M.Sc. Soil Science

Soil Science

Master of Science in Soil Science M.Sc. Soil Science

1. List of Academic Staff

Name	Status and Qualification	Research Interests
E. K. Eifediyi	Senior Lecturer HND, PGD (Portharcourt); M.Sc., Ph.D. (AAU, Ekpoma)	Crop Production, Underutilised Crops, Plant Nutrition
B. A. Raji	Professor B.Sc. (OAU, Ile-Ife); M.Sc., Ph.D.(ABU, Zaria)	Pedology, Soil Genesis and Classification, Soil Survey andLand Evaluation
Oluyemisi B. Fawole	Professor B.Sc. (Ilorin); M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ibadan)	Soil Microbiology and MicrobialBiotechnology
J. O. Olaniyan	Professor B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ibadan)	Soil Pedology, Soil Survey andLand Evaluation
Olabisi F. Adekola	Prof. B.Sc. (Ibadan); M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Crop Production, SustainableOrganic Agriculture
F. O. Takim	Reader B.Agric. (Calabar); M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Weed Science
Kehinde O. Affinnih	Senior Lecturer B.Agric., M.Sc. (Ilorin); Ph.D. (ABU, Zaria)	Soil Chemistry and Fertility
H. E. Ahamefule	Senior Lecturer B.Agric. (Calabar); M.Sc., Ph.D. (UNN, Nsukka)	Soil Physics and Conservation, Bioremediation, Remote sensing
I. Kareem	Senior Lecturer B.Sc., M.Sc. (Ibadan), Ph.D. (Serdang)	Plant Physiology
Folusho A. Bankole	Senior Lecturer B.Agric., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Plant Breeding and Genetics

B. Introduction

The programme is to provide an opportunity for individuals who hope to pursue careers either in research and/or teaching in various institutions of higher learning. The programme which comprises theory and practical including the writing of a dissertation in each discipline is structured to adequately expose them to modern trends in the various disciplines of soil science. The dissertation offers students a chance to fully explore a topic of their own choice and to execute meaningful research studies, based on critical analysis of data collected during the course of study.

C. Philosophy

The philosophy of the programme is the development of high-level manpower to pursue careers in academics and research in the various disciplines of soil science and land use.

D. Aim and Objectives

The aim of the programme is to expose students to advanced courses in the relevant areas or fields and other academic disciplines.

Objectives:

1. Conducting supervised research;
2. Giving seminar presentations, and
3. Making dissertation preparation.

E. Admission Requirements

Candidates seeking admission into the programme must have the following qualifications from recognised institutions:

1. A minimum of Credits passes or its equivalent in each of Biology or Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and English language.
2. Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division.
3. Bachelor of Science degree in a related discipline with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division, plus PGD in Agriculture.

In each case, candidates must sit for a qualifying examination except graduates of the University of Ilorin with First Class and Second Class Upper (2¹) Division.

F. Duration of the Programme

1. The Full-time programme shall run for a minimum of 18 calendar months and a maximum of 24 calendar months.
2. The Part-time programme shall run a minimum of 24 calendar months and a maximum of 36 calendar months.

G. Detailed Course Description

SSC 801	Seminar Each student will be required to present two seminars on approved topics in the area of soil science. The assessment of the seminar for a letter grade will be done by all academic staff of the department.90h (P); C	2 Credits
SSC 802	Mineralogy of Soils Introduction to crystal chemistry. Dispersion and fractionation of soil material. Clay mineral structures. X-ray production and use. Differential thermal analysis of clays. Electron microscopy of clay minerals. Origin and occurrence of clay minerals. Selective dissolution analysis of soil minerals.30h (T); 45h (P); E	3 Credits
SSC 803	Pedology Concept of soil. Soil profile and soil characteristics. Weathering processes. Soil classification. Factors of soil formation. Use of soils in quartenary stratigraphic studies. Pedological findings: tropics.30h (T); 45 (P); C	3 Credits
SSC 804	Soil Survey and Land EvaluationPrinciples and methods of soil surveys. Soil survey interpretation. Soil resource inventories derived from soil surveys. Use of soil resource inventories in planning land use. 30h (T); 45h (P); E	3 Credits
SSC805	Soil and Plant Analysis Soil and plant tissue sampling techniques. Principle and methods of chemical analysis of soils, plants and fertilizers for available and total constituents. Use of analytical instruments and techniques.15h (T); 90h (P); E	3 Credits
SSC 806	Microbial Biotechnology Genes and genetic engineering: techniques of microbial cultures. Microbial products. Microbial inoculants, biofertilizers, biopesticides. Single-cell proteins and mycoproteins, enzyme biotechnology.30h (T); 45h (P); E	3 Credits
SSC 807	Management of Tropical Soils Uses and management of vertisols. Desert Dunes. Acid sulphate soils. Organic soils: Histosols. Coastal plain sands. Saline-sodic soils and others.30h (T); 45 (P); E	3 Credits
SSC 808	Advanced Soil and Water Conservation Mechanisms of water and wind erosion and control measures. Universal soil loss equation. Catchment hydrology and Bernoulli‘s equation. Watershed management. Drainage and irrigation. Land development.30h (T); 45 (P); E	3 Credits
SSC 809	Advanced Soil Physics and HydrologySoil physical properties and plant growth. Soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. Models of water and solute uptake by roots. Numerical methods for solving flow problems in soilphysics. Research techniques and instrumentation. Components of the hydrological cycle. Hydrology in soil water conservation, precipitation, rainfall and analyses of rainfall data. Factors affecting run-off and methods for estimating run-off.30h (T); 45 (P); C	3 Credits

