If you are fascinated by how life works at the molecular level—how cells generate energy, how genes function, how enzymes control reactions, how nutrients are processed, and how diseases develop—the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry offers you an exciting and practical scientific pathway. This programme explores the chemical basis of life, helping you understand the molecules, pathways, and processes that drive biological systems.
You will study biomolecules, metabolism, genetics, enzymology, molecular biology, clinical biochemistry, biotechnology, nutritional biochemistry, and toxicology. Through laboratory practicals, SIWES placement, seminars, and a final-year research project, you will develop strong analytical, laboratory, and problem-solving skills. At OOU, Biochemistry prepares you for roles in science, healthcare, food and pharmaceutical industries, biotechnology, environmental science, and research organisations.
Course Overview
The B.Sc. Biochemistry programme gives you a solid grounding in the molecular foundations of life. You will explore how biological molecules interact, how cells maintain balance, how biochemical pathways regulate function, and how biochemical knowledge is applied in medicine, agriculture, industry, and research.
The programme duration is four years for UTME entrants and three years for Direct Entry students. You will take courses in general biochemistry, organic chemistry, molecular biology, metabolism, biotechnology, enzymology, bioenergetics, clinical biochemistry, nutritional biochemistry, and research methods. You will also gain practical experience through hands-on laboratory work, seminars, and the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
Course Curriculum
The curriculum follows the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for Biochemistry. It integrates fundamental sciences, core biochemistry courses, advanced molecular studies, and practical laboratory skills.
Your first year introduces you to the scientific foundations required for biochemical studies.
- Communication in English
- Nigerian Peoples and Culture
- General Biology I & II
- Biology Practicals
- General Chemistry I & II
- Chemistry Practicals
- General Physics I & II
- Physics Practicals
- Mathematics for Biological Sciences
- Introduction to Computer Studies
These courses prepare you for molecular, cellular, and chemical courses in higher levels.
You begin core biochemical studies while building competence in related scientific fields.
- General Biochemistry I & II
- Organic Chemistry I & II
- Introductory Laboratory Biochemistry
- Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences
- Introductory Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Basic Statistics
- Introductory Human Anatomy
- Introductory Physiology
These courses introduce biomolecules, metabolism, molecular genetics, and laboratory techniques.
You advance into specialised and applied biochemistry while also completing SIWES.
- Enzymology
- Metabolism of Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Proteins
- Molecular Biology Techniques
- Bioenergetics and Biological Oxidation
- Immunochemistry
- Principles of Biotechnology
- Environmental Biochemistry
- Research Methodology
- SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme)
This stage develops your analytical skills, laboratory competence, and applied biochemical knowledge.
Your final year focuses on advanced biochemical systems and independent scientific inquiry.
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Toxicology and Pharmacological Biochemistry
- Plant and Animal Biochemistry
- Advanced Molecular Biology
- Seminar in Biochemistry
- Project Work / Dissertation
By graduation, you will be prepared for roles in laboratories, health industries, biotechnology, environmental science, research institutions, and postgraduate studies.
Entry Requirements
1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)
- You must have five credit passes in relevant O’Level subjects obtained in not more than two sittings. These must include English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Sit for the UTME with English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Meet the departmental cut-off after the OOU Post-UTME screening
- Demonstrate interest in laboratory sciences, molecular studies, and biomedical research
2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)
- Five O’Level credit passes, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- A-Level passes in Biology and Chemistry OR an ND, NCE, or equivalent qualification in Biochemistry, Science Laboratory Technology, or related fields with at least Merit or Lower Credit
- All Direct Entry applicants must complete University screening and provide academic transcripts when required.
Why study at OOU?
