PROGRAMMES

The following are the areas of specializations in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology.

Areas of Specialization

Biosystematics/Taxonomy

Palynology/Palaeoecology

Plant Anatomy

Plant Physiology

Ecophysiology

Plant Pathology/Mycology

Genetics and Plant Breeding

Plant Ecology

Environmental Botany/Economic Botany

Plant Biotechnology

Aquatic Botany

Phycology/Limnology

Ethnomedicine/Phytomedicine

 

REVISED FOUR – YEAR STANDARD DEGREE PROGRAMME

 FIRST YEAR

First Semester

Course No.                                         Title                                                                Unit

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 111                                  Use of Library and Study Skills                                               2

PHY 111                                 General Physics for Life Sciences I                            2

PHY 191                                 Practical Physics                                                         2

MTH 111                                General Mathematics  1                                              3                                                          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

PHY 112                                 General Physics for Life Sciences II                          2

PHY 114                                 General Physics for Life Sciences III                         2

PSB 162                                  Climate Change and Plant Life I                                1

Total                                                                           18

 

 

 


 

SECOND YEAR

 

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Unit

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 201                                  Basic Concepts and Theory of Peace                         2

GSP 207                                  Logic, Philosophy and Human Existence                   2

PSB 261                                  Climate Change and Plant Life II                              1

                                    Total                                                                           20

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

BIO 362                                  Basic Principles of Ecology                                        2

CED 342                                 Business Development & Management                      2

CHM 232                                Analytical Chemistry                                                  2

COS 304                                 Computer Applications                                               2

GSP 202                                  Issues in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies        2

GSP 208                                  Nigerian Peoples and Culture                                     2

Total                                                                           22

 

 

 


 

THIRD YEAR

 

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Units

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

 

Electives (Choose any 3 units)                                                                                  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

Total                                                                               18

 

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

 

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Unit

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 (Choose any 3 or 4 units)                                                                          3/4

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

Total                                                               19/20

 

Second Semester

Major Courses

PSB 422                                  Plant Anatomy                                                            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

 


 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

PSB 101          GENERAL PLANT SCIENCE                                                     2 units

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 units

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 unit

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 – phytoplankton, algae, pollen etc.

 

PSB 211          PHYCOLOGY AND BRYOLOGY                                               2units

General characteristics of Algae; Classification of Algae; General characteristics, Structure and reproduction of representative forms; and Economic importance of the following algal phyla: Cyanobacteria, Glaucophyta, Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta, EuglenophytaDinophytaApicomplexaCryptophytaHeterokontophyta, (Xanthophyceae, Chrysophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Phaeophyceae and Prymnesiophyta; Similarities and differences between algae and bryophytes. General characteristics of Bryophytes; Classification of Bryophytes; General characteristics; Structure and reproduction of representative forms; and Economic importance of the following bryophyte groups Hepaticopsida, Anthocerotopsida and Bryopsida.

 

PSB 213   MORPHOLOGY AND PHYTOSYSTEMATICS OF LOWER PLANTS 2 units

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                                                  2units

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 ergasticsubstances.Anatomy of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous stem roots and leaves.Anatomy of xerophytes and hydrophytes.The cambium and its derivatives. Secondary growth. Xylem and bark in relation to cambial activity. Gymnosperm and Angiosperm wood.Plant micro-techniques.

 

PSB 241          GENERAL MYCOLOGY                                                              2 units

A general account of the concepts of origin, affinities, distribution and economic importance of fungi.Morphology, taxonomy and reproduction of various classes of fungiwith 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 units

Definition of concepts; classification and symptoms of plant diseases; Koch`s postulates. Disease triangle/pyramid. Morphology, taxonomy, reproduction, ecology, spread/epidemiology, identification, detection, isolation, composition and structure, transmission, nomenclature, symptoms and control /management of plant pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses, nematodes and plants.

PSB 261          CLIMATE CHANGE AND PLANT LIFE II                              1 unit

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 units

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   1 unit

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                                                                   1 unit

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, Colorimetry, Chromatography, Chlorometry, Amino acid analysis, etc.

