Introduction

The postgraduate programme in the Department of Biochemistry, Ebonyi State University is designed to produce scientists in Biochemistry who after graduation are able to take responsible positions in industries, health sector, environment, research institutes and Institutions of higher learning anywhere in the world.
The Department has designed programmes that would lead to the award of:

1. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
2. Master of Science (M. Sc) and
3. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biochemistry

Philosophy of the Programme

The Department of Biochemistry develops in each student an appreciation for contemporary issues in Biochemistry and an understanding of the principles governing life through a laboratory-intensive curriculum taught by academic staff dedicated to enriching the learning experience. The curriculum is aimed at introducing students to basic concepts in Biochemistry as a hybrid science with different branches. These branches have implications in nutrition and health, environmental impact assessment, toxicology, genetics, therapeutics, pharmacology, natural products, biotechnology, forensic engineering and so on.

To meet the nation’s manpower needs for Biochemists, there is a need for a postgraduate school for applied knowledge that will enable the proper application to designated areas of life.. Thus efforts are made to develop each student’s latent abilities and skills. This is achieved by motivating the students, and having regular and frequent discussions between each student and his/her academic adviser (supervisor). Further, it is believed that there is a need to maintain an optimal balance of academic excellence, morality and professionalism.

The Postgraduate programme in Biochemistry, offered by this Department, is intended to impact skills for educational/scientific/technological freedom on the students and help them to develop their latent skills. This is due to the dynamic nature of the subject, expectations of the society and the human resource requirements of the public and private sectors. These skills are achievable because of the peculiar nature of Biochemistry as a/an hybrid/applied science, which sits at the confluence of biological and physical sciences from which it draws heavily and contributes to in no less measure. As a natural science, the programme is so designed that the integration of theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline will enable the students to acquire the skills that will prepare them for both white-collar jobs and self-employment. Accordingly, it is a balanced and dynamic programme which will ensure the inculcation of communication, entrepreneurial, problem-solving, life-long learning and information technology skills (especially in this digital age) in the students to make the training relevant to society and industry, and enable the candidates to create jobs on graduation, rather than depending on the government. Postgraduate programme in Biochemistry will helps students in making choices and application of the chosen aspect of Biochemistry/area of specialization in such a way that Biochemists can make a good living while contributing to development of man and the community.

It is based on the philosophy that the aim and objectives have been drawn as well as the mission and vision statements.

MISSION: To produce quality and dynamic postgraduates of Biochemistry in character and learning, who are morally, intellectually and technologically equipped to meet the scientific and technological needs of the nation for national development and the world in general.

VISION: To be a one of the leading World Frontline Centres for development and training of students of Biochemistry in order to meet the man power needs of the nation, continent and beyond.

AIM: The aim of the programme is to produce students with broad and balanced biochemical knowledge and practical skills that can add value to life and existence through research and practical application of theories and concepts of biochemistry in all aspects of life.

OBJECTIVES OF PROGRAMME

The objectives are to:

1. Provide students with a comprehensive education in specific areas of Biochemistry.
2. Develop in the students the ability to apply knowledge and skills to solving theoretical and practical problems in biochemistry, the environment, industry, research, in nutrition and health. This will help to produce postgraduates who are capable of applying appropriate scientific principles for solving problems for the promotion of human well being.
3. produce postgraduates who will be adequately equipped for relevance in the global knowledge economy.
4. produce man power with optimal competencies and skills to function effectively in the academia and the private sector through the acquisition of requisite skills and knowledge, for national development.
5. develop in Biochemistry graduates a sense of inquiry, capacity for independent research and motivation to extend the frontiers of Science and Technology.
6. Inculcate in the students, through training and orientation, an appreciation of the inestimable rewards of inter- and multi-disciplinary approach to the solution of complex life problems.
7. Inculcate in the students an appreciation of the importance of Biochemistry in industrial, economic, environmental, technological and social developments.
8. Instil in the students a sense of enthusiasm for Biochemistry, an appreciation of its application in specific contexts, and to apply them in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and studying.
9. Develop specialized training programme in Biochemistry at higher levels.
10. Engage in research and development in collaboration with other relevant agencies or any interested group and create room for uptake of research findings.