SSC 810	Soil Fertility and Nutrition Soil fertility in relation to physical and chemical characteristics of soils. Nutrient absorption and distribution in plants. Effect of fertilizers and lime. C.E.C. Organic matter and pH on nutrient availability and uptake.30h (T); 45h (P); C	3 Credits
SSC 811	Fertilizer Use and Technology Classification and properties of fertilizers. Physical and chemical aspects of fertilizer technology. Manufacture of nitrogenous, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Fertilizer calculations.30h (T); 45h (P); E	3 Credits
SSC 812	Soil Chemistry and Fertility Soil-plant relationships. Nutrient transformation and fixation. Soil-pesticide interaction. Soil adsorption phenomena. Soil acidity. Soil salinity. Essential and toxic elements. Bioavailability. Nutrient uptake kinetics.30h (T); 45h (P); C	3 Credits
SSC 813	Soil Microbial Ecology Microbial diversity in soil-occurrence of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, nematodes and actinomycetes. Factors affecting the distribution of soil microorganisms. Microbial interactions in soil. Microbial succession in soil.30h (T); 45h (P); E	3 Credits
SSC 814	Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry Soil organic matter and factors affecting its transformation in the soil. Biochemistry of nutrient and toxic elements in the soil: P, N, and S cycles. Minor toxic elements and pesticides. Microbiology of water pollution.30h (T); 45h (P); E	3 Credits

SSC 815	Research Methodology and Computer Applications Definition of research problems. Library investigations. Experimental designs: laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments. Introduction to use of statistical software for data analysis: Genstat, SAS, Strata, SPSS. Proposal writing and scientific writing techniques.30h (T); 45h (P); C	3 Credits
SSC 816	Land Reclamation and Waste  Management Reclamation of desert and wetlands. Land degraded by mining activities. Construction stone quarrying. Petroleum exploration. Techniques and materials used for reclamation. Wastes: chemistry and biology of waste. Land application of wastes. Characterization of land sites for waste disposal systems. Aquifer protection. Role of soils in waste management.30h (T); 45h (P); E	3 Credits
SSC 839	Dissertation Each student will be expected to choose and execute a dissertation under a supervisor. The final grade of the dissertation will be based on a typewritten report and that of the external examiner.450h (P); C	10 Credits

H. Graduation Requirements

The programme consists of coursework, dissertation and seminars or special topics. To be awarded the master of Science degree in Soil Science, a candidate must have fulfilled the following conditions:

1. Passed a minimum of 36 Credits, as follows:

Core Courses		18 Credits
Elective Courses		6 Credits
Seminar		2 Credits
DissertationTotal	=	10 Credits36 Credits

ii. Carried out research relevant to the area of specialisation and submitted an acceptable thesis.

I. Summary Options

i. General Soil Science

Core Courses: SSC 801 (2), SSC 839 (10), AGY 825 (3), SSC 810 (3), SSC 809 (3),

SSC 812 (3), SSC 803 (3), SSC 815 (3) 30 Credits

Elective Courses: SSC 808 (3), SSC 802 (3), SSC 805 (3), SSC 806 (3), SSC 813 (3),

SSC 814(3) 6 Credits

Total (C + E) Courses = 36 Credits

ii. Soil and Water Management

Core Courses: SSC 801 (2), SSC 839 (10), AGY 825 (3), SSC 810 (3), SSC 809(3),

SSC 812 (3), SSC 803(3), SSC 815(3) 30 Credits

Elective Courses: SSC 807 (3), SSC 808 (3), SSC 816 (3) 6 Credits

Total (C + E) Courses = 36 Credits

iii. Soil Survey and Land Use

Core Courses: SSC 801 (2), SSC 839 (10), AGY 825 (3), SSC 810 (3), SSC 809 (3),

SSC 812 (3), SSC 803 (3), SSC 815 (3) 30 Credits

Elective Courses:

SSC 802 (3), SSC 804(3), SSC 825 (3), SSC 807 (3), SSC 816 (3) 6 Credits

Total (C + E) Courses = 36 Credits

iv. Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry

Core Courses: SSC 801 (2), SSC 839 (10), AGY 825 (3), SSC 810 (3),  SSC 809 (3),

SSC 812 (3), SSC 803 (3), SSC 815 (3) 30 Credits

Elective Courses: SSC 805 (3), SSC 806 (3), SSC 813 (3), SSC 814 (3) 6 Credits Total (C + E) Courses = 36 Credits

v. Soil Chemistry and fertility

Core Courses: SSC 801 (2), SSC 839 (10), AGY 825 (3), SSC 810 (3), SSC 809(3),

SSC 812 (3), SSC 803(3), SSC 815(3) 30 Credits

Elective Courses: SSC 805 (3), SSC 807 (3), SSC 811 (3) SSC 814 (3) 6 Credits

Total (C + E) Courses = 36 Credits