5.3.1 Preamble
The Department of Microbiology was carved out of the Department of Biological Sciences in 2001. Prior to the creation of an autonomous department, Microbiology was studied as an option in Biological Sciences. Today, the Department of Microbiology is one of the eight Departments in the College of Natural Sciences (COLNAS) of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
5.3.2 Philosophy
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, a large and diverse group of organisms that exist as single cells or cell clusters. The science of microbiology includes the study of microbial growth, biochemistry, genetics and ecology and the relationship of microorganisms to other organisms including humans. As a basic biological science, microbiology provides some of the most accessible research tools for probing the nature of life processes. Our sophisticated understanding of the chemical and physical principles governing life has developed from studies of microorganisms. As an applied Biological Science, Microbiology deals with many important practical problems in medicine, agriculture, biodegradation and food industries, and is at the heart of biotechnology industries. With the advent of Molecular Biology and the recent advances in DNA fingerprinting, the study of Microbiology in the 21st century has been completely revolutionalized. Postgraduate programmes in Microbiology are therefore designed toward the study of the scientific basis and applications of microbiological phenomena at advanced level. The philosophy of the programme is therefore, to impart specialized knowledge and skills, training human resources who will develop the society technologically particularly in areas relating to human welfare and progress, thereby contributing to the building of national identity and integrity.
5.3.3 Objectives of the Programme
The objectives of Postgraduate programmes in Microbiology are:
(i) To produce high level man power in Microbiological sciences through the acquisition of requisite skills and knowledge for national development.
(ii) To develop in Microbiology graduates a sense of inquiry, capacity for independent research and motivation to extend the frontiers of microbiology.
(iii) To produce Microbiology graduates who will be adequately equipped for relevance in the global knowledge economy.
(iv) To produce Microbiology graduates who are capable of applying appropriate Microbiological principles for solving problems for the promotion of human well being.
(v) To produce manpower in Microbiological sciences with optimal competencies and skills to function effectively in the academia and the private sector.
5.3.4 Departmental Postgraduate Programme
(A) Master of Science Programme Structure (Full time)
|
Degree in view |
First Session |
Second Session |
||
|
First Semester |
Second Semester |
First Semester |
Second Semester |
|
|
M.Sc. (Full time) |
Registration Courses to be taken Constitution of Supervisory Committee Proposal development |
Courses to be taken Literature review Special Topic Seminar Pre-data Seminar and Endorsement of proposal document Commencement of field/bench work
|
Registration Research contd Appointment of external & internal examiners Post-data Seminar Registration of thesis title |
Submission of thesis draft Review of thesis draft by supervisors Presentation of Final thesis draft Open defense of thesis Submission of corrected thesis Award of degree |
(B) Doctorate Degree Programme Structure(Full time)
|
Degree in view |
First Session |
Second Session |
||
|
First Semester |
Second Semester |
First Semester |
Second Semester |
|
|
PhD (full time) |
Registration Constitution of Supervisory Committee Courses to be taken (where necessary) Literature review Proposal development Pre-data Seminar and Endorsement of proposal document Commencement of field/bench work |
Continuation of field/bench work |
Registration Field/bench work contd Post data Seminar Draft thesis and seminar writing Evaluation of seminar writing by supervisors Registration of thesis title Appointment of external & internal examiners Presentation of Final thesis draft |
Open defense of thesis Correction & Submission of corrected thesis Award of degree |
5.3.5 Departmental Postgraduate Committee
Membership:
Membership of Departmental Postgraduate Committee is academic staff within the following categories
(i) Professors and Readers
(ii) Senior Lecturers with relevant teaching experience and academic distinction
(iii) Other academic staff who meet at least two of the following requirements
(iv) Doctorate degree
(v) Rank of Lecturer II or higher
(vi) Significant publications or experience in the fields of specialization
Functions:
(i) To co-ordinate Postgraduate programmes in the Department
(ii) To collaborate with other disciplinary degree programmes
(iii) To present candidates for admission, award of grants, scholarships and fellowships and the award of higher degrees and graduate diploma to the College Postgraduate Committee.
