Philosophy
In accordance with the philosophy of the Imo State University, the program in Zoology aims at promoting generally the needs of the Nigerian Society through broad exposure in areas of general biology, applied invertebrates and vertebrates Zoology, animal behavior and general philosophy.
The overall philosophy of the improved Animal and Environmental Biology (Zoology) Program remains the provision of: "training in basic and applied aspects of faunal sciences (science of animal) as they are relevant to the understanding of the relationships of man, animals, plants and the other components of ecosystems”. The application of such training and understanding of the relationships of man, animals, plants and the other components of ecosystem, to the development of human intellect as well as management of our national resources and overall socio-economic, scientific and technological development of the country. Students are required in addition, to take mandatory courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics at the first year and subsequently Biochemistry, Microbiology, Statistics, Computer as well as General studies.
Aims and Objectives of the Programme
The major objective remains to “train animal biologists for employment in the public and private sectors, and additionally to develop their skills for self employment”.
Structure of the Programme
It is a four year program. In the first three years, students take all relevant departmental, Faculty and University wide courses as required in the existing NUC approved program. In the second semester of the third year however, students are expected to acquire experience outside the university under the Industrial Attachment Program under the Student’s Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) that is nine units in accordance with the NUC regulation and benchmark. In the fourth/final year, students are expected to take advanced courses in different specified aspects of the program that offer them greater exposure, as well as an in-depth knowledge in their chosen options. These courses are basically applied and multi-disciplinary. A research project in specified areas of interest as well as a research seminar are part of the requirements necessary to be completed during the final year. The project and seminar do not depart radically from the existing form used in the traditional Zoology.
Admission Requirements
UTME:
"The minimum entry requirement of five (5) credit level passes obtained in not more than two sittings in SSCE or GCE '0' level which must include Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, English Language and any other subjects”.
Direct Entry:
"At least GCE 'A' level passes or their equivalent in Zoology or Biology as well as meeting up with the minimum entry requirements of UTME”.