DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY
ACADEMIC STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT
1. N. Okolo B.Sc. (Ife), Ph.D. (Strathclyde) Professor
2. I. Okafor B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Nigeria) Professor
3 C. Ogbonna B.Sc. (Jos), M. Eng. (Yamanashi), Ph.D. (Tsukuba) Professor
4. O. Ugwuanyi B.Sc., M.Sc. (Nigeria), Ph.D. (Strathclyde) Professor
5. I. Ezeogu B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Nigeria) Professor
6. M. Ezeonu B.Sc. (Nigeria), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Georgia) Professor
7. N. Moneke B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Nigeria) Professor
8. U. Anyanwu B.Sc., M.Sc. (Ife), Ph.D. (Nigeria) Professor
9. Rev. Sr. E. U. Dibua B.Sc., M.Sc. (Port-Harcourt), Ph.D. (Nigeria) Professor
10 A. Eze B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Nigeria) Professor
11. I. Nweze B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Nigeria),MPH (Case) Professor
12. C. Ike B.Sc. (Nigeria), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Hohenheim) Professor
13. O. Nwuche B.Sc., Ph.D (Nigeria), M.Sc. (Lagos) Professor
14. C. Nwokoro B.Sc., Ph.D (Nigeria), M.Sc. (Lagos) Professor
15. N. Chigor B.Sc., M.Sc. (Nigeria) Professor
16. N. Eze B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D (Nigeria) Senior Lecturer
17. I. Nnamchi B.Sc., M.Sc. (Nigeria) Senior Lecturer
18. C.Enemour HND, PGD, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Unizik) Senior Lecturer
19. N. Nwagu B.Sc., M.Sc. (Nigeria) Senior Lecturer
20. O. Onwosi B.Sc (Nigeria), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Unizik) Senior Lecturer
21. S. Okoli B.Sc., M.Sc. (Nigeria), Ph.D. (New South Wales) Lecturer I
22. N. Okpala B.Sc., M.Sc. (Nigeria), M.Sc. (NewCastle) Lecturer II
23. Onuorah B.Sc. (Nigeria) Assistant Lecturer
24. D.D. Ojobor B.Sc. (Nigeria) Graduate Assistant
25. Mbadugha C B.Sc. (Nigeria) Graduate Assistant
26. Udubuisi Ifeanyi A B.Sc (Nigeria) Graduate Assistant
27. Olovo Chinasa V B.Sc (Nigeria) Graduate Assistant
28. Onu Chisom J B.Sc (Nigeria) Graduate Assistant
29. Ogbonna Emmanuel C. B.Sc (Nigeria) Graduate Assistant
30. Ezema Chisom A B.Sc (Nigeria) Graduate Assistant
History
Microbiology started in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1965 as a service unit headed by Professor L. C. Ferguson, who was also the Dean of the Faculty of Science. The first indigenous academic staff of the unit was Prof. Nduka Okafor. In 1967, he was joined by Prof. A. N. U. Njoku Obi from the University of Lagos, who subsequently succeeded Prof. Ferguson as Head of the Unit. The Unit was upgraded to the status of a full department in 1970, with a core staff of seven individuals made up of five academic and two technical staff.
The Department admitted 18 pioneer students for both single and combined honours programmes. These pioneer students graduated in 1973. However, the Department graduated one student ahead of the pioneer set in 1972. This student had transferred to the University of Nigeria from the University of Ibadan following the civil war and was placed in the second year, ahead of the pioneer students.
In addition to its single and combined honours degrees, the Department also organized a Medical Laboratory unit in the Faculty of Medicine, Enugu Campus and employed the staff of the Department to teach microbiology to medical students. The unit at Enugu remained under the administration of the Department at Nsukka until 1984 when it became an autonomous department of Medical Microbiology.
The Department of Microbiology, today, offers courses leading to a B.Sc. (Honours) degree in Microbiology. Admission is either by Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or by Direct-Entry. Students admitted by UTME undergo a four-year degree programme while those admitted by direct entry do a three-year degree programme.
Philosophy
The field of biology is one which has undergone a lot of evolution and continues to evolve everyday, moreso, since the early twentieth century. Early studies in Biology were devoted more to the study of life-cycles of organisms and similarities in their physical appearances. But with advancements in the field of genetics, aided mainly by studies of microorganisms, Microbiology emerged as one of the most important areas of study in the life sciences.
