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Course Schedule

 

LEVEL 100

FIRST SEMESTER

Code

Title

Credits

UGRC 150

Critical Thinking and Practical Reasoning

3

ABCS 101

Introductory Animal Biology

3

CHEM 111

General Chemistry I

3

PHYS 101

Practical Physics I

1

PHYS 143

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

3

MATH 101

General Mathematics

3

Total

16

 

SECOND SEMESTER

Code

Title

Credits

URGC 110

Academic Writing I

3

UGRC 130

Understanding Human Society

3

BOTN 104

Growth of Flowering Plants

3

CHEM 112

General Chemistry II

3

CHEM 110

Practical Chemistry

1

PHYS 102

Practical Physics II

1

PHYS 144

Electricity and Magnetism

3

Total

17

SINGLE MAJOR IN BIOCHEMISTRY CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

LEVEL 200

FIRST SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

UGRC 210

Academic Writing II

3

BCMB 201

Structure And Function of Biomolecules[1]

3

BCMB 203

Principles of Biochemical Techniques

2

CHEM 231

Physical Chemistry I  

2

CHEM 271

Analytical Chemistry I  

2

CHEM 233

Organic Chemistry I                                                           

2

 

Total

14

SECOND SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

UGRC 220-238

Introduction to African Studies

3

BCMB 200

Practical Biochemistry I

3

BCMB 202

Cell Biology I

2

BCMB 204

Enzymology

2

BCMB 206

Spectroscopic and Radioisotopic Techniques

1

CHEM 252

Inorganic  Chemistry I (S-Block Elements) 

2

CHEM 234

Organic Chemistry II                                                         

2

 

Total

15

 

ELECTIVES

In addition to satisfying the Core requirements above as well as Faculty and University prescribed courses, candidates are also required to select electives from other DEPARTMENTS to satisfy the minimum work load of 15 credits per semester as would be permitted by the Time Table.

 

 LEVEL 300

FIRST SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

BCMB 301

Intermediary Metabolism

3

BCMB 303

Molecular Biology I           

2

BCMB 305

Biochemistry of Hormones              

2

BCMB 307

Data Handling & Interpretation      

1

BCMB 309

Principles of Lab. Organization & Management

2

BCMB 311

Practical Biochemistry II                                                         

3

CHEM 343

Chemistry of Aromatic Compounds

3

 

Total

16

 

ELECTIVES (Select a maximum of 2 Credits)

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

BCMB 313

Biochemistry of Viruses

2

BCMB 315

Industrial Microbiology

2

In addition to satisfying the Faculty, Core and Prescribed Elective requirements above, candidates MAY select electives from other Departments as would be permitted by the Time Table provided the maximum work load of 18 credits per semester is not exceeded.

SECOND SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

BCMB 302

Cell Biology II[2]   

2

BCMB 304

Molecular Biology II         

2

BCMB 306

Integration and Control of Metabolism[3]       

3

BCMB 308

Bioenergetics       

2

BCMB 312

Cell & Molecular Biology Practical I

3

BCMB 314

Membrane Biochemistry

2

CHEM 346

Molecular Rearrangement Reactions

2

CHEM 344

Carbanions and Their Reactions

2

 

Total

18

 

LEVEL 400

FIRST SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

BCMB 401

Protein Chemistry I

2

BCMB 403

Molecular Biotechnology & Applications

2

BCMB 405

Cell Signalling                      

2

BCMB 407

Cell & Molecular Biology Practicals II           

3

BCMB 410

Seminar Presentation and Scientific Writing

1

 

Total

10

ELECTIVES (Select a minimum of 4 Credits)

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

BCMB 409

Biochemistry of Parasites

2

BCMB 411

Clinical Biochemistry

2

BCMB 415

Xenobiotic Metabolism

2

 

SECOND SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

BCMB 400

Research Project

6

BCMB 402

Protein Chemistry II

2

BCMB 404

Immunology and Immunochemistry             

2

BCMB 406

Molecular Genetics

2

BCMB 408

Entrepreneurship for Innovations in Biosciences          

2

 

Total

14

ELECTIVES (Select a minimum of 2 Credits)

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

BCMB 414

Plant Biochemistry

2

BCMB 416

Bioremediation

2

BCMB 418

Insect Biochemistry & Chemical Ecology

2

 

COMBINED MAJOR IN BIOCHEMISTRY

To combine biochemistry with other subjects, candidate must take the following courses.

