• Kalambaina Industrial Layout Wammako LGA Sokoto State, Nigeria
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B.Sc. Chemistry

HomeUndergraduateB.Sc. Chemistry

About The Program

The B.Sc. Chemistry programme at Northwest University, Sokoto, established in 2022/2023 academic session, is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the core areas of chemistry—Organic, Inorganic, Physical, and Analytical Chemistry. As one of the pioneering programmes in the Faculty of Computing and Science, it plays a vital role in advancing scientific knowledge and addressing national development needs.

Fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), the programme offers a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory experience. Students are trained to develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and research skills necessary for tackling real-world challenges in areas such as health, industry, agriculture, and the environment.

The philosophy of the Department of Chemistry is rooted in the belief that chemistry is the central science essential for national development and technological advancement. The department is committed to the pursuit of knowledge through the rigorous study of the composition, structure, and properties of matter. It operates on the principle that a deep understanding of chemical processes is fundamental to solving societal challenges in health, agriculture, industry, and the environment. The program emphasizes a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical experimentation, fostering a culture of inquiry, critical thinking, and integrity.

To be a leading centre of excellence in Chemistry education and research, recognized for producing innovative graduates and providing sustainable solutions to environmental, industrial, and health-related challenges in Nigeria and beyond.

To deliver high-quality chemistry education through a rigorous and practical curriculum that develops skilled, ethical, and research-oriented graduates; promote innovation and scientific inquiry; and apply both modern techniques and indigenous knowledge to address societal and industrial needs.

The primary aim of the Department of Chemistry is to produce highly competent, versatile, and analytical chemistry graduates who are equipped with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for employment in industry, research institutions, and academia, as well as for pursuing postgraduate studies. The department aims to serve as a hub for scientific inquiry that addresses the specific chemical and industrial needs of Nigeria.

The objectives of the undergraduate program in Chemistry are to:

  1. Provide a Strong Foundational Knowledge:To equip students with a broad and balanced understanding of the core areas of chemistry, Organic, Inorganic, Physical, Analytical, and Industrial Chemistry, as a basis for further specialization.
  2. Develop Practical Skills:To train students in standard and modern laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and the use of scientific instrumentation, enabling them to conduct experiments accurately and interpret data effectively.
  3. Enhance Problem-Solving Abilities:To foster critical and analytical thinking skills, enabling graduates to identify, analyze, and proffer solutions to chemical problems in industry, research, and the community.
  4. Promote Research and Innovation:To expose students to research methodology and encourage innovative thinking, preparing them for postgraduate studies and careers in research and development.
  5. Cultivate Environmental and Ethical Awareness:To instill an understanding of the impact of chemical enterprises on the environment and society, and to inculcate a high standard of professional ethics and safety consciousness.
  6. Utilize Indigenous Resources:To encourage the exploration and utilization of locally available raw materials for industrial and economic development, particularly within the context of the Nigerian economy.
  7. Prepare for Employability:To produce graduates who are adaptable and possess the requisite skills for gainful employment in sectors such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, education, and consumer goods manufacturing.

 

4-year degree programme

The entry requirements shall be at least credit-level passes in five subjects, including English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and any other relevant science subject, at the Senior Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent. In addition, an acceptable pass in the UTME examination with the appropriate combination of subjects is required.

Direct entry mode

Candidates with five SSCE (or equivalent) credit passes with at least two passes in relevant subjects at the GCE Advanced Level, IJMB, or JUPEB may be considered for admission into the 200 Level.

Graduation Requirements

For a student to be deemed fit to graduate, he/she must have passed a minimum of 120 Units for UTME entrants and 90 Units for Direct Entry students, including all Compulsory courses as well as a CGPA of not less than 1.00.

Graduates of the B.Sc. Chemistry programme are expected to:

  1. Demonstrate a strong understanding of core areas of Chemistry—Organic, Inorganic, Physical, and Analytical Chemistry.
  2. Apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills to solve real-world scientific and industrial problems.
  3. Conduct laboratory experiments safely and competently, and analyze and interpret scientific data effectively.
  4. Exhibit critical thinking, research capability, and effective communication skills.
  5. Uphold professional ethics, environmental awareness, and adaptability for careers or further studies.
  1. NUC-Accredited Curriculum: A fully accredited programme aligned with national standards and global best practices.
  2. Strong Practical Training: Emphasis on hands-on laboratory work, modern instrumentation, and safety practices.
  3. Industry-Relevant Exposure: Inclusion of industrial attachment and applied courses such as Petroleum and Environmental Chemistry.
  4. Research-Oriented Learning: Early exposure to research methods, seminars, and a final-year research project.
  5. Focus on Local Relevance: Encourages the use of indigenous resources to address environmental, industrial, and societal challenges in Nigeria.

