Background
The Department of Biochemistry was established in the year 2001 when the Department of Chemical Sciences was split into two Departments, namely: Biochemistry and Chemistry Departments. Since then, the department has continued to maintain quality and high standards in its teaching and research efforts at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Philosophy
The training in Biochemistry should respond to needs of the students, the changing nature of the subject, expectations of society and the human resources’ requirements of the public and private sectors. Subject- specific knowledge must be complemented with the acquisition of skills that adequately prepare the graduate not only for white-collar jobs but also self-employment. Training in Biochemistry at FUNAAB emphasizes the inculcation of communication, entrepreneurial, problemsolving, life-long learning and information technology skills so as to make the training relevant to society and industry, and engender ability of graduates to create jobs.

Objectives of the Programme
The B.Sc. degree programme in Biochemistry like many other degree options in the College of Biosciences is a four-year programme designed to teach the basic concepts of the chemistry of life, from micro-organisms to man. The primary aim of the B.Sc. Biochemistry programme is to train students in basic science of biochemistry up to Bachelor’s degree level. Specifically, the objectives of the programme include:

i. Providing students with a broad and balanced foundation of biochemical knowledge and practical skills;
ii. Stimulating students’ interest in the application of biochemistry in industrial, economic, environmental, technological and social development;
iii. Instilling in students sense of enthusiasm for biochemistry, appreciation of its application in different contexts and to involve them in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and studying;
iv. Creating an awareness of the relevance of biochemistry in various ways in meeting the manpower needs of the country, especially in the fields of industry, medicine and agriculture;
v. Developing a research culture in the department in consonance with current trends in the biochemical world so as to inculcate broad scientific discipline in undergraduate students;
vi. Providing appropriate courses for students from other departments including Botany, Zoology Environmental Management and Toxicology, Microbiology, and Nutrition and Dietetics; and
vii. Providing a solid academic foundation for specialized training in biochemistry at higher degree levels (M.Sc. and Ph.D.).

Duration of the Programme

The duration of the B.Sc. degree in Biochemistry shall normally be four academic sessions (8 semesters) for students admitted into the 100 level and three academic sessions (six semesters) for those that come in through Direct Entry at 200 level.

Minimum Academic Requirements for Graduation
To qualify for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Sciences (Biochemistry), a student must have fulfilled the following approved minimum academic standards:

I. Spent not less than 3 or 4 years on the programme depending on point of entry

ii. Passed all the University (compulsory) courses

iii. Passed all the department’s (core) courses and the required electives

iv. Must not have exceeded the minimum periods specified above by more than two years

v. Must have a CGPA of 1.5