LEVEL 200

FIRST SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

UGRC 210

Academic Writing II

3

BCMB 201

Structure And Function of Biomolecules[4]

3

BCMB 203

Principles of Biochemical Techniques

2

CHEM 231

Physical Chemistry I  

2

CHEM 271

Analytical Chemistry I  

2

CHEM 233

Organic Chemistry I                                                           

2

 

Total

14

SECOND SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

UGRC 220-238

Introduction to African Studies

3

BCMB 200

Practical Biochemistry I

3

BCMB 204

Enzymology

2

BCMB 206

Spectroscopic and Radioisotopic Techniques

1

CHEM 234

Organic Chemistry II                                                         

2

 

Total

11

 

LEVEL 300

FIRST SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

BCMB 301

Intermediary Metabolism

3

BCMB 303

Molecular Biology I           

2

BCMB 305

Biochemistry of Hormones              

2

BCMB 311

Practical Biochemistry II                                                         

3

 

Total

10

Elective

BCMB 307

Data Handling & Interpretation      

1

SECOND SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

BCMB 304

Molecular Biology II         

2

BCMB 306

Integration and Control of Metabolism[5]       

3

BCMB 308

Bioenergetics       

2

BCMB 314

Membrane Biochemistry

2

 

Total

9

 

LEVEL 400

FIRST SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

BCMB 401

Protein Chemistry I

2

BCMB 403

Molecular Biotechnology & Applications

2

BCMB 405

Cell Signalling                      

2

BCMB 410

Seminar Presentation and Scientific Writing

1

 

Total

7

SECOND SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

BCMB 402

Protein Chemistry II

2

BCMB 404

Immunology and Immunochemistry             

2

BCMB 408

Entrepreneurship for Innovations in Biosciences          

2

 

Total

6

*Students must select prescribed courses from the other major department to satisfy the total credit requirement.

COMBINED MAJOR IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND NUTRITION

To combine Biochemistry with Nutrition, students must take the following courses.

LEVEL 200

FIRST SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

UGRC 210

Academic Writing II

3

NUTN 201

Introductory Nutrition

2

BCMB 201

Structure And Function of Biomolecules[6]

3

BCMB 203

Principles of Biochemical Techniques

2

CHEM 231

Physical Chemistry I  

2

CHEM 271

Analytical Chemistry I  

2

CHEM 233

Organic Chemistry I                                                          

2

 

Total

16

SECOND SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

UGRC 220-238

Introduction to African Studies

3

NUTN 202

History and Concepts in Nutrition

2

BCMB 200

Practical Biochemistry I

3

BCMB 204

Enzymology

2

BCMB 206

Spectroscopic and Radioisotopic Techniques

1

CHEM 234

Organic Chemistry II                                                         

2

FOSC 202

General Microbiology (Theory and Practical)

3

 

Total

16

LEVEL 300

FIRST SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

NUTN 301

Nutrients and Their Metabolism I

2

NUTN 303

Nutritional Physiology (Theory and Practical)

3

BCMB 301

Intermediary Metabolism

3

BCMB 303

Molecular Biology I           

2

BCMB 305

Biochemistry of Hormones              

2

BCMB 311

Practical Biochemistry II                                                          

3

FOSC 305

Biometry

2

 

Total

17

*SECOND SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

NUTN 302

Nutrients And Their Metabolism II

2

NUTN 304

Food Analysis And Animal Experimentation

2

BCMB 304

Molecular Biology II         

2

BCMB 306

Integration and Control of Metabolism[7]       

3

BCMB 308

Bioenergetics       

2

BCMB 314

Membrane Biochemistry

2

 

Total

13

LEVEL 400

*FIRST SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

NUTN 401

Assessment of Nutritional Status I

2

NUTN 403

Assessment of Nutritional Status II

2

NUTN 400

Assessment of Nutritional Status of a Community: Field Data Collection and Analysis

2

BCMB 401

Protein Chemistry I

2

BCMB 403

Molecular Biotechnology & Applications

2

BCMB 405

Cell Signalling                      

2

BCMB 410

Seminar Presentation and Scientific Writing

1

 

Total

13

*SECOND SEMESTER

CORE

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

NUTN 410

Project

6

NUTN 402

Applied Nutrition and Food Policies

2

BCMB 402

Protein Chemistry II

2

BCMB 404

Immunology and Immunochemistry             

2

BCMB 408

Entrepreneurship for Innovations in Biosciences          

2

 

Total

14

*Students are to talk to their advisors to select electives to make the total credits.