As the pioneer Department of Microbiology in the country, the Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is planned to be at the forefront of teaching and learning, research and development, knowledge creation and dissemination in the field of Microbiology, aimed at producing world class microbiologists.
Microbiology has taken a pivotal role in the study and advancement of life sciences, being the foundation on which Modern Biotechnology was built. It is therefore relevant in all fields of research and development for the improvement of human life. Its many applications have brought advancements, through Biotechnology, in such areas as Medical Diagnosis, Brewing, Agriculture, Industrial Production of food and pharmaceuticals, Environmental Monitoring, Bioremediation, Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and other emerging areas of Biotechnology. Hence, it is imperative that the student of Microbiology should be properly equipped to play the expected roles in these important areas of life.
Objectives
The programme is designed to:
- To give students a sound exposure to the theory and practice of Microbiology.
- To equip students with adequate research techniques to enable them function as lecturers in universities and other tertiary institutions, research officers and consultants in the many fields of application of Microbiology.
- To equip students with adequate practical knowledge to enable them become self reliant as producers of many food and industrial products of microbial activity.
- To produce world class microbiologists who can compete with their counterparts the world over and fit into advanced programmes within the country and outside it.
Scope
The Department offers a very robust and forward-looking programme in the general and applied areas of Microbiology to prepare its graduates for their important role in the advancement of life. The core courses are designed to give students wide exposure in the main areas, which include Medical, Industrial/Food and Environmental Microbiology, including Climate Change studies. The students undergo industrial attachment during their third year of study, which affords them practical experience in diagnostic techniques and other microbiological processes in hospitals and industries.
The Department also offers, in conjunction with the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, B.Sc. combined degree in Microbiology/Chemistry and Microbiology/ Biochemistry.
In addition, service courses are offered to students in other areas of Biological Sciences, Medical Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and Health and Physical Education.
Job Opportunities
Students, on successful graduation, can take up careers such as lecturing and/or research in universities, polytechnics and biomedical research centres. They can find employment opportunities in some government agencies such as centres for disease control, Food and Drug Administration agencies, water corporations, waste management agencies, environmental control and protection agencies, environmental impact assessment agencies and other quality control agencies.
Graduates can also find employment in a variety of industrial (e.g. food/pharmaceutical industries) establishments as well as in medical, public health, agricultural and veterinary laboratories. Opportunities also exist for graduates in the fermentation industries as represented by the breweries, alcohol distilleries, as well soft drink and fruit juice production industries.
Entry Requirements
- UTME Entry Requirements
Candidates who have satisfied the minimum university requirements for admission are required to obtain credit level passes in English language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics in the West African School Certificate (WASC)/General Certificate of Education (GCE)/Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE), National Examination Council (NECO) or any other acceptable equivalent certificate.
- Direct-Entry Requirements
Candidates are required to obtain passes at Higher School Certificate or GCE A/L in Chemistry and Biology or Chemistry and Zoology or Chemistry and Botany in addition to the UTME Entry requirements.
Stress Areas
Foundational Courses in Microbiology – 0
Environmental Microbiology – 1
Food/Industrial Microbiology – 2
Medical Microbiology – 3
Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) – 5
Seminar – 8
Project – 9
DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY
STANDARD FOUR YEAR PROGRAMME
FIRST YEAR
First Semester