 

PSB 303          ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS                                                    2 units

Description, identification and classification of medicinal plants.Preparation of extracts from various organs of plants.Gathering of ethnomedicalinformation.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 HIGHERPLANTS

2 units

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 units

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 units

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 units

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 units

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 CLIMATECHANGE                                                                           1 unit

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 unit

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 JaneirSo, Johannesburg Summit, Copenhagen Climate Change Summit etc.

 

PSB 371          PRINCIPLES OF PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY                                    2 units

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), Agrobacteriumtumifaciens in gene transfer, gene gun etc. Genetic engineering of plants and creation of transgenic plants.

 

PSB 391          RESEARCH METHODS AND PLANT BREEDING                2 units

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 units

Industrial attachment in an approved Plant Science and Biotechnology basedindustry/organization for 6 months.

 

 

PSB 394          SIWES REPORT                                                                             6units

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

 

PSB 396          SIWES SEMINAR                                                                           3units

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

data and experience, from the 6 months exercise.

 

PSB 411          DENDROLOGY                                                                              2 units

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.ForestEcology.Beyond the forest.Elementary forest mensuration; Silviculture.

 

PSB 413          HERBARIUM AND PHYTOSYSTEMATICS                            2 units

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 units

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 Palaeoecology; geology, melissopalynology, oil and petrochemical industries etc.

 

PSB 417          FRESHWATER PHYCOLOGY                                                    2 units

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          PLANT ANATOMY                                                                                    2units

Anomalous secondary growth. Reaction wood. 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 424          TIMBER PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY                                      2 units

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 ultrastructure.

 

PSB 431          ADVANCES IN PLANT PHYSIOLOGY                                    2 units

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 units

Embryo development including endosperm formation, Polyembryony; apomixes.Theseed.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                                     2units

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 units

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                               2units

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 units

Detailed study of the cell and its organelles at the ultrastructurallevel.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 units

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 units

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                                                         1unit

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 – omictechnologies.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 units

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 units

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 factor. Primary productivity etc.

 

PSB 463          ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL BOTANY                              2 units

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 units

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 unit

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 unit

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 unit

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 unit

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 bee/flora 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 units

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 unit

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 unit

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 units

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 units

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 units

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 unit

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 units

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.

 

REVISED THREE – YEAR STANDARD DEGREE PROGRAMME

FIRST YEAR

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Unit

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

COS 101                                 Introduction to Computer Science                             2

GSP 111                                  Use of Library and Study Skills                                 2

GSP 201                                  Basic Concepts and Theory of Peace                         2

GSP 207                                  Logic, Philosophy and Human Existence                   2

Total                                                                           21

 

Second Semester

Major Courses

PSB 246                                  General Plant Pathology                                             2

PSB 272                                  Mushroom Technology                                               2

PSB 274                                  Plant Macro-propagation& Floriculture                      1

PSB 162                                  Climate Change and Plant Life                                  1

Required Ancillary Courses

BCH 202                                 General Biochemistry II                                             3

BIO 352                                  Cytogenetics                                                               3

CHM 232                                Analytical Chemistry                                                  2

CED 342                                 Business Development & Management                      2

COS 304                                 Computer Applications                                               2

GSP 202                                  Issues in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies        2

GSP 208                                  Nigerian Peoples and Culture                                     2

Total                                                                           22


 

SECOND YEAR

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Units

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

PSB 261                                  Climate Change and Plant Life II                                  1

CED 341                                 Introduction to Entrepreneurship                                   2

 

Electives (Choose a minimum of 2 unit)                                                                      2

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

Total                                                                               17

 

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

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Unit

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

PSB 491                                  Principles of Scientific Writing                                   1

 

Electives  (Choose any 3 or 4 units)                                                                                    

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

Total                                                                       19/20

Second Semester

Major Courses

PSB 422                                  Plant Anatomy                                                            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

Required Ancillary Course

BIO 362                                  Basic Principles of Ecology                                        2

 

 

Total                                                                           18

 

 

 

 

REVISED COMBINED HONOURS PROGRAMME

PLANT SCIENCE & BIOTECHNOLOGY/BIOCHEMISTRY (PSB/BCH)

THREE-YEAR STANDARD PROGRAMME

 

FIRST YEAR

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Unit

Major Courses

BCH 201                                 General Biochemistry I                                               3

PSB 211                                  Phycology and Bryology                                            2

PSB 221                                  General Plant Anatomy                                              2

PSB 241                                  General Mycology                                                      2

