DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY

BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO

STUDENTS HANDBOOK

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 PROF. M. YUSHAU
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

On behalf of all the members of the Department of Microbiology, it is my pleasure to welcome
you all to Bayero University, Kano and in particular to the Department of Microbiology.

This student handbook has been compiled with the sole objective of providing students with
some basic information about the Department, their programme of study and other vital
information that will make them law abiding and pursue their studies without much hitches.
Often, students are victims of avoidable mistakes and lapses that could be avoided if properly
guided by easy access to the necessary information.

This handbook therefore provides some basic information on relevant issues history of the
Department, courses offered and their contents, graduation requirements, principal officers of the
Department, areas of specialization in Microbiology and career opportunities for graduates of
microbiology.

I wish to advice students to show maturity and good character during their stay in the
Department, as degrees are awarded to students only after being found worthy both in character
and learning.

I want to use this opportunity to encourage you to take all the necessary measures to live a
happy, healthy and successful life as prospective microbiology graduates.

I wish you the best of luck in your studies

Thank you

Prof. Muhammad Yusha’ u

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 PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY

VICE CHANCELLOR
Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas

DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR (ACADEMICS)

Prof. Muhammad Sani Gumel

DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR (ADMINISTRATION)

Prof. Mahmud Sani

Ag. REGISTRAR
Prof. Muhammad Sani Gumel

BURSAR
Prof. Muhammad Sani Gumel

LIBRARIAN
Dr.

DEAN STUDENT AFAIRS

Prof. Shamsuddeen Umar

PROVOST, COLLEGE OF NATURAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

Prof. Tijjani Hassan Darma

DEAN, FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

Prof. Usman Aliyu Dutsinma

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Historical Background of Microbiology Department
1.2 Microbiology Programme
1.3 Structure of the Programme
1.4 Mission and Vision of the Microbiology Programme
1.5 Philosophy of the Programme
1.6 Objectives of the Programme
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 ACADEMIC MATTERS
2.1 Admission Requirements
2.2 Academic Counseling/Level Coordination
2.3 Teaching and Assessment
2.4 Graduation Requirements
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 LIST OF COURSES AND THEIR DESCRIPTION
3.1 List of Courses for B.Sc. Microbiology Programme
3.2 Course Description for B.Sc. Microbiology Programme
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC COMMUNITY OF MICROBIOLOGY
DEPARTMENT
4.1 Staff Profiles of the Department
4.2 Principal Officers of the Department of Microbiology
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 SPECIALIZATIONS AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN MICROBIOLOGY
5.1 Specializations in Microbiology
5.2 Basic Aspects of Microbiology
5.3 Applied Aspects of Microbiology
5.4 Career Opportunities in Microbiology

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 CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.2 Historical Background of Microbiology Department
Bayero University, Kano came into existence in 1976, following the Federal Government Policy
of creating seven (7) new Second Generation Universities. In the same year, 1976, the Faculty
of Science was established. The Faculty of Science started with Departments of Biological
Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics, with Prof. G.G. Parffit as the foundation Dean.
The foundation Head of Biological Sciences Department was Prof. R.A. Shorter and the
Department graduated its first set of ten (10) students with B.Sc. Biology, B.Sc. Zoology and
B.Sc. Botany in 1980/1981 academic session, with one of the graduates having a First Class
Honours degree. The others obtained Second Class Lower Division and Third Class Honours
degree. Microbiology as a degree was started in 1988 under the Department of Biological
Sciences and the first set graduated in 1991. From that time to date, the Department retained
graduants that distinguished themselves as staff members. Microbiology was under Biological
Sciences as a Unit until 2011 when it was created as a full pledge Department with Dr. Nasir
Tukur Dabo as the Pioneer Head of Department. In 2015, the Faculty of Science was splitted into
two (2) new Faculties (Faculty of Life Sciences and Faculty of Physical Sciences) under the
umbrella of the newly-created College of Natural and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Thus, the
Department of Microbiology is presently under the Faculty of Life Sciences of the College. The
Department was run under the Headship of the following staff during the periods indicated
against their names (Table 1):

Table 1: List of Heads of Department of Microbiology (2011 – Date)

S/Number Name Year
1. Dr. Nasir Tukur Dabo 2011 – 2014
2. Dr. Abdulkadir Magaji Magashi 2014 – 2018
3. Prof. Abdullahi Hassan Kawo 2018 – 2023
4 Prof. Muhammad Yusha’ u 2023 – Date

1.2 Microbiology Programme

Microbiology is the scientific study of different kinds of microorganisms. It is perhaps the most
vibrant area of current research. Not only has the understanding of bacteria and virus led to the
eradication of many diseases, microorganisms are now manipulated and persuaded to serve as
agents in biotechnology and industries and to improve agricultural yield through biological
control. The B.Sc. Microbiology Programme is designed to produce competent Microbiologists
who are professionally equipped to meet the current and future medical, pharmaceutical,
agricultural, industrial and environmental needs of the Nigerian and international societies.

1.3 Structure of the Programme

The B.Sc. Microbiology Programme places emphasis on formal lectures and laboratory sessions
with the University. A UTME student needs a minimum of four (4) academic sessions and a
Direct Entry student, a minimum, of three (3) academic sessions for him/her to graduate with a
degree in Microbiology. At the beginning of second semester of the third year (Level 300), a
student undergoes an Industrial Attachment Programme (SIWES) of six (6) months under the
joint supervision of an Institution-based and Industry-based staff. At the beginning (First
Semester) of the final year (Level 400), a student is given a Review Essay (Seminar) and

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Research Project (Dissertation) topics, which involve library and laboratory bench and/or field
work, followed by seminar presentation and dissertation defense before the Internal and External
Examiners. The syllabi emphasize on both theoretical and applied aspects of Microbiology.

