B.Sc. Plant Science

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Science > Department of Plant Science > B.Sc. Plant Science

If you want to understand how plants grow, how they interact with their environment, and how they support life on Earth, the B.Sc. Plant Science programme provides a rich scientific foundation. The programme explores plant structure, physiology, ecology, genetics, biotechnology, and the role of plants in food production, environmental management, medicine, and industry.

You will study how plants respond to environmental conditions, how plant-based resources can be sustainably managed, and how modern scientific techniques can be used to improve crops, conserve biodiversity, and solve agricultural and ecological challenges. This programme prepares you with the analytical, laboratory, and field skills essential for careers in plant research, environmental science, agriculture, conservation, and biotechnology.

Course Overview

The programme offers a comprehensive scientific study of plants, combining biological theory with laboratory techniques, fieldwork, and applied research. You will gain knowledge in plant biology, ecology, genetics, physiology, taxonomy, and biotechnology, as well as the skills to analyse plant systems and contribute to environmental and agricultural development.

The programme duration is four years for UTME entrants and three years for Direct Entry students. This progression helps you build competence in plant identification, experimentation, ecological analysis, laboratory techniques, data interpretation, and scientific communication. You will also participate in field excursions, herbarium studies, laboratory practicals, and SIWES placement where required.

Course Curriculum

The curriculum follows the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). It provides a blend of general biological sciences, specialised plant science training, laboratory techniques, and practical field experience.

Your first year builds the basic scientific knowledge you need for advanced plant studies. You are introduced to general biology, chemistry, environmental science, and scientific communication.

You will take courses such as:

  1. General Biology I & II
  2. General Chemistry I & II
  3. Introduction to Plant Science
  4. Introductory Ecology
  5. Communication in English
  6. Nigerian Peoples and Culture
  7. Mathematics for Biological Sciences
  8. Basic Statistics
  9. Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT

These courses equip you with foundational scientific skills and prepare you for more specialised plant science courses.

You begin to explore plant diversity, classification, structure, and functioning in greater depth. You study the principles of ecology, genetics, and plant physiology while gaining essential laboratory experience.

You will take courses such as:

  1. Plant Anatomy and Morphology
  2. Plant Physiology I
  3. Plant Diversity and Taxonomy
  4. Genetics and Molecular Biology
  5. Ecology and Environmental Biology
  6. Biostatistics
  7. Soil Science
  8. Computer Applications in the Biological Sciences
  9. Entrepreneurship Studies

These courses help you understand how plants function and evolve, and how they interact with their environment.

At this level, you focus on applied and specialised areas of plant science. You begin to apply theory to solve environmental, agricultural, and biological challenges. You also prepare for SIWES placement.

You will take courses such as:

  1. Plant Physiology II
  2. Plant Pathology
  3. Mycology and Fungal Biology
  4. Plant Biotechnology
  5. Plant Ecology and Conservation
  6. Ethnobotany and Economic Botany
  7. Research Methods in Plant Science
  8. Field Studies and Herbarium Techniques
  9. SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme)

These courses strengthen your analytical, laboratory, and research skills necessary for professional practice.

Your final year focuses on advanced plant biology, environmental applications, and a supervised research project that demonstrates your scientific competence.

You will take courses such as:

  1. Advanced Plant Physiology
  2. Advanced Ecology and Environmental Biology
  3. Plant Development and Reproduction
  4. Phytochemistry and Medicinal Plants
  5. Plant Resources Management
  6. Project Work / Dissertation
  7. Electives in Specialised Plant Science Areas

By the end of this level, you will be prepared for careers in research, conservation, agriculture, environmental management, biotechnology, and postgraduate study.

Entry Requirements

To gain admission into the B.Sc. Plant Science programme, you must satisfy one of the approved entry pathways: UTME or Direct Entry.

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)

  1. You must have at least five credit passes in relevant O’Level subjects, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and one other acceptable science subject, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and another relevant science subject
  3. Obtain a satisfactory UTME score and meet the departmental cut-off
  4. Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise
  5. Demonstrate interest in the biological sciences and environmental studies

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Five O-Level credit passes, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and another science subject
  2. A-Level passes in Biology and Chemistry
  3. OR an NCE, ND, or equivalent qualification in Biology, Science Laboratory Technology, Environmental Science, or related fields with at least Merit or Lower Credit
  4. All Direct Entry candidates must also satisfy the general University admission regulations and submit official transcripts where applicable.

Why study at OOU?

