M.Sc. Plant Biology

Master of Science in Plant Biology

M.Sc. Plant Biology

List of Academic Staff

Name	Status And Qualification	Research Interest(s)
K. S. Olorunmaiye	Professor & Head of Department. B.Sc. (Unilorin), M.Sc. (UI, Ibadan), Ph.D., PGDE (Unilorin)	Plant Physiology and Biochemistry
P. O. Fatoba	Professor B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (OAU, Ife)	Bryology and Environmental Biology
O. T. Mustapha	Professor. B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Unilorin), MBA (BUK, Kano)	Biosystematics and Cytogenetics
R. Krishnamurthy	Professor B.Sc., M.Sc. (Madras, India), Ph.D. (MSU Baroda, India)	Phytomedicine, Tissue Culture and Molecular Biology
A. A. AbdulRahaman	Professor B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Unilorin)	Plant Anatomy and Taxonomy
F. O. Egbedo	Lecturer I. B.Sc., M.Phil. (Unilag, Lagos)	Plant Taxonomy
C. O. Ogunkunle	Senior Lecturer. B.Sc. (Unilorin), M.Sc. (OAU, Ife), Ph.D. (Unilorin)	Plant Ecology and Environmental Biology
B. U. Olayinka	Senior Lecturer. B. Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Unilorin), PGDE (Kaduna)	Plant Physiology and Biochemistry
Khadijat A. Abdulkareem	Senior Lecturer B.Sc., PGDE (UDUS, Sokoto); M.Sc. Ph.D. (Unilorin)	Biosystematics and Cytogenetics
S. B. Adeyemi	Senior Lecturer B.Sc. (Unilorin), M.Sc. (UI, Ibadan); Ph.D. (UTU, India)	Ethnobotany and Phytomedicine
G. S. Olahan	Senior Lecturer. B.Sc. (ABU, Zaria), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Unilorin)	Plant Pathology
D. A. Animasaun	Senior Lecturer. B. Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Unilorin)	Genetics and Molecular Biology
T. Garuba	Senior Lecturer. B.Sc. (UDUS, Sokoto), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Unilorin)	Plant Pathology and Mycology
S. Oyedeji	Senior Lecturer. B.Sc. (Uniben, Benin), M.Sc., Ph.D. (OAU, Ife)	Plant Ecology and Environmental management
A. A. Lateef	Lecturer I. B.Sc. (FUT, Minna), Ph.D. (UMS, Malaysia)	Plant Pathology, Mycology and Molecular Phylogenetics
S. A. Adeniran	Lecturer II. B. Sc.(Ed).(UNN, Nssuka), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Unilag,	Ecology, Environmental Management, Lower Plants

	Lagos)
G. K. Olawepo	Lecturer II. B. Sc. , M.Sc. Ph.D. (Unilorin)	Anatomy and Taxonomy
B. B. Tiamiyu	Lecturer II. B.Sc. (ABU, Zaria), M.Sc. (Unilorin), Ph.D. (WBGCAS, China)	Landscape genetics, Population genetics, and Molecular Phylogenetics
A. Sagaya	Lecturer II B.Sc. (Unlorin), M.Sc. (UI, Ibadan), Ph.D. (Unilorin)	Plant Anatomy and Taxonomy

B. Introduction

The Department of Plant Biology offers M.Sc. degree in Plant Biology. Master degree in the Department is in a wide range of botanical specialties, with emphasis placed on tropical botany and conservation. Major research areas include Applied Genetics and Plant Breeding, Biotechnology, Bryology, Cytogenetics and Biosystemtaics, Cytogenetics and Plant Breeding, Environmental Botany, Ethnobotany, Plant Anatomy and Wood Technology, Plant Ecophysiology, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Plant Pathology and Plant Taxonomy. Ilorin, the location of the University of Ilorin and indeed Nigeria provide an outstanding location for many types of botanical studies. The rich endemic flora provides unique opportunities for studies of evolution, conservation biology, and alien plant invasions. Similarly, a mixture of local cultures and our proximity to other vegetation allow studies of plants in a human context. Research studies are not limited to Ilorin and Nigeria. Academic staff and students have research projects in many areas throughout the world.

C. Philosophy of the programme

The philosophy of the programme includes:

production of graduates for the postgraduate programmes with enough knowledge that will make them to be good materials for lecturing at the tertiary institutions and research institutes;
produce graduates that will be able to compete favourably with graduates of other universities based on their scientific research and their contributions to national development; and
prepare our graduates to be job creators rather than job seekers.

D. Aim and Objectives

The aim is to prepare students for higher degree in Plant Biology (M.Sc.). The major objective of this programme is to teach and train graduate students in different areas of Plant Biology.

E. Admission Requirements

Graduates of the University of Ilorin who have obtained First Class Honours Division and Second Class Upper Division.
First Class and Second Class Divisions of other Universities and Second Class Lower Division of University of Ilorin who must have obtained a minimum of 55% in Qualifying Examinations organized by the University of Ilorin.
Holders of Postgraduate Diploma in Plant Biology (PGDPB) or other relevant fields of the University of Ilorin and other Universities who have not scored less than 60% (i.e. Credit level).
In addition, candidates must have a minimum of credit passes in 5 subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and English Language at SSCE and GCE (from WAEC, NECO and NABTEB) in not more than two sittings.