1.4 Mission and Vision of the Microbiology Programme

1.4.1 Mission of the Programme
The mission of the Microbiology Programme focuses on the training of Microbiologists who will
provide the manpower requirements for industries, self employment and employers of people
through expertise in the theoretical and practical knowledge of Microbiology and Biotechnology.

1.4.2 Vision of the Programme

The Department of Microbiology is basically established and therefore structured to serve as a
center of academic excellence and a reference point for teaching and training high-caliber,
practically-oriented, highly-motivated, self-employable and enterprising graduates for public and
private organizations in Nigeria and the world at large. On the overall, the Programme is aimed
at providing Microbiology education that is well grounded in both theoretical knowledge and
experimental skills in the fields of Microbiology.

1.5 Philosophy of the Programme

The Basic Philosophy of the Microbiology Programme in keeping with the fundamental
Philosophy of the University at large is designed to encourage and promote the training of the
students in all aspects of Microbiology. To meet the nation’ s manpower needs of
Microbiologists, there is need to get the maximum out of every student’ s potentials. Thus,
efforts are always made to develop each student’ s abilities and skills. Microbiology Programme
is designed to train mission-oriented Microbiology experts who will, upon graduation, become
competent professionals who will be able to relate their studies to practical real-life situations by
promoting microbiological activities that positively respond to national aspiration and food
security, job, wealth creation, affordable health care delivery and sustainable development. This
is achieved by motivating the students, and having regular and frequent discussion between each
student and his/her Academic Adviser/Level Coordinator. As much as possible, tutorial classes
are organized during which topics discussed in the lectures are further explained and solutions to
home works and exercises (assignments) are explained through interactive discussion with the
students. Furthermore, we believe that there is need to maintain an optimal balance of academic
excellence, morality and professionalism.

1.6 Objectives of the Programme

The objectives for setting up the Programme of Microbiology are as follows:
(a) Introduce students to the various types of microorganisms and their parasitic
coexistence with man.
(b) Groom students in the principles and theories of Microbiology.
(c) Develop the student's skills in operating routine laboratory instrument and advanced
research equipment. The graduates are trained for job opportunities in Medical
Laboratories, Biotechnology, Food and Pharmaceutical Industries, Agricultural and
Veterinary Establishments, Research Institutes, Environmental Protection Agencies and
Educational Institutions.

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(d) The practical training both in the laboratory and industrial establishments prepare
graduates to be self-employed and become employers of labour.
(e) To undertake research in areas of Biology, Biotechnology and Microbiology equivalent
to highest standard of investigation.
(f) Provide thorough grounding chemical, biochemical and microbiological research
techniques.
(g) Inculcate in the students, an awareness of the potentials of microorganisms in Biology,
Agriculture, Petroleum and Environmental researches.
(h) Develop students’ intellectual capacity to successfully pursue graduate and post-
graduate studies in the various specialized fields in Microbiology. It provides a broad-
based academic training upon which graduates of the Programme can build to pursue
higher degrees of M.Sc., M.Phil. and PhD in Microbiology and other related science
disciplines.
(i) Prepare students for career in teaching, research and public as well as private
enterprises in addition to relevant industries.
(j) To instill in students a sense of enthusiasm for Microbiology, an appreciation of its
applications in different contexts and to involve them in an intellectual stimulating and
satisfying experience of learning, studying and research.

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 CHAPTER TWO
2.0 ACADEMIC MATTERS
2.2 Admission Requirements
i. For entry into 100 Level:
Five (5) SSCE/GCE/NECO/ O-Level credits obtained in not more than two (2)
sittings including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English
Language.
ii. For direct entry into 200 Level:
Minimum of five (5) subjects passed at not more than two (2) sittings with at least (two) 2 A-
level and three O-Level or OND Upper Credit with minimum of three (3) O-level credits in the
major subjects OR minimum of IJMB with eight (8) points with at least five (5) passes at O-
Level in the relevant subjects, three (3) of which must be at credit levels.

2.2 Academic Counseling/Level Coordination

Students are assigned to Academic Advisers called Level Coordinators in the Department by the
Head of Department (HOD). The Academic Adviser (Level Coordinator), having acquainted
himself/herself with academic matters and University requirements and regulations, closely
monitors the academic performance of students assigned to him/her and guides them in their
choice of courses. Academic Advisers are expected to regularly draw the attention of the
Department to students that need special counseling. It is thus important for students to get
proper advice and/or guidance from their assigned Academic Adviser, regarding the number and
relevance of the courses to register for. The Microbiology Programme is based on the NUC
BMAS guidelines. This is a system of study where courses are divided into levels and units.
Students are expected to register a certain minimum number of credit units at a particular level to
qualify for graduation. The system allows students to repeat failed courses at a higher level (i.e.,
carry over) except, when such a failed course(s) are a pre-requisite to courses at the higher levels.
With this agreement, students can graduate at their pace but within the specified periods of study
approved by the University. A unit is awarded to a course of 15 hours of lectures or of 45 hours
of practical per semester. Table 2 below presents the minimum and maximum credits load
distribution across all the levels of study for both the UTME and DE students.

Table 2: Distribution of Credits Load According to Academic Levels of Study

Level of Study Minimum Credits Load Maximum Credits Load
100 34 34
200 39 (UTME) / 43 (DE) 45 (UTME) / 49 (DE)
300 30 36
400 32 34
Spill-Over I 32 34
Spill-Over II 32 34

2.3 Teaching and Assessment

2.3.1 Student Class Attendance
Regular and punctual attendance of students at lectures, tutorials, laboratory and practical
sessions, etc., is compulsory in order for them to achieve their potential in class and to develop
desirable personal traits necessary to succeed in employment. Students’ attendance at scheduled
classes/tutorials is taken in every class/tutorial session(s) and counter-signed by the Lecturer-In-

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Charge. Attendance Registers for every course are cross-checked by the HOD from time to time.
Every student is required to meet a minimum of 75% class attendance in order to qualify to write
examination in a given course.

