PROPOSED NEW PROGRAMME FOR DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

                                           (FORMERLY, DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY)

LIST OF ACADEMIC STAFF

S/No NAME RANK
1 Njokuocha  Reginald  Chukwuemeka Senior Lecturer, Head of Dept.
2 Akaneme Florence   Ifeoma Professor
3 Udengwu  Obi Sergius Professor
4 Nweze Nkechinyere Onyekwere Professor
5 Ajuziogu Godswill Chukwunonso Professor
6 Onyeke Christopher Chikaodili Professor
7 Ogbonna Christiana Nwakego Reader
8 Abu Ngozi Eucharia Senior Lecturer
9 Osayi Emmanuel Emeka Senior Lecturer
10 Chigor Chinyere Blessing Senior Lecturer
11 Okafor Uche Cyprian Senior Lecturer
12 Egonu Sheily Nneka Lecturer I
13 Osibe Dandy Ahamefula Lecturer I
14 Amujiri Angela Nkechi Lecturer I
15 Ayogu Virginus  Okwudili Lecturer 1
16 Nweze Anthony Ejiofor Lecturer I
17 Njoku Ebere Ugwunwa Lecturer I
18 Urama Dilibe Cliford Lecturer I
19 Onaebi Chiemeka Nwakaego Lecturer I
20 Adeosun Chidiebere Anastacia Lecturer I
21 Ude Bartholomew Okwudilichukwu Lecturer II
22 Ezeh Perpetua Chikodili Lecturer II
23 Egedigwe Uchenna Oliver Lecturer II
24 Udoh Obiora Emmanuel Lecturer II
25 Ozokolie Chinenye Benita Lecturer II
26 Okoro Chisom Augusta Lecturer II
27 Eze Nnaemeka Maduabuchi Lecturer II
28 Amadi Chibugo Chinedu Lecturer II
29 Eugene Winnie Chuno Lecturer II
30 Chioke Onyineyechukwu Justina Assist. Lecturer
31 Ugwuanyi Samson Assist. Lecturer
32 Nwafor Felix Ifeanyi Assist. Lecturer
33 Iwuoha Hannah Ifunanya Graduate Assist.
34 Anajemba Chinedum Raphael Graduate Assist.
35 Njoku Emmanuel Gabriel Graduate Assist.
36 Tabansi Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Graduate Assist.
37 Obayi Hyacinth Chikwado Graduate Assist.

 

LIST OF NON-ACADEMIC STAFF

S/No NAMES RANK
1 Eze A.o. Chief Cleaner/Messenger
2 Onwukwe B. N. Higher Executive Officer
3 Onah C. L. Higher Executive Officer/

Senior Machine Room Supervisor

4 Chinekwu J. C Senior Technologist
5 Onyeukwu C.J. Sen. Assist. Technologist
6 Ngele I. E. Higher Technical Officer I
7 Kanu G. O Higher Technical Officer I
8 Ikele C. F. Higher Technical Officer I
9 Ezema B. O. Higher Technical Officer I
10 Nwadinigwe C. C.. Higher Technical Officer I
11 Akubue C. W. Higher Technical Officer I
12 Maduakor C.J. Higher Technical Officer II
13  ILo C. I. Higher Technical Officer II
14 Uzondinma C. E. Higher Technical Officer II
15 Oyediran O. T Higher Technical Officer II
16 Onyia O. D. Higher Technical Officer II
17 Ozogbu P. N Senior Lab. Supervisor
18 Ogbu A. A. Senior Lab. Supervisor
19 Asogwa B. C. Senior Lab. Supervisor
20 Ibe J. N. Senior Lab. Supervisor
21 Ngwu F. C. Laboratory Supervisor
22 Asadu E. N. Chief Lab. Supervisor
23 Ogbu A. E. Laboratory Supervisor
24 Ugwuja L. E. Laboratory Supervisor
25 Agbo Laboratory Supervisor

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology started as the Department of Botany during the 1962/63 Session at the Zwelling building which it shared with Zoology Department. It was among the original Departments in the Faculty of Sciences as at the 1962/63 Session. The first Head of Department of the then Department of Botany was Prof. H. Z. Naqui, a Plant Pathologist. He held office from the 1962/63 – 1964/65 Sessions. In 1973/74 the Department of Botany was placed under the Faculty of Biological Sciences which came into existence when the Faculty of Science was split into the Faculty of Physical and Biological Sciences.

In 1976/77 Session, the Department came under the re-designated Faculty of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences. By 1980/81 Session the Department returned to the Faculty of Biological Sciences when the former twin Faculty of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences was split into the Faculty of Biological Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences. It has ever remained in the Faculty of Biological Sciences and has now changed to the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, in line with global changes in the life sciences, for greater service delivery to the society.

 

 

PHILOSOPHY

The B.Sc programme is designed to encourage and promote the training of students in all aspects of Plant Science and Biotechnology. The students are expected, at the end of their programme to become conscious of their environment and appreciate the delicate balance between plant life and the existence of the Earth. They are expected to become highly knowledgeable in the new frontiers of biotechnology as it relates to plants, the primary producers in the universe. Above all, it is the core goal of the Department to produce graduates who can relate to the needs of the society through their knowledge and application of the amazing facets of plant life and products, and biotechnology.

OBJECTIVES

  • To structure the Academic Programmes in order to produce employers of labour rather than job seekers, in line with the directives of NUC.
  • To phase out the old spirit of white-collar job and pilot the new Department towards solving the problems of the individual in particular, industries and the nation in general.
  • To structure the course content with a view to giving the students the broad education and technological expertise, which they need, so as to enable them see Plant Science and Biotechnology in the wider contest of Science and Technology (S & T) Education.
  • To steer the new Department away from the old base of cutting the plant and studying its anatomy or memorizing as many plant names as possible, but to now ensure that the role of Plant Biotechnology in the life of the individual and the nation’s economy and existence is adequately emphasized.
  • To equip the products of the new Department with sound theoretical and practical knowledge in Plant Biotechnology so that they can compete effectively both locally and internationally.

 

SCOPE

  • The programmes are designed to give an understanding of the basic principles of biological sciences and give depth in various aspects of Plant Science and Biotechnology

including Pulp and Paper Technology, Timber Products Technology, Plant Biotechnology, Herbarium and Phytosystematics, Plant Tissue Culture and Micropropagation, Phytoremediation and Erosion Management, Phyto-Environmental Impact Assessment, Plant Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Phytobioinformatics, Ethnomedicinal Plants,  Cytology, Genetics and Plant Breeding, Mycology, Plant Pathology, Plant Physiology, Plant Ecology etc. Plant Embryology and Morphogenesis, Palynology, Plant Virology and Diagnostics, Mushroom technology.

  • Students majoring in Plant Science and Biotechnology are required to take courses in Zoology and Environmental Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Soil Science, Entrepreneurship, English, Humanities and Social Sciences and may be required to take elective courses in, Geology, Zoology and Environmental Biology, Microbiology, Crop Science, Soil Science, Mathematics and Statistics. In the final year, all Plant Science and Biotechnology students (Majors and Combined degree students) are required to undertake a special independent study involving experimental investigations of relevant Plant Science and Biotechnology problems.
  • All students of Plant Science and Biotechnology (Majors and Combined degree students) are expected to participate in regular field trips, occasional excursions and SIWES( Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme). The SIWES programme is aimed at giving students direct working exposure to areas of application of Plant Science and Biotechnology.
  • The Department also offers service courses to students of Agriculture and other interested students of other Departments or Faculties. The Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology in collaboration with other departments also offers B.Sc. Combined degree programmes in Plant Science and Biotechnology/Zoology and Environmental Biology; Plant Science and Biotechnology/Chemistry; Plant Science Biotechnology/Biochemistry and Biology/Education.