BIOCHEMISTRY COURSES FOR NON-BIOCHEMISTRY STUDENTS

 

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

BCMB 205

General Biochemistry

3

BCMB 205 is available ONLY for Agricultural Science or Biological Science students who would not study Biochemistry beyond level 200.

 

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

BCMB 217

Veterinary Biochemistry I

2

BCMB 218

Veterinary Biochemistry II

3

BCMB 222

Veterinary Biochemistry III

3

BCMB217, 218 and 222 are available only to students from the School of Veterinary Medicine.

 



[1]Pre-requisite for all level 300 & 400 courses

[2]Pre-requisite: BCMB 201, 202

Key to new programme: New subject; * Revised subject

[3] Prerequisite: BCMB 301

[4]Pre-requisite for all level 300 & 400 courses

[5] Prerequisite: BCMB 301

[6]Pre-requisite for all level 300 & 400 courses

[7] Prerequisite: BCMB 301

MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIOCHEMISTRY

 

In response to recent advances in the field of Biochemistry as well as changes in the developmental needs of the country, the existing Master of Philosophy in Biochemistry programme has been reviewed. In view of this, new courses have been introduced and some existing courses have been revised.

 

 

Admission Requirements: To be admitted to the Master of Philosophy in Biochemistry programme a candidate must have:

·       Obtained a good first degree (at least 2nd class) in Biological or Physical Sciences with adequate Chemistry or Biochemistry content.

·       Passed an interview.

 

Duration: Two years

 

Scope: The programme will cover topics in mainly biochemistry and other specialised areas. Students would satisfy requirements in TWO broad areas, which are:

  • Technical competence including performance in taught courses.
  • Professional competence including participation in seminars and completion of a research project. 

 

Graduation Requirement: To be awarded a Master of Philosophy in Biochemistry, a candidate must have:

  • Taken and passed a minimum of 27 credits including all core courses in the first year.
  • Taken and passed a minimum of 33 credits including thesis and oral examination in the second year.

 

 

YEAR 1

 

SEMESTER 1

 

CORE                                                                                             CREDITS

BCMB 601       Complex Biomolecules                                                                        2

BCMB 603       Advanced Molecular Biology                                                               3

BCMB 605       Advanced Protein Chemistry                                                               2

BCMB 630       Research Methodology & Scientific Communication                          3

BCMB 640       Seminar 1                                                                                           3

 

TOTAL                                                                                             13

 

ELECTIVES: Select a minimum of 2 credits

BCMB 607       Molecular Mechanisms of Development                                              2  

BCMB 609       Immune Response Mechanisms                                                          3

BCMB 611       Pesticide Biochemistry                                                                        2

BCMB 613       Parasite Biochemistry & Antimicrobial Chemotherapy                        3

 

TOTAL                                                                                           10

 

 

SEMESTER 2

 

CORE

BCMB 602       Advanced Enzymology                                                                        2

BCMB 604       Bioinformatics                                                                                     2

BCMB 606       Mitochondrial Biochemistry                                                                2

BCMB 608       Signal Transduction                                                                            3

BCMB 610       Special Topics                                                                                     1

BCMB 620       Experimental Techniques                                                                    3

 

TOTAL                                                                                               13

 

ELECTIVES: Select a minimum of 2 credits

BCMB 612       Applications of Biotechnology                                                             3

BCMB 614       Eukaryotic Cell Biology                                                                        2

BCMB 616       Biochemical Toxicology                                                                       2

BCMB 618       Secondary Metabolism & Natural Products                                          3

 

TOTAL                                                                                              10

 

 

YEAR  II

 

CORE

BCMB 600       Thesis                                                                                                  30

BCMB 660       Seminar II                                                                                            3

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOCHEMISTRY

(Dissertation Option)

 

Many Biochemists in several fields of endeavour are often desirous of advancing their career through study. The aim of this course is to provide opportunities for advanced knowledge in areas of Biochemistry that such individuals would consider beneficial, without the need for a laboratory-based research project. The course would also attempt to draw experts in industry and field application to participate in seminars and workshops for the benefit of the candidates. In addition to the choice of courses, this programme would require candidates to choose a topic critical to their particular employment background in which to undertake data mining and review, submitting a report each semester.

