M.Sc. Zoology

Department of Zoology Master of Science in Zoology

M.Sc. Zoology

A: List of Academic Staff

Name	Status & Qualification	Research Interest(s)
M. K. Mustapha	Professor & Head of Department B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Fisheries, Limnology/ Hydrobiology and Aquaculture
U. S. Ugbomoiko	Professor B.Sc. (AAU, Ekpoma); M.Sc. (Benin); Ph.D. (AAU, Ekpoma)	Parasitology
Gladys C. Nzeh	Professor B.Sc. (Lagos); M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ibadan)	Aquaculture and Molecular Genomics
A. T. Ande	Professor B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Entomophagy, Medical Entomology
O. D. Owolabi	Reader B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Fisheries, Ecotoxicology
O.A. Iyiola	Reader B.Sc., M.Sc. (Ibadan); Ph.D. (Sheffield)	Animal Genetics and Molecular Biology
O. A. Oduola	Senior Lecturer B.Sc., M.Sc. (Ibadan); Ph.D. (Lagos)	Medical Entomology
Olutomi                  A Adeyemi-Ale	Senior Lecturer B.Sc. (Ed.). (OAU, Ile-Ife); M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ibadan)	Ecology and Environmental Biology
E. C. Amaechi	Senior Lecturer B.Sc.    (UNIZIK,    Awka);    M.Sc.,    Ph.D. (Umudike)	Parasitology
Saratu                     I. Abdulkareem	Senior Lecturer B.Sc. (ABU, Zaria); M.Sc. Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Fisheries, Aquatic Ecotoxicology

B. Introduction

The teaching and research of the program is in depth and targeted towards the realization of the aims and objectives of the program. The various options available in the program such as fisheries and hydrobiology, entomology, parasitology, cell biology and animal genetics, ecology and environmental biology are all targeted towards solving the several challenges faced by man, animals and the environment in the areas of food security, parasites and pests control, conservation, pollution, among several others. The program is taught by skilled and competent academics who are specialists in their various fields. Facilities for teaching and research in the various options in the program are available and continuously expanding.

C. Philosophy

The Master of Science in Zoology is to promote general and practical education and application of Zoology in solving challenges, bring innovations and responsiveness in the emerging areas of animal science such as ecotoxicology, animal biotechnology and genetics, biodiversity and ecosystem studies and monitoring, environmental management, animal bioinformatics, as well as the traditional areas of fisheries, parasitology, entomology. The mandate also includes making Zoology a profession where graduates could be consulted on various aspects that deal with the issue of animals. It is also to produce quality graduates and development impact-oriented research, publication and dissemination of knowledge and innovations to meet the changing needs of the society and for sustainable development.

D. Aim and Objectives

The aim of the program is to produce high level man power in Zoology through the acquisition of requisite skills and knowledge, for national development. The objectives of the programme, include the ability of the graduates to develop

• giving a sense of inquiry,
• giving capacity for independent research, motivation and will be well equipped to extend the frontiers of science and technology which will be relevant and contributive to knowledge.
• giving appropriate scientific principles acquired from the programme to solve problems for the promotion of human well-being.
• giving optimal competencies and skills to function effectively in the academia, research and the private sector.

E. Admission Requirements

For candidates to be eligible for the programme, they are required to have the following:

1. Five ‗O‘ Level Credits passes or its equivalent subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and English Language at SSCE and GCE (from WAEC, NECO and NABTEB) in not more than two sittings.
2. B.Sc. degree or equivalent from a reputable university with a minimum of Second-Class Lower Division.

F. Duration of the Programme

A full time Master‘s Programme shall run for a minimum of 18 calendar months and a maximum of 24 calendar months, with an extension of 12 months.