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

UME Entry Requirement

For the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) Honours degree in Plant Science and Biotechnology, the courses offered extend over a period of 4 years for students who gain admission through UTME and 3 years for direct entry students. In addition to the University minimum entry requirements, both categories of students (entrance and direct) are expected to obtain credit passes in Biology, Chemistry,  Mathematics, Physics and English Language in the West African School Certificate Examination or G.C.E. ‘O’ level or N.E.C.O or any other acceptable equivalent qualification, at not more than two sittings.

Direct Entry Requirement

The courses offered for direct entry students extend over a period of 3 years. Direct entry students are also expected to obtain passes at ‘principal’ level in the Higher School Certificate (H.S.C) Examination or G.C.E. ‘A’ level or its equivalent in Chemistry and Biology or Botany or Zoology.

Candidates with the following diploma certificates may be considered for admission by direct entry: The Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE); Higher National Diploma (HND) of College of Technology and Polytechnics or any other relevant degree qualification.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

  • Students graduating from the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology may choose careers in research and/or pedagogy in Colleges, Universities and Research Institutions, Government, Agriculture, Forestry, Criminal Investigation  Institutions, Biotechnology Research Centres, Conservation and Wild-life Management, Wood Technology and Industries, such as Sugar, Rubber, Paper Pulp, Fertilizer and Oil (Vegetable and Mineral), Petroleum Refinery, etc.
  • Apart from these areas, graduates of the department will find it easy to employ themselves, with little financial support in the areas of Mushroom production; Floriculture, hedging and landscaping using indigenous and exotic hedge plants; establishment of orchards and plantations for food and raw material production; macro-propagation of many economic tree crops; off season vegetable and fruit production and preservation; production of seedless fruits; establishment of germplasm companies; beekeeping for honey and synergy in  crop productivity.
  • Other areas of self employment include formulation and marketing of Herbal soaps, identification, naming, preservation and use of medicinal plants for health care delivery through refining of unacceptable crude practices by indigenous people; organic horticulture through composting; production of phytoplankton for biofuels and feeding of animals especially fishes; recycling of waste products; construction of bioreactors for energy production for households; production of fruit juices from assorted fruits and their combinations etc.

 

STRESS AREAS

General Plant Science and Biotechnology                                                       0

Plant Morphology and Taxonomy/Biosystematics                                          1

Plant Anatomy                                                                                                2

Plant Physiology                                                                                             3

Mycology                                                                                                        4

Plant Genetics and Molecular Biology                                                            5

Plant Ecology & Economic Botany                                                                 6

Plant Biotechnology                                                                                        7

Seminar                                                                                                           8

Project                                                                                                            9

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

FOUR – YEAR STANDARD PROGRAMME

 

FIRST YEAR

Course No.                                          Title                                                                 Unit

First Semester

Major Courses

BIO 151                                   General Biology I                                                         3

PSB 101                                   General Plant Science                                                   2

Required Ancillary Courses

CHM 101                                 Basic Principles of Chemistry I                                     2

CHM 171                                 Basic Practical Chemistry                                             2

COS 101                                  Introduction to Computer Science                                  2

GSP 101                                  Use of English I                                                            2

GSP 103                                  Social Sciences I                                                          2

MTH 111                                 General Mathematics I                                                  3

PHY 111                                  General Physics for Life Sciences I                                2

PHY 191                                  Practical Physics                                                          2

Total                                                                           22

 

Second Semester

 

Major Courses

BIO 152                                   General Biology II                                                        3

BIO 154                                   General Biology Practical                                             2

PSB 102                                   General Plant Biotechnology                                         2

Required Ancillary Courses

CHM 112                                 Basic Principles of Chemistry II                                    2

CHM 122                                 Basic Principles of Chemistry III                                   2

GSP 102                                  Use of English II                                                          2

GSP 104                                  Social Sciences II                                                         2

PHY 112                                  General Physics for Life Sciences II                              2

PHY 114                                  General Physics for Life Sciences III                             2

Electives                                                                                                                      2

Total                                                                           21

Electives

PSB 162                                   Climate Change and Plant Life I                                    2

MCB 102                                 Introductory Microbiology                                            2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECOND YEAR

 

Course No.                              Title                                                                             Unit

 

First Semester

 

Major Courses

PSB 211                                   Phycology and Bryology                                               2

PSB 213                                   Morphology & Phytosystematics of Lower Plants           2

PSB 221                                   General Plant Anatomy                                                 2

PSB 241                                   General Mycology                                                        2

Required Ancillary Courses

BCH 201                                  General Biochemistry I                                                 3

BIO 351                                   General Genetics                                                          2

CED 341                                  Introduction to Entrepreneurship                                    2

GSP 207                                  Humanities I                                                                2

STA 203                                  Statistics for Agric and Biol. Sciences I                          2

ZEB 201                                  General Invertebrate Zoology I                                      2

Elective                                                                                                                        1

                                   Total                                                                           22

PSB 261                                   Climate and Plant Life II                                               1

 

Second Semester

 

Major Courses

PSB 246                                   General Plant Pathology                                                2

PSB 272                                   Mushroom Technology                                                 2

PSB 274                                   Plant Macropropagation & Floriculture                          1

Required Ancillary Courses

BCH 202                                  General Biochemistry II                                                3

BIO 352                                   Cytogenetics                                                                2

CED 342                                  Business Development & Management                          2

CHM 232                                 Analytical Chemistry                                                    2

COS 304                                  Computer Applications                                                 2

GSP 208                                  Humanities II                                                               2

STA 204                                  Statistics for Agric. & Biol. Sciences II                          2

ZEB 202                                  General Invertebrate Zoology    II                                 2

Total                                                                           22

THIRD YEAR

Course No.                  Title                                                                                         Units

First Semester

Major Courses

PSB 301                       Phytotechniques                                                                           1

PSB 303                       Ethnomedicinal Plants                                                                  2

PSB 313                       Morphology & Phytosystematics of Higher Plants                          2

PSB 331                       General Plant Physiology                                                              2

PSB 355                       General Plant Molecular Biology                                                   2

PSB 371                       Principles of Plant Biotechnology                                                  2

PSB 391                       Research Methods and Plant Breeding                                           2

Required Ancillary Courses

BIO 361                       Basic Principles of Ecology                                                           2

SSC 211                       Introductory Soil Science                                                              2

ZEB 301                      Chordate Zoology                                                                         2

Electives                                                                                                                          2/3

Total                                                                                         21/22

Elective

MCB 201                     General Microbiology                                                                    3

PSB 315                       Paleobotany                                                                                  2

PSB 363                       Forest Resources Conservation                                                        2

PSB 365                       Vulnerability and Adaptation of Plants to Climate Change               1

PSB 367                       Climate Change and Global Mitigation Policies & Strategies            1

 

Second Semester

PSB 392                       Students Industrial Work Experience (SIWES) Field Work              6

PSB 394                       SIWES Report                                                                               6

PSB 396                       SIWES Seminar                                                                            3

Total                                                                                            15

 

FOURTH YEAR

Course No.                  Title                                                                                         Unit

First Semester

Major Courses

PSB 431                       Advances in Plant Physiology                                                    2

PSB 441                       Advances in Plant Pathology                                                     2

PSB 453                       Genetics and Plant Breeding                                                      2

PSB 455                       Advances in Plant Molecular Biology                                        2

PSB 463                       Economic and Industrial Botany                                                2

PSB 467                       Phytogeography                                                                       1

PSB 471                       Plant Tissue Culture and Micropropagation                                2

PSB 481                       Seminar                                                                                   2

PSB 491                       Principles of Scientific Writing                                                       1

Electives                                                                                                                      3/4

                                    Total                                                                                   19/20

Electives

PSB 411                       Dendrology                                                                              2