2.3.2 Semester Examination and Continuous Assessment

Assessment of student work is continuous and accounts for 40% of the total assessment for the
course. The Continuous Assessment (CA) consists of two (2) to four (4) test exercises (in form
of tests, quizzes, practical work and reports as well as other assignments), which sums up to forty
percent (40%). Every student is expected to partake in Continuous Assessment. Final
examinations for courses are held at the end of the semester, which constitutes sixty percent
(60%) of the total score for the course except that in purely practical courses where the final
examination constitutes forty percent (40%).ED

2.4 Graduation Requirements

To graduate, a student should have undergone three (3) or four (4) years of study depending on
his/her entry point (DE or UTME respectively), including six (6) months industrial
training/attachment (SIWES). Course workload must meet the graduation requirements of
Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. Each student must earn a minimum of 135 credit units for the
four (4) years Programme (UTME) and 139 credits for the three (3) years Programme (DE)
while the maximum stands at 149 and 153 credit units respectively (Table 2). The submission of
an undergraduate Project Report (Dissertation) based on supervised research is a graduation
requirement, which must not be compromised.

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 CHAPTER THREE
3.0 LIST OF COURSES AND THEIR DESCRIPTION
3.1 List of Courses for B.Sc. Microbiology Programme
LEVEL 100
First Semester Core Courses
Course Code Course Title Credit Load
BIO 1201 General Biology I 2
BIO 1203 General Biology III 2
CHM 1231 Inorganic Chemistry 2
CHM 1241 Organic Chemistry 2
GSP 1201 Use of English 2
MTH 1301 Elementary Mathematics I 3
PHY 1170 Physics Practical I 1
PHY 1210 Mechanics 2
PHY 1220 Electricity and Magnetism 2
Total 18

Second Semester Core Courses

Course Code Course Title Credits Load
BIO 1202 General Biology II 2
BIO 1204 General Biology IV 2
CHM 1251 Physical Chemistry 2
CHM 1261 Chemistry Practical 2
GSP 1202 Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT 2
PHY 1180 Physics Practical II 1
PHY 1230 Behaviour of Matter 2
MTH 1303 Elementary Mathematics II 3
Total 16

LEVEL 200
First Semester Core Courses
Course Code Course Title Credits Load
MCB 2201 General Microbiology I 2
BIO 2201 Genetics I 2
BIO 2202 Introductory Ecology 2
BIO 2203 General Physiology 2
BCH 2301 General Biochemistry I 3
CHM 2241 Organic Chemistry 2
CHM 2251 Physical Chemistry 2
CSC 2201 Introduction to Computer Science 2
GSP 2201 Use of English 2
GSP 2206 Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution 2
Total 21

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Elective Courses
Course Code Course Title Credits Load
BOT 2202 Seedless Plants 2
BOT 2203 Seed Plants 2
ZOO 2202 Chordata 2

Second Semester Core Courses

Course Code Course Title Credits Load
MCB 2202 General Microbiology II 2
BCH 2302 General Biochemistry II 3
MCB 2204 Basic Microbiological Techniques 2
BIO 2206 Biostatistics 2
MCB 2208 Molecular Biology 2
CHM 2231 Inorganic Chemistry 2
GSP 2202 Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT 2
GSP 2204 Foundation of Nigerian Culture,
Government and Economy 2
GSP 2205 Logic and Philosophy 2
ZOO 2301 Invertebrata 3
Total 22

LEVEL 300
First Semester Core Courses
Course Code Course Title Credits Load
MCB 3102 Field Course I 1
BIO 3207 Biosystematics 2
MCB 3204 Environmental Microbiology 2
MCB 3209 Food Microbiology 2
MCB 3301 Microbial Genetics and Molecular Biology 3
MCB 3302 Pathogenic Bacteriology 3
MCB 3303 Principles of Immunology and Chemotheraphy 3
MCB 3306 Microbial Physiology 3
MCB 3308 Pathogenic Mycology 3
EEP 3201 Entrepreneurship and Innovation 2
Total 24

Elective Course
Course Code Course Title Credits Load
ZOO 3305 Basic Entomology 3
ZOO 3301 Protozoology 3

Second Semester Core Courses

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 Course Code Course Title Credits Load
MCB 3699 Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme 6

LEVEL 400
First Semester Core Courses
Course Code Course Title Credits Load
MCB 4213 Field Course II 2
MCB 4201 Review Essay (Seminar) 2
MCB 4203 Pharmaceutical Microbiology 2
MCB 4204 Analytical Microbiology and Quality Control 2
MCB 4208 Microbial Ecology 2
MCB 4305 Principles of Epidemiology and Public Health
Microbiology 3
MCB 4307 Industrial Microbiology 3
ZOO 4313 Parasitology 3
Total 19

Second Semester Core Courses

Course Code Course Title Credits Load
BOT 4306 Plant Pathology 3
MCB 4206 Medical Virology and Tissue Culture 2
EEP 4201 Venture Creation and Growth 2
MCB 4699 Research Project (Dissertation) 6
Total 13

Elective Course
Course Code Course Title Credits Load
BCH 4211 Advanced Enzymology 2

3.2 Course Description for B.Sc. Microbiology Programme

LEVEL 100 Courses
BIO 1201 - General Biology I
Zoology as a discipline; Characteristics of animals as living things; Cell as the basic unit of life
(living things - animals); Cell structure, organization, cellular organelles, tissues, organs and
systems in animals; Classification of animals; General reproduction and concepts of inter-
relationships in animals; Heredity and evolution; Introduction to basic concepts of animal
ecology.

BIO 1202 - General Biology II

General survey of the Animal Kingdom; Similarities and differences in external morphology in
protozoa, platyhelminthes, annelids, arthropods, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals;
General classification (divisions) of animal taxa in the Animal Kingdom.

BIO 1203 - General Biology III

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Botany as a discipline; Characteristics of plants as living things; Cell as the basic unit of life
(living things - plants); Cell structure, organization, cellular organelles, tissues, organs and
systems in plants; Classification of plants; General reproduction and concepts of inter-
relationships in plants; Heredity and evolution; Introduction to basic concepts of plant ecology.

