About The Program
The B.Sc. (Hons.) Biology programme was introduced in the 2022/2023 academic session under Biological Science Department. The programme provides basic training to the award of B.Sc. Honours in Biology and caters for the needs of MBBS, and BMLS students. Areas such as Ecology, Behaviour, morphology. taxonomy, physiology, and Genetics are explored with a view to train adequate manpower to cater for current needs of the community Science Education, Environmental protection, Medical and paramedical sector and food production.
To produce graduates who will apply scientific knowledge and skills that are of biological value in solving problems and developmental needs of mankind and the environment.
To be a premier academic center for biological sciences in Nigeria, recognized for excellence in education, innovative research, and community engagement, producing graduates who lead in advancing knowledge, promoting health, and fostering sustainable environmental and agricultural solutions for Northwest Nigeria and beyond.
- Deliver Comprehensive Education
- Advance Knowledge through Research
- Promote Scientific Application
- Cultivate Collaboration and Engagement
- Instill Ethical and Professional Values
To encourage student on the use scientific processes to think critically and how to go about conducting research, reporting accordingly, and how their findings can be applied to satisfy the varied needs of the biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem.
Provide students with a solid foundation in biological knowledge and practical laboratory skills.
Develop the ability to apply biological principles to solve theoretical and real-world problems.
Equip students with transferable skills for employment and lifelong learning across disciplines.
Prepare graduates for advanced studies and multidisciplinary careers involving biological sciences.
Promote appreciation of biology’s role in environmental, industrial, technological, and socio-economic development.
Employment Skills
- 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.).
- 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,
- -Research institutions such as International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), National Horticultural Research Institute (NHORT), National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), etc.The private sector as a science journalist, researcher, analyst, publisher, environmentalist, commercial farming, etc., and
- -Government organizations as science teachers, researchers, political advisers on science education, analysts, environmentalists, technocrats in the ministry, conservationists with the National Parks Service or State Game Reserves, medical, paramilitary, and military establishment and many more.
4-year degree programme
The entry requirements shall be, at least, credit in five subjects including English language and Mathematics as the core subjects, with credits in three other relevant science subjects, preferably Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Agricultural science and Chemistry at the Senior Secondary Certificate (SSC) or its equivalent may be considered with, at least, a credit in Physics. In addition, an acceptable pass in the University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) into 100-level is required.
Direct entry mode
Five SSC (or equivalent) credit passes in relevant subjects, two of which are at the Advanced Level.
Graduates of the Biology programme are expected to:
demonstrate sound knowledge of core biological concepts and laboratory techniques;
apply biological principles and scientific methods to analyze and solve biological problems;
conduct basic research, interpret data, and present scientific findings effectively;
exhibit critical thinking, teamwork, ethical conduct, and effective communication skills; and
adapt to new scientific developments and pursue further studies or careers in biology-related fields.
Integration of theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world applications to enhance professional competence.
Strong focus on industry-relevant skills, ethical standards, and professional responsibility.
Use of modern tools, technologies, and internationally recognized standards to ensure global relevance.
Opportunities for research, internships, workshops, and industry engagement to support career development.
Emphasis on teamwork, communication, and collaborative learning for effective professional practice.
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 (Biology, Botany, Zoology, 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 Biology.
Program Courses
100 Level
| Course Code | Title | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| GST 111 | Communication in English | 2 Credits |
GST 112 | Nigerian Peoples and Culture | 2 Credits |
MTH 101 | Elementary Mathematics I | 2 Credits |
MTH 102 | Elementary Mathematics II | 2 Credits |
COS 101 | Introduction to Computing Sciences | 3 Credits |
BIO 101 | General Biology I | 2 Credits |
BIO 102 | General Biology II | 2 Credits |
BIO 107 | General Biology Practical I | 1 Credits |
BIO 108 | General Biology Practical II | 1 Credit |
CHM 101 | General Chemistry I | 2 Credits |
CHM 102 | General Chemistry II | 2 Credits |
PHY 101 | General Physics I | 2 |
PHY 102 | General Physics II | 2 Credits |
STA 111 | Descriptive Statistics | 3 Credits |
ZOO 117 | Introduction to Vertebrate Zoology | 2 Credits |
NWUS-BIO 105 | Parasites and Parasitism | 2 Credits |
NWUS-BIO 106 | Biological Illustrations | 2 Credits |
NWUS-MCB 101 | Introductory Microbiology | 2 Credits |
200 Level
| Course Code | Title | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 205 | Introductory | 2 Credits |
BIO 202 | Introductory Ecology | 2 Credits |
BIO 204 | Biological Techniques | 2 Credits |
BIO 206 | Hydrobiology | 2 Credits |
BIO 208 | Biostatistics | 2 Credits |
CHM 211 | Organic Chemistry | 2 Credits |
ZOO 211 | Invertebrate Zoology I | 2 Credits |
ZOO 212 | Invertebrate Zoology II | 2 Credits |
NWUS-BOT 202 | Seedless Plants | 2 Credit |
NWUS -BIO 207 | River Ecology | 2 Credits |
NWUS -BIO 209 | Sociobiology | 2 Credits |
NWUS -BIO 210 | Storage Techniques | 2 Credits |
NWUS -BIO 211 | Introductory Biotechnology | 2 Credits |
NWUS -BIO 212 | Academic Tutorials | 2 Credits |
300 Level
| Course Code | Title | Unit |
|---|---|---|
GST 312 | Peace and Conflict Resolutio | 2 Credits |
ENT 312 | Venture Creation | 2 Credits |
BIO 300 | Industrial Attachment (SIWES) | 3 Credits |
BIO 301 | Genetics II | 2 Credits |
BIO 302 | Population Biology and Evolution | 2 Credits |
BIO 303 | Biogeography and Soil Biology | 2 Credits |
BIO 304 | Nigerian Flora and Fauna | 2 Credits |
BIO 306 | Systematic Biology | 2 Credits |
BIO 307 | Field Course I | 1 Credit |
ZOO 311 | Comparative Animal Physiology | 2 Credits |
ZOO 312 | The Biology Tropical Parasite | 2 Credits |
ZOO 313 | Arthropod Diversity | 3 Credits |
NWUS-BIO 309 | Introductory Nematology | 3 Credits |
NWUS-BIO 308 | General Physiology | 3 Credits |
NWUS-BIO 310 | General Cytology | 3 Credits |
400 level
| Course Code | Title | Unit |
|---|---|---|
BIO 400 | Project | 6 Credits |
BIO 402 | Principles of Plant and Animal Breeding | 2 Credits |
BIO 403 | Wildlife Conservation and Management | 2 Credits |
BIO 404 | Nigerian Plants and Animals in Prophylactics & Therapeutics | 2 Credits |
BIO 406 | Principles of Pest Management | 2 Credits |
BIO 407 | Field Course II | 1 Credit |
BIO 408 | Applied Biotechnology | 2 Credits |
BIO 410 | Bio-Entrepreneurship Options | 2 Credits |
BIO 413 | Bioinformatics | 2 Credits |
BIO 414 | Molecular Biology | 2 Credits |
NWUS-BIO 401 | Forensic Biology | 3 Credits |
NUWS-BIO 405 | Leather & Gum Processing | 3 Credits |
NUWS-BIO 409 | Quality Control, Biosafety & Ethics | 3 Credits |
NUWS-BIO 490 | Seminar | 1 Credits |