PSB 413                       Herbarium and Phytosystematics                                               2

PSB 415                       Introductory Palynology                                                            2

PSB 417                       Freshwater Phycology                                                              2

PSB 433                       Plant Embryology & Morphogenesis                                         2

PSB 443                       Fungus Physiology                                                                   2

PSB 445                       Plant Virology and Diagnostics                                                 2

PSB 451                       Cytology                                                                                   2

PSB 457                       Phytobioinformatics                                                                 1

PSB 461                       Aquatic and Pollution Biology                                                  2

PSB 465                       Phyto – Environmental Impact Assessment                                1

PSB 469                       Plants Productivity and Apiculture                                             1

PSB 473                       Phyto-biofuels                                                                          1

PSB 475                       Plant Biophysics                                                                              2

PSB 477                       Applications of Plant Biotechnology                                          2

 

 

 

Second Semester

 

Major Courses

PSB 422                       Pulp and Paper Technology                                                       2

PSB 424                       Timber Products Technology                                                    2

PSB 462                       Plant Ecology                                                                           2

PSB 464                       Phytoremediation and Erosion Management                               2

PSB 466                       Phytoindustrial Relations                                                          1

PSB 474                       Phytobiotechnology Ethics                                                        1

PSB 492                       Project                                                                                     6

Total                                                                                       16

            

 

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

THREE – YEAR STANDARD PROGRAMME

FIRST YEAR

Course No.                              Title                                                                             Unit

First Semester

Major Courses

PSB 211                                   Phycology and Bryology                                               2

PSB 213                                   Morphology & Phytosystematics of Lower Plants           2

PSB 221                                   General Plant Anatomy                                                 2

PSB 241                                   General Mycology                                                        2

Required Ancillary Courses

BCH 201                                  General Biochemistry I                                                 3

BIO 351                                   General Genetics                                                          2

CED 341                                  Introduction to Entrepreneurship                                    2

COS 101                                  Introduction to Computer Science                                  2

GSP 207                                  Humanities I                                                                2

STA 203                                  Statistics for Agric and Biol. Sciences I                          2

ZEB 201                                  General Invertebrate Zoology I                                      2

Total                                                                           23

Second Semester

Major Courses

PSB 246                                   General Plant Pathology                                                2

PSB 272                                   Mushroom Technology                                                 2

PSB 274                                   Plant Macropropagation & Floriculture                            1

Required Ancillary Courses

BCH 202                                  General Biochemistry II                                                3

BIO 352                                   Cytogenetics                                                                3

CED 342                                  Business Development & Management                          2

COS 304                                  Computer Applications                                                 2

GSP 208                                  Humanities II                                                               2

STA 204                                  Statistics for Agric. & Biol. Sciences II                          2

ZEB 202                                  General Invertebrate Zoology II                                     2

Total                                                                           21

 

 

SECOND YEAR

 

Course No.                  Title                                                                                         Units

 

First Semester

 

Major Courses

PSB 301                       Phytotechniques                                                                           2

PSB 303                       Ethnomedicinal Plants                                                                  2

PSB 313                       Morphology & Phytosystematics of Higher Plants                          2

PSB 331                       General Plant Physiology                                                              2

PSB 355                       General Plant Molecular Biology                                                   2

PSB 371                       Principles of Plant Biotechnology                                                  2

PSB 391                       Research Methods and Plant Breeding                                           2

Required Ancillary Courses

BIO 361                       Basic Principles of Ecology                                                           2

SSC 211                       Introductory Soil Science                                                              2

Electives                                                                                                                          2

Total                                                                                           20

Elective

PSB 315                       Paleobotany                                                                                  2

PSB 363                       Forest Resources Conservation                                                        2

PSB 365                         Vulnerability and Adaptation of Plants to Climate Change                1

PSB 367                         Climate Change and Global Mitigation Strategies                               1

 

Second Semester

PSB 392                       Students Industrial Work Experience (SIWES) Field Work              6

PSB 394                       SIWES Report                                                                               6

PSB 396                       SIWES Seminar                                                                            3

Total                                                                                            15

THIRD YEAR

Course No.                  Title                                                                                         Unit

First Semester

Major Courses

PSB 431                       Advances in Plant Physiology                                                   2

PSB 441                       Advances in Plant Pathology                                                     2

PSB 453                       Genetics and Plant Breeding                                                      2

PSB 455                       Advances in Plant Molecular Biology                                        2

PSB 463                       Economic & Industrial Botany                                                  2

PSB 467                       Phytogeography                                                                       1

PSB 471                       Plant Tissue Culture and Micropropagation                                2

PSB 481                       Seminar                                                                                   2

ZEB 301                      Chordate Zoology                                                                     2

PSB 491                         Principles of Scientific Writing                                                      1

Electives                                                                                                                      3/4

                                    Total                                                                                       21/22

Electives

PSB 411                       Dendrology                                                                              2

PSB 413                       Herbarium and Phytosystematics                                               2

PSB 415                       Introductory Palynology                                                            2

PSB 417                       Freshwater Phycology                                                              2

PSB 433                       Plant Embryology & Morphogenesis                                         2

PSB 443                       Fungus Physiology                                                                   2

PSB 445                       Plant Virology and Diagnostics                                                 2

PSB 451                       Cytology                                                                                  2

PSB 457                       Phytobioinformatics                                                                 1

PSB 461                       Aquatic and Pollution Biology                                                  2

PSB 465                       Phyto – Environmental Impact Assessment                                1

PSB 469                       Plants Productivity and Apiculture                                             1

PSB 473                       Phyto-biofuels                                                                          1

PSB 475                          Plant Biophysics                                                                            2

PSB 477                       Applications of Plant Biotechnology                                          2

Second Semester

Major Courses

PSB 422                       Pulp and Paper Technology                                                       2

PSB 424                       Timber Products Technology                                                    2

PSB 462                       Plant Ecology                                                                           2

PSB 464                       Phyto-Remediation and Erosion Management                            2

PSB 466                       Phytoindustrial Relations                                                          1

PSB 474                       Phytobiotechnology Ethics                                                        1

PSB 492                       Project                                                                                     6

Total                                                                                       16

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPOSED COMBINED HONOURS PROGRAMME

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

PLANT SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY /BIOCHEMISTRY

FOUR-YEAR STANDARD PROGRAMME

FIRST YEAR

Course No.                                          Title                                                                 Unit

First Semester

Major Courses

BIO 151                       General Biology I                                                                     3

PSB 101                       General Plant Science                                                               2

Required Ancillary Courses   

CHM 101                     Basic Principles of Chemistry I                                                 2

CHM 171                     Basic Practical Chemistry                                                         2

COS 101                      Introduction to Computer Science                                              2

GSP 101                      Use of English I                                                                        2

GSP 103                      Social Sciences I                                                                      2

MTH 111                     General Mathematics    I                                                           3

PHY 111                      General Physics for Life Sciences I                                            2

PHY 191                      Practical Physics                                                                      2

Total                                                                                       22                    

Second Semester

 

Major Courses

BIO 152                       General Biology II                                                                    3

BIO 154                       General Biology Practical                                                         2

CHM 112                     Basic Principles of Chemistry II                                                2

CHM 122                     Basic Principles of Chemistry   III                                             2

PHY 112                      General Physics for Life Sciences II                                          2

PHY 114                      General Physics for Life Sciences III                                         2

PSB 102                       General Plant Biotechnology                                                     2

Required Ancillary Courses

GSP 102                       Use of English II                                                                      2

GSP 104                        Social Sciences II                                                                      2

MCB 102                      Introductory Microbiology                                                        2                                                                  Total                                                                                       21

 

 

 

 

 

SECOND YEAR

 

Course No.                  Title                                                                                         Unit

 

First Semester

 