 

The objectives are to:

  • Train and produce postgraduates with the necessary advanced knowledge in biochemistry to meet national needs
  • Provide continuous professional development programmes for scientists in the biosciences

 

Admission Requirements: To be admitted to the Master of Science in Biochemistry a candidate must have:

·       Obtained a good first degree (at least 2nd class) in Biological or Physical Sciences with adequate Chemistry, Biochemistry and/or Molecular Biology content

·       A minimum of three years working experience in the biosciences

 

Duration: One year (12 months)

 

Scope: The programme will cover topics in General Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and other specialised areas. Students would satisfy requirements in TWO broad areas, which are:

  • Technical competence including performance in taught courses
  • Professional competence including participation in seminars

 

Graduation Requirement: To be awarded a Master of Science in Biochemistry, a candidate must have taken and passed a minimum of 45 credits including all core courses.

 

SEMESTER 1

 

CORE                                                                                        CREDITS

BCMB 601       Complex Biomolecules                                                                        2

BCMB 603       Advanced Molecular Biology                                                                3

BCMB 620       Experimental Techniques                                                                    3

BCMB 630       Research Methodology & Scientific Communication                                 3

BCMB 640       Seminar 1                                                                                           3

 

TOTAL                                                                                            14

 

ELECTIVES: Select a minimum of 4 credits

BCMB 605       Advanced Protein Chemistry                                                               2

BCMB 607       Molecular Mechanisms of Development                                               2   

BCMB 609       Immune Response Mechanisms                                                          3

BCMB 611       Pesticide Biochemistry                                                                       2

BCMB 613       Parasite Biochemistry & Antimicrobial Chemotherapy                           3

 

TOTAL                                                                                         12

 

SEMESTER 2

 

CORE

BCMB 650       Graduate Research Project                                                                  12

 

TOTAL                                                                                            12

 

ELECTIVES: Select a minimum of 9 credits

BCMB 602       Advanced Enzymology                                                                        2

BCMB 604       Bioinformatics                                                                                    2

BCMB 606       Mitochondrial Biochemistry                                                                  2

BCMB 608       Signal Transduction                                                                            3

BCMB 612       Applications of Biotechnology                                                              3

BCMB 614       Eukaryotic Cell Biology                                                                       2

BCMB 616       Biochemical Toxicology                                                                      2

BCMB 618       Secondary Metabolism & Natural Products                                          3

 

TOTAL                                                                                          17

 

  MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

 

Recent advances in the field of life sciences such as the development of Molecular and Cell Biology, which were once considered part of Biochemistry into separate disciplines, have made it imperative for the department to comprehensively review its graduate programme and award students, degrees that reflect their area of specialisation. In fact for the past 5 – 10 years, most of the Graduate dissertations in the department have either been in Molecular Biology or Immunology but students are being awarded degrees in Biochemistry. This we consider inappropriate, since these disciplines are now well-developed and one cannot be substituted for the other. To achieve this, the department proposes the introduction Master of Philosophy in Molecular Biology.

 

Admission Requirements: To be admitted to the Master of Philosophy in Molecular Biology programme a candidate must have:

·       Obtained a good first degree (at least 2nd class) in Biological or Physical Sciences with adequate Chemistry, Biochemistry or Molecular Biology content

·       Passed an interview

 

Duration: Two years

 

Scope: It will cover topics in Molecular Biology and other specialised areas. Students would be required to satisfy requirements in TWO broad areas, which are:

  • Technical competence including performance in taught courses
  • Professional competence including participation in seminars and completion of a research project 

 

Graduation Requirement: To be awarded a Master of Philosophy in Molecular Biology, a candidate must have:

  • Taken and passed a minimum of 27 credits including all core courses in the first year.
  • Taken and passed a minimum of 33 credits including thesis and oral examination in the second year.