(iv) To recommend External Examiners to the College Postgraduate Committee based on the advice of the Supervisory Committee.
5.3.6 General Admission Requirements
(A) Master Programme
To be eligible for admission into the Masters Degree programme, the candidate must be a graduate of this University or any other University recognized by Senate and shall normally have obtained a minimum of Second Class (Upper Division) degree in relevant field. In exceptional cases, candidates with Second Class (Lower Division) with minimum CGPA (3.0) may be considered.
(B) Doctorate Programme
To be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree programme, a student must have obtained a Master’s degree from this University or its equivalent from any other University recognized by Senate. For holders of one year degree of Master, the minimum duration on the Ph.D. programme shall be three years.
Admission requirements
Admission is opened to candidates from this University or its equivalent from any other Universities with Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology and related disciplines. All candidates must have five credit passes in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
5.3.7 Duration of Programme
(A) Master’s Programme
The Master’s degree programme may be run on full-time or part-time basis. For full-time registration, the minimum duration shall normally be four semesters and maximum of eight semesters. For part-time registration, the maximum duration shall be eight semesters and maximum of twelve semesters, from the date of registration.
(B) Doctorate Programme
Registration for the Doctor of Philosophy degree programme shall be on full-time or part-time basis. For full-time registration, the minimum duration of the programme shall be six semesters; the minimum duration shall be eight semesters for part-time registration. However, if the Masters degree was obtained from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta or its equivalent elsewhere, minimum duration shall be four and six semesters for full time and part-time respectfully.
5.3.8 Postgraduate Courses
M. Sc. Environmental Microbiology
M. Sc Food and Industrial Microbiology
M. Sc. Medical Microbiology and Public Health
M. Sc. Agricultural Microbiology& Biotechnology
Ph.D. Environmental Microbiology
Ph.D. Food and Industrial Microbiology
Ph.D. Medical Microbiology and Public Health
Ph.D. Agricultural Microbiology& Biotechnology
Core Courses for Different Areas of Specialization
(A) M.Sc. Environmental microbiology
First Year First Semester
|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Abbreviation |
Unit |
|
Compulsory Courses |
|||
|
CSC 801 |
Use of Computer in Research |
USEOCOMP |
2 |
|
BIO 803 |
Biostatistics |
BIOSTATC |
3 |
|
MCB 801 |
Advanced General Microbiology |
ADVNGENM |
3 |
|
Core Courses |
|||
|
MCB 803 |
Advanced Soil Microbiology |
ADVNSOIL |
3 |
|
MCB 809 |
Advanced Bacteriology |
ADVNBACT |
3 |
|
Electives |
|||
|
EMT 803 |
Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing |
ENVRIPAD |
3 |
First Year Second Semester
|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Abbreviation |
Unit |
|
Compulsory Courses |
|||
|
MCB 802 |
Current Topic Seminar |
CURRSEMI |
3 |
|
Core Courses |
|||
|
MCB 804 |
Petroleum Microbiology |
PETMICRO |
3 |
|
MCB 808 |
Advanced Microbial Physiology & Biochemistry |
MICRPHBC |
3 |
|
MCB 812 |
Advanced Aquatic Microbiology |
ADVNMQCU |
3 |
|
MCB 814 |
Advanced Microbial Ecology |
ADVNECOL |
3 |
|
Electives |
|||
|
BIO 802 |
Research Techniques |
ADRESTEQ |
3 |
|
EMT 806 |
Waste Management Control |
WASTEMGT |