 

Required Ancillary Courses

BIO351                                   General Genetics                                                         2

CHM 221                                General Organic Chemistry I                                      2

CHM 273                                Practical Organic Chemistry I                                     2

GSP 111                                  Use of Library and Study Skills                                 2

GSP 207                                  Logic, Philosophy and Human Existence                   2

GSP 201                                  Basic Concepts and Theory of Peace                         2

Total                                                                          22

 

Second Semester

Major Courses

PSB 246                                  General Plant Pathology                                             2

PSB 272                                  Mushroom Technology                                               2

BCH 202                                 General Biochemistry II                                             3

BIO 352                                  Cytogenetics                                                               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                                  Nigerian Peoples and Culture                                     2

GSP 202                                  Issues in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies        2

Total                                                                           21

 


 

SECOND YEAR

 

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Units

First Semester

Major Courses

PSB 261                                  Climate Change and Plant Life II                              1

PSB 313                                  Morphology & Phytosystematics of Higher Plants    2

PSB 331                                  General Plant Physiology                                            2

PSB 355                                  General Plant Molecular Biology                                2

PSB 391                                  Research Methods and Plant Breeding                      2

 

Required Ancillary Courses

CHM 211                                General Physical Chemistry I                                     2

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

CED 341                                 Introduction to Entrepreneurship                               2

 

Total                                                                           19

 

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

 

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Unit

Major Courses

PSB 303                                  Ethnomedicinal Plants                                                2

PSB 431                                  Advances in Plant Physiology                                    2

PSB 441                                  Advances in Plant Pathology                                      2

PSB 463                                  Economic and Industrial Botany                                2

PSB 481                                  Seminar                                                                       2

PSB 491                                  Principles of Scientific Writing                                   1

BCH 401                                 Advanced Enzymology                                              2

BCH 411                                 Biosynthesis of Macromolecules                                2

BCH 431                                 Bioinorganic Chemistry                                              2

BCH 481                                 Biochemical Reasoning                                               1

 

Electives (Choose any 2 units)                                                                                  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 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

Total                                                                           20

 

Second Semester

BCH 452                                 Metabolic Regulations                                                2

BCH 462                                 Plant Biochemistry                                                      2

PSB 422                                  Plant Anatomy                                                            2

PSB 462                                  Plant Ecology                                                              2

PSB 466                                  Phyto-industrial Relations                                          1

PSB 464                                  Phytoremediation & Erosion Management                 2

PSB 474                                  Phytobiotechnology Ethics                                         1

PSB 492                                  Project                                                                         6

BIO 362                                  Basic Principles of Ecology                                        2

Total                                                                           20

 

 


 

REVISED COMBINED HONOURS PROGRAMME

PLANT SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY/CHEMISTRY

THREE-YEAR STANDARD PROGRAMME

FIRST YEAR

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Unit

Major Courses

PSB 221                                  General Plant Anatomy                                              2

PSB 241                                  General Mycology                                                      2

PSB 301                                  Phytotechniques                                                          1

BIO 351                                  General genetics                                                          2

CHM 201                                General Inorganic Chemistry                                      2

CHM 211                                General Physical Chemistry I                                     3

CHM 221                                General Organic Chemistry                                        2

 

Required Ancillary Courses

COS 101                                 Introduction to Computer Science                             2

GSP 111                                  Use of Library and Study Skills                                 2

GSP 201                                  Basic Concepts and Theory of Peace                         2

GSP 207                                  Logic, Philosophy and Human Existence                   2

_________

Total                                                                          22

 

Second Semester       

Major Courses

BIO 352                                  Cytogenetics                                                               3

PSB 246                                  General Plant Pathology                                             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                                  Nigerian Peoples and Culture                                     2

GSP 202                                  Issues in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies        2

_________                                                 Total                                                                           20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECOND YEAR

 

First Semester

Course No.                 Title                                                                                 Units

Major Courses

PSB 211                      Phycology and Bryology                                                        2

PSB 213                      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 261                      Climate Change and Plant Life II                                          1

CHM 273                    Practical Organic Chemistry I                                                 2

CHM 301                    Inorganic Chemistry I                                                             2

CHM 321                    Organic Chemistry I                                                               2

PSB 391                      Research Methods and Plant Breeding                                  2

