INTRODUCTION

The Department of Biochemistry develops in each student an appreciation for contemporary issues in Biochemistry and an understanding of the principles governing life through a laboratory-intensive curriculum taught by academic staff dedicated to enriching the learning experience.

PHILOSOPHY

The undergraduate programme in biochemistry offered by this department is intended to meet the needs of the students, the dynamic nature of the subject, expectations of the society and the human resources requirements of the public and private sectors. These needs are achievable because of the peculiar nature of biochemistry as a/an hybrid/applied science, which sits at the confluence of biological and physical sciences from which it draws heavily and contributes to in no less measure. Biochemistry is simply the study of the molecular basis of life and existence. Biochemical knowledge has influenced man and the environment, in the areas of nutrition, agriculture, pharmacology and drug development, industrial processes and manufacturing, quality control and assurance, biotechnology, medicine, forensic engineering, genetic engineering and so on through its numerous principles. As a natural science, the programme is so designed that the integration of theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline will enable the students to acquire the skills that prepare them for both white-collar jobs and self-employment. Accordingly, it is a balanced and dynamic programme, which will ensure the inculcation of communication, entrepreneurial, problem-solving, life-long learning and information technology skills (especially in this digital age) in the students, to make the training relevant to society and industry, and enable the graduates to create jobs.

OBJECTIVES
The above considerations have been developed into the aims and objectives set out to:

1. Provide students with a comprehensive education in all areas of Biochemistry.
2. Provide students with a broad and balanced foundation of biochemical knowledge and practical skills.
3. Develop in the students, the ability to apply knowledge and skills to solving theoretical and practical problems in biochemistry.
4. Develop in the students, a range of transferable skills that are of value in biochemical and non-biochemical employment.
5. Provide students with knowledge and skill base, from which they can proceed to further studies in specialized areas of biochemistry and inter-disciplinary areas involving biochemistry.
6. Inculcate in the students, through training and orientation, an appreciation of the inestimable rewards of inter- and multi-disciplinary approach to the solution of complex life problems.
7. Inculcate in the students, an appreciation of the importance of biochemistry in industrial, economic, environmental, technological and social development.
8. Instil in the students, a sense of enthusiasm for biochemistry, an appreciation of its application in different contexts, and to apply them in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and studying.

JOB OPPORTUNITY
Students are being trained to equip them for the job openings in Science and Technology – based entrepreneurial niches. Graduates of Biochemistry have inputs to make in the following sectors of our economy among others: Food processing industries, Pharmaceutical industries, Cosmetics industries, Paint industries, Beverage industries, Wine making industries, Soft drink factories, Seed production centres, Vegetable oil industries, Livestock production industries, Oil refining and processing industries, Institution of higher learning and Research institutes, Printing and publishing houses, Diagnostic and clinical laboratories, and Quality control units of manufacturing industries.