Discover the full list of NOUN BSc Biology courses, including admission requirements, graduation criteria, and the complete course outline. Learn everything about studying Biology at NOUN.
The Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biology at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge in biological sciences. The programme offers a flexible, accessible, and cost-effective learning system, ensuring that students gain practical and theoretical expertise in various biological fields.
Objectives of the NOUN BSc Biology Programme
The primary objectives of the B.Sc. Biology degree at NOUN include:
- Building a strong foundation in biological knowledge and practical skills.
- Training students to apply biological concepts to solve real-world problems.
- Equipping students with transferable skills useful in both biology and non-biology careers.
- Preparing students for advanced studies in specialized areas of biology.
- Encouraging an interdisciplinary approach to solving biological and environmental challenges.
- Instilling enthusiasm for biological sciences and its various applications.
Admission Requirements for NOUN BSc Biology
100-Level Entry (UTME Candidates)
Applicants must have at least five (5) O’ Level credits in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- One of the following: Geography, Agriculture, or Economics
- Physics is required at at least a Pass (D7) at NECO, WAEC, or GCE level.
200-Level Direct Entry Admission
Candidates can gain admission into 200 Level if they meet any of the following:
- NCE (National Certificate in Education) with credit passes in:
- Biology/Chemistry
- Integrated Science/Chemistry
- Other related science-based courses
- OND (Ordinary National Diploma) in Biology or related programmes with an upper credit.
- A-Level passes (A-D) in two or more of the following subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Physics
300-Level Direct Entry Admission
Candidates with an HND (Higher National Diploma) in Biology or a related field with credit passes in relevant subjects can be admitted directly into 300 Level.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate with a B.Sc. in Biology from NOUN, students must:
- Complete 120 credit units for a four-year programme.
- Complete 90 credit units for a three-year Direct Entry programme.
- Complete 60 credit units for a two-year Direct Entry programme.
- Maintain a minimum CGPA of 1.5.
- Successfully complete a supervised research project (BIO 400).
NOUN BSc Biology Course Outline
Below is the full list of NOUN BSc Biology courses, including compulsory and elective courses.
Year 1 – 100 Level First Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Units | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST101 | Use of English and Communication Skills | 2 | C |
| GST107 | A Study Guide for Distance Learners | 2 | C |
| BIO101 | General Biology I | 2 | C |
| BIO191 | General Biology Practical I | 1 | C |
| CHM101 | Introductory Inorganic Chemistry | 2 | C |
| CHM191 | Introductory Chemistry Practical I | 1 | C |
| MTH101 | Elementary Mathematics II | 3 | C |
| PHY101 | Elementary Mechanics, Heat & Properties of Matter | 3 | C |
| PHY191 | Introductory Physics Practical I | 1 | C |
| CHM103 | Introductory Physical Chemistry | 2 | E |
| Total Credit Units (Compulsory): 17 | |||
| Total Credit Units (Elective): 2 |
Year 1 – 100 Level Second Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Units | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST102 | Use of English and Communication Skills II | 2 | C |
| BIO102 | General Biology II | 2 | C |
| BIO192 | General Biology Practical II | 1 | C |
| CIT104 | Introduction to Computer Science | 2 | C |
| CHM102 | Introductory Organic Chemistry | 2 | C |
| CHM192 | Introductory Chemistry Practical II | 1 | C |
| PHY102 | Electricity, Magnetism & Modern Physics | 3 | C |
| PHY192 | Introductory Physics Practical II | 1 | C |
| ESM102 | The Nigerian Environment | 2 | C |
| MTH102 | Elementary Mathematics II | 3 | E |
| Total Credit Units (Compulsory): 16 | |||
| Total Credit Units (Elective): 3 |
Year 2 – 200 Level First Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Units | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST201 | Nigerian Peoples and Culture | 2 | C |
| GST203 | Introduction to Philosophy & Logic | 2 | C |
| BIO201 | Genetics I | 2 | C |
| BIO203 | General Physiology I | 2 | C |