Major Courses

BCH 201                      General Biochemistry I                                                             3

BIO 351                       General Genetics                                                                      2

PSB 211                       Phycology and Bryology                                                           2

PSB 221                       General Plant Anatomy                                                             2

PSB 241                       General Mycology                                                                    2

Required Ancillary Courses

CED 341                      Introduction to Entrepreneurship                                                2

CHM 221                     General Organic Chemistry I                                                     2

CHM 273                     Practical Organic Chemistry I                                                    2

GSP 207                      Humanities I                                                                            2

STA 203                      Statistics for Agric. and Biol. Sciences I                                     2

Total                                                                                      21

Second Semester

 

Major Courses

BCH 202                      General Biochemistry II                                                            3

BIO 352                       Cytogenetics                                                                            2

PSB 246                       General Plant Pathology                                                            2

PSB 272                       Mushroom Technology                                                             2

Required Ancillary Courses

CED 342                      Business Development & Management                                      2

CHM 222                     General Organic Chemistry       II                                             2

CHM 272                     Practical Inorganic Chemistry   I                                              2

COS 304                      Computer Applications                                                             2

GSP 208                      Humanities II                                                                           2

STA 204                      Statistics for Agric. & Biol. Sciences II                                      2

Total                                                                                       21

THIRD YEAR

 

Course No.                  Title                                                                                  Units

 

First Semester

 

Major Courses

PSB 301                       Phytotechniques                                                                       1

PSB 313                       Morphology & Phytosystematics of Higher Plants                      2

PSB 331                       General Plant Physiology                                                          2

PSB 355                       General Plant Molecular Biology                                               2

 

Required Ancillary Courses

BCH 301                      Enzymology                                                                             2

BCH 351                      Primary Metabolic Pathways     I                                               2

BCH 352                      Primary Metabolic Pathways     II                                              2

BCH 353                      Primary Metabolic Pathways     III                                            2

BCH 354                      Primary Metabolic Pathways     IV                                            2

BIO 361                       Basic Principles of Ecology                                                       2

CHM 211                     General Physical Chemistry I                                                    2

Total                                                                                         21

 

 

Second Semester

PSB 392                       Students Industrial Work Experience (SIWES) Field work          6

PSB 394                       SIWES Report                                                                          6

PSB 396                       SIWES Seminar                                                                       3

                                       Total                                                                                              15

 FOURTH YEAR

Course No.                  Title                                                                             Unit

 

First Semester

Major  Courses

BCH 401                      Advanced Enzymology                                                 2

BCH 411                      Biosynthesis of Macromolecules                                   2

BCH 431                      Bioinorganic Chemistry                                                2

BCH 481                      Biochemical Reasoning                                                1

PSB 303                       Ethnomedicinal Plants                                                  2

PSB 431                       Advances in Plant Physiology                                        2

PSB 441                       Advances in Plant Pathology                                         2

PSB 455                       Advances in Plant Molecular Biology                            2

PSB 463                       Economic and Industrial Botany                                    2

PSB 481                       Seminar                                                                       2

PSB 491                         Principles of Scientific Writing                                         1

Electives                                                                                                          2

Total                                                                           22

Electives

PSB 411                       Dendrology                                                                  2

PSB 413                       Herbarium and Phytosystematics                                   2

PSB 415                       Introductory Palynology                                                2

PSB 417                       Freshwater Phycology                                                  2

PSB 433                       Plant Embryology &Morphogenesis                              2

PSB 443                       Fungus Physiology                                                       2

PSB 445                       Plant Virology  and Diagnostics                                   2

PSB 451                       Cytology                                                                      2

PSB 453                       Genetics and Plant Breeding                                          2

PSB 457                       Phytoinformatics                                                          1

PSB 461                       Aquatic and Pollution Biology                                      2

PSB 465                       Phyto-Environmental Impact Assessment                      2

PSB 471                       Tissue Culture and Micropropagation                            2

PSB 473                       Phytobiofuels                                                               1

PSB 475                       Plant Biophysics                                                                  2

PSB 477                       Applications of Plant Biotechnology                              2

Second Semester

BCH 452                      Metabolic Regulations                                                  2

BCH 462                      Plant Biochemistry                                                       2

PSB 422                       Paper and Pulp Technology                                           2

PSB 462                       Plant Ecology                                                               2

PSB 466                       Phyto-industrial Relations                                             1

PSB 468                       Phytoremediation & Erosion Management                     2

PSB 474                       Phytobiotechnology Ethics                                            1

PSB 492                       Project                                                                          6

Total                                                                           18

 

 

 

 

COMBINED HONOURS PROGRAMME

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

PLANT SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY /CHEMISTRY

FOUR-YEAR STANDARD PROGRAMME

 

FIRST YEAR

Course No.                                          Title                                                                 Unit

First Semester

Major Courses

BIO 151                       General Biology I                                                                     3

CHM 101                     Basic Principles of Chemistry I                                                 2

CHM 171                     Basic Practical Chemistry                                                         2

PSB 101                       General Plant Science                                                               2

Required Ancillary Courses               

GSP 101                      Use of English I                                                                        2

GSP 103                      Social Sciences I                                                                       2

MTH 111                     General Mathematics    I                                                           3

PHY 111                      General Physics for Life Sciences I                                            2

PHY 191                      Practical Physics                                                                      2

Total                                                                                       20                                                                               

Second Semester

 

Major Courses

BIO 152                       General Biology II                                                                    3

BIO 154                       General Biology Practical                                                         2

CHM 112                     Basic Principles of Chemistry II                                                2

CHM 122                     Basic Principles of Chemistry   III                                             2

PSB 102                       General Plant Biotechnology                                                     2

Required Ancillary Courses

GSP  102                      Use of English II                                                                      2

GSP  104                        Social Sciences II                                                                      2

PHY  112                     General Physics for Life Sciences II                                          2

PHY  114                     General Physics for Life Sciences III                                         2

Total                                                                                       19

 

SECOND YEAR

 

Course No.                  Title                                                                                         Unit

 

First Semester

 

Major Courses

BIO 351                       General Genetics                                                                      2

CHM 201                     General Inorganic Chemistry                                                     2

CHM 211                     General Physical Chemistry I                                                    3

CHM 221                     General Organic Chemistry                                                       2

PSB 221                       General Plant Anatomy                                                             2

PSB 241                       General Mycology                                                                    2

PSB 301                       Phytotechniques                                                                       1

Required Ancillary Courses

CED 341                      Introduction to Entrepreneurship                                                2

COS 101                      Introduction to Computer Science                                              2

GSP 207                      Humanities I                                                                            2

STA 203                      Statistics for Agric. and Biol. Sciences I                                     2

Total                                                                                      22

Second Semester         

 

Major Courses

BIO 352                       Cytogenetics                                                                            3

PSB 246                       General Plant Pathology                                                            2

PSB 272                       Mushroom Technology                                                             2

PSB 274                       Plant Macropropagation                                                            1

Required Ancillary Courses

CED 342                      Business Development & Management                                      2

CHM 222                     General Organic Chemistry                                                      2

CHM 232                     Analytical Chemistry                                                                2

CHM 274                     Practical Inorganic Chemistry                                                  2

COS 304                      Computer Applications                                                             2

GSP 208                      Humanities II                                                                           2

STA 204                      Statistics for Agric. & Biol. Sciences II                                      2

Total                                                                                       22

 

 

 

 

 

 

THIRD YEAR

 

Course No.                  Title                                                                                  Units

 

First Semester

 

Major Courses

CHM 273                     Practical Organic Chemistry I                                                    2

CHM 301                     Inorganic Chemistry I                                                               2

CHM 321                     Organic Chemistry I                                                                 2

PSB 211                       Phycology and Bryology                                                           2