Part-time Master‘s programmes shall run for a minimum of 24 calendar months and a maximum of 36 calendar months

G. Detailed Course Description

ZLY 801 Research Techniques in Zoology 3 Credits

These include methods and techniques needed and used in planning and conducting research in Environmental Biology, Entomology, Fisheries and Hydrobiology and Parasitology specializations. 135h (P); C

ZLY 802 Biology of Fishes 3 Credits

The taxonomy of major groups and the communities of selected tropical fishes. The place of fish in freshwater and marine communities. Food and feeding habits of fish species. Identification of gut contents. Age and growth determinations. Reproduction, breeding and life cycles. Prey-predator relationships. Populations studies recruitment and mortality. Fish migration territorial behaviour and schooling. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 803 Limnology/Marine Biology 3 Credits

Origin and diversity of freshwaters and marine waters. Physico-chemical parameters of the aquatic environment. Ecological features of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, estuaries lagoons, sea, natural and artificial lakes. Plankton and benthos. Allochthonous production of inland waters. Aquatic pollution and its effects. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 804 Tropical Aquaculture 3 Credits

Dams and pond construction. Stocking and pond management. Cropping and marketing. Cage culture; raceways and closed circulation systems. Fish propagation, controlled natural and induced spawning. Hatchery organization and management. Feed formulation and evaluation Culture of shell fishes. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 805  Fish and Fishing Technology 3 Credits

Fish preservation and processing. Fish by- products. Assessment of fish quality. Fishing methods; evolution of fishing methods-Trawls, nets, gears and gear types; fish location gadgets. 15h (T);, 90h (P); C

ZLY 806 Aquatic Resources 3 Credits

Dynamics of aquatic resources. Theoretical considerations of primary and secondary energy budgets. Factors affecting energy budgets. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 807 Environmental Impact Assessment 3 Credits

Basic concepts., principles and history of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Relationship between EIA and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Indicator species and organisms of value in environmental assessment. Essentials in EIA. Potential problems of EIA and their solutions. Cost benefits as a tool for environmental decision-making. Field case studies of impact assessment in Nigeria. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 808 Tropical Man-Made Lakes 2 Credits

The evolution of tropical man-made lakes. A review of pre-and post – impoundment fauna and flora of selected African man-made lakes. 30h (T); E

ZLY 809 Fish Pathology 3 Credits

Ectoparasites and endoparasites of local fishes, their taxonomy, biology and control, Bacterial, fungal and viral diseases of fish and their control. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

ZLY 810 Molecular Biology and Genetic Techniques 3 Credits

Principle of cell fractionation; Techniques of chromosome preparation, DNA and RNA isolation & manipulation, PCR protocols and Methods, Sanger sequencing, bisulfite sequencing and pyrosequencing, Next-Generation Sequencing, Chip- sequencing, Exome Sequencing, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism, Microarray, RNA Editing, Southern Hybridization, Western Blot, Northern Blot, Allele-specific oligonucleotide, Chromatin immunoprecipitation. 135h (P); C

ZLY 811 Cellular Organization and Compartmentalization 3 Credits

Cellular Organization and Compartment; Cell membrane and surface receptor; Membrane structure; Membrane and Transport Mechanism; Nuclear structure and Transport; Intracellular compartment and protein sorting; Intravascular trafficking; Membrane Proteins; Internal organization of the Cell; Cell Adhesion; Cell cycle control; Mechanisms of cell communications; Cytoskeletal element; Endocytosis and lysosomes; Exocytosis and Membrane. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 812 Macromolecular Structure and Function. 3 Credits

DNA structure; Biosynthesis of Precursor; DNA replication; Modification and regulation of DNA; RNA synthesis and Repressor; Ribosome structure and Function; Protein synthesis; Protein structure in relation to function 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 813 Advanced Cytogenetics. 3 Credits

Evolution of Chromosomes; Organization of DNA into Chromosomes; Types and structure of      chromosome; Euchromatin and Heterochromatin; Chromosomal aberration and Syndromes, Comparative Genomic Hybridization, Fluorescence in situ hybridization, Spectral karyotyping. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 814 Molecular Genetics  3 Credits