 

YEAR 1

 

SEMESTER 1

 

CORE                                                                                              CREDITS

BCMB 601       Complex Biomolecules                                                                         2

BCMB 603       Advanced Molecular Biology                                                                3

BCMB 607       Molecular Mechanisms of Development                                              2   

BCMB 609       Immune Response Mechanisms                                                           3

BCMB 610       Special Topics                                                                                      1

BCMB 630       Research Methodology & Scientific Communication                            3

 

TOTAL                                                                                              14

 

ELECTIVES: Select a minimum of 2 credits

BCMB 605       Advanced Protein Chemistry                                                               2

BCMB 611       Pesticide Biochemistry                                                                        2

BCMB 613       Parasite Biochemistry & Antimicrobial Chemotherapy                        3

 

TOTAL                                                                                             7

 

 

SEMESTER 2

 

CORE

BCMB 604       Bioinformatics                                                                                      3

BCMB 612       Applications of Biotechnology                                                             3

BCMB 614       Eukaryotic Cell Biology                                                                        2

BCMB 620       Experimental Techniques                                                                     3

BCMB 640       Seminar 1                                                                                             3

 

TOTAL                                                                                               14

 

ELECTIVES: Select a minimum of 2 credits

BCMB 602       Advanced Enzymology                                                                         2

BCMB 606       Mitochondrial Biochemistry                                                                 2

BCMB 608       Signal Transduction                                                                             3

BCMB 616       Biochemical Toxicology                                                                       2

BCMB 618       Secondary Metabolism & Natural Products                                          3

 

TOTAL                                                                                             12

 

 

YEAR  II

 

CORE

BCMB 600       Thesis                                                                                                  30

BCMB 660       Seminar II                                                                                             2

           

 

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases (MCBI)

 

Introduction

In response to the World Bank’s call for applications to establish African Centers of Excellence to promote higher education in Africa, the University of Ghana submitted a proposal to establish the West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP).  This proposal was led by faculty from the department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, in collaboration with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and the University of Ghana Computing Systems (UGCS).  The proposal was also supported by several local, regional and international institutions, including the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB).  The main aim of the proposed center is to provide Ghana and the West African sub-region in general with a site for world-class training and research on the cell and molecular biology of infectious diseases. Such training and research is necessary to provide innovation for diagnosis, prevention and control of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.  Therefore, to help achieve the objectives of the center, we propose to introduce two graduate programs: Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases. Below we describe the specifics of each program and show how it takes advantage of existing courses, and is strengthened by new specialized courses that will provide a unique education for talented biomedical scientists.

           

Program Objectives

The new programs will train the next generation of biomedical scientists in modern techniques of molecular cell biology and equip them with current knowledge on the major pathogens causing disease in sub-Saharan Africa.  The course work will cover bacteria, viruses, fungi, helminths and protozoan pathogens, and will include training in epidemiology and biostatistics, pathogen biology, disease pathogenesis, immune responses, and targets for development of drugs and vaccines. All students will also receive training in the field and laboratory methods used to obtain current knowledge, empowering them both to understand the research literature and to contribute to new knowledge through research. The students who successfully complete their course work will work with a faculty mentor to define a research project on a pathogen that interests them. They will then be supported to complete original research for their dissertation and for publication in peer-reviewed journals.  This training will prepare successful students for jobs in industry, government and the Universities and Health Research Institutions.

            To ensure sustainability of the programs beyond the World Bank’s support, WACCBIP will build Core facilities to provide fee-paying services in Flow cytometry, Mass spectrometry, Microscopy (fluorescent and confocal), protein expression and primer synthesis, and Biomedical High Performance Computing services (bioinformatics). In addition, the Center will leverage its improved technical resources and core facilities to compete for large research and training grants from major donors such as the Wellcome Trust, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  

 


 MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES (MPHIL MCBI)

 

Admission Requirements: A good first degree (at least 2nd class lower) in a relevant discipline.

 

Duration: Two years

 

Graduation Requirement:

  • Coursework:   24 – 36 credits
  • Seminar (2):     6 credits
  • Thesis:                        30 credits

Total:            60-72 credits             

 

Program structure

Year 1

Semester 1

CORE                                                                                           CREDITS

MCBI  601:      Bacterial and Viral Infections                                                             3

MCBI  603:      Experimental Microbiology                                                                3

*BCMB 603:     Advanced Molecular Biology                                                               3

*BCMB 609:     Immune Response Mechanisms                                                          3

*BCMB 630:     Research Methodology & Scientific Communication                           3

TOTAL                                                                                  15

 

ELECTIVES (select maximum of 3 credits)