Course Code Course Title Units
Required Ancillary Courses
BIO 151 General Biology I 3
MTH 111 Elementary Mathematics I 3
MTH 121 Elementary Mathematics II 3
CHM 101 Basic Principles of Inorganic Chemistry 2
CHM 171 Basic Practical Chemistry 2
PHY 111 General Physics for Life Sciences I 2
PHY 195 Practical Physics 2
General Studies Course
GSP 101 The Use of English I 2
GSP 201 Concepts and Theories of Peace and Conflict Resolution 2
21
Second Semester
Major Course
MCB 102 Introductory Microbiology 2
Required Ancillary Courses
BIO 152 General Biology II 3
BIO 154 General Biology Practical 2
CHM 112 Basic Principles of Physical Chemistry 2
CHM 122 Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry 2
PHY 112 General Physics for Life Sciences II 2
PHY 114 General Physics for Life Sciences III 2
General Studies Courses
GSP 102 The Use of English II 2
GSP 202 Issues in Peace and Conflict Resolution 2
19
SECOND YEAR
First Semester
Course Code Course Title Units
Major Course
MCB 201 General Microbiology I 3
Required Ancillary Courses
BCH 201 General Biochemistry I 3
BIO 351 General Genetics 2
CED 341 Introduction to Entrepreneurship 2
CHM 201 General Inorganic Chemistry 2
CHM 211 General Physical Chemistry 2
CHM 221 General Organic Chemistry I 2
COS 101 Introduction to Computer Science 2
STA 203 Statistics for Agriculture and Biological Sciences I 2
General Studies Course
GSP 207 Humanities I 2
22
Second Semester
Major Courses
MCB 202 General Microbiology II 3
MCB 212 Environmental Microbiology I
(Sewage, Water, Air pollution) 2
Required Ancillary Courses
BCH 202 General Biochemistry II 3
CED 342 Business Development and Management 2
CHM 232 Analytical Chemistry 2
COS 304 Computer Applications 2
STA 205 Statistics for Agriculture and Biological Sciences II 2
BOT 242 Mycology I (Introductory Mycology) 2
General Studies Course
GSP 208 Humanities II 2
20
THIRD YEAR
First Semester
Course Code Course Title Units
Major Courses
MCB 301 Microbial Physiology 2
MCB 313 Environmental Microbiology and Climate Change 2
MCB 315 Petroleum Microbiology 2
MCB 325 Food Microbiology I 2
MCB 331 Pathogenic Bacteriology 3
MCB 333 Diagnostic Microbiology 1
MCB 335 Pathogenic Mycology 2
Required Ancillary Courses
BCH 351 Primary Metabolic Pathways I 2
BCH 353 Primary Metabolic Pathways III 2
BCH 381 Methods in Biochemistry 2
Electives 2/3
22 / 23
Elective Courses (One course to be selected from the list below)
BCH 471 Industrial Biochemistry 3
BCH 301 Enzymology 3
BCH 354 Primary Metabolic Pathways IV 2
ZEB 321 Basic Parasitology 2
Second Semester
Major Courses
MCB 302 Microbial Metabolism 2
MCB 304 Microbial Genetics 2
MCB 334 Immunology and Immunochemistry 3
MCB 352 Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme
(Field Work) 6
MCB 354 SIWES Report 3
MCB 356 SIWES Seminar 6
22
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester
Course Code Course Title Units
Major Courses
MCB 401 Analytical Microbiology and Quality Control 3
MCB 403 Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering 2
MCB 411 Microbial Ecology 3
MCB 423 Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology I 2
MCB 425 Food Microbiology II 2
MCB 431 Virology 3
MCB 481 Seminar in Microbiology 2
17
Second Semester
Major Courses
MCB 412 Environmental Impact Assessment 2
MCB 432 Principles of Epidemiology and Public Health 3
MCB 424 Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology II 2
MCB 434 Pharmaceutical Microbiology 3
MCB 492 Project 6
16
STANDARD THREE YEAR PROGRAMME
FIRST YEAR
First Semester
Course Code Course Title Units
Major Course
MCB 201 General Microbiology I 3
Required Ancillary Courses
BCH 201 General Biochemistry I 3
BIO 351 General Genetics 2
CHM 201 General Inorganic Chemistry 2
CHM 211 General Physical Chemistry 2
CHM 221 General Organic Chemistry I 2
COS 101 Introduction to Computer Science 2
STA 203 Statistics for Agriculture and Biological Sciences I 2
General Studies Courses
GSP 101 The Use of English I 2
GSP 201 Concepts and Theories of Peace and Conflict Resolution 2
GSP 207 Humanities I 2
24
Second Semester
Major Courses
MCB 202 General Microbiology II 3
MCB 212 Environmental Microbiology I
(Sewage, Water, Air pollution) 2
Required Ancillary Courses
BCH 202 General Biochemistry II 3
CHM 232 Analytical Chemistry 2
COS 304 Computer Applications 2
STA 205 Statistics for Agriculture and Biological Sciences II 2
BOT 242 Mycology I (Introductory Mycology) 2
General Studies Courses
GSP 102 The Use of English II 2
GSP 202 Issues in Peace and Conflict Resolution 2
GSP 208 Humanities II 2
22
SECOND YEAR