 

Required Ancillary Courses

BIO 361                      Basic Principles of Ecology                                                    2

CED 341                     Introduction to Entrepreneurship                                           2

 

Electives                                                                                                                     1

Total                                                                                       21

 

Electives

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 303                      Ethnomedicinal Plants                                                            2

PSB 431                      Advances in Plant Biotechnology                                          2

PSB 441                      Advances in Plant Pathology

OR

PSB 355                      General Plant Molecular Biology                                            2

OR

PSB 463                      Economic and Industrial Botany

OR

PSB 471                      Plant Tissue Culture and Micropropagation

PSB 481                      Seminar                                                                                   2

PSB 491                      Principles of Scientific Writing                                               1

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

Electives                                                                                                                     1/ 2

Total                                                                                      20/21

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                      Plant anatomy                                                                         2

PSB 424                      Timber Products Technology                                                  2

OR

PSB 468                      Phytoremediation and Erosion Management                          2

PSB 462                      Plant Ecology                                                                          2

PSB 492                      Project                                                                                     6

Total                                                                                       18

 

REVISED COMBINED HONOURS PROGRAMME

 

PLANT SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY/ZOOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY

 

THREE-YEAR STANDARD PROGRAMME

 

FIRST 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

GSP 111                                  Use of Library and Study Skills                                 2

GSP 201                                  Basic Concepts and Theory of Peace                         2

GSP 207                                  Logic, Philosophy and Human Existence                   2

Total                                                                           21

 

Second Semester

Major Courses

PSB 162                                  Climate Change and Plant Life I                                1

PSB 246                                  General Plant Pathology                                             2

PSB 272                                  Mushroom Biotechnology                                          2

PSB 274                                  Plant Macropropagation                                              1

ZEB 202                                 General Invertebrate Zoology II                                 2

 

Required Ancillary Courses

BCH 202                                 General Biochemistry II                                             3

BIO 352                                  Cytogenetics                                                               2

CED 342                                 Business Development & Management                      2

COS 304                                 Computer Applications                                               2

GSP 208                                  Nigerian Peoples and Culture                                     2

GSP202                                   Issues in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies        2

Total                                                                           21

 


 

SECOND YEAR

 

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Units  

First Semester

Major Courses

PSB261                                   Climate Change and Plant Life II                              1

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                                  Principle 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

CED 341                                 Introduction to Entrepreneurship                               2

 

Elective (Choose any 1 or 2 units)                                                                            1/ 2

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

Total                                                                         19/ 20

 

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

 

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Units  

Major Courses

PSB 431                                  Advances in Plant Physiology                                    2

PSB 441                                  Advances in Plant Pathology                                      2

PSB 453                                  Genetics and Plant Breeding

OR (Choose any one)                                                                                                 2

PSB 455                                  Advances in Plant Molecular Biology

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 (Choose 1 or 2 Credits)                                                                               1/2

Total                                                                       20/21

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

Major Courses

PSB 422                                  Plant Anatomy                                                            2

PSB424                                   Plant Product Technology                                          2

PSB 462                                  Plant Ecology                                                              2

PSB 464                                  Phytoremediation and Erosion Management              2

PSB 492                                  Project                                                                         6

ZEB 402                                 Ethology                                                                     2

ZEB 404                                 Small Animal Production                                            2

Required Ancillary Course

BIO 362                                  Basic Principles of Ecology                                        2

Total                                                                           20

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

PSB 211          PHYCOLOGY AND BRYOLOGY                                               2units

Structure, reproduction, adaptation, life cycle and economic importance etc., of the algae and General characteristics of Algae; Classification of Algae; General characteristics, Structure and reproduction of representative forms; and Economic importance of the following algal phyla: Cyanobacteria, Glaucophyta, Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta, Euglenophyta DinophytaApicomplexaCryptophytaHeterokontophyta, (Xanthophyceae, Chrysophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Phaeophyceae and Prymnesiophyta; Similarities and differences between algae and bryophytes. General characteristics of Bryophytes; Classification of Bryophytes; General characteristics; Structure and reproduction of representative forms; and Economic importance of the following bryophyte groups Hepaticopsida, Anthocerotopsida and Bryopsida.