F. Duration of the Programme

Master degree programme is run for a minimum of three semesters (18 months). On the expiration of the maximum duration, a candidate may apply for extension of not more than two consecutive semesters of 12 calendar months after which the programme lapses.

G. Detailed course Description

SCI 801 Scientific Research Methodology 2 Credits

Principles of scientific research, data collection, processing and analyses. Statistical packages. Precision and accuracy of estimates. Hypothesis formulation and testing. Organization of research. Report writing and presentation. Research ethics and grants. 30h. (T); R

SCI 802 Management and Entrepreneurship 2 Credits

Feasibility studies, business environment, general management, financial management, entrepreneurship development, feasibility studies, marketing and managerial problem solving. 30h. (T); R

PLB 801 Graduate Seminar 2 Credits

A candidate for the M.Sc. degree will be required to present a seminar on a topic selected from within the study area before the Department Postgraduate Committee. The performance of a candidate shall be evaluated for the award of marks by a panel selected by the Departmental Postgraduate Committee. Apart from the oral presentation, the seminar shall be typewritten, soft-bound and submitted to earn credit. 15h (T);, 45h (P); C

PLB 802 Evolution, Morphology and Diversity of Major Plant Groups 3 Credits

Origin and evolutionary trends of plants: multicellular green algae and mosses as aquatic ancestors. Unicellularity to multicellularity, aquatic to terrestrial life; features of first terrestrial plants. Evolution of higher plants (reticulate evolution) and their diversity. Concepts of flowers and seeds (evolution and diversity). Ecological importance of species diversity. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

PLB 803 Field Studies and Nigerian flora 3 Credits

Field investigation into the taxonomy and ecology of major groups of plants. The major biomes of Nigeria: features and their indicator species. Threatened and endangered species in Nigeria. Invasive plants: types and features. Conservation of the Nigerian flora. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

PLB 804 Science, Environment and Innovations 3 Credits

Decline of ecosystem: causes and effects. Biodiversity, pollution, global warming and other environmental issues. Implications of different environmental issues. Species at risk and risk assessment. Social and ethical implications of science, enterprise and productivity. Intellectual property rights. Private, public partnership and investment.30h (T);, 45h (P); C

PLB 805Plant Breeding 3 Credits

Goals of Plant breeding, Plant introduction and germplasm collections. Centres of Genetic diversity and origin of cultivated plants. Genetic basis of selection: Pure line Theory, and polyploidy and their significance in plant breeding. Uses of aneuploids in plant breeding. Breeding methods for self and cross fertilized crop species. Backcross breeding, mutation, resistance breeding for diseases, pests and drought. Quality breeding, seed testing and certification. Cell fusion and anther culture in plant breeding. Crop domestication and utilization in medicine. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

1. Applied Genetics and Plant Breeding Option Required Courses

PGB 801 Applied Genetics 3 Credits

Chemistry of the gene. Radiation genetics and applications of radiation biology in generating mutations and origins of new taxa. Developmental genetics and variable gene activity. Immunogenetics. Genetics control of plant diseases and pests. 30h (T); 45h (P); R

PGB 802 Principles of Plant Breeding 3 Credits

Aim of plant breeding. Reproductive biology of higher plants. Methods of vegetative propagation, physicochemical factors of the environment and their effects on successful plant breeding. Population types and plant breeding. Apomixes, inbreeding, incompatibility, sexual sterility and artificial breeding. Chromosomal manipulation and plant breeding. 30h (T); 45h (P); R

PGB 803 Quantitative Genetics 3 Credits

Genetic constitution of a population, continuous variation. Biometrical genetics; values, means, variances and covariance, scales, variance components; Heritability. Selection; In breeding and cross breeding; correlated characters; interaction of genotypes and environment; Experimental design and data analysis. 30h (T); 45h (P); R

PGB 804 Plant Genetics Resources Management and Utilization 3 Credits

Management of genetic resources data. Indigenous management of plant genetic resources. Plant genetic resources characterization and evaluation. Sampling and conservation strategies. In situ and ex situ conservation. In vitro storage of genetic materials. Reserves, protected areas and botanic gardens. Plant genetic resources in Agriculture and Biotechnology. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

PGB 805 Plant Molecular Genetics 3 Credits

Plant genomes; Episomes, Plasmids and Transposons. Agrobacterium tumefaciens; Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation; Tissue-specific expression of plant genes; Molecular Biology of disease and pests resistance. Restriction enzymes and Ligases; DNA cloning; Polymerases Chain Reaction. Bioinformatics. Plant growth regulators and tissue culture. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

PGB 806 Biological Techniques 3 Credits

Phytochemical methods: Electrophoresis, chromatography, anatomical and histological techniques. To demonstrate chemical processes involved in variety of biologically important processes e.g., photosynthesis, mitochondrial respiration, nitrogen fixation and carbon transfer etc. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

Biotechnology Option

PBT 801 Bioinformatics 3 Credits

Sequences retrieval and analysis, bio algorithms, biological databases and their search, sequences alignment and construction of polygenetic trees, Gene predictions, RNA and protein structure prediction, Use of bioinformatics tools in biotechnology biopharma. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

