M. Phil/ Ph. D. Biochemistry

Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry

M. Phil/ Ph. D. Biochemistry

1. List of Academic Staff

Name	Status and Qualification	Research Interest
J. O. Adebayo	Professor  & Head  of Department B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Clinical Biochemistry, Toxicology, Malaria Research
Elizabeth A. Balogun	Professor B.Sc., M.Sc. (Ibadan); Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Toxicology, Medical Biochemistry, Phytomedicine
Sylvia O. Malomo	Professor B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ibadan)	Membrane Biochemistry, Toxicology, Enzymology
Adenike T. Oladiji	Professor B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Nutritional Biochemistry
M. T. Yakubu	Professor B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Toxicology, Reproductive and Developmental Biochemistry, Phytomedicine
R. O. Arise	Professor B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Enzymology, Toxicology, Drug Development
Faoziyat A. Sulaiman	Reader B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Parasite Biochemistry, Molecular Biology
A. Igunnu	Reader B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Enzymology, Clinical Biochemistry
M.O. Nafiu	Reader B.Sc.  (BUK,  Kano);  M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Toxicology, Phytomedicine, Drug Discovery
M.O. Salawu	Reader B.Sc., M.Sc. (Lagos); Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Protein Chemistry, Immunochemistry, Invertebrate Biochemistry, Environmental Biochemistry
L. A. Quadri	Senior Lecturer B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Phytomedicine, Reproductive and Developmental Biochemistry, Biochemical Toxicology
Rukayat A. Oyegoke	Senior Lecturer B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Toxicology, Phytomedicine, Food and Nutritional Biochemistry, Biochemistry of Gastroenterogical Diseases
Hamdalat F. Muritala	Senior Lecturer B.Sc. (Ilorin); M.Sc. (Ibadan); Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Biomembranes, Enzymology

B. Introduction

The programme caters for candidates with knowledge and background in Biochemistry that have an ambition to pursue an academic career up to the Ph.D. level but did not make a Ph.D. grade on completion of the M.Sc. programme.

C.  Philosophy of the Programme

The programme is designed for students to develop their capabilities sufficient enough to pursue studies in Ph.D., and to groom their independent learning ability for continuing professional development through acquiring the necessary skills including transferable skills, research techniques and their application.

D.  Aim and Objectives

The aim of the programme is to bridge the gap between M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes in the Department.

The objectives of the M.Phil./Ph.D. programme in Biochemistry are to:

1. develop in students the ability to apply knowledge and skills to solving theoretical and practical problems in Biochemistry;
2. train students on how to design and carry out research projects to solve pressing problems in the society; and
3. equip students with necessary skills required for writing and presentation of scientific papers.

E.  Admission Requirements

1. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 Credit passes at ―O‖ Level or its equivalent in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and English Language in not more than two sittings.
2. Candidates must possess a honours degree in Biochemistry from a recognized University.
3. Candidates must have a Master degree in Biochemistry with a minimum CGPA of 3.5/5.0 or cumulative score of 55.00-59.99% for M. Phil/Ph.D.

F.  Duration of Programme

1. The programme is run only on full-time basis for a period of 12 calendar months.
2. After conversion to Ph.D., the student may then choose to continue with the Ph. D. programme on full-time or part-time basis in which case, the duration for Ph. D. programme will then be applicable.

G.  Detailed Course Description

BCH 879 Biochemical Reasoning 2 Credits

Application of Biochemistry to the appreciation of all aspects of human endeavour. 30h (T); C

BCH 887 Seminar 2 Credits

Literature search, presentation of seminars on comprehensive literature review of selected research topics. 90h (P); C

BCH 888 Secondary Metabolism 3 Credits

Introduction to secondary metabolism; Secondary metabolites derived from acetate, mevalonate; Shikimic acid pathway; Pathways producing alkaloids; Alkaloids derived from metabolism of phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan and anthranilic acid; Peptide derivatives; Natural fragrance and flavours; Steroids and triterpenes. 45h (T); E

BCH 890 Biochemical Techniques 4 Credits

Chromatographic techniques; Centrifugation techniques; Electrophoresis; Nanoparticle Technology; Spectrophotometry; Practice and theory of enzyme immunoassay; DNA sequencing; Western and northern blot; Polymerase chain reaction.45h (T);, 45h (P); C

BCH 899 Dissertation 10 Credits

Independent research in selected areas/topics of interest to the academic staff. Students will be required to perform laboratory experiments and produce written reports. 450h (P); C

Elective Courses can be used to make up the number of required courses from the M. Sc. Courses. The selected courses must be related to the Area of Specialization of the Candidate

H.  Graduation Requirements

A candidate must have passed a minimum of 30 credits consisting of 18 credits of core courses and 12 credits of elective courses before being awarded a M.Phil. degree in Biochemistry. A candidate is entitled to a waiver of 12 credits from the Master degree courses. The waiver will also be applicable to candidates from other recognized universities, provided those courses offered in those Universities are adjudged by the Postgraduate Committee to have similar contents to those offered in the University of Ilorin.

I.  Summary of graduation requirements for M. Phil. degree in Biochemistry Core Courses

BCH 879(2), BCH 887(2), BCH 890(4) and BCH 899(10) = 18 Credits

Elective Courses

Minimum number of Credits from Elective Courses (including BCH 888(3)) = 12 Credits Minimum number of credits required for graduation = 30 Credits