BIO 1204 - General Biology IV

General survey of the Plant Kingdom; Similarities and differences in external morphology of
bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, bryophyte, pteridophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms;
General classification (divisions) of plant taxa in the Plant Kingdom.

LEVEL 200 Courses

MCB 2201 - General Microbiology I
History of Science and Microbiology; Scope of Microbiology; General characteristics of
microorganisms; Classification, growth (open and batch cultures) and reproduction of
microorganisms; Morphology (basic structures) of microorganisms and their functions; Germ
theory of diseases; Theory of spontaneous generation, Koch’ s postulates; Control of
microorganisms (aseptic procedures including sterilization and disinfection; Brief survey of
microbes and friends and foes (in health, environment, etc – the economic importance and
industrial uses of microorganisms).

MCB 2202 - General Microbiology II

Taxonomy (systematic classification); Nomenclature and classification (biological,
phylogenetics, artificial, numerical taxonomy) of algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses;
Type culture and culture collections; Molecular approaches to microbial taxonomy; Microbial
variation and heredity; Specific and non-specific immunity; Roles of B-cells and T-cells in
immunity; Host-parasite relationships; Normal flora (types and benefits); Biological and
biochemical reactions of microorganisms; Microorganisms and biogeochemical cycles of
elements in nature.

MCB 2204 – Basic Microbiological Techniques

Principles of microscopy; Microscopy and calibration of microscopes; Preparation of slides;
Introduction to classification of microorganisms; Definitions of basic microbial practical
concepts – specimen, sample, etc.; Culture media in biological/microbiological studies; Culture
plates; Culturing of microorganisms; Preparation of media for microbial growth – colony,
colony counting, stains, types and classes of stains; Isolation of pure cultures – streaking, pour-
plating, etc.; Sub-culturing procedures; Staining techniques or differentiation of microorganisms;
Gram;s staining; Culturing of bacteria, fungi, viruses, reading of culture plates, methods of
identifying microbial growth; Parasitological techniques; Photometry; Colorimetry; Enumeration
of microorganisms (direct and indirect procedures); Identification of microorganisms (colonial
and cellular morphology and biochemical); Principles of genetic analysis (plasmids and
transposable genetic elements, mutagenesis and DNA repairs, bacteriophage genetics and
genetics of nitrogen fixation); Mechanisms and nature of mutation, induction, isolation and
characterization of mutants; Genetic recombination in prokaryotes including transformation,
transduction, phafe conversion and conjugation; Recent techniques in microbial genetics;
Chemical coding and expression of genetic information; Fungal genetics.

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MCB 2208 – Molecular Biology
Definition and basic concepts of Molecular Biology; History and role of Molecular Biology;
Microscopy (compound light microscope, bright-field microscope, dark-field microscope, phase-
contrast microscope, fluorescence microscope, electron microscope, transmission-electron
microscope, scanning-electron microscope); Other techniques of Molecular Biology (PCR,
blotting); Autoradiography; Cell cycles; Mitosis; Cytokinesis; Introduction to Cytogenetics;
Chromosome and genes, Nuclear divisions (mitosis, meiosis); Nucleic acids; DNA replication ;
RNA; Protein synthesis ; Transcription; Translation; Structure, biogenesis and functions of: Cell
membrane, microtubules, micro filaments, Golgi bodies, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum;
Membrane-membrane functions (types of membrane transport, passive transport, osmosis,
diffusion, facilitated diffusion, active transport, pumps); Introduction to bioenergetics and
thermodynamics

BCH 2301 – General Biochemistry I

Acidity and alkalinity; pH and pKa values and their effects on cellular activities; Buffers;
Chemistry/structures of carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids; Chemistry of amino acids,
proteins and their derivatives; Methods of isolation and identification; Primary, secondary,
tertiary and quaternary structures of proteins; Determination and biochemical applications of the
structures of proteins; Nomenclature of nucleosides and nucleotides; Effects of acid and alkali on
hydrolysis of nucleic acids; Structures of DNA and RNA; Prokaryotic versus eukaryotic
organisms.

BCH 2302 – General Biochemistry II

Introduction to enzymes; Types, properties, classification and nomenclature of enzymes; Enzyme
catalysis; Factors affecting rate of enzyme-catalyzed reactions; Biological oxidations and
bioenergetics; Gibb’ s equation; Chemical coupling; Phosphorylations, ATP and NADPH
cycles; Metabolism; Introduction to metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids; Chemistry of
nucleic acids.

LEVEL 300 Courses

MCB 3102 - Field Course I
This involves short visits by members of academic staff and students to industrial establishments
such as NAFDAC, food industries, health institutions, etc. Here, students carry out sampling
techniques in local habitats, qualitative and quantitative study of microorganisms in terrestrial,
aquatic and arboreal habitats. The students may be required to replicate or carry out what they
saw in the industry in their school laboratory and a comprehensive report submitted to the
Department.

MCB 3301 - Microbial Genetics and Molecular Biology

Pre-requisites: BCH 2301, BIO 2201, BIO 2202, MCB 2202, MCB 2201
A survey of the current status of Microbial Genetics (bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi)
including discussion on methods and findings in the area of mutagenesis; Mechanisms and
nature of inductions, isolation and biochemical characterization of mutants; Principles of genetic
analysis (genetic recombination in prokaryotes including adaptation, transformation,
transduction, phage conversion and conjugation); Plasmids and transposable genetic elements;
Mutagenesis and DNA repairs; Bacteriophage genetics and genetics of nitrogen fixation; Recent

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and specialized techniques in Microbial Genetics; Chemical coding and expression of genetic
information; Fungal genetics and mitotic recombination in lower eukayotes; Principles and
applications of Genetic Engineering; DNA replication; Transcription and protein synthesis;
Experiments with virulent phages, temperature phages and lysogenic bacteria.