Expected duration for Direct Entry (DE) candidates with two A level passes (graded A-E) at the Advanced Level or its equivalent, in relevant subjects (Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics) may undertake the three-year degree programme beginning from 200- level.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 120 units for graduation, 60 of which must come from the relevant option areas in Chemistry.

  1. B.Sc. The biology programme prepares graduates for entrepreneurship in agroactivities, animal production systems, science school proprietorship, establishing and running analytical science laboratories, development and marketing of bio-products, bio-consultancy, establishing and running environmental NGOs, farming (fish, poultry, horticulture, heliciculture, etc.).
  2. B.Sc. Biology programme also provides employment opportunities in:
    • -Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) at national and international levels, such as Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and World Wildlife Fund (WWF), etc.
    • -Intergovernmental organisations such as UNICEF, UNIDO, WHO, UNDP

Program Courses

100 Level

Course Code Title Unit
GST 111Communication in English2 Credits
GST 112Nigerian Peoples and Culture2 Credits
COS 101Introduction to Computing Sciences3 Credits
MTH 101Elementary Mathematics I2 Credits
MTH 102Elementary Mathematics II2 Credits
BIO 101General Biology I2 Credits
BIO 102General Biology II2 Credits
BIO 107General Biology Practical I1 Credit
BIO 108General Biology Practical II1 Credit
CHM 101General Chemistry I2 Credits
CHM 102General Chemistry II2 Credits
CHM 107General Chemistry Practical I1 Credit
CHM 108General Chemistry Practical II1 Credit
PHY 101General Physics I2 Credits
PHY 102General Physics II2 Credits
PHY 107General Physics Practical I1 Credit
PHY 108General Physics Practical II1 Credit
STA 111Descriptive Statistics3 Credits

Course Code Title Unit
GST 212Philosophy, Logic and Human Existence2 Credits
ENT 211Entrepreneurship and Innovation2 Credits
CHM 210Physical Chemistry I2 Credits
CHM 211Organic Chemistry I3 Credits
CHM 212Inorganic Chemistry I2 Credits
CHM 213Analytical Chemistry I2 Credits
CHM 214Structure and Bonding2 Credits
CHM 207General Chemistry Practical III1 Credit
CHM 208General Chemistry Practical IV1 Credit
STA 202Statistics for Physical Sciences & Engineering2 Credits
PHY 202Electric Circuits and Electronics2 Credits
PHY 205Thermal Physics2 Credits
PHY 206General Physics VII (Energy and Environment)2 Credits
MTH 201Mathematical Methods2 Credits
MTH 203Sets, Logics and Algebra2 Credits

Course Code Title Unit
GST 312Peace and Conflict Resolution2 Credits
ENT 312Venture Creation2 Credits
CHM 301Physical Chemistry II3 Credits
CHM 302Inorganic Chemistry II2 Credits
CHM 303Organic Chemistry II2 Credits
CHM 304Atomic & Molecular Structure & Symmetry2 Credits
CHM 305Petroleum Chemistry2 Credits
CHM 312Analytical Atomic Spectroscopy2 Credits
CHM 314Entrepreneurship Skill in Chemistry2 Credits
CHM 316Applied Spectroscopy2 Credits
CHM 319Environmental Chemistry2 Credits
CHM 399Industrial Attachment II (12 Weeks)3 Credits
PCM 305Petroleum Refining2 Credits
PCM 306Instrumental Methods of Analysis2 Credits
ICH 306Polymer Chemistry2 Credits

Course Code Title Unit
CHM 400Seminar1 Credit
CHM 402Research Project6 Credits
CHM 406Reaction Kinetics2 Credits
CHM 407Electrochemistry2 Credits
CHM 408Statistical Thermodynamics2 Credits
CHM 410Analytical Chemistry II2 Credits
CHM 423Organometallic Chemistry2 Credits
CHM 424Co-ordination Chemistry2 Credits
CHM 414Natural Product Chemistry2 Credits
CHM 415Coal Processing2 Credits
CHM 419Organic Synthesis2 Credits
CHM 421Heterocyclic Chemistry2 Credits
CHM 418Photochemistry and Pericyclic Reactions2 Credits
PCM 404Petrochemicals I2 Credits
PCM 405Petrochemicals II2 Credits