If you are interested in understanding microorganisms and how they influence human health, industry, agriculture, and the environment, the B.Sc. Microbiology programme offers you an in-depth scientific pathway into the microbial world. Microbiology explores bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and other microscopic life forms that play vital roles in disease, food production, biotechnology, environmental processes, and global biological systems.
You will study how microbes grow, interact, cause infections, support ecosystems, and can be harnessed for scientific and industrial innovation. Through laboratory work, field investigations, and research-led teaching, you will gain the skills to identify, cultivate, analyse, and apply microorganisms in solving real-world challenges.
Course Overview
The B.Sc. Microbiology programme provides a comprehensive scientific education focused on the biology, physiology, genetics, ecology, and biotechnology of microorganisms. You will develop competence in laboratory techniques, microbial analysis, biochemical testing, immunological procedures, and microbial applications in medicine, industry, and environmental management.
The programme duration is four years for UTME entrants and three years for Direct Entry students. Your learning combines core biological sciences, microbial diversity, virology, parasitology, immunology, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, and applied microbiology. You will participate in laboratory practicals, field studies, SIWES (where applicable), and a final-year research project that develops your scientific reasoning and technical expertise.
Course Curriculum
The curriculum follows the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for the Biological Sciences. It includes foundational life science courses, advanced microbial studies, laboratory training, field applications, and research.
Your first year establishes the biological and chemical foundation needed for advanced microbiology. You are introduced to general biology, chemistry, mathematics, and essential academic skills. Courses include:
- General Biology I & II
- General Chemistry I & II
- Introduction to Microbiology
- Introductory Ecology
- Mathematics for Biological Sciences
- Basic Statistics
- Communication in English
- Nigerian Peoples and Culture
- Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
These courses give you the basic scientific understanding required for specialised microbial study.
You move into the core areas of microbiology, including microbial growth, identification, structure, and diversity. Laboratory work becomes more intensive at this stage. Courses include:
- General Microbiology
- Microbial Physiology
- Microbial Techniques and Instrumentation
- Microbial Ecology
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Biostatistics
- Soil Microbiology
- Introductory Parasitology
- Computer Applications in Biological Sciences
- Entrepreneurship Studies
This level strengthens your competence in handling microorganisms and performing basic laboratory procedures.
Here, you begin advanced and applied topics. You will explore microorganisms in clinical, industrial, environmental, and agricultural settings. You also prepare for SIWES placement. Courses include:
- Food Microbiology
- Industrial Microbiology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Virology
- Immunology
- Medical Microbiology
- Microbial Genetics
- Research Methods in Microbiology
- Mycology (Fungi Biology)
- SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme)
These courses help you understand how microbes impact health, industry, and global ecosystems.
Your final year focuses on advanced concepts, microbial biotechnology, and research. You will complete a supervised project that demonstrates your mastery of laboratory and analytical skills. Courses include:
- Microbial Biotechnology
- Advanced Medical Microbiology
- Advanced Immunology
- Molecular Microbiology
- Epidemiology and Public Health Microbiology
- Applied and Environmental Biotechnology
- Project Work / Dissertation
- Electives in specialised microbial science areas
This final stage equips you for careers in health sciences, industrial microbiology, biotechnology, environmental analysis, and scientific research.
Entry Requirements
To gain admission into the B.Sc. Microbiology programme, you must meet the University and NUC-approved entry requirements.
1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)
- You must have at least five credit passes in relevant O-Level subjects in not more than two sittings. These must include English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and one other acceptable science subject.
- To qualify through UTME, you must also:
- Sit for the UTME with English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and another science subject
- Obtain a competitive score and meet the departmental cut-off
- Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise
- Demonstrate interest in life sciences and laboratory-based study
2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)
- Five O-Level credit passes, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and another science subject
- A-Level passes in Biology and Chemistry
- OR an ND/NCE in Science Laboratory Technology, Microbiology, Biology, or related fields with at least Merit or Lower Credit
- All Direct Entry applicants must also satisfy the University’s general admission regulations and provide official transcripts where applicable.
Why study at OOU?