First Semester
Course Code Course Title Units
Major Courses
MCB 301 Microbial Physiology 2
MCB 313 Environmental Microbiology and Climate Change 2
MCB 315 Petroleum Microbiology 2
MCB 325 Food Microbiology I 2
MCB 331 Pathogenic Bacteriology 3
MCB 333 Diagnostic Bacteriology 1
MCB 332 Pathogenic Mycology 2
Required Ancillary Courses
BCH 351 Primary Metabolic Pathways I 2
BCH 353 Primary Metabolic Pathways III 2
BCH 381 Methods in Biochemistry 2
Electives 2/3
22 / 23
Elective Courses (one course to be selected from the list below)
BCH 471 Industrial Biochemistry 3
BCH 301 Enzymology 3
BCH 354 Primary Metabolic Pathways IV 2
ZEB 321 Basic Parasitology 2
Second Semester
Major Courses
MCB 302 Microbial Metabolism 2
MCB 304 Microbial Genetics 2
MCB 334 Immunology and Immunochemistry 3
MCB 352 Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme
(Field Work) 6
MCB 354 SIWES Report 3
MCB 356 SIWES Seminar 6
22
THIRD YEAR
First Semester
Course Code Course Title Units
Major Courses
MCB 401 Analytical Microbiology and Quality Control 3
MCB 403 Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering 2
MCB 411 Microbial Ecology 3
MCB 423 Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology I 2
MCB 425 Food Microbiology II 2
MCB 431 Virology 3
MCB 481 Seminar in Microbiology 3
Required Ancillary Course
CED 341 Introduction to Entrepreneurship 2
20
Second Semester
Major Courses
MCB 412 Environmental Impact Assessment 2
MCB 432 Principles of Epidemiology and Public Health 3
MCB 424 Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology II 2
MCB 434 Pharmaceutical Microbiology 3
MCB 492 Project 6
Required Ancillary Course
CED 342 Business Development and Management 2
18
COMBINED PROGRAMMES
MICROBIOLOGY/BIOCHEMISTRY
STANDARD FOUR YEAR PROGRAMME
FIRST YEAR
First Semester
Course Code Course Title Units
Required Ancillary Courses
BIO 151 General Biology I 3
MTH 111 Elementary Mathematics I 3
MTH 121 Elementary Mathematics II 3
CHM 101 Basic Principles of Inorganic Chemistry 2
CHM 171 Basic Practical Chemistry 2
PHY 111 General Physics for Life Sciences I 2
PHY 195 Practical Physics 2
General Studies Course
GSP 101 The Use of English I 2
GSP 201 Concepts and Theories of Peace and Conflict Resolution 2
21
Second Semester
Major Course
MCB 102 Introductory Microbiology 2
Required Ancillary Courses
BIO 152 General Biology II 3
BIO 154 General Biology Practical 2
CHM 112 Basic Principles of Physical Chemistry 2
CHM 122 Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry 2
PHY 112 General Physics for Life Sciences II 2
PHY 114 General Physics for Life Sciences III 2
General Studies Courses
GSP 102 The Use of English II 2
GSP 202 Issues in Peace and Conflict Resolution 2
19
SECOND YEAR
First Semester
Course Code Course Title Units
Major Course
MCB 201 General Microbiology I 3
BCH 201 General Biochemistry I 3
Required Ancillary Courses
BIO 351 General Genetics 2
CHM 201 General Inorganic Chemistry 2
CHM 211 General Physical Chemistry 2
CHM 221 General Organic Chemistry I 2
COS 101 Introduction to Computer Science 2
STA 203 Statistics for Agriculture and Biological Sciences I 2
General Studies Course
GSP 207 Humanities I 2
20
Second Semester
Major Courses
MCB 202 General Microbiology II 3
MCB 212 Environmental Microbiology I
(Sewage, Water, Air pollution) 2
BCH 202 General Biochemistry II 3
Required Ancillary Courses
BOT 242 Mycology I (Introductory Mycology) 2
CHM 232 Analytical Chemistry 2
COS 304 Computer Applications 2
STA 205 Statistics for Agriculture and Biological Sciences II 2
General Studies Course
GSP 208 Humanities II 2
18
THIRD YEAR
First Semester
Course Code Course Title Units
Major Courses
MCB 301 Microbial Physiology 2
MCB 313 Environmental Microbiology and Climate Change 2
MCB 325 Food Microbiology I 2
MCB 331 Pathogenic Bacteriology 3
MCB 333 Diagnostic Microbiology 1
BCH 301 Enzymology 3
BCH 351 Primary Metabolic Pathways I 2
BCH 352 Primary Metabolic Pathways II 2
BCH 353 Primary Metabolic Pathways III 2
BCH 381 Methods in Biochemistry 2
Required Ancillary Course
CED 341 Introduction to Entrepreneurship 2
23
Second Semester
Major Courses
MCB 302 Microbial Metabolism 2
MCB 304 Microbial Genetics 2
MCB 334 Immunology and Immunochemistry 3
BCH 342 Nutritional Biochemistry 1
BCH 382 General Biochemical Methods 2
Required Ancillary Courses
CED 342 Business Development and Management 2
CHM 322 Organic Chemistry II 2
CHM 324 Organic Chemistry III 2
16
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester
Course Code Course Title Units
Major Courses
