Programme

Basic Medical Sciences / Chemical Pathology

Overview

Degree awarded:
  • M.Phil
  • M.Phil/Ph.D
  • M.Sc
  • Ph.D
Programmes:
  • Master of Science in Chemical Pathology
Field of interest:
  • Cancer Biology and Nuclear Medicine
  • Carbohydrate Metabolism and Diabetes Mellitus
  • Clinical and Environmental Toxicology
  • Clinical Enzymology and Biomarkers
  • Endocrinology and General Reroductive Endocrinology
  • General Endocrinology
  • Immunobiology
  • Immunology
  • Immunotoxicology and Toxicogenesis
  • Lipid Metabolism and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
  • Micronutrients Metabolism in Health and Disease
  • Not Applicable
  • Nutrition and Metabolism
  • Nutritional Medicine and Chemoprevention
  • Protein Metabolism and Genomics in Health and Disease
  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Toxicology
Entry requirements:

    General Regulations Governing Admission to Higher Degree Programmes

    • Candidates for admission to higher degree programmes shall normally be graduates of the University of Ibadan or other Universities/Institutions recognised by the Senate. Admission shall be made by the Postgraduate College on the recommendation of the appropriate Faculty Postgraduate Committee.
    • Candidates without any previous higher degrees in the relevant discipline may be admitted only to either the Degree of Master or the Professional Degree of Master.
    • Candidates with recognised “Research Higher” Degree in the relevant discipline may be admitted to the M.Phil or Ph.D. degree programmes as appropriate, on the recommendation of the appropriate Faculty Postgraduate Committee.
    • A candidate admitted to the degree of Master of the University of Ibadan who obtained a weighted average mark of 55.0 – 59.9%, or a CGPA of between 4.0 and 4.9 may be offered provisional admission to the M.Phil./Ph.D programmes. Such candidates shall be assessed within three semesters of full time and four semesters of part time registration for the M.Phil/Ph.D to Ph.D conversion. This shall also apply to students who graduated from other universities    

    SPECIAL WAIVER FOR MATURED APPLICANTS

    • All University of Ibadan graduates should be admitted to Postgraduate programme with the ordinary level criteria existing at the time their first admission. Candidate who did not fulfill the requirements as at the time of their admission are not eligible for consideration.
    • Special consideration may be given to candidates, who obtained their first degree not less than 20 years from the time of seeking admission to any postgraduate programmes. Such candidates must have been found to possess special skills or abilities and professionally or academically engaged during the period of 20 years.  
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How to apply:
Apply online

Chemical pathology is a branch of pathology that focuses on the laboratory analysis of body fluids and tissues to diagnose and monitor diseases. It involves the study of chemical and biochemical processes occurring within the body and their relationship to disease. Here is a summary of the key aspects and topics covered in the field of chemical pathology:

  • Biochemical Analysis: Chemical pathology involves the analysis of various body fluids, such as blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and tissues, to measure and evaluate chemical components and biomarkers. It includes the measurement of metabolites, enzymes, hormones, electrolytes, proteins, and other substances to aid in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of diseases.
  • Diagnostic Testing: Chemical pathology plays a crucial role in diagnosing diseases by analyzing biochemical markers and abnormalities. It helps identify specific patterns or changes in the levels of chemicals or substances that may indicate the presence of a disease or disorder. Examples include measuring blood glucose levels to diagnose diabetes or analyzing liver function tests to assess liver health.
  • Disease Monitoring: Chemical pathology is involved in monitoring the progress and treatment response of diseases. Regular monitoring of biochemical markers can provide valuable information about disease progression, treatment effectiveness, and potential complications. It helps clinicians make informed decisions regarding patient management and adjustment of treatment plans.
  • Laboratory Techniques and Instrumentation: Chemical pathology utilizes a wide range of laboratory techniques and instruments for sample preparation, analysis, and interpretation of results. These may include spectrophotometry, chromatography, immunoassays, molecular diagnostics, and automated analyzers. Understanding these techniques and their applications is essential for accurate and reliable laboratory testing.
  • Quality Assurance and Quality Control: Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results is a critical aspect of chemical pathology. Quality assurance and quality control practices are implemented to maintain high standards in laboratory testing. This includes regular calibration of instruments, participation in proficiency testing programs, adherence to standard operating procedures, and ongoing assessment of laboratory performance.
  • Interpretation of Results: Chemical pathologists play a key role in interpreting laboratory results and providing clinical advice to healthcare professionals. They integrate laboratory findings with clinical information to assist in disease diagnosis, treatment selection, and patient management. They also provide guidance on appropriate test selection and interpretation of test results in specific clinical scenarios.
  • Research and Development: Chemical pathology contributes to ongoing research and development in the field of laboratory medicine. This includes the development of new diagnostic tests, evaluation of novel biomarkers, and advancement of laboratory technologies. Research in chemical pathology aims to improve disease detection, monitoring, and personalized medicine approaches.
  • Collaboration with Other Specialties: Chemical pathologists work closely with other healthcare professionals, including clinicians, pathologists, radiologists, and geneticists, to provide comprehensive patient care. They collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to ensure the integration of laboratory findings into the overall clinical management of patients.
  • Education and Teaching: Chemical pathologists are involved in education and teaching activities, including training medical students, residents, and laboratory staff. They contribute to the development of educational programs, participate in research supervision, and provide continuing education for healthcare professionals in the field of chemical pathology.