 

PSB 213          MORPHOLOGY AND PHYTOSYSTEMATICS OF LOWER

PLANTS                                                                                            2units

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                                                  2units

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. Secondary growth. Xylem and bark in relation to cambial activity. Gymnosperm and Angiosperm wood. Plant micro-techniques.

 

PSB 241          GENERAL MYCOLOGY                                                              2units

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                                             2units

Definition of concepts; classification and symptoms of plant diseases; Koch`s postulates. Disease triangle/pyramid. Morphology, taxonomy, reproduction, ecology, spread/epidemiology, identification, detection, isolation, composition and structure, transmission, nomenclature, symptoms and control /management of plant pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses, nematodes and plants.

 

PSB 261          CLIMATE CHANGE AND PLANT LIFE II                              1 unit

Causes of climate change, natural and anthropogenic; pollution- air, water and land, (causes, impact and mitigation); global warming: definition, greenhouse 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                                                     2units

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   1units

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                                                                   1units

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, Colorimetry, Chromatography, Chlorometry, Amino acid analysis, etc.

 

PSB 303          ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS                                                    2units

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                                                                                2units

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                                                                                      2units

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                                2units

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                        2units

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                                2units

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

CLIMATECHANGE                                                                       1 unit

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 unit

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 Janeiro, Johannesburg Summit, Copenhagen Climate Change Summit etc.

 

PSB 371          PRINCIPLES OF PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY                                    2units

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), Agrobacteriumtumifaciens in gene transfer, gene gun etc. Genetic engineering of plants and creation of transgenic plants.

 

PSB 391          RESEARCH METHODS AND PLANT BREEDING                2units

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                                                                                 6units

Industrial attachment in an approved Plant Science and Biotechnology based

industry/organization for 6 months.

 

PSB 394          SIWES REPORT                                                                             6units

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

 

PSB 396          SIWES SEMINAR                                                                           3units

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

data and experience, from the 6 months exercise.

PSB 411          DENDROLOGY                                                                              2units

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                            2units

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                                            2units

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 Palaeoecology; geology, melissopalynology, oil and petrochemical industries etc.

 

PSB 417          FRESHWATER PHYCOLOGY                                                    2units

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          PLANT ANATOMY                                                                                          2 units

Anomalous secondary growth.  Reaction wood. 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 424          TIMBER PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY                                      2units

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 ultrastructure.

 

PSB 431          ADVANCES IN PLANT PHYSIOLOGY                                    2units

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                2units

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                                     2units

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                                                               2units

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                               2units

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                                                                                    2units

Detailed study of the cell and its organelles at the ultrastructural  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 units

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                2units

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 unit

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                                 2units

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                                                                        2units

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 factor. Primary Productivity etc.

 

PSB 463          ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL BOTANY                              2units

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 units

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 unit

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                                           1unit

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                                                                   1unit

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                     1unit

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  2units

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                                                                                    1unit

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                             1unit

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                                                                               2units

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                  2units

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 environmentissues/guidelines.Intellectual property rights and patents.Engineering stress, herbicide, drought, disease, pesticide, tolerance etc. in plants.

 

PSB 481          SEMINAR                                                                             2units

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 unit

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                                                                                         6units

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.

 

REVISED THREE – YEAR STANDARD DEGREE PROGRAMME

FIRST YEAR

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Unit

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

COS 101                                 Introduction to Computer Science                             2

GSP 111                                  Use of Library and Study Skills                                 2

GSP 201                                  Basic Concepts and Theory of Peace                         2

GSP 207                                  Logic, Philosophy and Human Existence                   2

Total                                                                           21

 

Second Semester

Major Courses

PSB 246                                  General Plant Pathology                                             2

PSB 272                                  Mushroom Technology                                               2

PSB 274                                  Plant Macro-propagation& Floriculture                      1

PSB 162                                  Climate Change and Plant Life                                  1

Required Ancillary Courses

BCH 202                                 General Biochemistry II                                             3

BIO 352                                  Cytogenetics                                                               3

CHM 232                                Analytical Chemistry                                                  2

CED 342                                 Business Development & Management                      2

COS 304                                 Computer Applications                                               2

GSP 202                                  Issues in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies        2

GSP 208                                  Nigerian Peoples and Culture                                     2

Total                                                                           22


 