MCB 3302 - Pathogenic Bacteriology

The morphology, life cycle and biochemical characteristics of bacteria; Systematic study of
bacteria and other prokaryotes – their structure, characteristics, identification and isolation;
History of pathogenic bacteriology; Host-parasite relationships; Pathogenic microorganisms and
concept of disease, virulence, spectrum and symptoms of infection, treatment and control;
Koch’ s postulates; Mechanisms for bacterial pathogenicity; Spectrum, symptoms and virulence
factors in pathogenic bacteria; Pathogenesis, epidemiology, mode of transmission, treatment,
prevention and control of bacterial diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract; Bacterial
infections of the skin and wound; Nosocomial infections; Bacterial infections of the gastro-
intestinal tract; Sexually-transmitted diseases (treatment and control); Epidemiology of diseases;
Laboratory techniques for isolation, characterization and identification of pathogenic bacteria;
Serological and other diagnostic procedures; Principles and use of enrichment, selective and
differential bacteriological media; Opportunistic pathogens and their relationship with the normal
bacterial flora in humans.

MCB 3303 – Principles of Immunology and Chemotherapy

Pre-requisites: BCH 2301, BIO 2201
Introduction, historical background and basic concepts of immunology; Structure of antigens;
Antigenic determinants; Cellular response; Genetics of response to antigenic stimulation;
Structure and classification of immunoglobulins and antibodies; Mechanisms of antibody
formation; Antigen-antibody interactions; Role of lymphoid tissues and thymus in immune-
responses; Hypersensitivity; Immuno-pathology; Auto-pathology; Auto-immunology; Tumor
and transplantation immunology; Immuno-prophylaxis; Modern techniques in immunology and
immunochemistry; Principles of chemotherapy; History of chemotherapy; Basic pharmaco-
dynamics and pharmacokinetics; Chemotherapeutic agents (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral
anti-protozoan and anti-helminths); Modes of actions of antimicrobials; Chemotherapy of
specific diseases; Drug bio-assays and sensitivity tests.

MCB 3204 - Environmental Microbiology

Pre-requisites: BIO 2202, MCB 2201, MCB 2202
Impact of human activities on the value of natural resources; Assessment of microbial
contamination of soil, water and air in relation to the deterioration of the environment; Soil, air
and water pollution (sources of the pollution, indices of the pollution, physical and
microbiological properties of the pollution in the different respective environments);
Microorganisms and other organisms of importance in aquatic systems and disposals; Ecology of
microorganisms in water; Pollution and self-purification of water; Methods of water and sewage
purification/treatment with emphasis on specific microorganisms involved; Brief studies of
marine microbiology; Disease transmission by water (water-borne diseases, water-related,
diseases, water-associated diseases, etc); Microbiological examination of waters; Water quality
standards; Microbiology and management of waste disposal (refuse and sewage); Biochemical

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(biological) oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD); Tests for sewage and
water; Biodegradation of pollutants and recalcitrants.

MCB 3306 - Microbial Physiology and Metabolism

Pre-requisites: BCH 2301, MCB 2201, MCB 2202
Aspects of Microbial Physiology; Review of cell structure and functions; Growth and death of
microorganisms; Nutritional types of different bacteria in relation to their energy metabolism and
biosynthetic activities (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nitrates, sulphates and carbonates);
Biosynthetic pathways (glycolysis, transition reaction, Embeden-Meyerhof pathway, generation
of pyruvic acid, end products – pyruvic acid, NADH and ATP, TCA cycle); Review o microbial
cell structures including the cytochemistry and functions of cell organelles; Aerobic and
anaerobic dissimilation; Monomer and polymer synthesis; Active transport across the cell
membrane.

MCB 3308 - Pathogenic Mycology

Pre-requisites: MCB 2201, MCB 2202
Detailed account of the systematic, morphology, life cycles, physiology and dissimilation of
fungi with particular reference to those of economic importance in industry and agriculture;
Structure, reproduction and classification of pathogenic fungi; Cutaneous, subcutaneous and
systemic mycoses (aetiology/morphology, geographical distribution, clinical features,
pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, immunology, treatment, prevention and control);
Opportunistic mycoses (actinomycetes, dermatophytosis, candidiasis, cryptococcosis,
aspergillosis,); Poisonous mushrooms and mycotoxins (aetiology/morphology, geographical
distribution, clinical features, pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, immunology, treatment,
prevention and control); Laboratory methods of study; pathology and immunology of superficial
systemic mycoses and actinomycoses.

MCB 3209 - Food Microbiology

Pre-requisites: BCH 2301, MCB 2201, MCB 2202
The distribution, role and significance of microorganisms in foods; Intrinsic and extrinsic
parameters of food that affect microbial growth; Microorganisms as indices of food sanitary
quality; Microbiological standards of foods; Principles and practice (methods) of food
preservation and food hygiene; Microorganisms as food (concept of single-cell protein
technology – SCP-T); Diseases of animals transmissible to man via animal food products; Food
contamination and spoilage of various types of foods and food-borne diseases; Microbiology of
specific foods, e.g., gari, fufu, kosai, pap (koko), beverages, etc; Food quality control;

MCB 3399 - Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES)

For students in practice-oriented disciplines like Microbiology, satisfactory completion of a six
(6) month period of approved industrial work experience is required for a degree. The practical
experience/training should be carried out in a professorial office, a firm or industry, having
relevant and capable technology facilities. Students are posted to industrial establishments such
as food processing, distillery, pharmaceutical, research institutes or medical and/or health

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institutions during long vacation. The purpose of the Programme is to relate theory to practice
and understand its application in the reality of a demanding profession. It is essential that the
student obtains a wide range of experience both in office, site work, and within the factory as
applicable. To ensure this, the student must keep a record of work in the office, site or factory for
assessment by the University staff. At the end of the period, the work done by the student,
submitted in form of a report (technical report), would be examined jointly by the Supervisor on
site/industry and an academic staff.