Few/Some of the Course Content

EMS 727Biostatistics
CPY 741Projects
CPY 732Immunology Laboratory Methods
CPY 721Reproductive Endocrinology
CPY 711Nutrition and Metabolic Disorder
CPY 704Biochemical aspects of Nuclear Medicine
CPY 705Chemical Pathology Seminar
CPY 703Chemical Pathology Laboratory Methods
CPY 702Clinical Enzymology
CPY 701Introductory Chemical Pathology
CPY 731Immunology

Entry Requirement

Facilities

Career Path

A career in chemical pathology offers various opportunities in both clinical and research settings. Here are some potential career paths for individuals specializing in chemical pathology:

Clinical Chemist or Clinical Biochemist: 

  • Clinical chemists work in hospital or clinical laboratories, where they oversee and perform laboratory tests to diagnose and monitor diseases. They interpret test results, provide clinical advice, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals in patient care. Clinical chemists may also be involved in quality assurance, research, and teaching activities.

Laboratory Manager or Director: 

  • With experience and additional training, chemical pathologists can take on managerial or directorial roles in clinical laboratories. They are responsible for overseeing laboratory operations, managing personnel, ensuring quality control and regulatory compliance, and implementing new testing methodologies and technologies.

Academic Researcher or Educator: 

  • Chemical pathologists can pursue careers in academia, working as researchers or educators in medical schools, universities, or research institutions. They conduct research in chemical pathology, contribute to scientific publications, and supervise graduate students. They may also teach and mentor medical students, residents, and fellows.

Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology Industry:

  • Chemical pathologists can work in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, contributing to drug development and clinical trials. They may be involved in the evaluation of new drug candidates, clinical study design, and monitoring of safety and efficacy parameters. They can also work in the development and validation of diagnostic assays for medical devices.

Public Health and Government Agencies: 

  • Chemical pathologists can work in public health agencies, such as national or state health departments, where they contribute to disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, and health policy development. They may also be involved in environmental health assessments, toxicology studies, and public health laboratory management.

Consultancy or Private Practice: 

  • Some chemical pathologists may choose to work independently as consultants, providing expert advice and services to healthcare organizations, research institutions, or industry clients. They may offer expertise in laboratory management, test development, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance.

Pathology Leadership Roles: 

  • Chemical pathologists can advance to leadership positions within pathology departments or clinical biochemistry units. They may take on roles such as laboratory medical director, department chair, or chief of clinical chemistry. In these positions, they oversee the overall operation of the laboratory or department and contribute to strategic planning and decision-making.

International Health Organizations:

  • Chemical pathologists with expertise in global health and infectious diseases can work with international health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). They may contribute to public health initiatives, disease control programs, and capacity building efforts in resource-limited settings.


Continual professional development, staying up-to-date with advancements in the field, and networking with professionals in the field can help individuals pursue and advance their careers in chemical pathology.

Supervisor(s)

Fees

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