Biotechnology is the exploitation of living organisms (plants, animals, microorganism and substances derived from them), processes and systems  in solving the world Food, Energy, Health and Environmental problems. Although Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary field, most of the people currently engaged in Biotechnology Research and Development are either agriculturist, biologists, biochemists or microbiologists, resulting in a one sided approach to most of the problems and issues involving Biotechnology.

There is thus a need to train biotechnologist with broad-based knowledge who can appreciate and apply multi designed programme leading to an award of a Bachelors degree in biotechnology. The programme is thoroughly grounded in course work, seminars and research projects that will expose the students to the length and breadth of Biotechnology. The broad-based nature of the training is designed to make the students aware of the increasing relevance of Biotechnology to the production of foods and services for the benefit of mankind. The programme is designed to expose the students during the first year of their study to a broad knowledge of basic and applied Sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry and computer Sciences, Biochemistry and Microbiology).

During their second year, students are exposed to the fundamentals of Biotechnology through course and practical works in cell culture techniques, basic genetics, Biochemistry and Chemistry. In their third years, molecular biology / genetic engineering, biochemical engineering and analytical techniques are discussed as fundamental of Biotechnology. The techniques of genetic engineering are emphasized as means of developing strains of microorganism, crop and farm animals for increased productivity while biochemical engineering is treated as a means of designing bioreactors and optimizing both upstream and downstream bioprocess.

The potentials and applications of biotechnology are then emphasized through courses in Industrial, Food and Agricultural, medical and Environmental biotechnology. Safety and ethical issues associated with Biotechnology research, products and services are also treated in various courses. Research project is a compulsory course for all the students in the final year.

The project is a course whose objective is to enable students to learn by practice, the methods and skills of biotechnology and these can be used to carry out independent investigation or research into any specific problem in Science and technology.

COURSE CODE

The course Code for Biotechnology is BTE followed by three digit number. The first digit indicates the years of study, the second digit indicated the stress area and the third digits indicates the semester (Odd numbers denote first semester while even numbers denote second semester courses)

STRESS AREAS

ACADEMIC STAFF