Overview of Programmes
The School of Biological Sciences at the University of Ghana provides innovative programmes that equip students with knowledge and skills leading to sustainable development
The School of Biological Sciences at the University of Ghana provides innovative programmes that equip students with knowledge and skills leading to sustainable development
Brief Description
Plant and Environmental Biology is the scientific study of plants. It includes the diversity of plants, their structure, function, ecology and how they interact with other organisms. Plant and Environmental Biology is one of the first scientific disciplines and connects with many other disciplines in the Biological, Physical and Social Sciences. In view of the fact that plants are the primary producers that support all human life, Plant and Environmental Biology has a wider range of applications in many fields. These include; agriculture, biotechnology, environmental science, natural resource management, nature conservation, food and pharmaceutical industries among others. The results of botanical research do not only give insight into plants and the essential processes that affect ecosystems and the natural environment. They also contribute to food, social and economic security. Be it primitive or modern society, plants remain an essential life-support for human existence. This is evident in the role they play in carbon and oxygen cycles, agriculture, building & construction, pharmaceutical, clothing and textile industries.
Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BCMB) is concerned with the study of the chemical and physical principles of biological processes such as cell development and the storage and transfer of genetic information. It is a sub-discipline of the Biological Sciences and draws from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics and Molecular Biology. Research is an integral part of BCMB. This is as a result of the fact that the programme is built on the need to understand the basic structural and functional units of life. Basic research in BCMB investigates among others cell development, growth and heredity whereas applied research focuses on developing products and processes to improve human lives. Without such research efforts, enhanced methods of detecting diseases and genetic disorders together with the discovery of new drugs and medication such as those used in treating cancer and Alzheimer’s disease may not have been discovered. Other useful applications of BCMB include biofuels and genetically engineered crops. Enrolled students have the option of either pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology or a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry combined with a second subject such as Nutrition.
Fisheries Science is the body of knowledge that scientifically studies the utilisation, management and conservation of aquatic plants and animals. As a multidisciplinary science, it draws on the knowledge and principles of interrelated fields like biology, ecology, Marine Science, statistics, genetics, economics, policy and administration and law. At present, the socio-economic conditions of many communities that depend on fisheries are worsening. These challenges have caused a rethink of traditional fish management practice in many places. Fisheries Science is therefore of critical importance in understanding and addressing the challenges facing the fish industry; including harvesting, processing, marketing, management and conservation of fishery. Areas where Fishery Science is applied include: species/habitat evaluation, life history & state of fish stock, monitoring and evaluation of commercial, recreational and aquaculture fisheries resources. The available options in the programme are: B.Sc Fisheries Science (Single Major); B.Sc Marine Science (Single Major); B.Sc. Fisheries Science (Major-Minor) and BSc. Marine Science (Major-Minor).
Food Science & Nutrition is the scientific study of the utilisation of food by humans and its effects on health; in both healthy and diseased states. It is an interdisciplinary science that combines chemistry, biology and the behavioural sciences. The Food Science component of the programme relates to the structure, composition, chemistry and safety preservation of food. Food Science also addresses the production, manufacturing and processing of food in food-related industries. The Nutrition component examines how the human body obtains and uses nutrients from food for maintenance, growth and renewal of body tissues to sustain life. It also considers the socio- economic, environmental and cultural determinants of eating behaviours and how they impact on health. Students enrolled in the B.Sc Food Science & Nutrition have the option of a single major in either Food Science or Nutrition. All graduates however benefit from a uniform blend of courses in Nutrition and Food Science as well as topical issues and emerging technologies irrespective of major.
Animal Biology and Conservation Science is devoted to the scientific study and management of indigenous plants and animals. It is a multidisciplinary science with a primary goal of reducing the impact of environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity and climate change. In this regard, experts in Animal Biology & Conservation Science conduct experimental studies with animals in controlled/natural environment; collect biological data and specimens for analysis and study the characteristics of animals Health, Fishery Biology, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Management, Applied Entomology and Advanced Genetics. The latter focuses largely on modern concepts of molecular biology and genetic engineering. Also, students admitted into the Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science may combine with other courses for a degree in Animal Biology with such other courses. Notably, BSc Animal Biology with Biochemistry, BSc Animal and Plant Biology (combined major), BSc Animal Biology with Chemistry, and BSc Animal Biology with Psychology.