Programme

Veterinary Medicine / Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry

Overview

Degree awarded:
  • M.Phil
  • M.Phil/Ph.D
  • M.Sc
  • Ph.D
Programmes:
Not Available
Field of interest:
  • Advanced Cardiology and Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Advanced Comparative Haematology
  • Drug Metabolism and Toxicology
  • Environmental Physiology
  • Gastrointestinal Physiology
  • Neurophysiology
  • Nutritional Biochemistry and Biotechnology
  • Oncology and Molecular Biology
  • Renal and Respiration Physiology
  • Reproductive Physiology
  • Veterinary Biochemistry
  • Veterinary Parasitology
  • Veterinary Physiology
Entry requirements:

    Our Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry programme focuses on understanding the normal functioning of animals' bodies at the cellular, tissue, and systemic levels, as well as the biochemical processes that underlie these functions. The field examines essential for diagnosing and treating diseases, as well as for advancing the understanding of animal health. Here is a general overview of the course content in Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry:

    Cellular Physiology: 

    • Students learn about the fundamental processes within cells, including cell membrane transport, cellular respiration, and cell signaling.

    Neurophysiology: 

    • Courses cover the structure and function of the nervous system, including nerve signaling, sensory perception, and motor control.

    Cardiovascular Physiology: 

    • Students study the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels, as well as the mechanisms of blood circulation and blood pressure regulation.

    Respiratory Physiology: 

    • Courses focus on the mechanics of breathing, gas exchange in the lungs, and oxygen transport in the blood.

    Digestive Physiology: 

    • Students learn about the digestive system's structure and function, nutrient absorption, and energy metabolism.

    Renal Physiology: 

    • Courses cover the structure and function of the kidneys, including filtration, reabsorption, and urine production.

    Endocrine Physiology: 

    • Students study the endocrine glands, hormones, and their role in regulating various physiological processes.

    Reproductive Physiology: 

    • Courses focus on the male and female reproductive systems, including hormonal control of reproduction and pregnancy.

    Muscle and Exercise Physiology: 

    • Students learn about muscle contraction, energy metabolism during exercise, and the effects of physical activity on body systems.

    Biomolecules: 

    • Courses cover the structure, function, and metabolism of biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

    Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics: 

    • Students study the properties and mechanisms of enzymes, including factors that influence their activity.

    Metabolism: 

    • Courses focus on the biochemical pathways involved in energy production, including glycolysis, citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

    Biochemical Regulation: 

    • Students learn about hormonal regulation of metabolism, metabolic pathways, and cellular communication.

    Molecular Genetics: 

    • Courses cover the structure and function of DNA, RNA, and genetic regulation in cells.

    Cell Signaling: 

    • Students study the mechanisms of cell signaling, including receptor-ligand interactions and signal transduction pathways.

    Biochemical Basis of Disease: 

    • Courses explore how abnormalities in biochemical pathways contribute to the development of diseases.

    Nutritional Biochemistry: 

    • Students learn about nutrient metabolism, dietary requirements, and the biochemical basis of nutritional disorders.

    Clinical Biochemistry: 

    • Courses focus on laboratory tests used to diagnose and monitor diseases, including analysis of blood and urine samples.
How to apply:
Apply online

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.

Few/Some of the Course Content

 

EMS 727Basic Biostatistical Procedures
VPY 739Project
VPY 728Research Methods in Physiology
VPY 726Bioinstrumentation
VPY 724Neurophysiology
VPY 725Seminar
VPY 723Physiological Adaptation
VPY 722Renal and Respiratory Physiology
VPY 721Gastrointestinal Physiology
VPY 714Reproductive Physiology
VPY 713Endocrinology
VPY 712Cardiology and Cardiovascular Physiology
VPY 711Comparative Haematology
VBC 701Introduction to Veterinary Biochemistry
VBC 702Veterinary Biotechnology, Genetics and Oncology
VBC 703Biochemistry of Nutritional Diseases in Animals 
VBC 704Biochemistry of Drug Metabolism in Animals
VBC 705Clinical and Applied Veterinary Biochemistry
VBC 706Tissue Biochemistry
VBC 707Experimental Methods in Veterinary Biochemistry
VBC 708Research Methods in Veterinary Biochemistry
EMS 727Biostatistics

Entry Requirement

Facilities

Career Path

Graduates of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry programs have specialized knowledge in understanding the normal functioning of animals' bodies and the underlying biochemical processes. They play a critical role in diagnosing diseases, developing treatments, and contributing to advancements in veterinary medicine. Here are some common career paths for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry graduates:

Veterinary Physiologist: 

  • Many graduates become veterinary physiologists, working in research, academia, and industry to study animal physiology and develop interventions for health optimization.

Research Scientist: 

  • Graduates can engage in research projects focused on understanding physiological mechanisms, metabolic pathways, and the biochemical basis of diseases.

Clinical Veterinarian: 

  • Some graduates work as clinical veterinarians with a specialization in physiology and biochemistry, contributing to disease diagnosis and management.

Nutritional Consultant: 

  • Graduates can provide expertise in nutritional biochemistry, offering guidance on dietary management and nutritional therapies.

Pharmaceutical Industry: 

  • Some graduates work for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, contributing to drug development and testing related to physiological functions.

Academia and Teaching: 

  • Graduates can become educators, teaching physiology and biochemistry courses to veterinary students and conducting research.

Regulatory Affairs Specialist: 

  • Graduates can work in regulatory agencies, ensuring that veterinary drugs and products meet safety and efficacy standards.

Diagnostic Laboratory Specialist: 

  • Some graduates work in diagnostic laboratories, performing biochemical analyses to aid in disease diagnosis and monitoring.

Veterinary Consultant: 

  • Graduates can provide expertise in physiology, biochemistry, and nutritional management to veterinary practices and industry.

Research and Development: 

  • Graduates can work in research and development roles for companies focused on veterinary diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and nutrition.

Veterinary Public Health Specialist: 

  • Graduates can contribute to public health efforts by studying the physiological and biochemical aspects of zoonotic diseases.

Molecular Genetics Specialist: 

  • Some graduates can specialize in molecular genetics, studying genetic factors that influence animal health and disease susceptibility.

Veterinary Writer or Educator: 

  • Graduates can write articles, textbooks, and educational materials related to physiology, biochemistry, and nutrition.

Animal Welfare Scientist: 

  • Graduates can work in organizations focused on animal welfare, using their expertise to improve animals' overall well-being.

Comparative Physiologist: 

  • Some graduates may work in research organizations that study physiological adaptations in animals to various environments and conditions.


Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry graduates contribute to a deeper understanding of animal health and the development of interventions to improve well-being. Their expertise is essential for diagnosing diseases, advancing scientific knowledge, and enhancing the practice of veterinary medicine.

Supervisor(s)

Fees

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