3 |
(B) Food and Industrial Microbiology
First Year First Semester
|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Abbreviation |
Unit |
|
Compulsory Courses |
|||
|
CSC 801 |
Use of Computer in Research |
USEOCOMP |
2 |
|
BIO 803 |
Biostatistics |
BIOSTATC |
3 |
|
MCB 801 |
Advanced General Microbiology |
ADVNGENM |
3 |
|
Core Courses |
|||
|
MCB 805 |
Advanced Food Microbiology |
ADVN FOOD |
3 |
|
MCB 807 |
Fermentation Techniques |
FERMTECH |
3 |
|
MCB 809 |
Advanced Bacteriology |
ADVNBACT |
3 |
First Year Second Semester
|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Abbreviation |
Unit |
|
Compulsory Courses |
|||
|
MCB 802 |
Current Topic Seminar |
CURRSEMI |
3 |
|
Core Courses |
|||
|
MCB 806 |
Advanced Industrial Microbiology |
ADVNINDM |
3 |
|
MCB 808 |
Advanced Microbial Physiology & Biochemistry |
MICRPHBC |
3 |
|
Electives |
|||
|
BIO 802 |
Research Techniques |
ADRESTEQ |
3 |
|
MCB 818 |
Brewery Science |
BREWSCIE |
3 |
(C) Medical Microbiology and Public Health
First Year First Semester
|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Abbreviation |
Unit |
|
Compulsory Courses |
|||
|
CSC 801 |
Use of Computer in Research |
USEOCOMP |
2 |
|
BIO 803 |
Biostatistics |
BIOSTATC |
3 |
|
MCB 801 |
Advanced General Microbiology |
ADVNGENM |
3 |
|
Core Courses |
|||
|
MCB 809 |
Advanced Bacteriology |
ADVNBACT |
3 |
|
MCB 811 |
Advanced Mycology |
ADVNMYCC |
3 |
|
MCB 813 |
Advanced Immunology and Immunochemistry |
ADVNIMMIC |
3 |
|
Elective |
|||
|
ZOO 803 |
Principle of Epidemiology |
EPDEMIOL |
3 |
First Year Second Semester
|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Abbreviation |
Unit |
|
Compulsory Courses |
|||
|
MCB 802 |
Current Topic Seminar |
CURRSEMI |
3 |
|
Core Courses |
|||
|
MCB 808 |
Advanced Microbial Physiology & Biochemistry |
MICRPHBC |
3 |
|
MCB 810 |
Advanced Virology |
ADVNVIRO |
3 |
|
Electives |
|||
|
BIO 802 |
Research Techniques |
ADRESTEQ |
3 |
|
ZOO 804 |
Diseases caused by Protozoan |
PROTDISE |
3 |
(D) Agricultural Microbiology and Biotechnology
First Year First Semester
|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Abbreviation |
Unit |
|
Compulsory Courses |
|||
|
CSC 801 |
Use of Computer in Research |
USEOCOMP |
2 |
|
BIO 803 |
Biostatistics |
BIOSTATC |
3 |
|
MCB 801 |
Advanced General Microbiology |
ADVNGENM |
3 |
|
Core Courses |
|||
|
MCB 803 |
Advanced Soil Microbiology |
ADVNSOIL |
3 |
|
MCB 815 |
Epidemiology of Plant Diseases |
EPIPLTDI |
3 |
First Year Second Semester
|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Abbreviation |
Unit |
|
Compulsory Courses |
|||
|
MCB 802 |
Current Topic Seminar |
CURRSEMI |
3 |
|
Core Courses |
|||
|
MCB 804 |
Petroleum Microbiology |
PETMICRO |
3 |
|
MCB 808 |
Advanced Microbial Physiology & Biochemistry |
MICRPHBC |
3 |
|
MCB 814 |
Advanced Microbial Ecology |
ADVNECOL |
3 |
|
Electives |
|||
|
BIO 802 |
Research Techniques |
ADRESTEQ |
3 |
Second Year – FIRST & SECOND SEMESTER
|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Abbreviation |
Unit |
|
Core Courses |
|||
|
MCB 899 |
Project |
PROJECT |
6 |
5.3.9 Course Synopses in Microbiology
MCB 801 – Advanced General Microbiology (3 Units)
Advanced topics in microbial systematics, Microbial cells, morphology and structure. Modern methods of classification of microorganisms. Microbial Metabolism. Microorganisms in various ecosystems, Origin and evolution of genetic code, Genetic recombination, transformation, transduction conjugation and plasmids. Current techniques in molecular genetics (Genetic engineering in microorganisms – gene cloning, and applications, PCR).
