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Selected Invertebrates

The course discusses the ecology and biology (with emphasis on feeding and reproduction) of the Porifera, Coelenterata, Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda (excluding Insects) and Echinodermata. The following phenomena are also highlighted: cellular aggregation and division of labour as demonstrated by the Porifera;

polymorphism as demonstrated by the Coelenterata; significance of hydrostatic skeleton; coral formation; locomotory habits; metamerism as providing a degree of plasticity in the annelids; segmental locomotor appendages as shown by selected classes of the Arthropoda, adaptive radiation in the Mollusca; and dermal endoskeleton of the Echinodermata.

Course Code: 
CBE 301
No. of Credits: 
3
Level: 
Level 300
Course Semester: 
First Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Entomology and Wildlife

Basic Computing for Biologists     

This course will expose students to the application of computers and software in biological sciences. The course will introduce students to Computer hardware and software. They will be exposed to input and output devices, Windows and MS Office Package (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and uses of Excel for basic analyses and graphical presentations.

Students will also be introduced to the use of the Internet and search engines for information retrieval on the web. Statistical packages (SPSS, MINITAB, GENSTAT etc.) for data analyses will be introduced. Uses of PCs interfaced with laboratory equipment will also be discussed.

Course Code: 
BIO 315
No. of Credits: 
3
Level: 
Level 300
Course Semester: 
First Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Entomology and Wildlife

Functional Insect Morphology and Anatomy    

The course relates insect structure to function. Students are introduced to Insect Science and its applications. Aspects to be covered include the head capsule, under which the different types of grooves, their origins and functions are discussed. 

Also to be discussed are modifications of the pterothorax, wing structure and coupling, flight activity, structure of abdominal segments and abdominal appendages. Attention is also given to the general structure and function of the digestive, circulatory, respiratory and excretory systems.

Course Code: 
CBE 302
No. of Credits: 
3
Level: 
Level 300
Course Semester: 
First Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Entomology and Wildlife

Critical Thinking and Practical Reasoning 

Critical thinking includes, but not limited to, variety of deliberative processes aimed at making wise decisions about what to believe and do, processes that centre on evaluation of arguments, among others.

The best way to use and appreciate critical thinking is to integrate logic, both formal and informal, with a variety of skills and topics useful in making sound decisions about claims, actions, and practices and to make it all palatable by presenting it in real-life contexts.

Course Code: 
PHL 205
No. of Credits: 
2
Level: 
Level 200
Course Semester: 
Second Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Entomology and Wildlife

  Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology

This course introduces students to the basic anatomy and fundamental mechanisms involved in mammalian physiological functions.  It includes a study of the structure and function of the organ systems involved in digestion, transport, respiration, co-ordination, excretion, reproduction, support and locomotion. 

Principles of homeostasis will be emphasized.

Course Code: 
BIO 212
No. of Credits: 
3
Level: 
Level 200
Course Semester: 
Second Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Entomology and Wildlife

Plant Physiology     

This course covers basic plant processes including photosynthesis, respiration, fermentation and bioenergetics.  Other concepts and topics to be discussed include translocation of organic compounds, germination and dormancy, stomatal physiology and plant growth regulators.

Course Code: 
BIO 211
No. of Credits: 
3
Level: 
Level 200
Course Semester: 
Second Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Entomology and Wildlife

Chordate Biology      

This course reviews the taxonomy, functional anatomy and biology of the protochordates, cyclostomes, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.  It also reviews the origins of chordates and their evolutionary history and provides a survey of embryonic development in the chordates.

The course involves extensive practical work in which live and preserved animals will be used for illustrations.

Course Code: 
BIO 210A
No. of Credits: 
2
Level: 
Level 200
Course Semester: 
Second Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Entomology and Wildlife

Introductory Microbiology and Parasitology    

The first part of the course reviews the diversity of micro-organisms including Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi and Protozoa.  Their importance in nature and effects on man will be emphasized.  The course discusses the uses of microbes – both beneficial and adverse. 

The second part of the course examines heterospecific associations with special emphasis on parasitism.  To include the life cycles and control measures against some common parasites.

Course Code: 
BIO 209A
No. of Credits: 
2
Level: 
Level 200
Course Semester: 
Second Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Entomology and Wildlife

Population Genetics and Evolution   

Students are introduced to Polygenes and the Hardy-Weinberg law. The latter is illustrated by sickle cell anaemia, melanism in moths, drug resistance, insecticide resistance and mimicry in butterflies.  The course also examines the concept of evolution and the distribution of organisms in time and space. 

It also reviews the theories of evolution, natural selection and evidence of evolutionary processes: fossils, geographical distribution, comparative anatomy, vestigial structures, molecular biology and embryology.  The origin of Man and the future of Man on earth are also discussed.

Course Code: 
BIO 208
No. of Credits: 
3
Level: 
Level 200
Course Semester: 
Second Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Entomology and Wildlife

  Principles of Ecology   

The course examines environmental factors and their effects on the distribution and abundance of organisms.  It discusses the structure and dynamic aspects of populations; population interactions and regulatory mechanisms; concepts of community and the ecosystem; energy flow in ecosystems; trophic levels, and human ecology linked to the field.

Course Code: 
BIO 207
No. of Credits: 
3
Level: 
Level 200
Course Semester: 
Second Semester
Select Programme(s): 
Entomology and Wildlife

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