Microbiology and Parasitology Programmes

The programme is designed to expose students to the basic fields of specialisation in Microbiology (both pure and applied) and their relationships with other biological disciplines. All core courses and the majority of electives include laboratories that provide students with extensive hands-on experience in modern laboratory procedures in Microbiology. In the first year, students will take courses which will extend their knowledge of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. In the second and third years, students will take core courses and some other selected relevant courses.

At least 5 papers in GCE Ordinary level including English and Mathematics before obtaining 2 G.C.E, Advanced level passes with at least one in Biology

The BSc in Biomedical Science programme is designed to give students a grounding in a range of medically related disciplines, including medical laboratory science, pharmacology, biotechnology, molecular biology, and medicine. Students are taught how to apply biology-based science for medical use through research, diagnosis, health monitoring or treatment by developing and/or using advanced diagnostic tools or new therapeutic strategies. The programme has a strong focus on hands-on practical experience, which provides a sound basis for a career at the forefront of medical research, as well as other roles both within and outside the laboratory. In the first year, students will take courses which will extend their knowledge of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. In the second and third years, students will take core courses and some other selected relevant courses. Students must take six weeks of internship every year (for a total of 18 weeks) following the clinical rotation guide.

At least five papers in GCE Ordinary level including English and Mathematics and two papers in GCE Advanced level passes with at least one in Biology.

This two-year course aims to advance critical, independent and original thought, to train students in analytical and investigative processes in applied Zoology, Microbiology and related disciplines, to provide highly skilled scientists capable of applying their knowledge to solving pressing societal problems, particularly in Microbiology, Zoology, Medicine, Public health, Epidemiology, immunology, Agriculture, Education, Veterinary Science and the Environment.

Admission into the programme shall be open to graduates from any recognized University, who have been admitted to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or related disciplines.

Infectious diseases especially human pathogens are a veritable scourge to humanity. The development of new strategies to combat the global spread of infectious diseases is of paramount. This programme provides comprehensive knowledge and practical training in the spread of microorganisms, disease causation and diagnosis and treatment of pathogens significant to public health. The increasing incidence of microbial infections worldwide is being compounded by the rapid evolution of drug-resistant variants and opportunistic infections by other organisms. The curriculum reflects the importance of genomics and molecular techniques in both diagnostics and the study of pathogenesis. It also seeks to promote an understanding of the impact scientific research has on society and the role of scientists in a range of professions. Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, lab sessions, clinical placements, seminars, and workshops, supplemented with a variety of course specific electronic resources for additional learning.

Admission into the programme shall be open to graduates from any recognized University, who have been admitted to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Medical Laboratory Science, Zoology, Doctor of Medicine or related disciplines.

Food is necessary for human survival, and plays an enormous role in the global economy. Microbes play an essential role in food preservation and safety, food for health and food biotechnology. These are growing areas in all global economies. This course will cover classical and modern food microbiology, including food safety and spoilage, food fermentation, food biotechnology, hygienic production of food and the impact of diet on health. The MSc in Food and industrial Microbiology is a structured two-year full-time course which includes a six-month lab-based research dissertation.

Admission into the programme shall be open to graduates from any recognized University, who have been admitted to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Food Sciences, or related disciplines.

The PhD degree programme in Applied Parasitology and Vector Biology seeks to provide courses that will reinforce the notions taught at the undergraduate and MSc levels leading to specialisation. The programme also seeks to provide specific advanced courses, which would prepare the graduates to do research in appropriate areas. Such research will be aimed at advancing science primarily by providing specific solutions to problems that are tributary to our present level of development or that will improve conditions of living in both urban and rural areas of our country. The duration of this programme is three. During the first year, some minimal course work (60 Credits) will be offered so that students can get advanced training in an applicable area of Parasitology and Vector Biology. The remaining part of the PhD programme would be devoted primarily to research and seminars. The credit value of the thesis which would normally be research work done after the first year, will be one hundred and twenty (120). It is however expected that students will participate in seminars and lectures that explore and broaden aspects of science which are related to their areas of research and which will show how much progress they are making.

For admission into the Ph.D. degree programme, candidates must possess a good M.Sc. degree or equivalent (Cumulative GPA=2.5 on a scale of 4) in Parasitology or a related field. The programme may proceed to conduct a selection test and interview on the advice of the University. Also someone from a related biological science programme can take remedial courses (one per semester) to make up for his or her background in parasitology (such courses are not counted as part of the PhD course work).

The PhD degree programme in Applied Parasitology and Vector Biology seeks to provide courses that will reinforce the notions taught at the undergraduate and MSc levels leading to specialisation. The programme also seeks to provide specific advanced courses, which would prepare the graduates to do research in appropriate areas. Such research will be aimed at advancing science primarily by providing specific solutions to problems that are tributary to our present level of development or that will improve conditions of living in both urban and rural areas of our country. The duration of this programme is three. During the first year, some minimal course work (60 Credits) will be offered so that students can get advanced training in an applicable area of Parasitology and Vector Biology. The remaining part of the PhD programme would be devoted primarily to research and seminars. The credit value of the thesis which would normally be research work done after the first year, will be one hundred and twenty (120). It is however expected that students will participate in seminars and lectures that explore and broaden aspects of science which are related to their areas of research and which will show how much progress they are making.

For admission into the Ph.D. degree programme, candidates must possess a good M.Sc. degree or equivalent (Cumulative GPA=2.5 on a scale of 4) in Parasitology or a related field. The programme may proceed to conduct a selection test and interview on the advice of the University. Also someone from a related biological science programme can take remedial courses (one per semester) to make up for his or her background in parasitology (such courses are not counted as part of the PhD course work).