MCB 403 Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering 2
MCB 423 Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology I 2
MCB 425 Food Microbiology II 2
MCB 431 Virology 3
MCB 481 Seminar in Microbiology 2
BCH 401 Advanced Enzymology 2
BCH 411 Biosynthesis of Macromolecules 2
BCH 431 Bio-organic Chemistry 2
BCH 354 Primary Metabolic Pathways IV 2
19
Second Semester
Major Courses
MCB 412 Environmental Impact Assessment 2
MCB 424 Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology II 2
MCB 432 Principles of Epidemiology and Public Health 3
MCB 434 Pharmaceutical Microbiology 3
MCB 492 Project 6
BCH 472 Pharmacological Biochemistry 2
18
MICROBIOLOGY/CHEMISTRY
STANDARD FOUR YEAR PROGRAMME
FIRST YEAR
First Semester
Course Code Course Title Units
Major Courses
CHM 101 Basic Principles of Inorganic Chemistry 2
CHM 171 Basic Practical Chemistry 2
Required Ancillary Courses
BIO 151 General Biology I 3
MTH 111 Elementary Mathematics I 3
MTH 121 Elementary Mathematics II 3
PHY 111 General Physics for Life Sciences I 2
PHY 195 Practical Physics 2
General Studies Course
GSP 101 The Use of English I 2
GSP 201 Concepts and Theories of Peace and Conflict Resolution 2
21
Second Semester
Major Courses
MCB 102 Introductory Microbiology 2
CHM 112 Basic Principles of Physical Chemistry 2
CHM 122 Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry 2
Required Ancillary Courses
BIO 152 General Biology II 3
BIO 154 General Biology Practical 2
MTH 122 Elementary Mathematics III 2
PHY 112 General Physics for Life Sciences II 2
PHY 114 General Physics for Life Sciences III 2
General Studies Courses
GSP 102 The Use of English II 2
GSP 202 Issues in Peace and Conflict Resolution 2
21
SECOND YEAR
First Semester
Course Code Course Title Units
Major Courses
MCB 201 General Microbiology I 3
CHM 201 General Inorganic Chemistry 2
CHM 211 General Physical Chemistry 2
CHM 221 General Organic Chemistry I 2
CHM 273 Practical Organic Chemistry I 2
Required Ancillary Courses
BIO 351 General Genetics 2
CED 341 Introduction to Entrepreneurship 2
COS 101 Introduction to Computer Science 2
General Studies Course
GSP 207 Humanities I 2
19
Second Semester
Major Courses
MCB 202 General Microbiology II 3
MCB 212 Environmental Microbiology I
(Sewage, Water, Air pollution) 2
CHM 222 General Organic Chemistry II 2
CHM 232 Analytical Chemistry 2
CHM 274 Practical Inorganic Chemistry I 2
CHM 276 Practical Physical Chemistry I 2
Required Ancillary Courses
CED 342 Business Development and Management 2
COS 304 Computer Applications 2
General Studies Course
GSP 208 Humanities II 2
17
THIRD YEAR
First Semester
Course Code Course Title Units
Major Courses
MCB 301 Microbial Physiology 2
MCB 313 Environmental Microbiology and Climate Change 2
MCB 315 Petroleum Microbiology 2
MCB 325 Food Microbiology I 2
MCB 331 Pathogenic Bacteriology 3
MCB 333 Diagnostic Microbiology 1
CHM 301 Inorganic Chemistry I 2
CHM 311 Physical and Structural Chemistry I 2
CHM 321 Organic Chemistry I 2
CHM 373 Physical Organic Chemistry I 2
CHM 375 Applied Spectroscopy 2
22
Second Semester
Major Courses
MCB 302 Microbial Metabolism 2
MCB 304 Microbial Genetics 2
MCB 334 Immunology and Immunochemistry 3
CHM 302 Inorganic Chemistry II 2
CHM 312 Physical and Structural Chemistry II 2
CHM 322 Organic Chemistry II 2
CHM 323 Organic Chemistry III 2
15
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester
Course Code Course Title Units
Major Courses
MCB 332 Pathogenic Mycology 2
MCB 401 Analytical Microbiology and Quality Control 3
MCB 403 Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering 2
MCB 423 Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology I 2
MCB 425 Food Microbiology II 2
MCB 431 Virology 3
CHM 421 Advanced Organic Chemistry I 2
CHM 431 Modern analytical Techniques 2
18
Second Semester
Major Courses
MCB 412 Environmental Impact Assessment 2
MCB 424 Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology II 2
MCB 434 Pharmaceutical Microbiology 3
MCB 492 Research Project in Microbiology 6
CHM 422 Advanced Organic Chemistry II 2
15
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MCB 102: INTRODUCTORY MICROBIOLOGY 2 Units
History of development of Microbiology. Scope of Microbiology. Growth and nutrition of microorganisms. Laboratory cultivation of microorganisms and measurement of growth. Microbial metabolism and biochemistry. Control of growth of microorganisms. General characteristics, classification and economic importance of bacteriophages, fungi, algae and protozoa. Role of microorganisms in medicine, agriculture and industry.
