Programme

Science / Zoology

Overview

Degree awarded:
  • M.Phil
  • M.Phil/Ph.D
  • M.Sc
  • Ph.D
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Applied and Environmental Zoology
Programmes:
  • Master of Science in Zoology (Animal Physiology)
  • Master of Science in Zoology (Cell Biology and Genetics)
  • Master of Science in Zoology (Cellular Parasitology)
  • Master of Science in Zoology (Ecology/ Environmental Biology)
  • Master of Science in Zoology (Entomology)
  • Master of Science in Zoology (Hydrobiology and Fisheries)
  • Master of Science in Zoology (Parasitology)
  • Master of Science in Zoology (Ecology and Environmental Biology)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Applied and Environmental Zoology
Field of interest:
  • Animal Physiology
  • Cell Biology and Genetics
  • Cellular Parasitology
  • Ecology and Environmental Biology
  • Ecology/Environmental Biology
  • Entomology
  • Hydrobiology and Fisheries
  • Not Applicable
  • Parasitology
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

Our Zoology programme for higher degrees focuses on the scientific study of animals and their behaviour, physiology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and conservation. We  examine the diversity of animal life and its interactions with the environment. Here's a general overview of the course content in Zoology:

Animal Taxonomy: 

  • Students study the classification and naming of different animal species.

Animal Anatomy and Physiology: 

  • Courses cover the structure and function of animal organs, tissues, and systems.

Evolutionary Biology: 

  • Students learn about the mechanisms of evolution and how they have shaped animal diversity.

Genetics: 

  • Courses focus on the genetic basis of traits, inheritance patterns, and molecular genetics in animals.

Ethology: 

  • Students study animal behavior in natural environments, observing patterns, communication, and social interactions.

Behavioural Ecology: 

  • Courses cover the relationship between animal behavior and ecological factors, including mating, foraging, and territoriality.

Comparative Psychology: 

  • Students learn about cognitive processes and behavior across different animal species.

Population Ecology: 

  • Courses cover the dynamics of animal populations, including growth, regulation, and interactions with other species.

Community Ecology: 

  • Students study interactions among different species in ecosystems, including competition, predation, and mutualism.

Ecosystem Ecology: 

  • Courses focus on the flow of energy and nutrients within ecosystems and the roles of animals in these processes.

Conservation Biology: 

  • Students learn about the conservation of endangered species, habitat preservation, and strategies to mitigate human impacts on wildlife.

Endocrinology: 

  • Courses cover the study of hormones and their effects on animal physiology and behavior.

Neurobiology: 

  • Students learn about the nervous system, sensory perception, and motor control in animals.

Reproductive Physiology: 

  • Courses focus on reproductive mechanisms, strategies, and behaviors in different animal species.

Marine Biology: 

Courses cover the study of marine organisms, their adaptations to aquatic environments, and marine ecosystem dynamics.

Entomology: 

  • Students specialize in the study of insects, exploring their diversity, behavior, ecology, and importance to ecosystems.

Ornithology: 

  • Courses focus on the study of birds, including their behavior, ecology, migration, and conservation.

Herpetology: 

  • Students specialize in the study of amphibians and reptiles, exploring their biology, behavior, and conservation.

Field Techniques: 

  • Students learn how to observe, collect, and analyze data on animal behavior, ecology, and distribution in natural habitats.

Laboratory Techniques: 

  • Courses cover experimental methods and laboratory techniques for studying animal physiology and genetics.

Few/Some of the Course Content

Entry Requirement

Facilities

Career Path

Graduates of Zoology programs have a wide range of career opportunities in research, conservation, education, and more. Their expertise in understanding animal life and ecological systems is valuable in various sectors. Here are some common career paths for graduates:

Research Scientist: 

  • Many graduates work as researchers, studying animal behavior, ecology, genetics, and physiology.

Wildlife Biologist: 

  • Graduates can work on the conservation and management of wildlife populations in natural habitats.

Zoo or Aquarium Curator: 

  • Some graduates manage animal collections, oversee breeding programs, and educate the public about wildlife.

Environmental Consultant: 

  • Graduates can provide expertise on the impact of development projects on wildlife and ecosystems.

Conservation Officer: 

  • Many graduates work for government agencies, enforcing wildlife protection laws and regulations.

Educator: 

  • Some graduates become teachers or educators, sharing their knowledge of zoology in schools, museums, and nature centers.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist: 

  • Graduates can work in rehabilitation centers, caring for injured or orphaned animals.

Biotechnologist: 

  • Some graduates work in biotechnology companies, conducting research related to animal genetics and physiology.

Science Writer or Communicator: 

  • Graduates with strong communication skills can write articles, books, or produce media content about zoological topics.

Animal Behaviorist: 

  • Some graduates specialize in studying and analyzing animal behavior, often working with companion animals.

Ecotourism Guide: 

  • Graduates can work as guides, educating tourists about local wildlife and ecosystems.

Fisheries Biologist: 

  • Some graduates focus on the management and conservation of aquatic species and their habitats.

Wildlife Photographer or Filmmaker: 

  • Graduates can visually document animal behavior and conservation efforts.

Biomedical Researcher: 

  • Some graduates work in medical research, using animal models to study diseases and treatments.

Laboratory Technician: 

  • Graduates can work in laboratories, assisting in research and conducting experiments.


Zoology graduates contribute to our understanding of the natural world, its biodiversity, and the interactions between animals and their environments. Their work has a significant impact on conservation efforts, animal welfare, and scientific advancements in multiple disciplines.

Supervisor(s)

Professor Adekunle A. Bakare, FAS, FZSN

Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology

My field of research is Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology. The primary focus has been on the genotoxicity and mutagenicity of xenobiotics, and the mechanism of DNA damage using in vitro and in vivo assays. We are investigating the anti-genotoxic and anti-carcinogenic properties of some medicinal plants with anti-malaria and anti-cancer properties. As an AvH George Forster Experienced Researcher Fellow, I engaged in an investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying apoptosis induction and cell cycle modulation by isothiocyanates obtained from cruciferous vegetables in hepatocellular carcinoma and non-transformed liver cells. We studied the mechanisms using molecular genetics techniques and identified the resistance factors in Anopheles gambiae sensus lato and Anopheles funestus in Southwestern Nigeria and the Southern Benin Republic. We have also been examining the spatial variation in the gene frequencies, and polymorphisms of some traits in the Nigerians. These studies involve the capacity building of several generations of postgraduate students.

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Fees

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