PBT 802 Genetic Engineering 3 Credits

Definition. Aims of genetic engineering. Nucleic acid structure and function. Genomic structure: genes, exons and introns. Cloning and gene therapy. Analysis of Specific genes and genomes. Mutagenesis and DNA repair. Transgenesis. Use of antisense technology, Terminator technology. Production of recombinants proteins (recombinant hormones, enzymes, vaccines etc). Genetically modified plants and animals. Gene pharming.15h (T); 45h (P); R

PBT 803 Plant Biotechnology 3 Credits

Plant tissue culture and applications. Micropropagations, somatic embryogenesis, soma clonal variations. Chemicals and plants interactions. Application of genetic engineering in crop improvement; herbicide resistance, insect resistance, environmental tolerance, virus resistance and agricultural food production. 30h (T); 45h (P); R

PBT 804 Biotechnology Processing 2 Credits

Data analysis: Linear and non-linear models. Mass balance. Species mass. Microbial and cellular growth stoichiometry. Product formation, reductase balance and yield maintenance. Energy balance. Reaction kinetics and biological systems. Chemostat, batch fermenters, immobilized enzymes and cells. Filtration and centrifugation and chromatography. 15h (T); 45h (P); E

PBT 805 Biotechnology in Food Processing 2 Credits

Quality and storage of specific foods. Functional foods. Microbial influence on food production and storage. Quality assurance in the industry. Biotechnology targets in food processing. Improving food quality. Genetically engineered enzymes and additives in foods optimization of food processing methods. Microbial biomass and indigenous fermented food. 15h (T); 45h (P); E

PBT 806 Animal Biotechnology 2 Credits

Gene transfer methods in animal production. Microinjection, embryonic stem cell. Transgenic animal models. Animal diseases and gene therapy. Animal propagation through artificial insemination and cloning. Dolly the sheep. Embryo transfer. Regulation of transgenic animal production. Genetically engineered animals. Protein engineering from the live animals. Risk assessment of biotechnology in animal. 15h (T); 45h (P); E

PBT 807 Medical Biotechnology 2 Credits

Gene therapy and gene delivery methods. Immunoenhancing technology. Nucleic acid vaccines. Therapeutic ribozymes. Synthetic drugs. Tissue engineering with reference to skin, liver and pancreas. Xenotransplantation. Antibody engineering. Cell-adhesion based therapy, Drug delivery. 15h (T); 45h (P); R

Bryology Option

PBR 801 Evolution, Morphology and Taxonomy of Bryophytes 3 Credits

Origin and evolution of bryophytes. Vegetative and reproductive structures of bryophytes. Classification and interrelationship. 30h (T); 45h (P); R

PBR 802 Bryophyte Physiology 3 Credits

Mechanisms of growth, development and maintenance of communities. Procurement, utilization and conservation of water and nutrients in bryophytes. Sources and transport of water and nutrients. Effects of water stress and desiccation. Reproduction and development of sporophytes. 30h (T); 45h (P); R

PBR 803 Bryophyte Ecology 3 Credits

Ecological distribution of bryophytes. Bases for occurrence and success on the different substrates/phorophytes. Survival strategies of bryophytes to water stress and desiccation. Ecological roles of bryophytes in the environment. 30h (T); 45h (P); R

Cytogenetics and Biosystematics Option

PCB 801 Principle of Biosystematics 3 Credits

Taxonomy and biosystematics of evolutionary dynamics. The species problems and the concepts of the species and intra-specific taxa. Methods in biosystematics. Evolution and plant geography. 30h (T);, 45h (P); R

PCB 802 Applied Cytogenetics 3 Credits

Aims, basis and methods of experimental breeding. Chromosome manipulation in plant breeding, use of aneuploidy in plant breeding; interspecific hybridization, induced polyploidy. Sterility mechanism. Breeding for disease and insect pest resistance. 30h (T);45h (P); R

PCB 803 Advanced Cytogenetics 3 Credits

In depth study of evolution of gonophores chromosome structure and function. Karyotype evolution. Structural changes in chromosomes duplication and deficiency, inversion etc. The study of lethal system. Polyploid types, characteristic and evolutionary significance. Induction of autopolyploid and alloploid current issues in advanced cytogenetics. 30h (T); 45h (P); R

PCB 804 Chemotaxonomy and Serology 3 Credits

Methods of chemotaxonomy. Chemical constituents as comparative data of taxonomy. Evolutionary interpretation of comparative data of taxonomy. Evolutionary interpretation of comparative data on chemical constituents. Serological test and genetic relationship of protein systems. Phytochemistry. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

PCB 805 Cytogenetics Evolution and Phylogeny 3 Credits

Chromosomal organization in relation to gene environment, genetic recombination in population, the use of genetics system in evolution, the origin of species hybridization its origin and its significance polyploidy occurrence, distribution and its importance. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

PCB 806 Evolutionary Mechanisms 3 Credits

The synthetic theory of evolution and its development. The sources of variability. The nature of mutation, its causes and adaptiveness. The organization of genetic variability. The differentiation of population. Reproductive isolation and origin of species. The role of hybridization and polyploidy in evolution. Major trend of evolution. Current issues in evolution. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