Studying Microbiology at Olabisi Onabanjo University equips you with the scientific knowledge and laboratory skills needed to understand, analyse, and apply microorganisms in health, industry, agriculture, and environmental management. You will benefit from:
- A CCMAS-aligned curriculum covering microbial physiology, virology, immunology, medical microbiology, biotechnology, and microbial genetics
- Well-equipped laboratories for microbial culture, biochemical testing, microscopy, immunological procedures, and molecular techniques
- Rigorous hands-on training that develops your ability to identify, cultivate, and study microorganisms
- Opportunities for SIWES placements in hospitals, diagnostic labs, food industries, breweries, pharmaceutical companies, and research centres
- Exposure to modern research approaches through laboratory investigations, literature reviews, and data analysis
- Experienced lecturers with expertise in clinical microbiology, industrial microbiology, virology, immunology, environmental microbiology, and biotechnology
- A strong foundation for postgraduate studies, particularly in microbiology, biotechnology, public health, and related bioscience disciplines
At OOU, you are prepared to apply microbiological knowledge to solve real-world problems in health, environmental sustainability, industry, and scientific innovation.
Research Project
In your final year, you will undertake a supervised research project that demonstrates your ability to conduct scientific investigations involving microorganisms. This project allows you to specialise in an area of interest within microbiology and apply both theoretical and practical knowledge gained throughout your training. Your research may involve:
- Isolation, identification, and characterisation of microorganisms
- Antimicrobial resistance studies
- Foodborne or waterborne microbial analysis
- Virological or immunological investigations
- Environmental microbiology field sampling
- Industrial fermentation or bioprocess studies
- Molecular or biochemical analysis of microbial systems
During your project, you will:
- Formulate a clear and relevant research question
- Collect, culture, and analyse microbial samples using laboratory techniques
- Interpret your results using scientific reasoning and appropriate data analysis tools
- Prepare a structured dissertation and defend your findings before an academic panel
This research project forms the capstone of your training and prepares you for laboratory-based careers or advanced academic study.
Graduation Requirements
To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, you must fulfil the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Academic Requirements
- Complete and pass all compulsory, required, and elective courses
- Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if admitted through UTME, or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry
- Maintain a minimum CGPA of 1.00
- Complete and defend your final-year research project
Grading and Degree Classification
Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:
Upon satisfying these requirements, you will be awarded the B.Sc. (Hons) Microbiology, a qualification recognised for its relevance to health sciences, biotechnology, environmental analysis, industrial microbiology, and scientific research.
Career Opportunities
A degree in Microbiology opens the door to numerous scientific, health-related, industrial, and environmental careers. Your training prepares you to work with microorganisms in ways that support public health, food safety, biotechnology, research, and environmental sustainability.
Possible Job Roles Include:
- Microbiologist
- Laboratory Scientist/Technologist
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Assistant
- Industrial Microbiologist
- Food Safety Officer
- Quality Control Analyst
- Microbial Biotechnologist
- Environmental Microbiologist
- Public Health Technologist
- Research Assistant
- Fermentation Technologist
- Water Quality Analyst
- Infection Prevention/Control Officer
Where You May Work:
- Hospitals and medical laboratories
- Food and beverage industries (breweries, dairy companies, bottling plants)
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
- Environmental and water quality agencies
- Public health organisations
- Research institutes and diagnostic centres
- Agricultural and agro-allied industries
- Universities and scientific laboratories
- NGOs involved in disease control and environmental protection
Your degree also provides an excellent pathway into postgraduate studies in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Public Health, Virology, Immunology, Environmental Biology, and related disciplines.
How to Apply?
1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)
- Select Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) as your first-choice institution.
- Choose Microbiology as your preferred programme.
- Sit for UTME with English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and another relevant science subject.
- Possess five O’Level credits including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and another acceptable subject.
- Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise and meet the departmental cut-off mark.
2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)
- Hold A-Level passes in Biology and Chemistry, OR possess an NCE/ND in Microbiology, Biology, Science Laboratory Technology, or related fields with at least Merit or Lower Credit.
- Present five O’Level credits including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and one other science subject.
- Upload your transcripts and required documents via the OOU Admissions Portal.
- Complete all screening and verification processes.
You may track your admission status through the University’s online portal.
Course Coordinator
The B.Sc. Microbiology programme is managed by a team of committed academics, laboratory experts, and researchers within the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science.
The current programme coordinator is:
Dr [Full Name]
Contact Information:
- Email:
- Phone:
- Office:
Course Overview
- Next Admission Process
- Current Academic Year
- Associated programmes = Undergraduate
- Course Duration = 4 Years
- Degree = Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Faculty = Science
- Course Type = Full Time
- Course Delivery = On campus
- Location = Faculty of Science, Main Campus
- Scholarship opportunities