade Okereke Chukwudera I (Dir. of Sports), Comrade Onyebueke Ifunanya L (Welfare), Comrade Eze Jennifer (Treasurer) and Comrade Ukatu Sylverlyn (Dir. of Publicity).  

*ND/HND PROGRAMMES (REGULAR/EVENING/WEEKEND PROGRAMMES) 

Science Laboratory Technology (Regular, Evening and Weekend Programmes) 

Biology/Microbiology (Regular, Evening and Weekend Programmes)