PCB 807 Cytotaxonomy Research Methods 3 Credits

Identification of genetic systems; Collection of cytological data, for taxonomic treatment; Taxonomic evaluation of cytological data. Morphological and karyotypic polymorphisms; Analysis, determination and taxonomic problems of polytypic taxa. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

Cytogenetics and Plant Breeding Option

PCP 801 Methods in Plant Breeding 3 Credits

Plant introduction and the origin of cultivated crops. Conservation of germplasm. Application of population and quantitative genetics of plant breeding. Methods of breeding self-pollinated, cross-pollinated breeding vegetative propagated and apomictic plants. Mutation breeding. Plant tissue culture and transformation techniques. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

PCP 802 Plant Molecular Genetics 3 Credits

Plant genomes; Episomes, Plasmids and Transposons. Agrobacterium tumefaciens; Symbiotic nitrogen fixation; tissue-specific expression of plant genes; molecular Biology of disease and pest resistance. Restriction enzymes and Ligases; DNA cloning; polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics. Plant growth regulators and tissue culture. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

PCP 803 Radiation Genetics in Plants 3 Credits

Comparison of spontaneous and induced mutations. Mutation, selection and population fitness. Types of ionizing radiation and their cytogenetic effects. Comparison of radiation and chemical mutagenic effects. Effects of pre-irradiation and post-irradiation. Factors modifying irradiation of successive generations. Spontaneous and induced mutations in vegetatively propagated species. Methods of utilizing induced mutations in crop improvement and propagation. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

Environmental Botany Option

PEB 801 Techniques in Plant Ecology 3 Credits

Plant sampling techniques in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Parameters of forest measuration. Data collection, cleaning, coding and information retrieval. Correlation and regression analyses. Classification: clustering, ordination and Principal Component Analysis, Ecosystem modelling and system‘s approach to ecological problems. 30h (T); 45h (P); R

PEB 802 Physiological Plant Ecology 3 Credits

Ecosystem functioning. Plants and environment interactions. Productivity and environmental stress. Water relations. Water and plant balance. Water stress: causes and effects. Adaptive strategies to different water regimes. Nutrients cycles. 30h (T); 45h (P); R

PEB 803 Environmental Impact and Audit Assessment and the Environment 3 Credits

Concepts of EIA. Principles and procedures of EIA. Resources required for EIA. Identification of monitoring and mitigating measures. Concept of biomonitoring of environmental pollution. 30h (T); 45h (P); R

PEB 804 Atmospheric Pollution and the Vegetation 3 Credits

Air pollution essentials. Major air pollutants and their sources. Atmospheric deposition of heavy metals on vegetation. Impact of air pollutants on crops and natural vegetation. Ozone layer and acid rain and their impacts on vegetation. Consequences of air pollution for biodiversity. Wetland conservation (Government policy). 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

PEB 805 Ecosystem Pollution Ecology 3 Credits

Environmental pollution: sources and control. Major pollutants: oil and petrochemical (fossil fuels), heavy metals, solid and hazardous wastes and their impacts on the ecosystem. Radiation and plants‘ life. 30h (T); 45h (P); C

PEB 806 Waste Management 3 Credits

Types of wastes, disposal and recovery solution. Pollution policy and waste management. Hazardous chemical pollution and prevention. Toxicity and chemical hazards. Waste disposal and clean up. Management of toxic chemicals and waste. Wastewater treatment and management, impact and prevention. Pollution policy and waste pollution. 30h (T); 45h (P); C

PEB 807 Phytoremediation 3 Credits

Phytoremediation: metal bioavailability and hyper accumulators. Types of phytoremediation: phytoextraction; phytovolatilization; Phyto stabilization; phytodegradation etc. Soil improvement with plants to degrade/remove pollutants. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

PEB 808 Land Degradation and Restoration 3 Credits

Land degradation: causes, effects and control. Forest decline and soil acidification. Land restoration and reclamation. Afforestation and reforestation practices. Ecological succession, energy and nutrient dynamics of climax communities. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

Ethnomedicine Option

PEM 801 Herbal Medicinal Practice: Philosophy Policy and Ethics 3 Credits

History of Herbal Medicine, the whole person and homeostasis, vitalism, health and disease, essentials of health, rational therapy, herbal approach to treatment, pain and its rational treatment, micro-organisms and disease, the germ theory, poisonous and safe medicines. The Herbal Practitioner and the Law, Supply of Remedies. Code of Ethics and Rules of Practice in relation to biodiversity prospecting and conservation on medicinal plants. 30h (T); 45h (P); R

PEM 802 Medicinal Mycology 3 Credits

Basic structure and biology or fungi. Systematic surveyor fungi with medicinal properties. Fungi as sources of antibiotics. Medicinal and food value of mushrooms. Historical, folklore of fungi. Hallucinogen mushroom in primitive culture. Ergots of rye and ergotism in humans and animals. Biopharmaceutics of fungal origin. Industrial uses of fungi. 30h (T); 45h (P); R