DNA, Chromosomes and Genomes; Molecular Biology of Cell Division; DNA Repair and recombination; Important genes and proteins involved in Mitotic and Meiotic Division; Control of Gene expression; Molecular Biology and Genetics of Cancer; Genetic Engineering in Animals. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 815 Environmental Mutagen and Carcinogen 3 Credits

Environment and Sources of mutagens in the Environment; Interaction of Gene with the environment; Toxicogenomic; Genetic risk and Carcinogen in animals; Assay for evaluating mutagens. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 816 Population and Quantitative Genetics 3 Credits

Gene and genotype frequencies in natural population; Gene pool and natural selection; Sex ratio; Consanguinity (inbreeding); Twinning; Sampling techniques and analysis of genetic variation; Genetic polymorphism; Genetic markers and biometric traits 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 817 Methods in Environmental Biology 3 Credits

Environmental Pollution assessment methods, Ecotoxicological Assays, Radiation monitoring, Water quality assessment and monitoring, Wildlife sampling and biodiversity assessment, 135h (P); C

ZLY 818 Ecotoxicology 3 Credits

Sources of exposure to toxins. Natural and man-made toxins. Toxins in the Nigerian environment. Bioassay for exotoxins. Resistance and evaluation of toxicity, Radiation biology. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 819 Ecology of Tropical Ecosystems 3 Credits

Intensive studies of the factors affecting the abundance and distribution of animals in tropical terrestrial ecosystems (lowland forests, savanna, deserts and montane systems). Community structure, functions and dynamics. Adaptation of animals to different tropical environments and the effect of human activities on tropical ecosystems. Ecology of coastal and tropical inland waters like estuaries, lagoons, rivers, natural and artificial lakes. The inter-relationships of fauna and flora. Man‘s influences on the aquatic environment30h (T); 45h (P); C

ZLY 820 Wildlife Conservation and Management 3 Credits

Wildlife in relation to their environment. Factors affecting the distribution and abundance of wildlife. Inter-relationships between climate, soils, vegetation, history and wildlife populations. The wildlife resources of Nigeria. Movement, behaviour life cycles, reproduction, food and food habits of wildlife. Natural and efficient usage f range lands in Africa. Methods of range assessment and management Principles of biological conservation Natural research. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 807 Environmental Impact Assessment 3 Credits

Basic concepts, principles and history of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Relationship between EIA and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Indicator species and organisms of value in environmental assessment. Essentials in EIA. Potential problems of EIA and their solutions. Cost benefits as a tool for environmental decision-making. Field case studies of impact assessment in Nigeria. 15h (T);, 90h (P); C

ZLY 822 Behavioural Ecology 3 Credits

Advanced studies of the adaptive value of social organization, territory, reproductive ecology, feeding ecology, predator/prey interactions and competition. Case studies. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 823 Ecology and Management of Tropical Wetlands 3 Credits

Definition of wetlands. Important terms associated with wetlands. Distribution of wetlands in Nigeria. Ecology of wetlands. Biology of wetland fauna. Values of wetlands. Field studies. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 824 Methods in Entomology 3 Credits

The use of artificial and natural diets in insect rearing. Net and construction. Trap design and trapping methods. Insect collection, killing and packaging.135h (P); C

ZLY 825 Insect Taxonomy 3 Credits

Advance principles and methods of insect classification, construction and use of keys. Techniques for collection, curation and identification of major insect orders. Insect biodiversity. 15h (T);, 90h (P); C

ZLY826 Insect Ecology 3 Credits

Synthetic analysis of the causes of insect diversity and fluctuation in abundance. Abiotic, biotic and evolutionary mechanisms influencing insect populations and communities. Intra-and interspecific competitions, dispersal, prey–predator interactions and strategies. Life table analyses, climate change, insect population and communities. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 827 Insect Physiology and Biochemistry 3 Credits