SECOND YEAR

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Units

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

PSB 261                                  Climate Change and Plant Life II                                  1

CED 341                                 Introduction to Entrepreneurship                                   2

 

Electives (Choose a minimum of 2 unit)                                                                      2

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

Total                                                                               17

 

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

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Unit

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

PSB 491                                  Principles of Scientific Writing                                   1

 

Electives  (Choose any 3 or 4 units)                                                                                    

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

Total                                                                       19/20

Second Semester

Major Courses

PSB 422                                  Plant Anatomy                                                            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

Required Ancillary Course

BIO 362                                  Basic Principles of Ecology                                        2

 

 

Total                                                                           18

 

 

 

 

REVISED COMBINED HONOURS PROGRAMME

PLANT SCIENCE & BIOTECHNOLOGY/BIOCHEMISTRY (PSB/BCH)

THREE-YEAR STANDARD PROGRAMME

 

FIRST YEAR

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Unit

Major Courses

BCH 201                                 General Biochemistry I                                               3

PSB 211                                  Phycology and Bryology                                            2

PSB 221                                  General Plant Anatomy                                              2

PSB 241                                  General Mycology                                                      2

 

Required Ancillary Courses

BIO351                                   General Genetics                                                         2

CHM 221                                General Organic Chemistry I                                      2

CHM 273                                Practical Organic Chemistry I                                     2

GSP 111                                  Use of Library and Study Skills                                 2

GSP 207                                  Logic, Philosophy and Human Existence                   2

GSP 201                                  Basic Concepts and Theory of Peace                         2

Total                                                                          22

 

Second Semester

Major Courses

PSB 246                                  General Plant Pathology                                             2

PSB 272                                  Mushroom Technology                                               2

BCH 202                                 General Biochemistry II                                             3

BIO 352                                  Cytogenetics                                                               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                                  Nigerian Peoples and Culture                                     2

GSP 202                                  Issues in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies        2

Total                                                                           21

 


 

SECOND YEAR

 

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Units

First Semester

Major Courses

PSB 261                                  Climate Change and Plant Life II                              1

PSB 313                                  Morphology & Phytosystematics of Higher Plants    2

PSB 331                                  General Plant Physiology                                            2

PSB 355                                  General Plant Molecular Biology                                2

PSB 391                                  Research Methods and Plant Breeding                      2

 

Required Ancillary Courses

CHM 211                                General Physical Chemistry I                                     2

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

CED 341                                 Introduction to Entrepreneurship                               2

 

Total                                                                           19

 

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

 

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Unit

Major Courses

PSB 303                                  Ethnomedicinal Plants                                                2

PSB 431                                  Advances in Plant Physiology                                    2

PSB 441                                  Advances in Plant Pathology                                      2

PSB 463                                  Economic and Industrial Botany                                2

PSB 481                                  Seminar                                                                       2

PSB 491                                  Principles of Scientific Writing                                   1

BCH 401                                 Advanced Enzymology                                              2

BCH 411                                 Biosynthesis of Macromolecules                                2

BCH 431                                 Bioinorganic Chemistry                                              2

BCH 481                                 Biochemical Reasoning                                               1

 

Electives (Choose any 2 units)                                                                                  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 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

Total                                                                           20

 

Second Semester

BCH 452                                 Metabolic Regulations                                                2

BCH 462                                 Plant Biochemistry                                                      2

PSB 422                                  Plant Anatomy                                                            2

PSB 462                                  Plant Ecology                                                              2

PSB 466                                  Phyto-industrial Relations                                          1

PSB 464                                  Phytoremediation & Erosion Management                 2

PSB 474                                  Phytobiotechnology Ethics                                         1

PSB 492                                  Project                                                                         6

BIO 362                                  Basic Principles of Ecology                                        2

Total                                                                           20

 

 


 

REVISED COMBINED HONOURS PROGRAMME

PLANT SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY/CHEMISTRY

THREE-YEAR STANDARD PROGRAMME

FIRST YEAR

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Unit

Major Courses

PSB 221                                  General Plant Anatomy                                              2

PSB 241                                  General Mycology                                                      2

PSB 301                                  Phytotechniques                                                          1

BIO 351                                  General genetics                                                          2

CHM 201                                General Inorganic Chemistry                                      2

CHM 211                                General Physical Chemistry I                                     3

