Course Outline

A degree program in Biochemistry aims to:

• Provide a Comprehensive Understanding: Offer students a thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts, principles, and theories in biochemistry, including the structure and function of biomolecules, cellular processes, and molecular interactions.
• Foster Critical Thinking: Develop students’ ability to critically analyze and evaluate scientific information, experimental data, and research findings in the field of biochemistry.
• Equip with Laboratory Skills: Provide hands-on laboratory experience, enabling students to master various experimental techniques, methodologies, and instrumentation used in biochemical research and analysis
• Explore Biological Processes: Explore the biochemical mechanisms underlying various biological processes such as metabolism, cell signaling, gene expression, and genetic regulation.
• Prepare for Careers and Further Education: Equip students with a strong foundation to pursue careers in various sectors, including academia, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, research, and more. It also prepares them for advanced studies at the graduate level.

Ultimately, a degree program in Biochemistry aims to provide students with a solid foundation in biochemical sciences, enabling them to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge, address real-world challenges, and make meaningful contributions to the field of biochemistry and related disciplines.

Admission and Graduation Requirements

The entry requirements shall be at least credit level passes in five subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the Senior Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent. In addition, an acceptable pass in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in relevant subject combination is required for admission into 100 Level. Expected duration for UTME candidates shall be 4 years.

Expected duration for Direct Entry (DE) candidates with at least two A level passes at the GCE/IJMB Advanced Level in relevant science subjects shall be 3 years.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 120 units for graduation, 60 of which must come from Biological sciences.

Course Structure

Year 1: Introduction to Basic Sciences and Core Concepts

Semester 1:

1. Introduction to Biochemistry
2. Cell Biology
3. General Chemistry
4. Mathematics for Biochemistry
5. Communication Skills

Semester 2:

1. Organic Chemistry
2. Genetics
3. Basic Microbiology
4. Calculus for Life Sciences
5. Introduction to Data Analysis

Year 2: Fundamentals of Biochemical Sciences

Semester 3:

1. Biochemical Techniques
2. Enzymology
3. Molecular Biology
4. Biostatistics
5. Cell Physiology

Semester 4:

1. Bioinformatics
2. Metabolism and Energy Pathways
3. Analytical Chemistry for Biochemists
4. Immunology
5. Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry

Year 3: Advanced Topics and Specializations

Semester 5:

1. Biochemical Pharmacology
2. Protein Structure and Function
3. Biochemical Engineering
4. Research Methodology
5. Elective Course 1 (e.g., Medical Biochemistry, Environmental Biochemistry)

Semester 6:

1. Nucleic Acid Biochemistry
2. Advanced Cell Biology
3. Nutritional Biochemistry
4. Research Project I
5. Elective Course 2 (e.g., Industrial Biotechnology, Biochemical Toxicology)

Year 4: Specializations and Integration

Semester 7:

1. Advanced Topics in Biochemistry
2. Biophysical Chemistry
3. Molecular Genetics
4. Research Project II
5. Elective Course 3 (e.g., Biochemical Pharmacology, Cancer Biology)

Semester 8:

1. Clinical Biochemistry
2. Bioethics and Scientific Communication
3. Advanced Research Project
4. Elective Course 4 (e.g., Structural Bioinformatics, Biochemical Evolution)
5. Seminar in Biochemistry