Philosophy

In accordance with the Philosophy of the University, the Zoology and Environmental Biology programme is planned to promote general and practical education in Zoology and Environmental Biology. Animals’ existence is totally dependent on the abiotic and biotic variables of its environment. The knowledge of Zoology and Environmental Biology is the central theme in such emerging areas like Ecotoxicology, Animal Biotechnology, Biodiversity Studies, Ecosystem Monitoring, Environmental Management and Animal Bioinformatics. Environmental Biology encompassing such multidisciplinary areas has become an important issue in animal biodiversity prospecting, wildlife conservation and environmental management. Hence, it is imperative that the student should be properly trained to enable him/her play the expected pivotal roles in these emerging field of learning. Thus to play this role, adequate knowledge of environmental biology is imperative and has been built into the curriculum.

 

Objectives

  1. The objective of the programme is to train students to respond to the global challenges and the needs of the Nigerian society in particular, through broad training/education in the areas of General Biology, General and Applied Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology; Animal Developmental Biology, Histology, Genetics and Animal Breeding, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Animal Biotechnology, Animal Ecology, Systematic and Evolutionary Zoology, Animal Behaviour, General Physiology and Environmental Biology.
  2. To equip students with adequate practical knowledge that will enable th”em be self-reliant and captains of biomedical, agro-aquacultural, petrochemical, environmental and human development industries.
  3. To equip students with adequate research techniques that will enable them function as research officers in biomedical, agro-aquacultural, petrochemical and environmental sectors of both national and global economies.
  4. To give adequate, effective and resourceful training needed for the national and international production of high quality, competent and competitive Zoologist that possess the attitude, character and attributes essential for building the Nigeria nation to excellent level of societal development.

 

Scope

Students are trained in the areas of General Biology, General and Applied Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology; Animal Developmental Biology, Histology, Genetics and Animal Breeding, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Animal Biotechnology, Animal Ecology, Systematic and Evolutionary Zoology, Animal Behaviour, General Physiology and Environmental Biology. Students are also required to take ancillary courses in: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Microbiology, Plant Science and Biotechnology, and Statistics as well as elective courses in Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, Geology, Mathematics, Modern Languages,Physics andSoil Science.

In the final year the students are expected to branch out into one of the special areas (Entomology, Environmental Biology, Fisheries Biology, Genetics and Animal Biotechnology,Parasitology, Physiology) and take advanced courses in these areas that offer them greater exposure and in-depth  knowledge in their chosen options. In addition, the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SEWES) has been incorporated in the programme. It is scheduled for the second semester of the third year.

Areas in Zoology and Environmental Biology programme which are of particular National importance/interest include such areas as Fisheries Biology, Parasitology, Entomology (Pure and Applied), General and Comparative Animal Physiology as well as Environmental Biology, Animal Genetics, Animal Biotechnology, Molecular Biology that are offered in greater detail in the third and the final year.

Zoology and Environmental Biology courses may be combined with others in relevant disciplines for the B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Zoology and Environmental Biology/Plant Science and Biotechnology, Zoology and Environmental Biology/Chemistry, Zoology and Environmental Biology/Biochemistry, Zoology and Environmental Biology/Microbiology, Education/Biology, etc.