BSc (Hons) Microbiology
Explore the Unseen Universe. Solve Global Challenges in Health, Food, and the Environment.
Program Overview
This program delves into the fascinating world of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. You will study their biology, ecology, and genetics, and learn how to harness beneficial microbes and combat pathogenic ones in fields ranging from medicine and pharmaceuticals to agriculture and environmental protection.
Why This Program?
- •Gain extensive hands-on experience in our BSL-2 containment lab, molecular biology lab, and fermentation suite.
- •Participate in groundbreaking undergraduate research projects on topics from antibiotic discovery to biofuel production.
- •Benefit from our strong ties to the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and leading pharmaceutical companies for internships.
- •Focus on specialized fields like Medical Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, or Industrial Microbiology.
Real-World Importance
•Microbiologists are on the front lines of humanity's biggest challenges.
•They develop antibiotics and vaccines to fight infectious diseases, create quality control protocols to ensure our food and water are safe, engineer microbes to clean up oil spills and pollution, and manipulate microorganisms to produce life-saving drugs like insulin.
•The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical, life-saving role of microbiologists in tracking, understanding, and stopping the spread of pathogens..
Curriculum Overview
Program Structure
Key Topics
Course Outline
Year 1: Biological Foundations
Year 2: Core Microbiology
Year 3: Applied Microbiology
Year 4: Specialization & Research
Career Opportunities
Medical Microbiologist
Potential Sectors:
Quality Control/Assurance Officer
Potential Sectors:
Research Scientist
Potential Sectors:
Sales & Technical Representative
Potential Sectors:
Environmental Microbiologist
Potential Sectors:
Learning Outcomes
Admission Requirements
UTME Requirements
O'Level Requirements
- •English Language
- •Mathematics
- •Chemistry
- •Physics
- •Biology
Five (5) O'Level credit passes in Science subjects at not more than two sittings. Credit in Biology and Chemistry is absolutely mandatory.
JAMB Subjects
- •English Language (Compulsory)
- •Biology
- •Chemistry
- •Physics or Mathematics
JAMB Score Requirements
Minimum Score
150
Competitive Score
200
This is a very competitive course in the sciences. Top universities require high JAMB and Post-UTME scores, especially in Biology and Chemistry.
Direct Entry Requirements
Other Requirements
Grading System
Our Successful Alumni
Dr. Ifeanyi Okonkwo
Lead Quality Control Microbiologist, Fidson Healthcare PLC
Class of 2013
"The rigorous practical training in aseptic techniques and quality assurance protocols at SAU meant I was immediately valuable in the pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. They teach you the standards the industry demands."
Did You Know?
Meet Your Department Head
Prof. Aisha Mohammed
Professor of Molecular Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
“Microbes run the world. They are the oldest, most diverse, and most powerful life forms on Earth. In this program, you will learn to speak their language, unlocking solutions to diseases, industrial problems, and environmental crises. Your work here will have a tangible impact on human health and well-being.”
A leading researcher in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Prof. Mohammed leads a team that surveils resistant pathogens in Nigerian hospitals. She has collaborated with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on several public health initiatives.
Accreditation
Exam Preparation
This program provides excellent preparation for licensure with the Institute of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (IMLSCN) and for postgraduate studies in Medicine, Public Health, and Research (MSc, PhD).
Facilities & Resources
- •Containment Level (BSL-2) Laboratory for working with moderate-risk pathogens.
- •Molecular Biology Lab with PCR machines, gel electrophoresis, and other equipment for genetic analysis.
- •Fermentation Technology Lab with bioreactors for industrial microbiology applications.
- •Microbial Culture Collection with a wide range of reference strains.
Industry Connections
Partners
Initiatives
- •Annual Public Health Symposium
- •Industrial Placement Program
- •Joint Research Projects with NIMR
Scholarship Opportunities
NIMR Research Scholarship
For final-year students demonstrating exceptional research potential in medical microbiology or virology.