The Postgraduate College

Pharmacy / Pharmacognosy

Overview

Degree awarded:

M.Phil

M.Phil/Ph.D

M.Sc

Ph.D

Postgraduate Diploma in Herbal Medicine (PGDHM)

Programmes:

Master of Science in Pharmacognosy

Postgraduate Diploma in Herbal Medicine (PGDHM)

Field of interest:

Biological activities of Nigerian Medicinal Plants

Chemotaxonomy

Drug Discovery

Ethnopharmacology

Not Applicable

Pharmacognosy

Phytochemistry

Phytochemistry and Medicinal Plant Research

Standardization of molecular authentication of Medicinal plants and Herbal medicines

Standardization of Phytochemicals Ethnobotany

Tissue Culture

Traditional Medicine

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 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.

How to apply:

Apply online

Pharmacognosy is a field of study that focuses on the identification, isolation, characterization, and utilization of natural products for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Higher degree programs in Pharmacognosy provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in the areas of medicinal plants, natural product chemistry, phytochemistry, and drug discovery from natural sources. Here is a general overview of the course content in Pharmacognosy:

Medicinal Plants:

This course introduces students to the diversity of medicinal plants and their traditional and modern uses in healthcare. Students learn about the identification, collection, and preservation of medicinal plants. They study the active constituents present in plants and their pharmacological properties.

Phytochemistry:

This course focuses on the chemical constituents present in medicinal plants and their isolation, purification, and characterization. Students learn various techniques used in phytochemical analysis, such as chromatography, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. They study the chemical structures and biosynthesis of plant-derived compounds.

Natural Product Drug Discovery:

This course explores the process of drug discovery from natural sources, including plants, microbes, and marine organisms. Students learn about screening methods, bioassays, and isolation techniques used to identify bioactive compounds. They study the development of lead compounds and the optimization of their pharmacological properties.

Herbal Medicine and Traditional Medicine:

This course covers the principles and practices of herbal medicine and traditional medicine systems. Students learn about the cultural and historical aspects of traditional medicine and its integration with modern healthcare. They study the safety, efficacy, and quality control of herbal products.

Pharmacological Activities of Natural Products:

This course focuses on the pharmacological activities of natural products and their mechanisms of action. Students learn about the therapeutic potential of plant-derived compounds in various disease conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Natural Products:

This course explores the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of natural products in the body. Students learn about the pharmacokinetic parameters and the relationship between drug concentration and therapeutic effect. They study the interactions between natural products and drug-metabolizing enzymes.

Ethnobotany and Conservation:

This course examines the relationship between plants and indigenous communities and the sustainable use of medicinal plants. Students learn about ethnobotanical research methods, traditional ecological knowledge, and the conservation of medicinal plant resources.

Few/Some of the Course Content

PCG 716	Herbal medicine in Traditional Medical Practice
PCG 719	General quality control and standardization of natural medicines
PCG 725	Project
PCG 717	Therapeutics
PCG 718	Formulation and Packaging of Herbal medicines
PCG 722	Seminar
PCG 723	Field trip and Externship
PCG 714	Plants as sources of drugs
PCG 713	Botanical considerations and Taxonomy of Medicinal plants
PCG 724	Practicals
PCG 726	Anatomy and Physiology for Traditional/NaturalHealth Practitioners
PHM 701	Microbial spoilageand preservation
EMS 727	Basic Statistical Procedures
PCG 704	Phytotherapy of Selected Disease States
PCG 702	Raw Materials for Crude Drug Production
PCG 707	Advanced Laboratory Course I
PCG 705	Classical and Chemo-taxonomy of Medicinal Plant
PCG 701	Spectroscopic Techniques in Natural Product Research
PCG 710	M. Sc. Projects
PCG 709	Advanced Separation Techniques in Pharmacognosy
PCG 708	Directed Literature Search and Seminar Presentation
PCG 706	Bioassay Techniques in Medicinal Plant Research
PCG 703	Crude Drug Standardization and Evaluation

Entry Requirement

General Admission Requirements for Higher Degree

The basic qualification for admission to all Postgraduate Courses and Programmes is a first degree of the University of Ibadan or degree/Higher National Diploma of other recognized Institutions in the relevant discipline. Where qualifications are not strictly in the area of admission, remedial courses, which may lead to additional periods of studentship, may be prescribed.
In addition to individual Departmental requirements, applicants must satisfy the ‘O’ Level first degree matriculation requirements of the University of Ibadan i.e five ‘O’Level credit passes at ONE sitting or 6 ‘O’ level credits at TWO sittings including English Language and subject areas for ALL disciplines and Mathematics for ALL Science-based disciplines, Educational Management and Economics and at least a pass in Mathematics for other Social Science Courses OR Holder of NCE must have credit passes in WASC or credit or merit passes in TC II (obtained between 1967 and 1981) in English Language and four other relevant matriculation subjects.
Candidates for the degree of M.Phil and Ph.D. are admitted in the first instance to the Degree of Master Programme. However, candidates who, in addition to a good first degree, and already holding acceptable postgraduate degrees, may be considered for direct admission to the M.Phil and Ph.D. Programmes.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

Candidate with recognized first degree or higher degree assessed to be at least equal or equivalent to the degree of Bachelor or Master of the University of Ibadan and as recognized by the University senate may be admitted to the Masters , M.Phil, M.Phil/Ph.D or Ph.D Programme on the recommendation of the appropriate Faculty Postgraduate Committee
All applicants for the Postgraduate Diploma, Degree of Masters and Professional Master are require to take Test of Proficiency in English Language. A. minimum score of 40 percent must be attained before applicants could be eligible to be shortlisted by the admitting Departments, Schools, or Institutes.

Facilities

Career Path

Graduates of higher degree programs in Pharmacognosy can pursue diverse career opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, research institutions, academia, herbal product companies, and regulatory agencies. Some common career paths include:

Research Scientist:

Research scientists in Pharmacognosy work in research institutions or pharmaceutical companies, conducting research on natural products, drug discovery, and the development of herbal medicines. They investigate the pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action of natural compounds.

Natural Product Chemist:

Natural product chemists focus on the isolation, purification, and structural characterization of bioactive compounds from natural sources. They work in research and development departments of pharmaceutical companies or research institutions.

Quality Control/Quality Assurance Specialist:

Specialists in quality control and quality assurance play a crucial role in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of herbal products and natural medicines. They are responsible for implementing and maintaining quality control systems, conducting quality testing, and ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Regulatory Affairs Specialist:

Regulatory affairs specialists in Pharmacognosy focus on ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for herbal products and natural medicines. They work closely with regulatory agencies, prepare regulatory submissions, and keep up-to-date with changes in regulations and guidelines.

Herbal Product Development:

Graduates can work in herbal product companies, involved in the formulation and development of herbal medicines, dietary supplements, and natural health products. They contribute to product development, quality control, and regulatory compliance.

Academia/Teaching:

Graduates can pursue teaching and research positions in universities or academic institutions, sharing their expertise in Pharmacognosy and contributing to the education and training of future professionals in the field.

These career paths offer opportunities to contribute to the discovery, development, and utilization of natural products for healthcare purposes, ensure the quality and safety of herbal products, and advance the field of Pharmacognosy through research and innovation.

Supervisor(s)

Fees

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