MCB 802 – Current Topics Seminar (2 Units)
Literature on specific current topics to be reviewed by students and graded by two or three competent academic staff in the area of study.
MCB 803 – Advanced Soil Microbiology (3 Units)
Soil as a habitat for microorganisms. General description of different soil types. Biogeochemical cycle (N2 cycle, S cycle, C cycle, mineral transformation). Factors affecting microbial community in soil organic matter dynamics in soil. Microbial interactions (microbes and microbe interactions, plant and microbe interactions). Soil environmental ecological interrelationships. Transformation of hydrocarbons, pesticides and herbicides. Methods of isolation and estimation of activity of soil microorganisms.
MCB 804 – Petroleum microbiology (3 Units)
Microbial aspects of genesis of petroleum. Microbial indicators of prospection. Tertiary recovery of oil by means of microorganisms. Microbial degradation of petroleum products. Use of microorganisms in oil clean up operations. Biodegradation of petroleum and Xenobiotics microbial leaching. Microorganisms in abatement of heavy metal pollution. Role of microorganisms in corrosion.
MCB 805 – Advanced Food Microbiology (3 Units)
Biochemistry of specific foods (Structure and performance of food materials), Application of molecular techniques in food analysis, Microbiological quality control in food industry, Sensory evaluation and technique, Microbiological safety of foods (Indices of food quality and microbial standards). The principles and applications of HACCP, Food borne microorganisms of public health significance. The applicability, Advantages and Limitations of a number of rapid methods for the detection and enumeration of food borne microflora, Methods of food preservation, Use of enzymes in food industries.
MCB 806 – Advanced Industrial Microbiology (3 Units)
Natural and chemically enhanced microbial products. Development and production of diagnostic, assays, Role of microbial genetics in industrial microbiology, Industrial application of enzymes, Screening of new microorganisms for industrial purposes, Applications of organic chemicals in industries (acetone, methanol, butanol and ethanol), role of microorganisms in the degradation and transformation of chemicals in the environment, Cellulosic substrates and their breakdown, Quality control of industrial products.
MCB 807 – Fermentation Technology (3 Units)
Principles of fermentation, Fermentation techniques, Fermentors and Fermentors design, Continuous and batch system, Process cultivation and formulation of bi-products from microorganisms, Biomass production, Identification of potential industrial microorganisms, Starter culture techniques, Fermentation kinetics, Critical study of traditional fermentation processes, Element of biochemical engineering, Safety issues of fermented products.
MCB 808 – Advanced Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry (3 Units)
Diversity, metabolism, energetics and physiology of microorganisms, Forms of cell structures, Varieties of energy metabolisic regulation and differentiation at the prokaryotic level, Macromolecules of their biosynthesis, DNA replication, Enzymology directionality and control, Initiation, propagation and elimination of RNA synthesis, Techniques of analysis of metabolism and molecular structure, Genetic recombination, Polarity and molarity suppression, Transistor control.
MCB 809 – Advanced Bacteriology ( 3 Units)
Detailed aspects of classification and morphological characterization, pathogenesis and pathology, diagnosis and epidemiology and control of bacteria diseases of plants, animals and man. Bacterial genetics (Plasmids, cloning, etc.)
MCB 810 – Advanced Virology (3 Units)
Detailed of the classification and structural characterization, pathogenesis and pathology, epidemiology and control of viruses, which are agents of disease in man, animals and plants.
MCB 811 – Advanced Mycology (3 Units)
Details of classification; morphology characterization, pathogenesis and pathology, diagnosis, epidemiology and control of fungi, which are agents of diseases in man, animals and plants.