*BCMB 605:    Advanced Protein Chemistry                                                               3

*BSTT 601:      Methods in Biostatistics I                                                                   3

           

Semester 2

CORE

MCBI 602:  Eukaryotic Infections:  Protozoan, Helminthic and Fungal                      3

MCBI 604:  Host and Pathogen Genomics                                                                  3

MCBI 606:  Antimicrobial Therapeutics: Molecular Mechanisms and Concepts         3 

MCBI 608:  Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases                                      3

TOTAL                                                                                    12

 

ELECTIVES (select 3-6 credits)

*BCMB 608:  Signal Transduction                                                                                3

*BCMB 612:  Applications of Biotechnology                                                                3

*BCMB 614:  Eukaryotic Cell Biology                                                                           2

*ENTO 606: Disease Vectors of Medical and Veterinary Importance                          3

*BSTT 602: Methods in Biostatistics II                                                                        3

 

MCBI 610:  Seminar I                                                                                                 3

 

Year  2

CORE

MCBI 600:     Thesis                                                                                                 30

MCBI 620:     Seminar II                                                                                            3

 

*Existing Courses

 

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES (PHD MCBI)

 

Admission requirements:  Candidates with a Master’s degree in the biological sciences, physical sciences, or other fields relevant to Infectious Diseases may apply for direct admission into the PhD MCBI program.  Candidates with a good first degree (at least 2nd class lower) in a relevant discipline, including Biological or Physical Sciences may also apply into the PhD MCBI program.

 

Duration: Four years full time, six years part time.

 

Graduation requirements:

  • Course work:               18 – 24 credits
  • Seminar (4):                  12 credits
  • Thesis:                                    45 credits

Total:                                    75-81 credits

 

Program structure

Year 1

Semester 1

CORE                                                                                                    CREDITS

MCBI 701:       Advanced Qualitative Research Methods and Information Literacy                           3

*FASC 700:      Special Topics in Science                                                                                     3

*FASC 701:      Science and Society                                                                                             3

TOTAL                                                                                               9

 

ELECTIVES (select maximum of 3 credits)

MCBI 710:      Laboratory Rotation                                                                                              3

*BCMB 701:    Advanced Topics in Bioinformatics                                                                          3

MCBI 601:      Bacterial and Viral Infections                                                                                  3

MCBI 603:      Experimental Microbiology                                                                                     3

*BCMB 609:    Immune Response Mechanisms                                                                               3

 

 

Semester 2

CORE                                                                                                        CREDITS

*FASC 702:      Advanced Quantitative Research Methods                                                               3

 

ELECTIVES (select 6-9 credits)

MCBI 702:     Current Vaccine Approaches                                                                                   3

MCBI 704:     Advances in Drug Discovery and Development                                                         3

*BCMB 708     Advances in Biomedical and Infectious Diseases Research                                        3

*FASC 710:      Teaching Science at Tertiary Level                                                                           3

MCBI 602:      Eukaryotic Infections:  Protozoan, Helminthic and Fungal                                           3

MCBI 604:      Host and Pathogen Genomics                                                                                 3

MCBI 606:      Antimicrobial Therapeutics: Molecular Mechanisms and Concepts                             3 

MCBI 608:      Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases                                                        3

 

Year 2

MCBI 700:     Thesis

MCBI 720:     Seminar I                                                                                                                3

MCBI 730:     Seminar II                                                                                                               3

 

Years 3 & 4

MCBI 700:     Thesis                                                                                                                   45

MCBI 740:     Seminar III                                                                                                               3

MCBI 750:     Seminar IV                                                                                                               3

*Existing courses

   

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES (PHD MCBI)

 

Admission requirements:  Candidates with a Master’s degree in the biological sciences, physical sciences, or other fields relevant to Infectious Diseases may apply for direct admission into the PhD MCBI program.  Candidates with a good first degree (at least 2nd class lower) in a relevant discipline, including Biological or Physical Sciences may also apply into the PhD MCBI program.

 

Duration: Four years full time, six years part time.