PEM 803 Herbal Clinical Internship 4 Credits

Clinical training to enable the students to combine and take thorough case histories, follow up consultations. Learn examination techniques, formulate and dispense herbal remedies. Eight weeks of clinical supervised by Clinic practitioners. 45h (T); 90h (P); R

PEM 804 Advanced Plant Systematics 3 Credits

A survey of floral morphology in relation to classification and evolution, chromosome numbers, polyploidy and their role in taxonomy. Flow cytometry as a taxonomic tool. Chemotaxonomy. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

PEM 805 Herbal Materia Medical 3 Credits

Remedies grouped according to primary therapeutic action: stimulants relaxants, astringents, depurative, demulcent, antiseptics, diuretics, cardiovascular agents, diaphoretics’, pulmonary agents, hepatic, cholagogues, gastro- intestinal agents and nerviness. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

PEM 806 Introductory Pharmacology 3 Credits

Pharmacokinetics: absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of remedies, Basic components: acids, alcohols, carbohydrates, gums and mucilage, phenols, tannins, coumarins, anthraquinones, flavones and derivative, volatile oils, saponins, cardioactive and cyanogenic glycosides and alkaloids. Remedies and their pharmacology for the urinary system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, respiratory system, nervous system, endocrine system, reproductive system, the skin, infectious conditions and humours, Allopathic remedies. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

PEM 807 Ethnobotany, Nutrition and Health 3 Credits

The nature and ecological significance of food and medicinal plant biodiversity in traditional subsistence systems; scientific, institutional and ethical issues in ethnobotany; evaluation, application and management or plants and indigenous knowledge of plants to address contemporary health and nutrition problems. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

Plant Anatomy and Wood Technology Option

PAW 801 Internal Organization of the Plant Body 3 Credits

The concept, structure and organization of the plant meristems. Tissue differentiation and development. Structure and distribution of the secondary tissues. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); R

PAW 802 Pulp and Paper Making 3 Credits

Process of pulping and manufacture of paper; laboratory tests for pulp and paper samples; nursery and forestry operations in pulp and paper industry. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); R

PAW 803 Wood Anatomy and Utilization 3 Credits

Structure and distribution of vessels – members, tracheid, fibres and parenchyma in wood. Properties of wood in relation to its utilization. Traditional and modern uses of wood. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); R

PAW 804 Seed Anatomy and Utilization 3 Credits

Structure of the Testa, endosperm, cotyledon and peris perm. Traditional and modernized processes of seed content extraction and utilization e.g. Elaeis guineenesis, Vitellaria paradoxa, Cola acuminata, Theobroma cacao, Zea mays, Vigna unguiculata, Parkia biglobosa, Garcinia kola. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PAW 805 Plant Epidermis 3 Credits

Composition and development of the epidermal layer. Structure, ontogeny and distribution of stomata and trichomes. Nature configuration of stomata complex. Structure and development of extrafloral nectarines. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PAW 806 Reproductive Morphology of Angiosperms 3 Credits

Analysis of flower and fruit structure in angiosperms. Primitive and advanced structures in angiosperms. Hermaphroditism; dioecism/monoecism; heterostyly/homostyly and pollination mechanisms.30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PAW 807 Reproductive Morphology of Gymnosperms 3 Credits

Analysis of the sporophyll gymnosperms. Concept of the naked ovule and seed. Evolution of the cone. The gymnosperm story in evolution of the seed habit. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PAW 808 Developmental Plant Anatomy 3 Credits

Processes of tissue formation in plants. Vegetative and floral meristems. Origin and development of vegetative and reproductive parts of plants. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PAW 809 Advanced Plant Anatomy 3 Credits

The structure of the cell wall. Cambium and its activities. Types, characteristics and structure of wood fibre, wood pulping, bullressing and its use in the industry. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PAW 810 Tissues in Water Purification 3 Credits Anatomical distribution of water-purifying chemicals in seeds, barks and wood of some plants e.g. Moringa oleifera and Bridelia ferruginea. Processes of extraction and utilization. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PAW 811 Nutritive Tissues in Tubers 3 Credits

Structure of the parenchyma and collenchymas. Anatomical distribution of food and mineral nutrients in some Nigerian tubers e.g. Dioscorea, Colocasia and Xanthosoma. Traditional and modern methods of processing and utilization. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PAW 812 Wood Boards, Chips and Veneers 3 Credits

Process for making chipboards, matchsticks and veneers. Wood conversion and seasoning. Nature and control of wood biodegradation. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PAW 813 Cellulose in Gums and Mucilages 3 Credits

Anatomy of the cell wall. Molecular structure of the cellulose. Synthetic processes for gums and mucilage. Production of marmalades and jams. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

Plant Ecophysiology Option

PEC 801 Plant Growth Regulatory Substances 3 Credits

The auxins, chemical nature and roles of auxin translocation. Gibberellins: chemical nature an roles of Gibberellins, translocation of Gibberellins. The cytokinins: roles of the cytokinins , synthesis of cytokinins. Absicic acid: roles of absicic acid. Vitamins. Ethylene: effects of ethylene. Other hormones like substances in plant. Mechanisms of hormones action. Interactions among hormones. Ecological importance of hormones actions. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PEC 802 Air Pollution and plant degradation 3 Credits