PSB 301                       Morphology & Phytosystematics lower Plants                            2

PSB 313                       Morphology & Phytosystematics of higher plants                       2

PSB 331                       General Plant Physiology                                                          2

PSB 371                       Principles of Plant Biotechnology                                              2

PSB 391                       Research Methods and Plant Breeding                                       2

Required Ancillary Courses

BIO 361                       Basic Principles of Ecology                                                       2

Electives                                                                                                                      2/3

Total                                                                                        22/23

Electives

MCB 201                     General Microbiology                                                               3

SSC 211                       Introductory Soil Science                                                          2

PSB 365                      Vulnerability and Adaptation of Plants to Climate Change   1

PSB 367                       Climate Change and Global Mitigation Strategies                1

 

Second Semester

PSB 392                       Students Industrial Work Experience (SIWES) Field Work         6

PSB 394                       SIWES Report                                                                          6

PSB 396                       SIWES Seminar                                                                       3

                                       Total                                                                                              15

FOURTH YEAR

Course No.                  Title                                                                             Unit

 

First Semester

 

Major  Courses

CHM 311                     Physical and Structural Chemistry I                               2

CHM 373                     Practical Organic Chemistry I                                        2

CHM 374                     Applied Spectroscopy                                                   2

CHM 421                     Advanced Organic Chemistry I                                      2

CHM 431                     Modern Analytical Techniques                                      2

PSB 303                       Ethnomedicinal Plants                                                  2

PSB 431                       Advances in Plant Biotechnology                                  2

PSB 441                       Advances in Plant Pathology                                         2

OR

PSB 355                       General Plant Molecular Biology

OR

PSB 463                       Economic and Industrial Botany

PSB 471                       Plant Tissue Culture and Micropropagation                    2

PSB 481                       Seminar                                                                       2

PSB 491                         Principles of Scientific Writing                                           1

Electives                                                                                                          1/ 2

Total                                                                         22/23

Electives

PSB 411                       Dendrology                                                                  2

PSB 413                       Herbarium and Phytosystematics                                   2

PSB 415                       Introductory Palynology                                                2

PSB 417                       Freshwater Phycology                                                  2

PSB 433                       Plant Embryology &Morphogenesis                              2

PSB 443                       Fungus Physiology                                                       2

PSB 445                       Plant Virology  and Diagnostics                                   2

PSB 451                       Cytology                                                                      2

PSB 453                       Genetics and Plant Breeding                                          2

PSB 457                       Phytobioinformatics                                                     1

PSB 461                       Aquatic and Pollution Biology                                      2

PSB 465                       Phyto-Environmental Impact Assessment                      1

PSB 473                       Phytobiofuels                                                               1

PSB 475                       Plant Biophysics                                                                 2

PSB 477                       Applications of Plant Biotechnology                              2

 

Second Semester

CHM 322                     Organic Chemistry II                                                    2

CHM 312                     Physical and Organic Chemistry II                                 2

CHM 422                     Advanced Organic Chemistry II                                    2

PSB  422                      Paper and Pulp Biotechnology                                       2

OR

PSB 424                       Timber Product Technology

PSB 462                       Plant Ecology                                                               2

PSB 468                       Phytoremediation and Erosion Management                   2

PSB 492                       Project                                                                         6

Total                                                                         18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMBINED HONOURS PROGRAMME

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

PLANT SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY/ZOOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY

FOUR-YEAR STANDARD PROGRAMME

FIRST YEAR

Course No.                              Title                                                     Units   

First Semester

Major Courses

BIO 151                                   General Biology I                                             3

PSB 101                                   General Plant Science                                       2

ZEB 101                                  Introductory Zoology                                        2

Required Ancillary Courses

CHM 101                                 Basic Principles of Chemistry I                         2

CHM 171                                 Basic Practical Chemistry                                 2

COS 101                                  Introduction to Computer Science                      2

GSP 101                                  Use of English  I                                              2

GSP 103                                  Social Sciences I                                              2

MTH 111                                 General Mathematics I                                      3

PHY 111                                  General Physics for Life Sciences I                    2

PHY 191                                  Practical Physics                                              2

Total                                                                   24

 

Second Semester

 

Major Courses

BIO 152                                   General Biology II                                            3

BIO 154                                   General Biology Practical                                 2

PSB 102                                   General Biotechnology                                     2

ZEB 172                                  Introductory Environmental Biology                  2

Required Ancillary Courses

CHM 112                                 Basic Principles of Chemistry II                        2

CHM 122                                 Basic Principles of Chemistry III                       2

GSP 102                                  Use of English II                                              2

GSP 104                                  Social Sciences II                                             2

PHY 112                                  General Physics for Life Sciences II                  2

PHY 114                                  General Physics for Life Sciences III                 2

Elective                                                                                                           2

Total                                                              23

Electives         

MCB 102                                 Introductory Microbiology                                2

PSB   162                                    Climate Change and Plant Life I                          2

ZEB  122                                 Parasitology for Medical Students                     2

 

 

SECOND YEAR

Course No.                              Title                                                                             Units   

 

First Semester

 

Major Courses

PSB 211                                   Phycology and Bryology                                               2

PSB 213                                   Morphology & Phytosystematics of Lower Plants           2

PSB 221                                   General Plant Anatomy                                                 2

PSB 241                                   General Mycology                                                        2

ZEB 201                                  General Invertebrate Zoology I                                      2

Required Ancillary Courses

BCH 201                                  General Biochemistry I                                                 3

BIO 351                                   General Genetics                                                          2

CED 341                                  Introduction to Entrepreneurship                                    2

GSP 207                                  Humanities                                                                  2

SSC 211                                   Introductory Soil Science                                              2

STA 203                                  Statistics for Agric. and Bio. Sciences I                          2

Total                                                                            23

 

Second Semester

 

Major Courses

PSB 246                                   General Plant Pathology                                                2

PSB 272                                   Mushroom Biotechnology                                             2

PSB 274                                   Plant Macropropagation                                                2

ZEB 202                                  General Invertebrate Zoology II                                     2

ZEB 204                                  Advanced & Comparative Invertebrate Zoology             2

Required Ancillary Courses

BCH 202                                  General Biochemistry II                                                3

BIO 352                                   Cytogenetics                                                                2

CED 342                                  Business Development & Management                          2

CSP 304                                   Computer Applications                                                 2

GSP 208                                  Humanities II                                                               2

STAT 204                                Statistics for Agric. & Bio. Sciences II                           2

Total                                                                           23

THIRD YEAR

 

Course No.                              Title                                                                             Units   

 

First Semester

 

Major Courses

PSB 301                       Phytotechniques                                                                       1

PSB 313                       Morphology & Phytosystematics of Higher Plants                      2

PSB 331                       General Plant Physiology                                                          2

PSB 355                       General Plant Molecular Biology                                               2

PSB 371                       Principles of Plant Biotechnology                                              2

PSB 391                       Research Methods and Plant Breeding                                       2

ZEB 301                      Chordate Zoology I                                                                   2

ZEB 313                      Animal Histology                                                                     2

ZEB 371                      Ecosystem Monitoring, Biotechnology & Management               2

Required Ancillary Courses

BIO 361                       Basic Principles of Ecology                                                       2

Elective                                                                                                                       2

                                    Total                                                                                        21

Electives

PSB 303                       Ethnomedicinal Plants                                                               2

PSB 315                       Paleobotany                                                                             2

PSB 363                       Forest Resources Conservation                                                   2

ZEB 331                      Introductory Entomology                                                          2

PSB 365                      Vulnerability and Adaptation of Plants to Climate Change              1

PSB 367                       Climate Change and Global Mitigation Strategies                           1

 

Second Semester

PSB 392                       Students Industrial Work Experience (SIWES) Field work          6

PSB 394                       SIWES Report                                                                          6

