PHILOSOPHY

Biochemistry or chemistry of life, is a life science that is anchored on the fact that living organisms (i.e., plants, animals, microbes) are chemical entities – constructed of chemical building blocks and powered and maintained by chemical substances (chemical fuels/nutrients) through chemical reactions and processes with intrinsic capability to manufacture needed chemical substances (building blocks, accessory chemicals).  It is a science that seeks to understand the living organism and its behaviour and activities, in health and sickness, from the knowledge of its body chemistry and chemical properties.  By virtue of the fact that the living organism is indeed a chemical entity, biochemistry is an inter disciplinary science, being a basic science to all the life science disciplines – medicine (human and veterinary), pharmacy, agriculture and agricultural sciences, food science and technology, etc., and their allied engineering disciplines - and applied science to applied life science disciplines such as industrial biology (extractive, manufacturing) and analytical biological sciences (e.g. medical laboratory science, forensic science).  In the past 50 years or so, the frontiers of knowledge in the discipline of biochemistry has advanced so tremendously as to give rise to several new sub-disciplines, notably, cell biology, molecular biology and biotechnology/genetic engineering, some of which have become independent disciplines of their own (e.g. Cell Biology).  It is in acknowledgement of this transition that the discipline is today denoted as Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.  Incidentally, molecular biology (the biology of genetic information-bearing macromolecules, nucleic acids), is the hub of contemporary advances in knowledge and applications of biochemical science:  It supplies the information that feeds an emergent global economy that is based on biotechnology, hence, its inclusion in the present revised curriculum.

The biochemistry degree curriculum, by its philosophy, is therefore designed to equip the student with factual knowledge of the basic tenets of the life science of biochemistry and the ability to relate the body state, behaviour and activity of a living organism, especially those of medical, agricultural and industrial importance, to its life chemistry.  It is also designed to expose the student to the diversity of applications of the knowledge of biochemistry to his life and the national and global economy with the attendant diverse career opportunities derivable from it, including the emergent opportunities provided by molecular biology and allied industry.

VISION

To attain a height of excellence in Training and Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

1.4 MISSION

To produce graduates that are morally sound, fully equipped with comprehensive theoretical knowledge as well as practical and entrepreneurial skills for meaningful contribution in the development of a robust economy.

1.5 OBJECTIVES

·       To introduce students to the diverse areas of Biochemistry and reinforce the principles of basic sciences in modern day biotechnological practice and research,

·       To provide opportunity for participation in biochemistry research projects.  This may be in the form of research experience and complete research training

·       To promote independent learning skills early in medical and biochemistry training.

·       Provide an early and healthy environment where Faculty role models stimulate students to pursue academic careers in Biochemistry

·       To provide experience where basic science and clinical sciences interrelate

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to the course is either by UTME or direct entry.

1.     Candidates for the B.Sc (Hons) degree programme may be considered for admission by passing the Universities Matriculation Examination (UME) or University of Jos Remedial progtramme after having obtained the Senior Secondary School Certificate with ‘O’ level credits which must include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English and Mathematics.  Selection of candidates is done by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Students with “A” level Certificate are also considered through Direct Entry admission.

2.     Students wishing to study Biochemistry must be required to register for the stipulated compulsory 100 and 200 level courses in chemistry, physics, biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Entrepreneurship and General Studies (GST).  These compulsory courses are prerequisites for registration of other biochemistry courses which commence at 200 and 300 levels respectively.  Owing to the interdisciplinary nature of biochemistry there is little room for electives from 100 to 200 levels.  The fourth year or 400 level courses consists of compulsory courses which include seminar on selected topics and a dissertation based on a research project.  Students are advised to study carefully the prerequisites on each course registered for.

3.     Admission to the Bachelor’s Degree programme may be by direct entry to the three year standard programme upon obtaining ‘O’ level SSCE or GCE with credits in minimum of five subjects including English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics in addition to “A/L” GCE passes in Biology and chemistry. An ‘A’ level pass in Physics or Mathematics will be an advantage. Candidates are selected by JAMB.

4.     Students in the Department of Remedial Studies, University of Jos who pass their end of session examination may be admitted into the B.Sc. (Hons) Biochemistry degree programme.

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