Insect physiological processes including metamorphosis, locomotion, nutrition, respiration, reproduction and irritability. Water and temperature regulation, pheromones and hormone derivatives in insects. Physiology of insecticide resistance, immunity and transgenic insects. Current techniques in insect physiology and molecular entomology. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 828 Stored Product Entomology 3 Credits

Biology and Ecology of stored product pests of cereals pulses and other products in West Africa. Techniques and methods for screening products for pest infestation and damage assessment. Stored product management strategies and tactics. Modes of action of storage pesticides. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 829 Medical and Veterinary Entomology 3 Credits

Biology, behaviour, Ecology, Distribution, Management and Economic importance of arthropod vectors of medical and veterinary importance in Nigeria and sub- Saharan Africa. Disease burden of arthropod vectors. Vector/pathogen interactions and host-pathogen interactions. Review strategies, tactics success of major control programmes. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 830 Management of Harmful Insects 3 Credits

Principles of natural populations, Insect pest/vector development (Emphasis of insects harmful to man and its activities). Various types of natural and applied control methods integrated pest/ vector management (IPM/IVM). Problems arising from pesticide control; Insecticide resistance, toxicity and residues. Use of biocontrol agents in management of harmful insects 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 831  Forensic Entomology 3 Credits

Use of insects in Post-mortem interval and murder investigations, Entomology and the law, scope and status of Forensic entomology. Recognition, collection, importance and development of insects of forensic importance, analysis of entomological evidence. Decomposition, insect succession and factors influencing them 30h (T);, 45h (P); E

ZLY 832Social Insects 3 Credits

Natural history, identification, evolution and behaviour of social insects. Evolution of social behaviour, pheromones, communication, organisations, division of labour, social parasitism, Management and maintenance of Honey bee and other social insects. 30h (T);, 45h (P); E

ZLY 833    Aquatic Insects and Pollution 3 Credits

Effects of pollution on biology, ecology, and community structure of aquatic insects. Life cycle, trophic relationships, community structure in lentic and lotic waters. insects and Organic, heavy metal, acidification, siltation, runoff and thermal pollutions. Succession of aquatic insect community structure. Biological monitoring networks. 30h (T);, 45h (P); E

ZLY 834 Research Techniques and Methodology in Parasitology 3 Credits

Laboratory and field procedures in Parasitology including maintenance of parasites in laboratory animals; measurement and analysis of research data; into-vitro culture of parasites and cryopreservation;              microphotography, cyto-and histochemical techniques; immunological techniques including the use of ion exchange columns for detecting low parasitaemia. 135h (P); C

ZLY 835 Basic Principles and concepts in Parasitology 3 Credits

Hetero-specific associations among animals. Types of parasitism parasites and their hosts. The effects of parasitism on the parasite and host. Distribution of parasites in a host population. Factors influencing parasite density and distribution. Host-parasite specificity; the species problem and the evolution of parasitism in the animal kingdom. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 836 Transmission and diseases of Protozoan Parasites 3 Credits

Parasitic Protozoa of medical and veterinary diseases caused by protozoan parasites in the tropics. The role of vectors in the transmission of protozoan disease. The role of host behaviour in the transmission of protozoan parasites. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 837 Physiology and Biochemistry of Parasites 3 Credits

Habitat and physicochemical requirements, nutrition, absorption, energy stores energy metabolism in parasitic protozoa and helminthes. Purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism and membrane biology in parasitic protozoa and helminthes. Moulting arrested development, self-cure phenomena. Parasitic adaptations and propagation of parasites. Ultra-structure of parasites and its relationship to physiological processes. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 838 Parasite Immunology 3 Credits

Basic concepts; natural and acquired immunity. Cell types in immune systems; immunity to parasites (Protozoa and Helminthes). Evasion of host immune response; Advances in immunization against parasitic infections, Immunological methods. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 839 Transmission and Diseases of Helminths Parasites 3 Credits