CHM 221                                General Organic Chemistry                                        2

 

Required Ancillary Courses

COS 101                                 Introduction to Computer Science                             2

GSP 111                                  Use of Library and Study Skills                                 2

GSP 201                                  Basic Concepts and Theory of Peace                         2

GSP 207                                  Logic, Philosophy and Human Existence                   2

_________

Total                                                                          22

 

Second Semester       

Major Courses

BIO 352                                  Cytogenetics                                                               3

PSB 246                                  General Plant Pathology                                             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                                  Nigerian Peoples and Culture                                     2

GSP 202                                  Issues in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies        2

_________                                                 Total                                                                           20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECOND YEAR

 

First Semester

Course No.                 Title                                                                                 Units

Major Courses

PSB 211                      Phycology and Bryology                                                        2

PSB 213                      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 261                      Climate Change and Plant Life II                                          1

CHM 273                    Practical Organic Chemistry I                                                 2

CHM 301                    Inorganic Chemistry I                                                             2

CHM 321                    Organic Chemistry I                                                               2

PSB 391                      Research Methods and Plant Breeding                                  2

 

Required Ancillary Courses

BIO 361                      Basic Principles of Ecology                                                    2

CED 341                     Introduction to Entrepreneurship                                           2

 

Electives                                                                                                                     1

Total                                                                                       21

 

Electives

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 303                      Ethnomedicinal Plants                                                            2

PSB 431                      Advances in Plant Biotechnology                                          2

PSB 441                      Advances in Plant Pathology

OR

PSB 355                      General Plant Molecular Biology                                            2

OR

PSB 463                      Economic and Industrial Botany

OR

PSB 471                      Plant Tissue Culture and Micropropagation

PSB 481                      Seminar                                                                                   2

PSB 491                      Principles of Scientific Writing                                               1

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

Electives                                                                                                                     1/ 2

Total                                                                                      20/21

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                      Plant anatomy                                                                         2

PSB 424                      Timber Products Technology                                                  2

OR

PSB 468                      Phytoremediation and Erosion Management                          2

PSB 462                      Plant Ecology                                                                          2

PSB 492                      Project                                                                                     6

Total                                                                                       18

 

REVISED COMBINED HONOURS PROGRAMME

 

PLANT SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY/ZOOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY

 

THREE-YEAR STANDARD PROGRAMME

 

FIRST 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

GSP 111                                  Use of Library and Study Skills                                 2

GSP 201                                  Basic Concepts and Theory of Peace                         2

GSP 207                                  Logic, Philosophy and Human Existence                   2

Total                                                                           21

 

Second Semester

Major Courses

PSB 162                                  Climate Change and Plant Life I                                1

PSB 246                                  General Plant Pathology                                             2

PSB 272                                  Mushroom Biotechnology                                          2

PSB 274                                  Plant Macropropagation                                              1

ZEB 202                                 General Invertebrate Zoology II                                 2

 

Required Ancillary Courses

BCH 202                                 General Biochemistry II                                             3

BIO 352                                  Cytogenetics                                                               2

CED 342                                 Business Development & Management                      2

COS 304                                 Computer Applications                                               2

GSP 208                                  Nigerian Peoples and Culture                                     2

GSP202                                   Issues in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies        2

Total                                                                           21

 


 

SECOND YEAR

 

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Units  

First Semester

Major Courses

PSB261                                   Climate Change and Plant Life II                              1

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                                  Principle 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

CED 341                                 Introduction to Entrepreneurship                               2

 

Elective (Choose any 1 or 2 units)                                                                            1/ 2

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

Total                                                                         19/ 20

 

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

 

First Semester

Course No.                             Title                                                                            Units  

Major Courses

PSB 431                                  Advances in Plant Physiology                                    2

PSB 441                                  Advances in Plant Pathology                                      2

PSB 453                                  Genetics and Plant Breeding

OR (Choose any one)                                                                                                 2

PSB 455                                  Advances in Plant Molecular Biology

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 (Choose 1 or 2 Credits)                                                                               1/2

Total                                                                       20/21

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

Major Courses

PSB 422                                  Plant Anatomy                                                            2

PSB424                                   Plant Product Technology                                          2

PSB 462                                  Plant Ecology                                                              2

