Damilola MariamScience education in Nigeria plays a very significant role in national development, innovation and also technological advancement. In this article, we’ll explore in-depth look at the diverse science courses available all over Nigerian universities, their admission requirements and their potential career paths.
Science Faculties and Departments
Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences
Departments:
Biological Sciences: Microbiology, Biochemistry, Zoology, and Botany.
Chemical Sciences: Pure Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
Physical Sciences:Physics, Geology, and Astronomy.
Mathematics and Statistics: Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Statistical Science.
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Departments:
– Civil Engineering: Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Water Resources and Environmental Engineering and Construction Management.
– Electrical/Electronics Engineering: Power Systems Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Embedded Systems and Robotics and Renewable Energy Engineering.
– Mechanical Engineering: Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, Automotive Engineering, Manufacturing and Production Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and Mechatronics and Automation
– Chemical and Petroleum Engineering: Process Engineering, Polymer and Textile Engineering, Petrochemical Engineering, Environmental and Safety Engineering and Reservoir Engineering
Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences
Departments:
Medicine and Surgery: Human Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology (Microbiology, Hematology, Histopathology), Pharmacology, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics and Community Medicine
Nursing Science: Anatomy and Physiology for Nurses, Fundamentals of Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Maternal and Child Health Nursing, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing and Nursing Ethics and Law
Pharmacy: Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy (Study of Medicinal Plants), Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Drug Formulation and Industrial Pharmacy and Hospital and Community Pharmacy
Medical Laboratory Science: Clinical Chemistry, Hematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Medical Microbiology, Histopathology and Cytology, Immunology and Serology and Molecular Diagnostics
JAMB Cut-off Marks For Science Courses In Nigerian Universities 2024/2025
This varies based on the university, overall applicants and the course demand for each year.
For the 2024/2025 academic session, JAMB’s general minimum cut-off marks were:
- Public Universities: 140
- Private Universities: 140
- Public Polytechnics: 100
- Private Polytechnics: 100
- Colleges of Education: 100
Note that: JAMB sets minimum cutoff mark every year but the individual Universities mostly have their own cutoff for each course.
Detailed List of Science Courses and Their Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements for Biological Sciences
– Minimum of five O’Level credits including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
– UTME subjects: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Admission Requirements for Physical Sciences
– Minimum of five O’Level credits including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and one other science subject.
– UTME subjects: English Language, Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry.
Admission Requirements for Engineering and Technology
– Minimum of five O’Level credits including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and one other science subject.
– UTME subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Admission Requirements for Medical and Health Sciences
– Minimum of five O’Level credits including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
– UTME subjects: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Emerging Science Courses and Interdisciplinary Fields
With the world evolving and growing digitally, Nigerian universities are introducing new and interdisciplinary science courses to meet contemporary challenges.
Environmental Science and Technology
Courses:
– Environmental Management
– Environmental Science
– Climate Change Studies
Career Paths:
– Environmental Consultant
– Climate Scientist
– Conservation Specialist
Information and Communication Technology
Courses:
– Computer Science
– Information Technology
– Cyber Security
– Software Engineering
Career Paths:
– Software Developer
– IT Consultant
– Cybersecurity Analyst
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Science Course
Accreditation and University
Ensure the chosen course is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Career Opportunities and Industry Demand
Research the demand for professionals in your chosen field and potential career prospects after graduation.
Personal Interest
Align your course choice with your passion and strengths to ensure a fulfilling academic and professional journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Science Courses in the University
1. What are the major science courses offered in universities?
Science courses generally fall into three broad categories:
– Biological Sciences(e.g Microbiology, Biochemistry, Botany, Zoology)
-Physical Sciences (e.g Physics, Chemistry, Geology)
– Mathematical & Computer Sciences(e.g Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science)
2. What are the requirements to study a science course in a university?
A minimum of five credits in WAEC/NECO/NABTEB including Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (depending on the course), JAMB UTME and post-UTME screening if the school requires it.
3. What are the best universities for science courses in Nigeria?
University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and Covenant University for private university options
4. Which science courses are the most competitive?
Highly competitive science courses which include Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Science, Pharmacy , Computer Science, Medical Laboratory Science and Microbiology
5. What are the job prospects for science graduates?
Graduates can work in various fields such as:
– Healthcare(Doctors, Pharmacists, Medical Scientists)
– Technology (Software Developers, Data Scientists)
– Research & Academics (University Lecturers, Laboratory Researchers)
– Environmental Science (Geologists, Ecologists, Climate Analysts)
6. Can I switch from one science course to another?
Yes, but it depends on the university’s policy.
7. What is the duration of science courses in the university?
– Most science courses: 4 years
– Medicine and Surgery:6 years
– Pharmacy:5 years
– Nursing Science: 5 years
8. Are there scholarships available for science students?
Yes! Many institutions and organizations offer scholarships like Federal Government Scholarships, PTDF (Petroleum Technology Development Fund) Scholarship, NNPC/Total, MTN, and Shell Scholarships, University-specific merit-based and need-based scholarships.
9. What are the best science courses for high-paying jobs?
Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Petroleum Engineering
10. Can science students study abroad?
Yes! Many universities abroad offer scholarship opportunities and direct entry for science students. Common destinations include the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, and Australia.
Note: It’s important you check for the most current information on courses and admission requirements from the official websites of Nigerian universities or the National Universities Commission (NUC).
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