MCB 812 – Advanced Aquatic Microbiology (3 Units)
Types and uses of water, Different types of aquatic microorganisms, Importance of aquatic microbiology, Microbiological and Physicochemical studies of surface and ground waters, Microbiology of domestic water sewage, Water borne diseases, Microbial analysis of water, Water treatment, Microbial aspects of waste management.
MCB 813 – Advanced Immunology and Immuno-chemistry (3 Units)
This course gives a detail treatise on immunoglobulins and antibody systems, antigens, antigen-antibody interactions, hypersensitivity as well as transplantation immunology; reproductive and tumor immunology; immunogenetics, immunology of parasitic infections.
MCB 814 – Advanced Microbial Ecology (3 Units)
Ecological principles and methods. Concepts of ecosystems and problems caused by humans. Energy cycles in ecological systems. Microorganisms in extreme environments.
MCB 815 – Epidemiology of Plant Diseases (3Units)
Topics covered are: Assessment of plant disease loss, sources and perennation of pathogens, microclimate and plant diseases, epiphytotics, ecology of seed-borne and folial pathogens. Epiphytotics in plant populations. Physiology and biochemistry of plant parasitic disease, pre and post penetration interaction of pathogen and host, phytoalexins; phytotoxins and cell wall degrading enzymes and growth substances produced during pathogenesis.
MCB 818 Brewing Science (3 Units)
Use of water in brewery, effects of specific ions and water purification, malting and to include a study of barley, its chemical composition, the malting process, milling and mashing; adjuncts, hops and wort treatment. Fermentation techniques, traditional fermentation of alcohol beverages and methods of up-grading them.
5.3.10 General Graduation Requirements
(A) Postgraduate Diploma NIL
(B) Master Programme
Course work
Structure
The programme consists of compulsory courses which shall be taken by all candidates, core courses in the candidates are of specialization, elective courses which a candidate may take within and/ or outside the Department as may be prescribed by the candidate’s Supervisor/ Dissertation Committee, Dissertation and seminars.
The structure is summarized below:
Compulsory Courses C – 13 Units
Core Courses R – 13 Units
Electives E – 3-4 Units
Project (MCB 799) C – 6 Units
Minimum total award of M.Sc. Degree 30 Units
Seminars
Current Topic Seminar
Candidates shall be expected to present a formal half hour Current Topic Seminar in any field of Microbiology and Biotechnology as approved by the major supervisor. The presentations shall be graded by the Departmental Postgraduate Committee. Current topic seminar constitutes part of student academic assessment.
Pre- Data Seminar
Before embarking on their research work, candidates shall be expected to present a formal half-hour Seminar on their proposed research topics to include brief introduction on the subject matter, current state of scientific knowledge, justification for research, general and specific objectives of the study, materials and methods, expected contribution to knowledge and the work plan. The research work should normally start after certification of the soundness and practicability of the project by the Department and should be guided by suggestions raised at the Seminar.
Post-Data Seminar
At the end of the research project, candidates shall deliver another 30 minutes Seminar on his/her findings. The Departmental Board of Examiners will certify the Seminar as satisfactory before a student can proceed to write up his/her thesis. The Departmental Board of Examiners will assess the thesis write-up.
Research Study and Thesis presentation
A candidate for the M.Sc. degree shall be expected to undertake a research project in relevant area of specialization under the guidance of Supervisor(s). Before a candidate shall be presented for oral examination of his thesis, he/she must be certified by the supervisory committee to have satisfactorily completed the approved guided study. Candidate shall be presented after the presentation and approval of his/her Post-Data Seminar.
Open Thesis Defense
Master’s Students shall be presented for Open Thesis defence before a panel of appropriately constituted examiners.
(C) Doctor of Philosophy Degree
Course work
These shall normally be research culminating in a Dissertation/Thesis in any of the special areas of Microbiology. However a candidate may, if considered necessary, be required to register for an approved combination of courses on the recommendation of the Departmental Postgraduate Board. Candidates must have satisfactorily completed all relevant course work at the Master’s level as specified by the Departmental Postgraduate Board with the advice of the student’s Supervisory Committee. Candidates with Master’s degree other than the field of their proposed PhD would be required to undertake and pass all relevant course work at the Master’s level and take a conversion examination before the commencement of the PhD research.