Air pollution: types of pollutants. Tissues degradation. Effects of pollution, impacts of air pollutants on crops, semi and natural vegetation. Impacts of ozone pollution on vegetation and atmospheric deposition of heavy metals to vegetation. Impacts of pollutant mixtures (e.g., ozone and nitrogen). Acid rain. Consequences of air pollution for biodiversity, modifying influence of climate change and impact of air pollutants on vegetation. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PEC 803 Plant Adaptation and Acclimatization Mechanism 3 Credits

Phenotypic plasticity and acclimation mechanisms. Physiological responses to drought, heat, salinity and acidity. Heat shock proteins (HSPs). Secondary metabolites and plant defence responses to a biotic stress, herbivory and pathogens. Plant hormonal response mechanisms. Free radicals in plant stress phenomena. Anti- oxidants in plant stress responses. Metal tolerance accumulation and the phytochelatin response.30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

Pathology Option

PPA 801 Advance Techniques in Plant Pathology 4 Credits

Infection processes in plants. Collection of diseased samples. Isolation of pathogens from infected tissues. Staining procedure. Microtome techniques. Tissue culture. Pathogenicity. Koch‘s postulates. Laboratory assessment of fungicide. Inoculation techniques for fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes. Culturing of plant pathogens. Photomicrography. Green house experimentation. 45h. (T); 45h. (P); R

PPA 802 Plant Virology and Phytobacteriology 3 Credits

Properties of plant viruses and symptoms of viral-diseases in plants. Techniques in isolation, purification, identification and transmission of viruses. Virus replication in plants. Control of viral-diseases. Micro plasma and mollicute-like organisms. Morphology and cultural characteristics of plant pathogenic bacteria. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); R

PPA 803 Physiology of Diseased Plants 3 Credits

Physiological implication of infection. Biochemical aspects of host-pathogen relationship. Pre-existing and infection-induced biochemical defences. Mechanisms of pathogen attack. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); R

PPA 804 Microbial Taxonomy 3 Credits

Classification of microbial groups such fungi bacteria and viruses 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PPA 805 Pathogenic Mycology 3 Credits

Diagnostic techniques for saprophytic and pathogenic fungi. Physiology and biochemistry of pathogenic fungi especially in toxin, antibiotic and enzyme production. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PPA 806 Plant Nematology 3 Credits

Physiology and anatomy of nematodes. General principles of nematode taxonomy. Host parasite relation. Economic importance of nematodes. Control principles. Nematodes interaction with bacteria, viruses and fungi. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PPA 807 Pathology of Stored Products 3 Credits

Origin of infection in stored products. Microorganisms associated with the spoilage of stored products. Effects of infection on the constituent of stored products. Importance of stored products. Storage techniques for selected crops. Protective measures against microbial attack and spoilage. Seed pathology – seeds as carryover agents of pathogens. Detection and seed treatment methodology. 15h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PPA 808 Microbial Diseases of Economic Crops 3 Credits

Major microbial diseases of some economic crops e.g cocoa, oil palm, rubber, cowpea, sorghum and maize. Symptoms, etiology, transmission and control. Economics of plant diseases 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PPA 809 Control of Plant Diseases 3 Credits

Cultural practices and use of chemicals. Biological control. Regulatory measures (quarantine certification of propagation materials). Physical methods. Integrated disease management practices. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

Plant Physiology Option

PPP 801 Growth and Development Physiology in Plant 3 Credits

Pant growth: Effects of irradiance, light quality, temperature, duration of light on reproductive growth: seasonal and geographic aspects of photoperiodism. Long-day, and short-day plants as the basic categories. Photoperiodic induction, mechanism of photoperiodism. Rhythmic behaviour of plant process. Growth and verbalization and apical dominance Cyclical periodicity abscission and mechanism of abscission. Dynamics of primary vegetative growth. Tot potency. Measures of indices of growth and rates of growth. Alternative ways of plant growth for their products for world market. Hormones in horticulture and agriculture. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); R

PPP 802 Advanced Physiology and Metabolism 3 Credits

Energy metabolism, electron donors and acceptors and their electron potentials. Enzymes and co enzymes and mechanism of actions. Catabolism and anabolism pathway for proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Nitrogen fixation and its function in plant development. Types and distribution of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); R

PPP 803 Nutrient Metabolism in plant 3 Credits

Plant soil and water relationship. Nutrient uptake; Mechanisms and theories of nutrient uptake; Roles of major and minor plant nutrition in plant metabolism. Nutrient interactions and deficiency symptoms. Biofortification and genetic improvement of plants for enhanced micronutrient content. Analytical techniques in plant nutrition studies. Hydroponic. Techniques in radio labelling/tracer studies. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); R

PPP 804 Plant Growth Regulatory Substances 3 Credits

The auxins, chemical nature and roles of auxin translocation . Gibberellins: chemical nature and roles of Gibberellins, translocation of Gibberellins. The cytokinins: roles of the cytokinins , synthesis of cytokinins. Absicic acid: roles of absicic acid. Vitamins. Ethylene: effects of ethylene. Other hormones like substances in plant. Mechanisms of hormones action. Interactions among hormones. Ecological importance of hormones actions. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PPP 805 Biological Techniques 3 Credits