MCB 201: GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY I 3 Units
(Pre-requisites –Bio 151 & 152)
General review of the nature and biology of protozoa, fungi, algae, bacteria, archae and viruses. General characteristics, growth and reproduction of microorganisms. Microbiology methods and instrumentation. Sterilization and disinfection. Microorganisms in various environments – soil, water, food etc. Industrial use of microorganisms. Pathogenic role of microorganisms.
MCB 202: GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY II 3 Units
(Pre-requisite –Bio 151 & 152)
Review of the structure and organization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Principles and methodology of numerical taxonomy. Application of molecular biology in classification of microorganisms. Systematic classification of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. Physiology, ecology and laboratory identification of important species of microorganisms. Elemental cycles (carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus).
MCB 212: ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY I 2 Units
(Sewage, Water & Air Pollution)
Air microbiology: sources of air pollution; indices of air pollution; physical and microbiological properties of air in different environments. Microorganisms and other organisms important in aquatic systems: Ecology of microorganisms in fresh water and marine ecosystems; self-purification, treatment and management of water; microbiological and chemical examination of water. Microbiology of sewage: methods of sewage treatment and disposal. Disease transmission by water and microbial risk assessment.
MCB 301: MICROBIAL PHYSIOLOGY 2 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 201 & 202)
Microbial cell: structure and functions. Microbial growth and nutrition. Microbial growth process: growth modes and factors affecting cell growth. Death of microorganisms. Microbial photosynthesis. Transport of molecules across the cell membrane, including facilitated diffusion, mechanosensitive channels, ATP-driven ion motive pumps, ATP-driven cassette transporter family, phosphotransferase system. Microbial stress responses including osmotic stress and osmotolerance, oxidative stress, pH stress and acid tolerance, thermal stress and heat shock response. Morphogenesis. Modification of enzyme activity. Mechanisms of regulation.
MCB 302: MICROBIAL METABOLISM 2 Units
(Pre-requisites: MCB 201 & BCH 202)
Catabolism: The Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas (EMP) pathway; the pentose pathway (PP) or hexose monophosphate pathway; the Entner-Duodoroff (ED) pathway; the phosphoketolase (PK) pathway or Warburg Dickens pathway; the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Energy production: substrate-level phosphorylation; oxidative phosphorylation. Respiration: aerobic; nitrate; sulfate and carbonate. Fermentation balances: alcoholic; lactic; mixed acid; butanediol and butyric. Lipid metabolism. Anabolism: glyoxylate cycle and glucogenesis
MCB 304: MICROBIAL GENETICS 2 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 201 & 202)
Concept and scope of microbial genetics. DNA as genetic material and molecular basis of inheritance. A review of the chemistry of DNA and RNA. Gene expression: transcription; translation and regulation (examples with the LAC operon, TRP operon, Lambda lytic and lysogenic cycles). Mutation and mutagenesis. Types of mutants and their use in scientific studies. Genetic interaction amongst microorganisms: Recombination; complementation; conjugation; transduction; transformation; insertional sequences.