PSB 396                       SIWES Seminar                                                                       3

Total                                                                                       15

 

FOURTH YEAR

Course No.                              Title                                                                             Units   

 

First Semester

 

Major Courses

PSB 431                       Advances in Plant Physiology                                                   2

PSB 441                       Advances in Plant Pathology                                                     2

PSB 453                       Genetics and Plant Breeding                                                      2

PSB 455                       Advances in Plant Molecular Biology                                        2

PSB 463                       Economic and Industrial Botany                                                 2

PSB 481                       Seminar                                                                                   2

PSB 491                       Principles of Scientific Writing                                                       1

ZEB 311                      Basic Animal Physiology                                                          2

ZEB 401                      Chordate Zoology II                                                                 2

ZEB 403                      Systematic Zoology and Evolution                                            2

ZEB 411                      Animal Developmental Biology                                                2

Elective                                                                                                                       1/2

                                            Total                                                                                        22/23

Electives

PSB 303                       Ethnomedicinal Plants                                                              2

PSB 411                       Dendrology                                                                              2

PSB 413                       Herbarium and Phytosystematics                                               2

PSB 415                       Introductory Palynology                                                            2

PSB 417                       Freshwater Phycology                                                              2

PSB 433                       Plant Embryology & Morphogenesis                                         2

PSB 443                       Fungus Physiology                                                                   2

PSB 445                       Plant Virology and Diagnostics                                                 2

PSB 451                       Cytology                                                                                  2

PSB 457                       Phytobioinformatics                                                                 2

PSB 461                       Aquatic and Pollution Biology                                                  2

PSB 463                       Phyto-Environmental Impact Assessment                                  1

PSB 469                       Plant Productivity and Apiculture                                              1

PSB 473                       Phyto-biofuels                                                                          1

PSB 471                       Plant Tissue Culture and Micropropagation                                2

PSB 475                       Plant Biophysics                                                                              2

PSB 477                       Applications of Plant Biotechnology                                          2

ZEB 443                      Hydrobiology                                                                           2

ZEB 453                      Conservation and Wildlife Management                                    2

 

Second Semester

PSB 422                       Pulp and Paper Technology                                                       2

PSB 462                       Plant Ecology                                                                           2

PSB 464                       Phytoremediation and Erosion Management                               2

PSB 492                       Project                                                                                     6

ZEB 402                      Ethology                                                                                  3

ZEB 404                      Small Animal Production                                                          2

Total                                                                                       17

COURSE DESCRIPTION

PSB 101          GENERAL PLANT SCIENCE                                                           2

Survey of plant groups from algae/fungi to angiosperms. Comparative morphology of all major groups of plants with special emphasis on the local flora. General anatomy of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous flora. General principles of plant physiology. The principles and processes involved and uses of various structures (whole plants, plant parts and products) must be discussed as to highlight their utilization for provision of goods and services.

 

PSB 102          GENERAL PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY                                          2

Definition, origin and history of plant biotechnology, Basic terminologies used in biotechnology. Introduction to basic in vitro techniques. Concept of cell Totipotency. Explants for in vitro culture (embryo, seed, meristem, organs etc). Tissue culture media – preparation and storage. Sterilization techniques (labware/media/explants). Cultural conditions (chemical and physical environments). Isolation of nucleic acids and proteins. Introduction to genes and genomes. Applications of biotechnology in industries, agriculture, health, environment, forensic, biological warfare etc.

PSB 162   CLIMATE CHANGE AND PLANT LIFE I                                               1

Concept of weather and climate; climatic factors; Past climates, glacial, etc and vegetation types (fossil plants); Present climatic zones of the earth and vegetation types – Tropical rain forest, savanna, mangrove etc; Reconstruction of past climates through fossil studies – phytoplanktons, algae, pollen etc.

 

PSB 211          PHYCOLOGY AND BRYOLOGY                                                    2

Structure, reproduction, adaptation, life cycle and economic importance etc., of the algae and bryophytes, as well as industrial uses of these lower plants.

 

PSB 213          MORPHOLOGY AND PHYTOSYSTEMATICS OF

                        LOWER PLANTS                                                                                2

General features and classification of Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms (both living and extinct). Alternation of generations. Types, organizational structure and development of sporangia. Types of steles. Life history of selected members of various families.

 

PSB 221          GENERAL PLANT ANATOMY

The origin of primary body of plants. The structures, organization and functions of plant cells, tissues and tissue system. Plants cells for storage of food and other ergastic substances. Anatomy of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous stem roots and leaves. Anatomy of xerophytes and hydrophytes. The cambium and its derivatives. Xylem and bark in relation to cambial activity. Anomalous secondary growth. Reaction wood. Gymnosperm and Angiosperm wood. Plant micro-techniques.

PSB 241          GENERAL MYCOLOGY                                                                  2

A general account of the concepts of origin, affinities, distribution and economic importance of fungi. Morphology, taxonomy and reproduction of various classes of fungi with emphasis on local flora. An introduction to the construction of dichotomous key through understanding of mycological terminologies. Collection and preparation of herbarium specimens.

 

PSB 246          GENERAL PLANT PATHOLOGY                                       2

Morphology and taxonomy of plant pathogens. Collection, isolation and identification of pathogenic plants etc.

 

PSB 261   CLIMATE CHANGE AND PLANT LIFE II                                              1

Causes of climate change, natural and anthropogenic; pollution- air, water and land, (causes, impact and mitigation); global warming: definition, green house gases (sources, impact and mitigation). Impacts of climate change on life and environment, climate change and natural disasters; soil erosion; flooding; fire; environmental degradation, desert encroachment etc. Effects of climate change on causation of pattern of plant distribution and reproduction – vegetation etc.

PSB 272          MUSHROOM TECHNOLOGY                                                         2

History of mushroom cultivation. Collection, identification and preservation of mushrooms. Spawn production. Inoculation procedures and cultivation of mushrooms. Pests and diseases of mushrooms. Industrial production and marketing of mushrooms etc.

PSB 274          PLANT MACROPROPAGATION AND FLORICULTURE 2

Evaluation of the economic values of indigenous and exotic horticultural plants. Different propagation techniques for rapid propagation of indigenous tree crops. Growing flowers from seeds and cuttings, nursery techniques, hydroponics and use of plant hormones for accelerated propagation. Irrigation and dry season production of fruits and vegetables, Phenology and conservation.

PSB 301          PHYTOTECHNIQUES

Biological drawings, Microtomy, Microscopy, Autoclaving, Photography and Photomicroscopy, Preparation of Microscope slides, Cytological techniques, Collection and preservation of plant specimens; Introductory Herbarium techniques, Mycological techniques; Photometry, Colourimetry, Chromatography, Chlorometry, Amino acid analysis, etc.

PSB 303          ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS                                                         2

Description, identification and classification of medicinal plants. Preparation of extracts from various organs of plants. Gathering of ethnomedical information. Collection and conservation of medicinal plants. Relation of the medicinal qualities of plants to their habits, structures, functions and ecological niches. Refining of ethnomedicinal practices by indigenous people in relation to correct dosage and elimination of contaminants.

PSB 313          MORPHOLOGY AND PHYTOSYSTEMATICS OF HIGHER

PLANTS                                                                                             2

General morphology of Angiosperms; root, stem, leaf and shoot modifications. Ontogeny and Morphological interpretation of flowers. Structure and development of anther and ovule. Types of inflorescences. Features of selected families. Clinical and modern taxonomy. Origin of monocotyledons. Collection, identification and preservation of plant materials.

 

 

PSB 315          PALAEOBOTANY                                                                            2

Floral biology; micropalaeobotany of spores and pollens, Carbon dating, Evolution and Systematics of plants, Principles and uses of Palaeoecology. Fossilization – types, and prevailing conditions. Reconstruction of past flora, communities and environment using fossil deposits etc.