LEVEL 400 Courses

MCB 4201 - Review Essay (Seminar)
This involves the collection of literature on contemporary issues in Microbiology from various
sources and organization of same in form of a scientific report. Detailed literature search
followed by presentation at a Departmental Seminar of a scientific topic in Medical,
Environmental, Pharmaceutical, Food and Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology under the
supervision of an academic staff. Each student shall make an oral presentation of the write-up in
class. After the oral presentation, the corrected write-up is finally bound and submitted to the
Department.

MCB 4213 - Field Course II

Pre-requisite: MCB 3102
This involves short visits by members of academic staff and students to industrial establishments
such as NAFDAC, food industries, health institutions, etc. Here, students carry out sampling
techniques in local habitats, qualitative and quantitative study of microorganisms in terrestrial,
aquatic and arboreal habitats. The students may be required to replicate or carry out what they
saw in the industry in their school laboratory and a comprehensive report submitted to the
Department.

MCB 4203 - Pharmaceutical Microbiology

Pre-requisites: MCB 2201, MCB 2202, BCH 2301
The chemistry, production and mode of action of synthetic chemotherapeutic agents and
antibiotics; Production and synthesis of antibiotics, antimicrobial agents and antiseptics; Quality
control of pharmaceutical products; Concepts of growth and death in microorganisms; The mode
of action and assay of antimicrobial agents; Concepts of antibiotic sensitivity and resistance as
related to microbial physiology; Relationships of antimicrobial agents to different microbial
groups (Gram-positives, Gram negatives, spore-formers, etc); Mechanisms of drug resistance;
Antimicrobial activity of herbs and spices; Modes of action and assay of antibiotics and
antiseptics; Microbiological quality control in the Pharmaceutical industry.

MCB 4204 - Analytical Microbiology and Quality Control

Pre-requisites: MCB 2201, MCB 2202, BCH 2301
Microorganisms as agents in quantitative analysis; Selection of test organisms for assay
(antibiotics, amino acids, vitamins, etc); Response of microorganisms used in assays; Obtaining
and measuring responses; Preparation of assay samples; Methods of assays; Interpretation of
results; Aspects of quality control; Plant and equipment sanitation; Microbiological and
specifications.

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MCB 4208 - Microbial Ecology
Pre-requisites: MCB 3204, BIO 2202, MCB 2201, BCH 2301
Microbes and ecological theory; Physiological, morphological and genetic adaptations of
microorganism to their environments; Microbial interactions; Microorganisms in natural
ecosystems; The life of microorganisms in air, springs, rivers, lakes and seas; Microbial
bioconversions (cycling of elements in water and sediments); Biogenesis of fossil fuels with
emphasis on the role of microorganisms; Petroleum prospecting and secondary recovery;
Microbial corrosion of pipes and equipments; Methanogenesis and methanotrophy; Effects of oil
spill on microbial activities in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems; Biodeterioration and
biotransformation of hydrocarbons.

MCB 4305 - Principles of Epidemiology and Public Health Microbiology

Pre-requisites: MCB 2201, MCB 2202, MCB 3302
Definition and general characteristics of endemic, epidemic and pandemic diseases; Statistical
applications to Epidemiology; Nature of epidemiological investigations; Spectrum of infections;
Hard immunity; Latency of infections; Multi-factorial systems in epidemics; Zoonoses;
Antigenic drifts; Communicable diseases (types and control); Nosocomial infections; Emerging
and re-emerging infections; Antimicrobial resistance and re-emergence of infectious diseases;
Ecological and social factors influencing the emergence and development o diseases; Biological
products for immunization; Non-communicable diseases (types and factors influencing
prevalence and control).

MCB 4306 - Medical Virology and Tissue Culture

Pre-requisite: MCB 2201, MCB 2202
System virology; Viruses pathogenic to man and animals (with emphasis on virulence, types of
diseases caused, methods of control, prevention, diagnosis and epidemiology); Experiments with
bacteriophages and representative animal viruses to demonstrate characteristics of viruses and
viral virulence; Methods of viral cultivation, purification, identification and assay with special
reference to tissue culture techniques, cell culture (suspension and monolayer cell culture),
embryonated eggs, laboratory animals, etc; Nature of viral virulence; Regulation of lytic
development and maintenance of the lysogenic state in bacteriophages lambda, P2 and 14 single-
stranded DNA and RNA phage-viroids as pathogens.

MCB 4307 - Industrial Microbiology

Pre-requisites: MCB 2201, MCB 2202. MCB 3306, BCH 2301
Nature/scope of Industrial Microbiology; Characteristics of microorganisms of industrial
importance; Introduction to fermentation systems; Design and use of fermenters; Aspects of the
biology of molds and yeasts; Actinomycetes of importance in various fermentations; Culture
techniques and maintenance of selected cultures; Mutation, strain selection and development;
Sources and strain improvements of industrial microorganisms; Microbial growth and product
formation in industrial processes; Hybridatization; Media formulation and economics;
Optimization of fermentation media at laboratory scale; Perimeter design operation; Antifoams;
Aspects of biochemical engineering; Patents and patent laws; Biodegradation of industrial raw
materials and products; Microbiological production of dextrans, organic acids, lactic acid,
gluconic acid, itaconic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid and vinegar; Mass cultivation of
microorganisms; Manufacture of commercial baker’ s yeast; Production of mushroom inocular;

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Manufacture of Rhizobium inoculars; Viral vaccine production; Production of bacterial toxoids;
Biocatalysts and their immobilization.

BCH 4211 - Advanced Enzymology

Pre-requisites: BCH 2301, BCH 2302, MCB 3209, MCB 3306
Criteria for determining purity of enzymes; Enzymes assay; Chemistry of enzyme catalysis;
Transient kinetic methods; Steady state enzyme kinetics; Multi-enzyme complexes; Regulatory
enzymes; Molecular models for allosterism; Enzyme reconstitution; Regulations of enzyme
activity and synthesis; Genetics of enzymes; Mechanisms of enzyme-catalyzed reactions;
Michalis-Menton equation, Allosteric/regulatory enzymes; Activity sites of enzymes; Estimation
of kinetic parameters-enzymes activities (Km, Vmax, Ki, etc); Zymogen activation; Digestive
enzymes.