Phytochemical methods; electrophoresis, chromatography, anatomical and histological techniques. To demonstrate chemical processes involved in variety of biological importance processes e.g. photosynthesis, mitochondrial respiration, nitrogen fixation and carbon transfer. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PPP 806 Plant Water relation 3 Credits

The water relations to plants considered at cellular and organismal levels. Antitranspiratnts. 30h. (T); 45h.(P); E

PPP 807 Enzymology 3 Credits

Synthesis of enzymes and its regulation. Enzymes inducibility. Kinetic properties of enzymes. Isoenzymes. Classification of enzymes in medicine, industry and research. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

Plant Taxonomy Option

PPT 801 Taxonomic Data Processing and Presentation 3 Credits

Collection of plants: Preparation of herbarium specimens; Preparation of microscopic slides. Geographical and morphological methods in presentation of data, literature mapping, tabulation, symbolic and graphical methods. Identification: Keys, comparison with named materials, nomenclature. Use of methods of numerical taxonomy in construction of taxonomic groups. Relevance of taxonomy in plant identification and usage. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); R

PPT 802 Taxonomic Characters 3 Credits

The nature of taxonomic characters in plants. Vegetative and reproductive morphology and anatomy. Pollen, spores and embryo. Concept of character weighing and plant classification. Characters used in orthodox and modern taxonomic methods. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); R

PPT 803 Practice of Plant Taxonomy 3 Credits

The taxonomic hierarchy. Groups and categories of plants. Construction and practical application of taxonomy keys. Field and herbarium techniques. Nomenclature. Documentation and processing of taxonomic data. Principles of plant classification. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); R

PPT 804 Palynology 3 Credits

Pollen types and variations in pollen morphology. Pollen diagrams and their interpretation. Fossil vegetation maps. Pollen load of the atmosphere. Pollen grains and allergy. Taxonomic analysis of pollens and relevance to petroleum industry. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PPT 805 Ferns and Gymnosperms 3 Credits

Morphology of gymnosperms. Biology, propagation and cultivation. Use of the ferns and gymnosperms as ornamental plants. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PPT 806 Advanced Herbarium Studies 3 Credits

Relevance of herbarium to economic botany, conservation and taxonomy. Types of herbaria: purpose and facility. Preservation Techniques. Herbarium techniques and management. Seed banks and their management. Photography and ICT in herbarium practice. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PPT 807 Principles and Procedures of Plant Taxonomy 3 Credits

Historical background: the natural system and the value of character. Phenetic and phylogenetic concept in taxonomy including rules and nomenclature, the categories in taxonomy. Evolution, identification of flowering plants. Recent trends in plant taxonomy. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PPT 808 Conservation of the Nigerian Flora 3 Credits

Nigerian vegetation: Forest and Savanna. In-situ techniques of conservation. Management of botanical collections e.g. seed or gene banks. Alley-cropping system; shelterbelts; forest reserves and parks. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PPT 809 Plants in Urban Landscape 3 Credits

Population and distribution of plant species in towns and cities in relation to levels of pollution. Concept of bioremediation of polluted environments. Variation in stomatal anatomy and atmospheric humidification. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PPT 810 Taxonomic Structure of Botanical Gardens 3 Credits

Taxonomic analysis of plant species in botanical gardens. Establishment and maintenance of nurseries, ornamentals and garden landscape. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PPT 811 Floristic Variations in Wild Fruits 3 Credits

Analysis of variations in the morphology and characteristics of some wild fruits in Nigeria – Tetracarpidium conophorum, Adansonia digitata, Vitellaria paradoxa, Prosopis fricana, Parkia biglobosa, Dialium guineense. Casual agents of variation. Alien and hybrid species. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PPT 812 The Palms 3 Credits

Morphology of the palms. Biology, propagation and cultivation. Use of the palm for indoor and outdoor decoration. 30h. (T); 45h. (P); E

PLB 840 Research Project 6 Credits

A candidate for the M.Sc. degree shall undertake an independent research in the particular field of specialization under the guidance of a Supervisor appointed by the Department Postgraduate committee and approved by the Postgraduate School and the University Senate. A report on the research project shall be submitted to the Department. The Candidate shall be examined orally by a Panel of External and Internal Examiners. 150h (P); C

I. SUMMARY REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

For a candidate to be deem for graduation he/she must have satisfied the minimum credits required for the course in his/her area of specialization and must have defended the research project, and submitted a corrected version of dissertation.