 

 

PSB 331          GENERAL PLANT PHYSIOLOGY                                      2

The physical and chemical properties of living plant cells; water, mineral and soil relations of plants; intermediary metabolism; growth and development. Respiration, Photosynthesis, Protein synthesis. Absorption and translocation. The control of growth and differentiation, plant growth hormones. The control of development, hormones and gene activity. Plant and manometry, chromatography and bioassay of growth hormone. Practical work covering the above topics.

 

PSB 355          GENERAL PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY                                2

Biogenesis of microtubules, microfilaments, golgi and mitochondria. Membrane – membrane interactions. Introduction to bioenergetics and thermodynamics. History and present trends in molecular Biology. Reproduction, cell division, cell differentiation and growth of cells. A brief study of the molecular basis of cell structure and development. Organelles – chloroplasts, cellulose cell wall. Plant proteins and nucleic acids. Electrophoresis and its principles; Agarose gel electrophoresis; SDS – page etc.

 

PSB 363          FOREST RESOURCES CONSERVATION                          2

Major Features of Nigerian Vegetation Types. Forest Resources with emphasis on Timber, Food, Medicine and Industrial Raw Materials. Effects of Deforestation and Afforestation. Methods for Sustainable Conservation of Forest Resources.

 

PSB 365           VULNERABILITY AND ADAPTATION OF PLANTS TO CLIMATE

                        CHANGE                                                                                            1

Adaptive features and physiognomy of trees and shrubs. Physiological adaptations to climate change, C3 and C4 plants. Influence of climate change on periodicity of plants, seed dormancy, dispersal, germination and vegetative propagation. Environmental impact assessment and climate change. Climate change and plant evolution, Plant breeding for adaptation to climate change. Field study on impact of climate change on plants in diverse ecological habitats etc.

 

PSB 367      CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL  MITIGATION STRATEGIES   1

Reduction of carbon emissions, recycling, tree seedling production. Carbon sequestration strategies. Tree planting. Global policy and mitigation issues – energy, natural resource, population, education, integrated adaptation, etc. Global policy frameworks United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCC),  Kyoto Protocol, UN Conference on Environment and Development – Rio de Janario, Johannesburg Summit, Copenhagen Climate Change Summit etc.

 

PSB 371          PRINCIPLES OF PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY                               2

Traditional Biotechnology, microbial fermentation etc. DNA: Types and functions; Basic structure of DNA; DNA replication, transcription and translation; Concept of genes; genetic codes and gene expression; Genetic modifications in living organisms; Types of DNA in living organisms and their locations in the cell; Gene cloning; Introduction of foreign gene into a host – transformation and transfection; Restriction enzymes and other enzymes used in genetic engineering; Cloning vectors: plasmids, bacteriophages, Yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs), Bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs), Agrobacterium tumifaciens in gene transfer, gene gun etc. Genetic engineering of plants and creation of transgenic plants.

 

PSB 391          RESEARCH METHODS AND PLANT BREEDING                         2

Field and laboratory data collection, categorization, organization and presentation. Experimental designs and data analysis. Introductory principles and practice of Plant breeding. Course is designed to prepare students for sound experimental designs, data interpretations and development of independent research capabilities in their final year.

PSB 392          STUDENTS INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE (SIWES) FIELD WORK                                                                                                                      6

Industrial attachment in an approved Plant Science and Biotechnology based

industry/organization for 6 months.

PSB 394          SIWES REPORT                                                                                6

Detailed written report on activities carried out during the industrial work experience.

PSB 396          SIWES SEMINAR                                                                              3

Oral and visual presentation based on the industrial work experience, using accumulated

data and experience, from the 6 months exercise.

PSB 411          DENDROLOGY                                                                                 2

Morphology of plants and organs. Marking vegetation; physiognomy of trees and shrubs of the Nigerian Rain Forest and Savannas-stilt roots, pneumatophores; bole and classification of Nigerian flora. Forest Ecology. Beyond the forest. Elementary forest mensuration; Silviculture.

PSB 413          HERBARIUM AND PHYTOSYSTEMATICS                                   2

The studies of taxonomic characters; taxonomic evidence from external morphology, anatomy, cytology, phytochemistry. Variation within population. Population and environment. Computers and Taxonomy. Uses of phytosystematics in special areas like, pharmacognosy, palynology, phytogeography etc. Chemical plant taxonomy,  past and recent advances in taxonomic research.

PSB 415          INTRODUCTORY PALYNOLOGY                                                  2

Outline and history of Palynology: Aspects of Palynology. The pollen grain; its form and function; morphological terminology, pollen and spores; development physiology and biochemistry; principles of pollination ecology, the production and dispersal of pollen and spores; pollen analysis in Palaeocology; geology, melissopalynology, oil and petrochemical industries etc.

PSB 417          FRESHWATER PHYCOLOGY                                                        2

Identification of freshwater algae. Types of freshwater habitats and their characteristics. Algal habitats and their characteristics. Sampling techniques, population estimates and dynamics in relation to seasonal changes. Aquatic pollution. Economic importance of algae etc.

PSB 422          PULP AND PAPER TECHNOLOGY                                                2

Distinction between pulp and paper. Historical perspectives on paper making. Sources of pulp materials. Pulping  processes. Laboratory assessment of suitability of pulp elements for paper-making. Paper making procedure.  Excursion to Pulp and paper making industries in Nigeria. Fibre cell wall morphology; Light microscope and ultra structure.

PSB 424          TIMBER PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY                                            2

Distinction between wood and timber. Softwoods and hardwoods. Wood cell wall morphology under light microscope/ultrastructure. Properties of wood. Moisture characteristics of wood. Biotic agents of wood destruction. Wood preservation chemicals and treatment methods. Wood anatomy and biotechnology in criminology. Manufactured wood products. Some West African timbers and their characteristics etc.

PSB 431          ADVANCES IN PLANT PHYSIOLOGY                                           2

Respiration. Photosynthesis. Protein synthesis. Absorption and translocation. The control of growth and differentiation, plant growth hormones. The control of development, hormones and gene activity. Plant and manometry, chromatography and bioassay of growth hormone etc.

PSB 433          PLANT EMBRYOLOGY AND MORPHOGENESIS                        2

Embryo development including endosperm formation, Polyembryony; apomixes. The seed. Embryology in relation to taxonomy. Experimental and applied embryology. Plant apical organization. Tissue differentiation, differentiation without growth. Growth polarity and development pattern. Symmetry and form. Regeneration in lower and higher plants. Chimeras. Abnormal development of organ. Morphogenetic factors and growth. Use of seedling, organ, tissue and cell culture techniques.

PSB 441          ADVANCES IN PLANT PATHOLOGY                                            2

Survey of classification of plant pathogens and diseases. Principles of plant infection, diseased transmission and epidemiology. Physiology and anatomy of the diseases plant. Relation of environment to disease development. Principles of plant disease control. Review study of selected plant  diseases.

PSB 443          FUNGUS PHYSIOLOGY                                                                   2

Composition of fungal cells, liberation and germination of spores. Growth and reproduction. Nutrition and metabolism. Synthesis of lipids and proteins. Vitamin requirements and their production, Microbial antagonism.

PSB 445          PLANT VIROLOGY AND DIAGNOSTICS                          2

Survey of plant viruses with special reference to structure, physical and chemical properties; serological relationships, transmission, variability, infection, replication, movement, quantitative assays, purification and electron microscopy. Acquired immunity and environmental influence, studies of selected virus diseases and general principles of control.