Seminar
Each student shall present at least 2 Seminars, a pre-data and a post-data presentation.
Pre- Data Seminar
Before embarking on their research work, candidates shall be expected to present a formal half-hour Seminar on their proposed research topics to include brief introduction on the subject matter, current state of scientific knowledge, justification for research, general and specific objectives of the study, materials and methods, expected contribution to knowledge and the work plan. The research work should normally start after certification of the soundness and practicability of the project by the Department and should be guided by suggestions raised at the Seminar.
Post-Data Seminar
At the end of the research project, candidates shall deliver another 30 minutes Seminar on his/her findings. The Departmental Board of Examiners will certify the Seminar as satisfactory before a student can proceed to write up his/her thesis. The Departmental Board of Examiners will assess the thesis write-up.
Research Study and Thesis presentation
A candidate for the Ph.D. degree shall be expected to undertake a research project in relevant area of specialization under the guidance of Supervisor(s). Before a candidate shall be presented for oral examination of his/her thesis, he/she must be certified by the supervisory committee to have satisfactorily completed the approved guided study. Candidate shall be presented after the presentation and approval of his/her Post-Data Seminar.
Open Thesis Defense
Doctorate students shall be presented for Open Thesis defence before a panel of appropriately constituted examiners.
(D) Postgraduate Research Benchmark
Master’s Programmes:
1. Minimum duration of bench/field work shall be 6 months
2. Research study should have a minimum of 3 clear objectives
3. Research work should include field/clinical and laboratory components
4. Research work must have the potentials of generating at least one journal publication
Doctorate Programmes:
1. Minimum duration of bench/field work shall be 12 months
2. Research study should have a minimum of 5 clear objectives
3. Research work should include field/clinical and laboratory components
4. Research shall employ at least one modern laboratory or field technique in the field of study.
5. Research must have potential of generating at least 2 journal publications.
5.3.11 Staff List
Academic Staff List
|
Name |
Rank |
Qualification |
Area of Specialisation
|
|
Bankole M.O. |
Professor |
B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (ABU) |
Food & Industrial Microbiology/Biotechnology |
|
Popoola, T. O. S. |
Professor |
B.Sc., M.Sc.(Jos), Ph.D.(Reading), MIBiol., MNIM |
Applied Microbiology |
|
Afolabi, O. R. |
Reader |
B.Sc. (Ilorin), M.Sc., Ph.D (Ibadan) |
Food & Industrial Microbiology/Biotechnology |
|
Ojo, D. A. |
Reader |
B.Sc (Wisconsin) MT (ASCP) (Iowa), M. Sc (Minnesota), Ph.D (Abeokuta) |
Medical Microbiology & Public Health |
|
Akintokun, A. K. |
Senior Lecturer |
B.Sc., (Ibadan), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ibadan) |
Environmental Microbiology |
|
Oluwafemi, F |
Senior Lecturer |
B.Sc. (Benin), M.Sc (Ibadan) Ph.D. (Benin |
Food Microbiology & Food Biotechnology |
|
Shittu, O.B. |
Senior Lecturer |
B.Sc., M.Sc. (Ife), Ph.D. (Abeokuta) |
Environmental and Public Health Microbiology |
|
Kareem, S.O. |
Senior Lecturer |
B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Abeokuta) |
Food and Industrial Microbiology |
|
Odedara, O.O |
Senior Lecturer |
B.Sc. (Ife), MSc., Ph.D. (Ibadan) |
Plant Virology |
|
Balogun, S.A. |
Lecturer I |
B.Sc. M.Sc. Ph.D. (Ibadan) |
Environmental Microbiology |
|
Obuotor, T.M. |
Lecturer II |
B.Sc., M.Sc. Ph.D. (Ife) |
Environmental Microbiology |