MCB 313: ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE 2 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 201 & 202)
Nature of the soil and distribution of soil microorganisms. Methods used in determining the types and numbers of microorganisms in the soil. Biodegradation of organic matters, starch, pectins, cellulose etc. Microbial mineralization/conversion of minerals (S, K, Fe, P. etc) and pesticides. Nitrogen fixation. Mycorrhizae and other plant – microorganisms associations in the soil. Nature and forms of soil pollution. Microbiological control and management of soil pollution.
MCB 315: PETROLEUM MICROBIOLOGY 2 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 201 & 202)
Historical developments in petroleum microbiology. Genesis of fossil fuels with emphasis on microbiological influence. Microbial indicators in oil prospecting. Microbiology of oil drilling and corrosion of pipes and equipment. Acid mine drainage; Effects of oil spills on microbial ecology of seas and soils. Biodegradation and bioremediation of petroleum products and environmental aspects of oil shale oxidation. Structures and recalcitrance of byproducts of the petroleum industry including plastics, waxes, sprays, paints and oils; microbial processes for recovering and upgrading petroleum
MCB 325: FOOD MICROBIOLOGY I 2 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 201 & 202)
Microbial groups important in food and dairy products. Use of microorganisms in production/processing of foods such as garri, foo-foo, bread, cheese, single-cell protein, mushroom fungi, vitamins, beer, wine, palm wine, vinegar, burukutu etc
MCB 331: PATHOGENIC BACTERIOLOGY 2 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 201 & 202)
History of pathogenic bacteriology. Host-parasite relationships. Mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity and virulence factors of pathogenic bacteria. Normal flora of human tissues and organ systems and their roles in health and disease. Pathogenesis, epidemiology, treatment, prevention and control of diseases caused by various bacteria.
MCB 333: DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY 1 Unit
(Pre-requisites: MCB 201 & 202)
Laboratory techniques for the systematic isolation, characterization and identification of aetiologic agents (bacteria, fungi and protozoan parasites) of disease from specimens commonly encountered in clinical microbiology labs (respiratory, genitourinary, faecal and blood).
MCB 334: IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOCHEMISTRY 3 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 201 & BCH 201)
Basic concept of immunology. Innate and adaptive immunity. Ontology of cells of the immune system. Structure of antigens and antigenic determinants. Cellular response. Genetics of response to antigenic stimulation. Structure, genetics and classification of antibodies. Mechanism and theories of antibody formation. Antigen and antibody interactions. Role of lymphoid tissues and thymus in immune response. Hyper-sensitivity, immuno-pathology, auto-immunity, tumor and transplantation immunology.
MCB 335: PATHOGENIC MYCOLOGY 2 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 201 & 202)
General classification of fungi. Morphological and important physiological characteristics of dermatophytes and fungi causing subcutaneous and deep mycoses. Clinical features and epidemiology of mycotic infections. Pathogenic actinomycetes. Identification of common laboratory contaminants. Collection of clinical materials, isolation and identification of pathogenic fungi.
MCB 352: STUDENTS’ INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (FIELD WORK) 6 Units
Industrial attachment in Medical/Public Health/Industrial establishments. Students are visited periodically in their different places of work and their performance monitored through their supervisors.
MCB 354: SIWES REPORT 3 Units
Students keep records of their field work experiences in log books which are submitted on their return to the Department.
MCB 356: SIWES SEMINAR 6 Units
Students are expected to give oral presentations of the projects conducted during their Industrial work experience. These presentations are evaluated by a panel of internal examiners and grades awarded.
MCB 401: ANALYTICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND QUALITY CONTROL 3 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 201 & BCH 201)
Use of microorganisms in quantitative and qualitative analysis of industrial products: foods, antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals etc. Selecting test organisms and determination of their assay-responses. Preparation of test samples, assay procedures and interpretation of results. Determination of microbiological quality of foods and beverages and other industrial products. Sanitation of industrial plants and equipment. Microbiological standards and specifications.
MCB 403: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETIC ENGINEERING 2 Units
(Pre-requisites: MCB 201 & BCH 201)
Overview of DNA replication. Review of gene expression (transcription, translation and regulation). Principles of recombinant DNA technology: restriction enzymes, vectors and creation of DNA libraries. Molecular techniques for studying gene expression: Southern, northern and western blotting. Microorganisms as tools: Microbial enzymes, transformation, cloning and expression techniques. Human gene cloning, stem cell technologies and tissue engineering. DNA fingerprinting and forensic analysis. Genomics and bioinformatics. Ethical considerations in genetic engineering.