MCB 4699 - Research Project (Dissertation)

Pre-requisites: MCB 3102, MCB 3399, MCB 4201, MCB 4213
This involves a research project and dissertation to be undertaken on any type of microbiological
and/or biotechnological interest. Each final year student is required to carry out on original
research project under the supervision of an academic staff member. The findings of the research
are presented by the student at a Departmental Seminar. A dissertation is prepared, bound and
submitted by the student for evaluation by the Department, and is defended in a viva voce before
an External Examiner.

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 CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC COMMUNITY OF MICROBIOLOGY
DEPARTMENT
4.1 Staff Profiles of the Department
The Department has thirty (30) staff (23 Academic, 03 Administrative, 02 Technologists and 02
Technical staff). They are as follows (Professor – 06, Reader – 03, Senior Lecturer – 06,
Lecturer I - 03, Lecturer II – 03, Assistant Lecturer – 02, Administrative staff – 03,
Technologists – 02 and Technical staff - 02). Table 3 below presents the profiles of all the
academic and non-academic (administrative and technologists/technical) staff of the Department
of Microbiology.

Table 3: List of Academic and Non-Academic Staff of Microbiology Department

Academic Staff
S/N NAME HIGHEST RANK AREA OF
QUALIFICATION SPECIALIZATION
1 Prof. Muhammad PhD Professor Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Yusha'u
2 Prof. Muhammad PhD Professor Pharmaceutical/Medical
Dauda Mukhtar Microbiology
3 Prof. Auwalu Halliru PhD Professor Medical/Pharmaceutical
Arzai Microbiology
4 Prof. Dalha Wada PhD Professor Medical Microbiology
Taura
5 Prof. Abdulkadir PhD Professor Food/Molecular Industrial
Magaji Magashi Microbiology
6 Prof. Nasir Tukur PhD Professor Medical
Dabo Microbiology/Parasitology
7 Prof. Abdullahi PhD Professor Environmental Microbiology
Hassan Kawo
8 Prof. Shamsuddeen PhD Professor Food/Industrial Microbiology
Umar
9 Prof.. Usman Aliyu PhD Professor Medical Microbiology
Dutsinma (Medical
Virology/Parasitology)
10 Prof. Aminu Bukar PhD Professor Food/Industrial Microbiology
11 Prof. Bashir PhD Professor Medical/Pharmaceutical
Mohammed Microbiology
12 Dr. (Mrs.) Aishatu PhD Reader Medical Microbiology
Ibrahim Aminu
13 Dr. (Mrs.) Binta PhD Reader Medical/Pharmaceutical
Muhammad Aminu Microbiology
14 Dr. Sani Yahaya PhD Reader Environmental
Microbiology/Environmental
Biogeochemistry
15 Dr. Habibu Usman PhD Reade Medical

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 Abdu Microbiology/Molecular
Entomology
16 Dr. Ibrahim Yusuf PhD Senior Environmental/Medical
Lecturer Microbiology
17 Mal. Muhammad M.Sc. Lecturer Environmental Microbiology/
Rabi’ u Kabir Biotechnology
18 Dr. Abdullahi M.Sc. Senior Environmental Microbiology
Balarabe Inuwa Lecturer
19 Dr. Aisha Kabir M.Sc. Senior Food/Industrial Microbiology
Lecturer
20 Dr. Ruqayya Abbas M.Sc. Senior Food/Industrial Microbiology
Usman Lecturer
21 Mrs. Maryam Idris M.Sc. Lecturer II Microbiology/Bioengineering
Musa
22 Mrs. Abida M.Sc. Lecturer Microbiology/Biotechnology
Muhammad Tukur II
23 Mr. Fasogbon Albert M.Sc. Lecturer Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Oluwasaga II
24. Ahmad Bello Salim. M. Sc. Lecturer II. Medical Microbiology

25 Mrs. Binta Lawan M. Sc. Assistant. Environmental

Musa. Lecturer Microbiology

Technologists/Technical Staff
26 Mal. Idris Bala M.Sc. Principal Microbiology
Technologist
27 Mal. Umar Sani ND/SLT Higher Technician Microbiology
28 Mrs. Fiddausi Ado B.Sc. Technologist II Microbiology
Dandawaki
29 Mal. Abba Auwalu Arzai B.Sc. Technologist I Microbiology
30. Mr. Alexander Nalfa B. Sc. Technologist I. Microbiology
Jangbut

Administrative Staff
31 Mal. Yusuf Tafida PGD Senior Information
Confidential Management/General
Secretary Administration
32 Mrs. Fatima Abubakar WASC/SSCE Senior Messager General Sanitation
33 Mal. Saminu Isa WASC/SSCE Cleaner General Sanitation

4.2 Principal Officers of the Department of Microbiology

The Departmental Community comprises of all the Principal Officers of the Department
(academic and non-academic staff) and various students of the five (5) areas of specialization
(Environmental Microbiology, Food Microbiology, Industrial Microbiology, Medical
Microbiology and Pharmaceutical Microbiology) in the Programme. Table 4 below provides the
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list of Principal Officers of the Department and their responsibilities (roles they play) in the
general administration of the Department for the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 academic sessions.