Studying Plant Science at Olabisi Onabanjo University provides you with a strong scientific education grounded in modern plant biology, field research, and hands-on laboratory experience. You will learn from experts in ecology, physiology, biotechnology, conservation, and environmental biology while developing analytical and problem-solving skills that are relevant to today’s biological and environmental challenges.

You will benefit from:

  1. A curriculum grounded in the NUC CCMAS, ensuring solid scientific training in plant biology, ecology, genetics, biotechnology, and environmental management
  2. Experienced academic staff who bring research expertise and practical field knowledge into the classroom and laboratory
  3. Access to laboratories, greenhouses, and field study sites that support hands-on experimentation and ecological investigations
  4. Opportunities for fieldwork and community-based environmental studies, allowing you to apply your learning to real-world plant and ecosystem problems
  5. A supportive learning environment that encourages inquiry, scientific reasoning, and the development of strong technical skills
  6. A foundation for postgraduate studies in Plant Science, Environmental Biology, Agriculture, Biotechnology, and related fields

By studying with us, you will gain the competence to contribute to agriculture, conservation, biodiversity management, environmental sustainability, and scientific innovation.

Research Project

In your final year, you will undertake a research project that demonstrates your ability to investigate plant-related problems using scientific methods. This project allows you to specialise in an area of interest within plant science, under the guidance of an academic supervisor.

Your research project may involve:

  1. Laboratory-based experimental work
  2. Field studies on plant ecology, biodiversity, or conservation
  3. Investigations into plant physiology, development, or biotechnology
  4. Studies on medicinal plants, phytochemistry, or ethnobotany
  5. Analyses of environmental issues affecting plant communities

During this project, you will:

  1. Formulate a clear research question
  2. Conduct data collection through laboratory experiments, field sampling, or herbarium work
  3. Analyse and interpret your findings using scientific principles
  4. Write and defend a structured research dissertation

This project is the capstone of your training, preparing you for scientific careers and postgraduate study.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Science in Plant Science, you must fulfil the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all compulsory, required, and elective courses
  2. Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if admitted through UTME, or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry
  3. Maintain a minimum CGPA of 1.00
  4. Complete and defend your final-year research project

These requirements reflect the scientific and practical competencies expected of graduates in biological and environmental sciences.

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) Plant Science, a qualification recognised for its relevance to scientific research, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, and agricultural development.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Plant Science opens doors to diverse careers within biological sciences, agriculture, conservation, and environmental fields. Your training equips you with the scientific, analytical, and practical skills needed to work with plants, ecosystems, and plant-based resources.

Possible Job Roles Include:

  1. Plant Scientist
  2. Environmental Biologist
  3. Conservation Officer
  4. Agricultural Extension Officer
  5. Botanical Research Assistant
  6. Ecologist
  7. Plant Biotechnologist
  8. Herbarium Curator
  9. Nursery and Greenhouse Manager
  10. Biodiversity Analyst
  11. Environmental Consultant
  12. Science Laboratory Technologist

Places You May Work:

  1. Research institutes and botanical gardens
  2. Government ministries and environmental agencies
  3. Agricultural and agro-allied companies
  4. Conservation and wildlife organisations
  5. Pharmaceutical and phytomedicine companies
  6. Universities, colleges, and research laboratories
  7. Environmental consulting firms
  8. NGOs focusing on sustainability, biodiversity, and climate action

The programme also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in Plant Science, Botany, Ethnobotany, Biotechnology, Ecology, Environmental Biology, and related fields.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Select Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) as your first-choice institution.
  2. Choose Plant Science as your preferred programme.
  3. Sit for UTME with English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and one other relevant science subject.
  4. Possess five O’Level credits including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and another acceptable subject.
  5. Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise and meet the departmental cut-off.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Possess A-Level passes in Biology and Chemistry,
    OR an NCE/ND in Biological Sciences, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or related areas with at least Merit or Lower Credit.
  2. Have five O’Level credits including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and another science subject.
  3. Upload your academic transcripts and supporting documents through the OOU Admissions Portal.
  4. Complete all required verification and screening procedures.

You may check your admission progress through the University’s dedicated portal.

Course Coordinator

The B.Sc. Plant Science programme is managed by a team of dedicated academics, researchers, and field specialists within the Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science.

The current programme coordinator is:

Dr [Full Name]

Contact Information:

  • Email:  
  • Phone: 
  • Office: 

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  6. Faculty = Science
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus
  9. Location = Faculty of Science, Main Campus
  10. Scholarship opportunities