PSB 451          CYTOLOGY                                                                                      2

Detailed study of the cell and its organelles at the ultra structural level. Cytology, heredity, taxonomy and evolution. Energy balance sheet of the cell, metabolic interrelations. Variations in chromosome number and size. Karyotype analysis. Use of cytology in detection and monitoring of environmental pollutions. Effects of mutation on chromosome number and morphology. Recent advances in Cytology etc.

PSB 453          GENETICS AND PLANT BREEDING                                              2

Studies of pure lines, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and quantitative inheritance, heritability, genetic drift and equilibrium, inbreeding depression and heterosis, methods of breeding including breeding for resistance. Effects of polyploidy, mutation, etc in plant breeding. Recent advances in plant breeding.

PSB 455          ADVANCES IN PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY               2

The Structure, conformation and other properties of nucleic acids and proteins, with special reference to X-ray crystallography and other physical techniques. Polysaccharides, glycoprotein, cell wall structures and lignin, etc. and related biological macromolecules. Structure and properties of DNA and RNA etc.

 

PSB 457          PHYTOBIOINFORMATICS                                                             1

Use of computer information technology to analyze and integrate diverse biological data generated by Plant biotechnological advances. Analysis of varied genomic and post genomic data generated by the – omic technologies. Access to GenBank meta-database for information on DNA sequence data. Sharing of biotechnological information using the internet etc.

PSB 461          AQUATIC AND POLLUTION BIOLOGY                                        2

Types and sources of Pollution. Water, Land and Air pollution. Methods of remediation and control of pollution, Aquatic plants – Microphytes and Macrophytes. Effects of pollution on plants. Plants used in Phytoremediation. Economic importance of pollution etc.

PSB 462          PLANT ECOLOGY                                                                                       2

Population Ecology, Pattern, Concept of Plant Community, Vegetational changes and climax vegetation, Allelopathy, Seed Dispersal and Dormancy. Weed Ecology and Control Measures. Fire as an Ecological Factors. Primary Productivity etc.

PSB 463          ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL BOTANY                                  2

Origin and evolution of cultivated plants with special reference to Nigeria and West Africa. Productivity and the economic aspects of the utilization of food resources, aspects of land use in crops production. Classification, botanical characteristics and economic exploitation of plants used as sources of food, fibres, oil, latex, timber, drugs, etc.

PSB 464          PHYTOREMEDIATION AND EROSION MANAGEMENT             2

Methods of Phytoremediation:  Phytoaccumulation and phytoextration, rhizofiltration, phytostabilization, phytodegradation, phytovolatilization, hydraulic control of pollutants by plants, vegetation cover etc. Plants suitable for phytoremediation. Plant enzymes involved in phytoremediation. Role of micro-organism in degradation. Influence of environmental factors on phytoremediation. Techniques used to enhance

phytoremediation. Types, causes and control of soil erosions (in Nigeria). Features of plants for erosion remediation.

PSB 465          PHYTO-ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT                   1

Definitions, methods, applications and sustainability of impact assessments. Assessment of the effects of projects, such as mines, pulp and paper mills, breweries and irrigation projects on plants and plant ecosystems before and after establishment. Continuous monitoring of human activities on plants, animals, humanity, atmosphere, etc. Remediation approaches.

PSB 466          PHYTOINDUSTRIAL RELATIONS                                              1

Relating Plant and Biotech researches to Industrial needs. Initiating research efforts based on specified industrial needs. Fostering synergy between researchers and industrial concerns. Industries related to plants: Mushroom, herbal soap production, herbal cosmetics, herbal teas, seed companies, plant propagation, paper and paper recycling industries etc. Consultancy services in ecological management, conservation, wood and wood products preservation, use of phytoplankton for fish and other animal protein production etc.

PSB 467          PHYTOGEOGRAPHY                                                                                1

Plant Distribution with emphasis on Nigerian Ecosystems. Causative Factors: Topography, Edaphic, Salinity, Climatic, etc. Adaptation for Survival. Major Ecosystems in Nigeria: Physiognomy of Trees and Shrubs in the Tropical Rain Forest, Savanna Ecosystem.

PSB 469          PLANTS PRODUCTIVITY AND APICULTURE                          1

Apiculture, definition and history. Genetic diversity of bees. Colony life and social organization of bees. Construction and management of apiaries. Vegetation types for bee keeping. Pollination and beeflora studies. Consultancy services to farmers for the use of apiculture in boosting crop productivity. Products and uses of Apiculture. Economic importance of honey and honey products.

PSB 471          PLANT TISSUE CULTURE AND MICROPROPAGATION          2

Laboratory safety and principles of aseptic culture. Plant anatomy/development review. Basic media components. Types of cultures – organ, callus, cell suspension-cultures, embryo rescue, protoplast isolation, culture and plant regeneration. Morphogenesis, organogenesis and embryogenesis. Applications of Plant Tissue Culture.

PSB 473          PHYTO-BIOFUELS                                                                                   1

Definitions and methods of production of bio-diesel, ethanol, methanol, smokeless coal etc. Burning of plant organic matter for production of biofuel. Clean energy production from plant materials. Fermentation of sugar, corn etc. for biofuel production. Biofuel from algae. Ethical issues in use of food materials for biofuel production. Energy from forestry etc.

PSB 474          PHYTOBIOTECHNOLOGY ETHICS                                                      1

Concerns about genetically modified crops: environmental, social and economic impacts. Risk/safety assessment of GM crops. Criteria for field testing of GM crops. Risk management. National/institutional bio-safety guidelines. UNIDO/UNEP/WHO/FAO working group guidelines on bio-safety.  Intellectual property rights on life forms: opportunities and concerns. Who owns biodiversity? etc. Ethical issues involved in  biotechnological processes.

PSB 475     PLANT BIOPHYSICS                                                                                 2

Definitions and historical perspectives. Principles and techniques of Physics applied to solving plant science problems, like the use of X-ray crystallography in the analysis of the DNA structure etc.  Effects of magnetism, electromagnetism, light of different wavelengths, nanoparticles, ionizing radiations, various mutagenic agents, sound vibrations, radio waves, base station and handset radiations, microwave and electronic gadget radiations, high tension electric wires etc., on plant cells, tissues, organs, responses, growth, productivity etc.

 

 

PSB 477          APPLICATIONS OF PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY                      2

Mass propagation of plants including endangered and underutilized species. Production of disease – free plants. Production of haploids. Somatic hybridization. Mutation induction in vitro. Conservation and storage of plant materials in vitro. Biosynthesis of substances (Secondary metabolites) in vitro. Plant genetic transformation either through somaclonal variation or direct gene transfer. Diagnostic in plant diseases. Plant biotech applications in: food and agriculture; environment, medicine (as in medicinal plants and pharmaceuticals) and industries. GMOs and the environment. Biosafety issues/guidelines. Intellectual property rights and patents. Engineering stress, herbicide, drought, disease, pesticide, tolerance etc. in plants.

PSB 481          SEMINAR                                                                                                    2

Power Point presentation of reviews of selected and approved topics in Plant Science and Biotechnology. This gives students the opportunity to essentially read and digest many journal articles, from the internet and libraries, on a subject matter. The use of textbook will be very minimal. Softbound copies of write-ups are expected to be submitted as a vital part of the course.

PSB   491         PRINCIPLES OF SCIENTIFIC WRITING                                          1

Definitions and history of scientific writing. The IMRAD format of scientific writing. How to write the Abstract, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, Acknowledgements and cite References. How to design effective Tables and Illustrations- Graphs, Photographs, Charts etc.

PSB  492          PROJECT                                                                                                         6

This is designed to give the student an opportunity to carry out a small independent research project on diverse aspects of Plant Science and Biotechnology, which must be approved by the Departmental Board and executed under the supervision of one or more members of staff. Two or more students may work on different aspects of a topic or subject matter. All students are expected to submit both hard and soft copies (CD) of their projects after examination and corrections.