Table 4: List of Principal Officers of Microbiology Department (2018/2019 – 2019/2020)

S/No. Name of Officer Responsibility
1 Prof. Muhammad Yusha'u Head of Department/Chief Examiner
2 Dr. Abdullahi Balarabe Inuwa Departmental Examinations Officer
3 Dr. Aishatu Ibrahim Aminu PG (M.Sc. and PhD) Coordinator
4 Dr. Habibu Usman Abdu Assistant PG (M.Sc. and PhD) Coordinator
5 Mrs. Abidah Muhammad Level 100 Coordinator
Tukur
6 Mrs. Binta Lawan Musa Level 200 Coordinator
7 Mal. Ahmad Bello Salim Level 300 Coordinator/PGD Coordinator
8 Dr. (Mrs.) Rukayya Abbas Level 400 Coordinator
Usman
9 Dr. Habibu Usman Abdu Spill-Over I Coordinator
10 Dr. Sani Yahaya Spill-Over II Coordinator/Assistant Examinations
Officer
11 Dr. Aminu Bukar Admissions Officer
12 Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Kabir Field Course/SIWES Coordinator
13 Mal. Yusuf Tafida Administrative/Senior Confidential Secretary
14 Mal. Idris Bala Principal Senior Technologist

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 CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 SPECIALIZATIONS AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN MICROBIOLOGY
5.1 Specializations in Microbiology
Modern Microbiology is a large discipline with different specialized areas. This is because the
entire ecosystem depends on the activities of microorganisms and microorganism influence
human society in countless ways.

5.2 Basic Aspects of Microbiology

The basic branch of Microbiology is concerned with the study of the biology of microorganisms.
Fields of study here include the following:
(i) Bacteriology - This is the study of bacteria.
(ii) Mycology - The study of fungi such as yeasts and molds.
(iii) Algology/Phycology – This is the study of algae
(iv) Protozoology – This is the study of protozoa; a branch of Protozoology called
Parasitology deals exclusively with the parasite or disease-producing protozoa and other
parasitic micro and macro organisms.
(v) Microbial Cytology – This is the study of the structures of microbial cells.
(vi) Microbial Physiology – This is the study of the nutrients that microorganisms require for
metabolism and growth and the products that they make from nutrients.
(vii) Microbial Genetics - This focuses on the nature of genetic information in microorganisms
in microorganisms and how it regulates the development and functions of cells and
organisms.
(ix) Microbial Taxonomy - This is the study of the classification of microorganisms or the
grouping of microorganisms.
(x) Microbial Biochemistry – This deals with the discovery of microbial enzymes and the
chemical reactions they carry out.

5.3 Applied Aspects of Microbiology

The applied aspects of Microbiology deal with practical applications of microorganisms to solve
problems related to diseases, water and waste water treatment, food spoilage, food preservation
and food production. The various fields of study in Applied Microbiology include the following:
(i) Medical Microbiology - Studies the causative agents of diseases, diagnostic procedures,
diagnostic procedures for identification of the causative agents and preventive measures.
(ii) Agricultural Microbiology - This is the study of microbial processes in the soil to
promote plant growth. It involves the study of soil microorganisms which has led to the
discovery of antibiotics and other important chemicals. It also deals with the methods of
combating plant and animal diseases caused by microbes, methods of using microbes to

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 increase soil fertility and crop yields. Currently much work is being done on using
bacterial and viral insect pathogens to substitute chemical pesticides.
(iii) Industrial Microbiology - This is the large scale growth of microorganisms for the
production of medicinal products such as antibiotics and vaccines; fermented beverages;
industrial chemicals; production of hormones and proteins by genetically engineered
microorganism.
(iv) Aquatic/Marine Microbiology - This deals with microbial processes in lakes, rivers, and
the oceans. It also examines issues that concerns water purification; microbiology
examination; biological degradation of waste.
(v) Public Health Microbiology – This is closely related to Medical Microbiology. It deals
with the identification and the control of the spread of communicable diseases. It involves
monitoring of community food establishments and waste supplies so as to keep them safe
and free from infectious agents.
(vi) Immunology - This deals with how the immune system protects the body from pathogens
and the response of infectious agents. It also involves practical health problem such as the
nature and treatment of allergies auto immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
(vii) Food and Diary Microbiology – This deals with the use of microbes to make foods such
have cheese, yoghurt, wine and beer. It also deals with the methods of preventing
microbial spoilage of food and the transmission of food-borne diseases such as botulism
and salmonellosis. Microorganisms are also used as single cell protein, which is an
important source of protein or nutrients to livestock and humans.
(viii) Aeromicrobiology – This deals with the study of advances thought in the dissemination
of diseases in the air, contamination and spoilage.
(ix) Exomicrobiology – This deals with the study of exploration for life in outer space.
(x) Petroleum Microbiology – This studies the coal, mineral and gas formation; prospecting
for deposits of coal, oil and gas and recovery of minerals from low-grade ores.
(xi) Environmental Microbiology/Microbial Ecology – This is the study of microorganisms
in their natural environments. It also studies the global and local contributions to nutrients
cycling. In addition, it employs microorganisms in bioremediation to reduce pollution.

5.4 Career Opportunities in Microbiology

Microbiology has a great impact on medicine, agriculture, food science, ecology, genetics,
biochemistry and other fields. A graduate of Microbiology can get employed in a number of
industries/establishments in Nigeria and outside, which include but not limited to the following:
(i) Research Institutes, e.g., Medical and Agricultural Research Institutes.
(ii) Pharmaceutical Industries, e.g., Beecham, Ugolab, ASAD, Generics, etc.
(iii) Academic Institutions, e.g., Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, etc.
(iv) Water Treatment Plants, e.g., Gubi Water Treatment Plant, Tamburawa Waterworks, etc.
(v) Food and Diary Industries, e.g., Nasco Biscuits, SWAN Table Water, Farm-Fresh
Yoghurt, etc.
(vi) Sewage Treatment Plants, e.g., Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Sewage Treatment plant.
(vii) Petroleum Industries, e.g., NNPC, Shevron Oil Company, SHELL Oil Company, etc.
(viii) Waste Treatment and Disposal Industries.
(ix) Regulatory Agencies, e.g., NAFDAC, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) etc
(x) Biotechnology and Molecular Microbiology Research Centers and Laboratories.

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