PSB 464                                  Phytoremediation and Erosion Management              2

PSB 492                                  Project                                                                         6

ZEB 402                                 Ethology                                                                     2

ZEB 404                                 Small Animal Production                                            2

Required Ancillary Course

BIO 362                                  Basic Principles of Ecology                                        2

Total                                                                           20

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

PSB 211          PHYCOLOGY AND BRYOLOGY                                               2units

Structure, reproduction, adaptation, life cycle and economic importance etc., of the algae and General characteristics of Algae; Classification of Algae; General characteristics, Structure and reproduction of representative forms; and Economic importance of the following algal phyla: Cyanobacteria, Glaucophyta, Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta, Euglenophyta DinophytaApicomplexaCryptophytaHeterokontophyta, (Xanthophyceae, Chrysophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Phaeophyceae and Prymnesiophyta; Similarities and differences between algae and bryophytes. General characteristics of Bryophytes; Classification of Bryophytes; General characteristics; Structure and reproduction of representative forms; and Economic importance of the following bryophyte groups Hepaticopsida, Anthocerotopsida and Bryopsida.

 

PSB 213          MORPHOLOGY AND PHYTOSYSTEMATICS OF LOWER

PLANTS                                                                                            2units

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                                                  2units

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. Secondary growth. Xylem and bark in relation to cambial activity. Gymnosperm and Angiosperm wood. Plant micro-techniques.

 

PSB 241          GENERAL MYCOLOGY                                                              2units

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                                             2units

Definition of concepts; classification and symptoms of plant diseases; Koch`s postulates. Disease triangle/pyramid. Morphology, taxonomy, reproduction, ecology, spread/epidemiology, identification, detection, isolation, composition and structure, transmission, nomenclature, symptoms and control /management of plant pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses, nematodes and plants.

 

PSB 261          CLIMATE CHANGE AND PLANT LIFE II                              1 unit

Causes of climate change, natural and anthropogenic; pollution- air, water and land, (causes, impact and mitigation); global warming: definition, greenhouse 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                                                     2units

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   1units

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                                                                   1units

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, Colorimetry, Chromatography, Chlorometry, Amino acid analysis, etc.

 

PSB 303          ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS                                                    2units

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                                                                                2units

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                                                                                      2units

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                                2units

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                        2units

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                                2units

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

CLIMATECHANGE                                                                       1 unit

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 unit

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 Janeiro, Johannesburg Summit, Copenhagen Climate Change Summit etc.

 

PSB 371          PRINCIPLES OF PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY                                    2units

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), Agrobacteriumtumifaciens in gene transfer, gene gun etc. Genetic engineering of plants and creation of transgenic plants.

 

PSB 391          RESEARCH METHODS AND PLANT BREEDING                2units

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                                                                                 6units

Industrial attachment in an approved Plant Science and Biotechnology based

industry/organization for 6 months.

 

PSB 394          SIWES REPORT                                                                             6units

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

 

PSB 396          SIWES SEMINAR                                                                           3units

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

data and experience, from the 6 months exercise.

PSB 411          DENDROLOGY                                                                              2units

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                            2units

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                                            2units

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 Palaeoecology; geology, melissopalynology, oil and petrochemical industries etc.

 

PSB 417          FRESHWATER PHYCOLOGY                                                    2units

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          PLANT ANATOMY                                                                                          2 units

Anomalous secondary growth.  Reaction wood. 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 424          TIMBER PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY                                      2units

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 ultrastructure.

 

PSB 431          ADVANCES IN PLANT PHYSIOLOGY                                    2units

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                2units

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                                     2units

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                                                               2units

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                               2units

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                                                                                    2units

Detailed study of the cell and its organelles at the ultrastructural  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 units

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                2units

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 unit

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                                 2units

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                                                                        2units

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 factor. Primary Productivity etc.

 

PSB 463          ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL BOTANY                              2units

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 units

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 unit

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                                           1unit

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                                                                   1unit

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                     1unit

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  2units

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                                                                                    1unit

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                             1unit

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                                                                               2units

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                  2units

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 environmentissues/guidelines.Intellectual property rights and patents.Engineering stress, herbicide, drought, disease, pesticide, tolerance etc. in plants.

 

PSB 481          SEMINAR                                                                             2units

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 unit

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                                                                                         6units

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.