MCB 411: MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 3 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 321)
Microbes and ecological theory. Physiological, morphological and genetic adaptations of microorganisms to their environment and microbial interactions. Microorganisms in ecosystems. Microbial bioconversions. Impact of selected pollutants and xenobiotics in soil and water environments on microbial communities, systems and ecology. Microbial ecology in health and disease situations.
MCB 412: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 2 Units
(Pre-requisites: MCB 201)
Historical background of environmental impact assessment (EIA). Overview of the different stages of the actual EIA process. Factors involved in evaluating the effects of a proposed action upon various aspects of the environment. Sources and examination of data for environmental evaluation of government or private action. Physical and chemical factors that control impacts on biological or cultural resources. Impact evaluation procedures for complying with environmental protection agencies’ acts and guidelines. Risk assessment.
MCB 423: INDUSTRIAL MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY I 2 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 201 & 302)
Microorganisms of industrial importance and their major characteristics. Sources, isolation and screening for industrial microorganisms. Strains development, culture collection and maintenance. Formulation and preparation of media for industrial cultivation of microorganisms. Design and operation. Sterilization of bioreactors, media and gasses. Cell cultivation: culture systems (batch, repeated batch, fed-batch and continuous cultivation of microorganisms). Kinetics of microbial growth, substrate utilization and product formation in batch cultures. Bio-process monitoring and control. Mass transfer in bioreactors. Scale-up of fermentation processes.
MCB 424: INDUSTRIAL MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY II 2 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 201 & 302)
Overproduction of metabolites by microorganisms. Industrial production of specific fermentation products (bio-ethanol, organic acids, antibiotics, vaccines, steroids, amino acids, vitamins, microbial enzymes (including enzyme purification, immobilization and applications), microbial insecticides, and bio-fertilizers. Microbial transformation. Down-stream processes. Unit operations in recovery and purification of microbial products. Introduction to fermentation economics.
MCB 425: FOOD MICROBIOLOGY II 2 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 201 & 202)
Microbial contamination and spoilage of foods including carbohydrates and protein rich foods, fruits and vegetables. Microbial food borne infections and “food poisoning”. Principles and methods used in food preservation. Microbiological food standards and quality control. Hazard analysis in the food industries. Rumen microbiology.
MCB 431: VIROLOGY 3 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 201 & BCH. 201)
Nature of viruses: chemical composition and structure of the virion. Characteristics and classification of viruses. Replication, cultivation, assay and analysis of viruses using cell culture, embryonated egg and laboratory animals. Assay of infectivity using plaque assay. Purification and separation of virions. Interactions among viruses: recombination, reassortment, complementation, genetic reactivation, genomic masking and phenotypic mixing. Interference and interferon. Interactions between viruses and hosts: Persistent infections, viral cytopathic effects (CPE), cell transformation and oncogenesis. Pathogenesis and pathology of virus infections: Infections of the skin, respiratory tract, alimentary canal, nervous system, liver, systemic infections, and generalized infections with rashes. Immunity and immunopathology of viral infections.
MCB 432: PRINCIPLES OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH 3 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 201, 202 & 331)
Infection and Disease: signs, symptoms and syndromes. Methods of epidemiology: Descriptive, analytical, statistical applications and experimental methods. Morbidity and mortality rates. Epidemiological reporting. Sources and reservoirs of infection. Zoonoses. Principal modes of transfer of infectious diseases. The importance and practices of immunization. Public services: Role of Government, voluntary and international agencies
MCB 434: PHARMACEUTICAL MICROBIOLOGY 3 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 201, 202 & BCH 201)
The chemistry of synthetic chemotherapeutic agents and antibiotics. The mechanism of action and assay of antimicrobial agents. Concepts of antibiotic sensitivity and resistance related particularly to microbial physiology. Sterilization in hospitals, industry etc. Medical and non-medical uses of antibiotics.
MCB 481: SEMINAR IN MICROBIOLOGY 3 Units
Under the supervision of a staff, the student is expected to select a seminar topic for detailed study, using library methods. The emphasis will be on recent advances in the chosen field. The course is expected to give the student the opportunity for independent thought and expression. The work is finally presented to staff and students and also written up.
MCB 492: PROJECT 6 Units
(Pre-requisite: MCB 331)
Each student is expected to carry out a fairly detailed research investigation under the supervision of a staff in any special area in Microbiology, write it up as a project report and be examined for his/her knowledge of the work before a panel of external and internal examiners in an oral examination.
