History | Admission | Staff | Facilities | Courses | Research | Committees

HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY

Biochemistry started in the 1996/97 session as a programme in the department of Biological Sciences. However the Department of Biochemistry was created with effect from October, 1998. Then there were only four academic staff - an associate Professor, one lecturer I, one lecturer II and an assistant lecturer. The Biochemistry programme started with only six students.

At present there are a total of nine academic staff - a Professor, a Senior Lecturer, two Lecturer I, two Lecturer II, one Assistant Lecturer and two Graduate Assistants. We also have laboratory and office support staff. The office space has improved slightly but staff still share offices and laboratory space is far from adequate but supplemented with facilities from both Biological Sciences and Microbiology Departments and the Biotechnology Centre. Student enrolment has grown to about 100. In addition there are 1 M. Tech. and 1 Ph.D. programme in the Department. During the current session we hope to graduate our first sets of undergraduate and post graduate students.

Biochemistry is the science central to the living process. This expending field of study embraces both the Biological Sciences and Chemistry and emphasizes the chemical basis of the composition and interaction in any living system. Biochemistry becomes a ready tool in studying and understanding problems in medicine, pharmacy, agriculture or even some industries.

The main objective of introducing the B. Tech. Biochemistry Programme in the Federal University of Technology, Yola is to produce highly qualified graduates in this field who possess knowledge, skills and techniques in the various field of biochemistry. Such graduates would be required in the development drive in the Country. Graduates would be found suitable for employment in almost all sectors of the economy such as food and dairy industries, research institutes, hospitals, pest and disease control programmes, water or waste treatment plants, breweries and related beverage producing industries among others.

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Candidates for admission into the B. Tech. Biochemistry Programmes must, in addition to fulfilling the basic general requirements of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, also fulfil the following requirements:

i. Pass at Credit level in at least five subjects which should include Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics at Senior Secondary School Examination or its equivalent. These candidates are admitted at 100 level for a five years programme.

ii Candidate for direct entry at 200 level for a four years programme must in addition to satisfying condition I above also obtain at least two advanced level passes or equivalent in Biology and Chemistry

DEGREE AWARDED:
Bachelor of Technology (Biochemistry)

Course Requirements
As the University runs a two semester system, courses are arranged either as first or second semester courses. Students are required to take and pass any prerequisite course before being permitted to take the higher course. Concurrent registration of a prerequisite course and higher course is not permitted. The courses are classified as either core or elective courses. All students must take and pass the core courses before being considered for the award of B. Tech. Biochemistry Degree. The elective units required for the award of a degree in the programme are indicated.

Students are only allowed to add or drop any course during a specified period. Students wishing to change course of study such as change from B. Tech. Zoology to B. Tech. Biochemistry must get clearance from the Head of Departments concerned, the Dean of the School and finally appropriate University authority.

Requirements for Graduation
i. Candidates for a five years B. Tech Biochemistry Programme should obtain a minimum of 160 credit units stipulated in the course structure and must pass all core courses, satisfy the Industrial Work Experience Programme, Laboratory Practical attendance of at least 75% in each course and any requirements that the department or school may impose.

ii. Candidates from direct entry at 200 level are required to have a minimum of 128 credit unit in addition to satisfying the requirements stipulated in I above. Any deficiency in courses at 100 level must be cleared.

Examination
Each course is examined at the end of the semester the course is offered. In addition, at least two continuous assessment tests are given during the semester the course is offered. The end of semester examination will constitute 70% of the overall grade while the continuous assessment tests and practical assessments etc will make up 30%.

DURATION OF THE STUDY
The duration of study is five years for UME and four years for Direct Entry.

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STAFF

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Teaching and Research Facilities Available in the Department

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COURSE OUTLINE

100 LEVEL: FIRST SEMESTER

100 LEVEL: SECOND SEMESTER

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200 LEVEL: FIRST SEMESTER

ELECTIVES

200 LEVEL: SECOND SEMESTER

ELECTIVES

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300 LEVEL: FIRST SEMESTER

ELECTIVES

300 LEVEL: SECOND SEMESTER

ELECTIVES

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400 LEVEL: FIRST SEMESTER