Studying Biochemistry at Olabisi Onabanjo University offers you scientific depth, laboratory competence, and real-world relevance. Our programme trains you to understand biological molecules, interpret metabolic pathways, investigate diseases, and apply biochemical principles across medical, industrial, and environmental sectors. You will benefit from:
- A comprehensive CCMAS-aligned curriculum integrating molecular biology, enzymology, metabolism, biotechnology, clinical biochemistry, and toxicology
- Extensive hands-on laboratory experience using modern biochemical techniques and instrumentation
- Highly experienced lecturers and researchers in molecular biochemistry, clinical biochemistry, environmental biochemistry, and biotechnology
- Practical exposure through SIWES, seminars, and applied laboratory research
- Skills development in data analysis, scientific writing, critical thinking, and laboratory safety
- A supportive learning environment that builds confidence, teamwork, and scientific inquiry
- Strong preparation for careers in pharmaceuticals, food science, research, diagnostics, biotechnology, and environmental management
- A solid foundation for postgraduate studies in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Public Health, Clinical Sciences, or related biomedical fields
At OOU, you gain both scientific mastery and practical skills to contribute meaningfully to health innovation and scientific advancement.
Research Project
In your final year, you will undertake a supervised research project that allows you to investigate biochemical processes or applications using established scientific methods. This capstone project strengthens your research capacity and prepares you for advanced scientific roles.
Your project may focus on areas such as:
- Enzyme activity and kinetic studies
- Metabolic disorders and pathways
- Molecular biology and genetic expression
- Clinical diagnostic markers
- Drug metabolism and toxicology
- Phytochemistry and natural product biochemistry
- Environmental pollution and biochemical impacts
- Nutrition and biochemical health markers
- Antioxidant studies
- Food biochemistry and product analysis
During your research, you will:
- Select a scientifically relevant topic
- Conduct an in-depth literature review
- Use laboratory instruments and biochemical techniques
- Analyse and interpret quantitative or qualitative data
- Prepare and defend a structured dissertation
This research experience prepares you for careers in biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food science, environmental science, and academic or industrial research.
Graduation Requirements
To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, 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
- These requirements ensure you graduate with strong molecular, analytical, and laboratory skills suited for scientific and biomedical fields.
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) Biochemistry, a qualification recognised for its scientific relevance in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food science, biotechnology, and environmental sectors.
Career Opportunities
A degree in Biochemistry opens diverse opportunities across medical, industrial, environmental, research, and biotechnology fields. Your training equips you to work in laboratories, analyse biological samples, support clinical research, and contribute to scientific innovation.
Possible Job Roles Include:
- Biochemist
- Laboratory Scientist/Technologist
- Research Officer
- Clinical Chemistry Assistant
- Quality Control/Quality Assurance Officer
- Food and Beverage Analyst
- Pharmaceutical or Medical Sales Representative
- Biotech Product Specialist
- Environmental Health Assistant
- Forensic Science Assistant
- Toxicology or Drug Testing Officer
- Nutrition and Health Consultant
- Public Health Laboratory Assistant
Where You May Work:
- Hospitals and diagnostic laboratories
- Research institutes and universities
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
- Food and beverage industries
- Environmental and public health agencies
- Agricultural and natural products industries
- Forensic and criminal investigation units
- NGOs and development organisations focused on health and the environment
The programme also prepares you for postgraduate studies in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, Public Health, Pharmacology, Microbiology, and related fields.
How to Apply?
1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)
- Choose Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) as your first-choice institution.
- Select Biochemistry as your preferred programme.
- Sit for the UTME with English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Possess at least five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise and meet the required cut-off.
2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)
- Possess A-Level passes in Biology and Chemistry OR hold an ND/NCE in Biochemistry, Science Laboratory Technology, or related fields with at least Merit or Lower Credit.
- Present five O’Level credits in required science subjects.
- Upload academic transcripts and relevant documents through the OOU Admissions Portal.
- Complete the University’s and department’s screening procedures.
Course Coordinator
The B.Sc. Biochemistry programme is overseen by a team of highly skilled biochemists, molecular biologists, and research scientists within the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences.
Contact Information:
- Email: bch@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng
Course Overview
- Next Admission Process
- Current Academic Year
- Associated programmes = Undergraduate
- Course Duration = 4 Years
- Degree = Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Department = Biochemistry
- Course Type = Full Time
- Course Delivery = On campus
- Location = Faculty of Basic Medical Science, OACHS, Sagamu Campus
- Scholarship opportunities