| BIO205 | Introductory Developmental Cell Biology | 3 | C |
| BIO207 | Lower Invertebrates | 2 | C |
| BIO215 | General Biochemistry Laboratory I | 1 | E |
| BIO217 | General Microbiology | 3 | E |
| CHM203 | Organic Chemistry II | 2 | C |
| Total Credit Units (Compulsory): 15 | |||
| Total Credit Units (Elective): 4 |
Year 3 – 300 Level First Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Units | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO213 | General Biochemistry I | 3 | C |
| BIO301 | Genetics II | 3 | C |
| BIO303 | General Cytology | 3 | C |
| BIO305 | Molecular Biology | 3 | C |
| BIO209 | Chordates | 3 | E |
| BIO307 | Evolution | 2 | E |
| BIO309 | Plant Breeding | 1 | E |
| BIO311 | Mycology | 2 | E |
| BIO313 | Animal Ecology | 2 | E |
| BIO315 | Introductory Nematology | 2 | E |
| Total Credit Units (Compulsory): 12 | |||
| Total Credit Units (Elective): 12 | |||
| 💡 Students must take at least two elective courses. |
Year 3 – 300 Level Second Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Units | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST302 | Business Creation and Growth | 2 | C |
| BIO216 | General Biochemistry II | 3 | C |
| BIO302 | Field Course I | 1 | C |
| BIO306 | General Physiology II | 3 | C |
| BIO312 | SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme) | 6 | C |
| BIO304 | General Ecology | 3 | E |
| BIO308 | Biogeography | 2 | E |
| BIO310 | Protozoology | 2 | E |
| BIO314 | Animal Behaviour | 2 | E |
| BIO316 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 1 | E |
| BIO318 | Immunology and Immunochemistry | 3 | E |
| Total Credit Units (Compulsory): 15 | |||
| Total Credit Units (Elective): 13 | |||
| 💡 Students must take at least one elective course. |
SIWES (BIO 312) – Practical Training Areas
Students can choose one of the following specializations for industrial training:
- Environmental Pollution
- Pest Control
- Animal and Public Health
- Radiation Biology
- Biotechnology
Year 4 – 400 Level First Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Units | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO400 | Research Project | 6 | C |
| BIO401 | Field Course II | 2 | C |
| BIO403 | Population Genetics | 3 | C |
| BIO409 | Research Seminar | 2 | C |
| BIO405 | Hydrobiology | 3 | E |
| BIO407 | Basic Entomology | 2 | E |
| BIO411 | Parasitology | 3 | E |
| BIO413 | Developmental Biology | 3 | E |
| BIO415 | Virology and Tissue Culture | 2 | E |
| Total Credit Units (Compulsory): 13 | |||
| Total Credit Units (Elective): 13 | |||
| 💡 Students must take at least two elective courses. |
Year 4 – 400 Level Second Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Units | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO402 | Cytogenetics of Plants | 3 | C |
| BIO404 | Systematic Biology | 3 | C |
| BIO408 | Soil Ecology | 3 | C |
| BIO406 | Parasitology & Immunology | 2 | E |
| BIO410 | Fisheries & Aquaculture | 3 | E |
| BIO412 | Wildlife Ecology and Conservation | 3 | E |
| BIO414 | Applied Entomology | 3 | E |
| BIO416 | Industrial Microbiology | 3 | E |
| BIO320 | Microbial Ecology | 3 | E |
| Total Credit Units (Compulsory): 9 | |||
| Total Credit Units (Elective): 17 | |||
| 💡 Students must take at least two elective courses. |
Conclusion
The NOUN B.Sc. Biology programme is an excellent choice for students seeking a flexible and high-quality education in biological sciences. With a comprehensive curriculum, practical training, and research opportunities, the programme prepares students for career advancement and further studies in specialized biology fields.
FAQs About NOUN BSc Biology Courses
1. How many years does it take to complete the NOUN B.Sc. Biology programme?
The programme takes four years for UTME candidates and three years for Direct Entry students.
2. What are the core subjects required for admission?
Candidates need Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, and one other science-related subject like Geography or Agriculture.
3. Does NOUN BSc Biology require JAMB?
Yes, UTME applicants must meet the JAMB cut-off mark, but Direct Entry students do not require JAMB.
4. Can I study NOUN Biology online?
Yes, NOUN offers Open and Distance Learning (ODL), allowing students to study remotely while attending practicals as required.
5. Is NOUN B.Sc. Biology accredited?
Yes, the programme is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
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