1. Applied Genetics and Plant Breeding option

Compulsory Courses:

PLB 801 (2); 802 (3); 803 (3); 804 (3); 805 (3); 840 (6) = 20 Credits

Required Courses:

SCI 801 (2); 802 (2); PGB 801 (3); 802 (3); 803 (3); = 13 Credits

Option Courses:

PGB 804 (3); 805 (3); 806 (3); PBT 802 (3) = 6 Credits

Offer at least 6 Credits

Total = 39 Credits

Biotechnology option

Compulsory Courses:

PLB 801 (2); 802 (3); 803 (3); 804 (3); 805 (3); 840 (6) = 20 Credits

Required Courses:

SCI 801 (2); 802 (2); PBT 801 (3); 802 (3); 803 (3) = 13 Credits

Option Courses:

PBT 804 (2); 805 (2); 806 (2); 807 (2) = 6 Credits

Offer at least 6 Credits

Total = 39 Credits

Bryology option

Compulsory Courses:

PLB 801 (2); 802 (3); 803 (3); 804 (3); 805 (3); 840 (6) = 20 Credits

Required Courses:

SCI 801 (2); 802 (2); PBR 801 (3); 802 (3); 803 (3) = 13 Credits

Optional Courses:

PEB 804 (3); 805 (3); 806 (3); 807 (3); 808 (3) = 6 Credits

Offer at least 6 Credits

Total = 39 Credits

Cytogenetics and Biosystematics option

Compulsory Courses:

PLB 801 (2); 802 (3); 803 (3); 804 (3); 805 (3); 840 (6) = 20 Credits

Required Courses:

SCI 801 (2); 802 (2); PLB 801 (3); 802 (3); 803 (3) = 13 Credits

Option Courses:

PCB 804 (3); 805 (3); 806 (3); 807 (3) = 6 Credits

Offer at least 6 Credits

Total = 39 Credits

Cytogenetics and Plant Breeding option

Compulsory Courses:

PLB 801 (2); 802 (3); 803 (3); 804 (3); 805 (3); 840 (6) = 20 Credits

Required Courses:

SCI 801 (2); 802 (2); PCP 801 (3); PGB 802 (3), PCB 803 (3) = 13 Credits

Optional Courses:

PBT 803 (3); PCB 802 (3); 803 (3) = 6 Credits

Offer at least 6 Credits

Total = 39 Credits

Environmental Botany option

Compulsory Courses:

PLB 801 (2); 802 (3); 803 (3); 804 (3); 805 (3); 840 (6) = 20 Credits

Required Courses:

SCI 801 (2); 802 (2); PEB 801 (3); 802 (3); 803 (3) = 13 Credits

Optional Courses:

PEB 804 (3); 805 (3); 806 (3); 807 (3); 808 (3) = 6 Credits

Offer at least 6 Credits

Total =39 Credits

Ethnomedicine option

Compulsory Courses:

PLB 801 (2); 802 (3); 803 (3); 804 (3); 805 (3); 840 (6) = 20 Credits

Required Courses:
SCI 801 (2); 802 (2); PEM 801 (3); 802 (3); 803 (4)		= 14 Credits
Optional Courses
PBT 802 (3); PEM 804 (3); 805 (3); 806 (3); 807 (3)		= 6 Credits
Offer at least 6 Credits Total	=	39 Credits

8. Plant Anatomy and Wood Technology option

Compulsory Courses:

PLB 801 (2); 802 (3); 803 (3); 804 (3); 805 (3); 840 (6) = 20 Credits

Required Courses:

SCI 801 (2); 802 (2); PAW 801 (3); 802 (3); 803 (3) = 13 Credits

Optional Courses:

PAW 804 (3); 805 (3); PPT 801 (3); PAW 806 (3); 807 (3); 808 (3); 809 (3);

810 (3); 811 (3); 812 (3); 813 (3) = 6 Credits

Offer at least 6 Credits

Total = 39 Credits

Plant Ecophysiology option

Compulsory Courses:

PLB 801 (2); 802 (3); 803 (3); 804 (3); 805 (3); 840 (6) = 20 Credits

Required Courses:

SCI 801 (2); 802 (2); PEB 801 (3); 802 (3); 803 (3) = 13 Credits

Optional Courses:

PPP 801 (3); PEC 801 (3); 802 (3); 803 (3); PEB 805 (3) = 6 Credits

Offer at least 6 Credits

Total = 39 Credits

Plant Pathology option

Compulsory Courses:

PLB 801 (2); 802 (3); 803 (3); 804 (3); 805 (3); 840 (6) = 20 Credits

Required Courses:

SCI 801 (2); 802 (2); PPA 801 (3); 802 (3); 803 (3) = 13 Credits

Optional Courses:

PPA 804 (3); 805 (3); 806 (3); 807 (3); 808 (3); 809 (3) = 6 Credits

Offer at least 6 Credits

Total = 39 Credits

Plant Physiology option

Compulsory Courses:

PLB 801 (2); 802 (3); 803 (3); 804 (3); 805 (3); 840 (6) = 20 Credits

Required Courses:

SCI 801 (2); 802 (2); PPP 801 (3); 802 (3); 803 (3) = 13 Credits

Optional Courses:

PPP 804 (3); 805 (3); 806 (3); 807 (3) = 6 Credits

Offer at least 6 Credits

Total = 39 Credits

Plant Taxonomy option

Compulsory Courses:

PLB 801 (2); 802 (3); 803 (3); 804 (3); 805 (3); 840 (6) = 20 Credits

Required Courses:

SCI 801 (2); 802 (2); PPT 801 (3); 802 (3); 803 (3) = 13 Credits

Optional Courses:

PPT 804 (3); 805 (3); 806 (3); 807 (3); 808 (3); 809 (3); 810 (3); 811 (3); 812 (3) = 6 Credits

Offer at least 6 Credits

Total = 39 Credits

M.Sc. Plant Biology

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