Introduction

Microbiology is a broad science encompassing the study of bacteria, algae, protozoa, fungi, and viruses in terms of their ecology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, and role in disease processes. Of particular interest is the use of microbes in industrial applications for the production of foods and natural products, such as vitamins, as well as their rapidly expanding role in biotechnology and genetic engineering studies. A thorough understanding of microorganism requires a broad educational background, in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and other areas of Biology.

Philosophy

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, a large and diverse group of organisms that exist as single cells or cell clusters. The science of microbiology includes the study of microbial growth, biochemistry, genetics and ecology as well as the relationship of microorganisms to other organisms including humans. As a basic biological science, microbiology provides some of the most accessible research tools for probing the nature of life processes. Our sophisticated understanding of the chemical and physical principles governing life has developed from studies of microorganisms. As an applied biological science, microbiology deals with many important practical problems in medicine, agriculture, biodegradation and food industries, and is at the heart of biotechnology industries. Students pursuing a major in microbiology will have an opportunity to take coursework related to these important areas.

The philosophy of the degree programme therefore, is to train human resources who will develop the society technologically particularly in areas relating to human welfare and progress, thereby contributing to the building of national identity and integrity.

The Specific Objectives of the Programme

Aims

The degree programme aims at development of creative, innovative and self-reliant human resources in the form of graduates with entrepreneurial culture, good communication skills, computer literacy and problem-solving abilities who will transform the society for the better.

Objectives

The objectives of the Bachelor of Science (Microbiology) curriculum are to:

1. Make the student develop skill and acquire the necessary knowledge of teaching and productive research for solving current problems of the Nigerian society in both basic and applied aspects of Microbiology.
2. Emphasize technological and vocationally-oriented training to enable the student acquire the knowledge of Microbiology and techniques necessary for industries such as breweries, food processing and preservation, water works, pharmaceuticals, medicine, agriculture as well as Train the students to acquire the knowledge of Microbiology and its applications in health-care delivery particularly in pathological and immunological laboratories as well as forensic laboratories and environmental monitoring.
3. Provide courses in Microbiology to students of other Departments and Colleges whose degree options require general knowledge of Microbiology and Biotechnology.

Duration of the Programme

The duration of the B.Sc. Degree in Microbiology 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.