Revised Four-Year Standard Undergraduate Degree Programme for Combined Honours in Plant Science and Biotechnology/Zoology and Environmental Biology
Brief History of the Department
The Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology (PSB) started as the Department of Botany during the 1962/63 Session at the Dennett building which it shared with Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology. It was among the original Departments in the Faculty of Sciences as at the 1962/63 Session. The first Head of Department of the then Department of Botany was Prof. H. Z. Naqui, a Plant Pathologist. He held office from the 1962/63 – 1964/65 Sessions. In 1973/74 the Department of Botany was placed under the Faculty of Biological Sciences which came into existence when the Faculty of Science was split into the Faculty of Physical and Biological Sciences.
In 1976/77 Session, the Department came under the re-designated Faculty of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences. By 1980/81 Session the Department returned to the Faculty of Biological Sciences when the former twin Faculty of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences was split into the Faculty of Biological Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences. It has since then remained in the Faculty of Biological Sciences but was renamed in 2013 to the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology.
Philosophy
The programme is designed to produce skilled and knowledgeable graduates in all aspects of Plant Science and Biotechnology. The graduates are expected, to become conscious of their environment and appreciate the delicate balance between plant life and the existence of the earth.
Objectives
The objectives of the programme are to:
- Equip the graduates of the new Department with sound theoretical and practical knowledge in Plant Biotechnology so that they can compete effectively both locally and internationally.
- To equip them with research skill in Plant Science and Biotech knowledge and skill in entrepreneurship mushroom technology, herbal plants.
- Produce graduates with adequate and appropriate skill that can enable them proceed for further studies in specialized areas of Plant Science and Biotechnology.
Scope
The programmes are designed to give an understanding of the basic principles of biological sciences and give depth in various aspects of Plant Science and Biotechnology including Pulp and Paper Technology, Timber Products Technology, Plant Biotechnology, Algal Biotechnology Herbarium and Phytosystematics, Plant Tissue Culture and Micropropagation, Phytoremediation and Erosion Management, Phyto-Environmental Impact Assessment, Plant Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Phytobioinformatics, Ethnomedicinal Plants, Cytology, Genetics and Plant Breeding, Mycology, Plant Pathology, Plant Physiology, Plant Ecology, Aquatic Ecology/Limnology, Plant Embryology and Morphogenesis, Palynology, Plant Virology and Diagnostics, Mushroom technology.
Job opportunities
- Students graduating from the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology with emphasis in Combined Plant Science and Biotechnology/Zoology and Environmental Biology may choose careers in research and/or pedagogy in Colleges, Universities and Research Institutions, Government, Agriculture, Forestry, Criminal Investigation Institutions, Biotechnology Research Centres, Conservation and Wild-life Management; Wood Technology and Industries, such as Sugar, Rubber, Paper Pulp, Fertilizer and Oil (Vegetable and Mineral), Petroleum Refinery; Mushroom Production; Floriculture, hedging and landscaping using indigenous and exotic hedge plants; Establishment of orchards and plantations for food and raw material production; macro-propagation of many economic tree crops; off season vegetable and fruit production and preservation; production of seedless fruits; establishment of germplasm companies; beekeeping for honey and synergy in crop productivity.
- Areas of self-employment include formulation and marketing of Herbal soaps, identification, naming, preservation and use of medicinal plants for health care delivery through refining of unacceptable crude practices by indigenous people; organic horticulture through composting; production of phytoplankton for biofuels and feeding of animals especially fishes; recycling of waste products; construction of bioreactors for energy production for households; production of fruit juices from assorted fruits and their combinations.
UME Entry Requirement
For the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) Honours degree in Plant Science and Biotechnology, the courses offered extend over a period of 4 years for students who gain admission through UTME. In addition to the University minimum entry requirements, candidates are expected to obtain credit passes in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and English Language in the West African School Certificate Examination or G.C.E. ‘O’ level or N.E.C.O or any other equivalent qualification, at not more than two sittings.
Stress Areas
General Plant Science and Biotechnology 0
Plant Morphology and Taxonomy/Biosystematics 1
Plant Anatomy 2
Plant Physiology 3
Mycology 4
Plant Genetics and Molecular Biology 5
Plant Ecology & Economic Botany 6
Plant Biotechnology 7
Seminar 8
Project 9
REVISED COMBINED HONOURS PROGRAMME
DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
PLANT SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY/ZOOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY
FOUR-YEAR STANDARD PROGRAMME
FIRST YEAR
First Semester
Course No. Title Units
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 Biotechnology 2
ZEB 172 Introductory Environmental Biology 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
PSB 162 Climate Change and Plant Life I 1
Total 18
SECOND 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
PSB 261 Climate Change and Plant Life II 1
ZEB 201 General Invertebrate Zoology I 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
Total 22
Second Semester
Major Courses
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
BIO 362 Basic Principles of Ecology 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 22
THIRD YEAR
Course No. Title Units
First Semester
Major Courses
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
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 18/19
Second Semester
PSB 392 Students Industrial Work Experience (SIWES)
Field work 6
PSB 394 SIWES Report 6
PSB 396 SIWES Seminar 3
Total 15
FOURTH 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 any 1 or 2 units) 1/2
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
Total 20/21
Second Semester
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
Total 18
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 (lab ware/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, Euglenophyta, Dinophyta Apicomplexa Cryptophyta Heterokontophyta, (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 2 units
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 unit
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 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, 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 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
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 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 Janeiro, 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 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 6 units
Industrial attachment in an approved Plant Science and Biotechnology based
industry/organization for 6 months.
PSB 394 SIWES REPORT 6 units
Detailed written report on activities carried out during the industrial work experience.
PSB 396 SIWES SEMINAR 3 units
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.Forest Ecology.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 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 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 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 2 units
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 2 units
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 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 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 – 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 somaclonalvariation 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 units
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 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 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 2 units
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 2 units
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 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 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 1unit
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 HIGHER PLANTS
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 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 2 units
Major features of Nigerian vegetationtypes; 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 1unit
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 1unit
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 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 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 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 Palaeocology; 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 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 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.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 2 units
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 2units
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 2units
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 – 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 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 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 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 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 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 environment.Biosafety issues/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 1unit
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.