Helminth parasites of medical and veterinary importance, including life history of parasites. Food and vector-borne parasitic infections. Type of diseases caused by helminth parasites. The role of host behaviour in parasitic helminth transmission. Circadian rhythms in the transmission of helminth parasites (Filarial periodicity). Control strategies. 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 840 Epidemiology and control of parasitic diseases in the tropics 3 Credits

Introduction to the  principles and methods  of epidemiology.  Types of epidemiological surveys (Descriptive, experimental and analytical) Patterns of disease occurrence in the tropics. Measurement of parasitic infections in a host population. Epidemiology and recent developments in the control of major parasitic diseases and their vectors in tropical Africa. Ethical consideration in epidemiological studies 30h (T);, 45h (P); C

ZLY 841 Bioinformatics 3 Credits

Scripting. Use of computer programmes. Programme installation and navigation. Data mining. Statistical analysis. Primer design. Sequence analysis. BLAST. Phylogenetic analysis. Protein alignment. 15h (T);, 90h (P); C

ZLY 842 Seminar 2 Credits

A critical review of current literatures in specific area of specialization to be delivered as seminar by each student on an approved topic in Zoology. 90h(P); C

ZLY 843 Dissertation 6 Credits

Original research project on a topic approved by the Head of Department in the relevant area of specialization which must be defended before a panel of external and internal examiners. 270h (P); C

SCI 801 Management and Entrepreneurship 2 Credits

The course will cover business environment, general management, financial management, entrepreneurship development, feasibility studies, marketing and managerial problem solving. 30h (T); C

SCI 802 ICT And Research Methodology 2 Credits

This course should cover essentials of Spreadsheets, Internet technology, Statistical Packages, Precision and accuracy of estimates, Principles of scientific research, Concepts of Hypothesis formulation and testing, Organization of Research and Report Writing. 30h (T); C

H. Graduation Requirements for programme options in M.Sc. Zoology

A candidate must have passed a minimum of 36 core credits before being awarded a M.Sc. degree in Zoology.

I. Summary

CELL BIOLOGY AND GENETICS

Core courses:

ZLY 841 (3); ZLY 842 (2); ZLY 843 (6); ZLY 810 (3); ZLY 811 (3); ZLY 812 (3);

ZLY 813 (3); ZLY 814 (3); ZLY 815 (3); ZLY 816 (3); SCI 801 (2); SCI 802 (2).

Total  36 Credits

ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY

Core courses:

ZLY 841 (3); ZLY 842 (2); ZLY 843 (6); ZLY 817 (3); ZLY 818 (3); ZLY 819 (3); ZLY

820 (3); ZLY 807 (3); ZLY 822 (3); ZLY 823 (3); SCI 801 (2); SCI 802 (2).

Total  36 Credits

ENTOMOLOGY

Core courses:

ZLY 841 (3); ZLY 842 (2); ZLY 843 (6); ZLY 824 (3); ZLY 825 (3); ZLY 826 (3);

ZLY 827 (3); ZLY 828 (3); ZLY 829 (3); ZLY 830 (3); SCI 801 (2); SCI 802 (2).

Total  36 Credits

Elective courses

ZLY 831 (3); ZLY 832 (3); ZLY 833 (3).                        Total 9 Credits

FISHERIES AND HYDROBIOLOGY

ZLY 841 (3); ZLY 842 (2); ZLY 843 (6); ZLY 801 (3); ZLY 802 (3); ZLY 803 (3); ZLY

804 (3); ZLY 805 (3); ZLY 806 (3); ZLY 807 (3); SCI 801 (2); SCI 802 (2).

Elective courses

ZLY 808 (2); ZLY 809 (3).

PARASITOLOGY

Total  36 Credits

Total    5 Credits

ZLY  841 (3); ZLY  842 (2); ZLY  843 (6); ZLY     834 (3); ZLY    835 (3); ZLY 836

(3); ZLY 837 (3); ZLY    838 (3); ZLY     839 (3); ZLY    840 (3); SCI 801 (2); SCI 802

(2).

Total    36 Credits