 

Graduation requirements:

  • Course work:               18 – 24 credits
  • Seminar (4):                  12 credits
  • Thesis:                                    45 credits

Total:                                    75-81 credits

 

Program structure

Year 1

Semester 1

CORE                                                                                                    CREDITS

MCBI 701:       Advanced Qualitative Research Methods and Information Literacy                           3

*FASC 700:      Special Topics in Science                                                                                     3

*FASC 701:      Science and Society                                                                                             3

TOTAL                                                                                               9

 

ELECTIVES (select maximum of 3 credits)

MCBI 710:      Laboratory Rotation                                                                                              3

*BCMB 701:    Advanced Topics in Bioinformatics                                                                          3

MCBI 601:      Bacterial and Viral Infections                                                                                  3

MCBI 603:      Experimental Microbiology                                                                                     3

*BCMB 609:    Immune Response Mechanisms                                                                               3

 

 

Semester 2

CORE                                                                                                        CREDITS

*FASC 702:      Advanced Quantitative Research Methods                                                               3

 

ELECTIVES (select 6-9 credits)

MCBI 702:     Current Vaccine Approaches                                                                                   3

MCBI 704:     Advances in Drug Discovery and Development                                                         3

*BCMB 708     Advances in Biomedical and Infectious Diseases Research                                        3

*FASC 710:      Teaching Science at Tertiary Level                                                                           3

MCBI 602:      Eukaryotic Infections:  Protozoan, Helminthic and Fungal                                           3

MCBI 604:      Host and Pathogen Genomics                                                                                 3

MCBI 606:      Antimicrobial Therapeutics: Molecular Mechanisms and Concepts                             3 

MCBI 608:      Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases                                                        3

 

Year 2

MCBI 700:     Thesis

MCBI 720:     Seminar I                                                                                                                3

MCBI 730:     Seminar II                                                                                                               3

 

Years 3 & 4

MCBI 700:     Thesis                                                                                                                   45

MCBI 740:     Seminar III                                                                                                               3

MCBI 750:     Seminar IV                                                                                                               3

*Existing courses

 

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIOCHEMISTRY

 

In 2008/2009 academic year, the University of Ghana implemented a visitation panel recommendation of the requirement of a terminal degree (PhD) for the position of Lecturer or Research Fellow. This, coupled with the fact that some good Bachelor degree holders could be prepared to take up a PhD research without necessarily having to do MPhil as it is in most universities across the globe, has made it necessary for the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology to comprehensively review its PhD programme to enable it to continue to:

·       Train and produce postgraduates of international standard

  • Train and produce postgraduates with the necessary skill and ability to meet national needs

 

Admission requirements

Two admission streams are being proposed for entry into the PhD programme:

  1. Candidates with MPhil degree in Biochemistry or related discipline may apply for direct admission into the PhD programme.

 

These candidates depending on when they were awarded the MPhil degree may be required to take taught courses in areas to be designated by the department.

 

Duration: Minimum of Three Years

 

  1. Candidates with BSc degree in Biochemistry or related discipline:

These candidates will be admitted first of all into the MPhil programme and may proceed into the PhD programme after their first year. These candidates must have:

·       Passed all courses taken during the first year

·       Obtained a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.50

·       Submitted a PhD research proposal for approval

 

Duration: Minimum of Four Years (Including the One Year of the Taught Courses)

 

ALL PhD candidates would be required to:

·       To present seminars (at least once a semester) on topical issues in their research area

·       Present quarterly progress report

·       Assist in teaching lower classes under strict supervision

 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

 

YEAR 1

 

SEMESTER 1

CORE                                                                                                       CREDITS

FASC 701       Science and Society                                                                                             3

BCMB 630     Research Methodology & Scientific Communication                                                  3

BCMB 701     Advance Topics in Bioinformatics                                                                           3

FASC 700       Special Topics in Science                                                                                      3

 

Total                                                                                                           12

 

 

SEMESTER 2

CORE                                                                                                      CREDITS

FASC 702       Advanced Quantitative Research Methods                                                                3

 

Candidates should select at least 3 credits base on your proposed thesis area                       

BCMB            702      Advances in Biochemical Pharmacology and Toxicology                                3

BCMB            704      Advances in Molecular Biology and Applications                                          3

BCMB            706      Advances in Natural Product Research                                                       3

BCMB 708     Advances in Biomedical and Infectious Diseases Research                                        3

 

Electives

FASC 710       Teaching Science at Tertiary Level                                                                         3

 

Total                                                                                                           18

 

YEAR 2

BCMB 710     Seminar 1                                                                                                            3

BCMB 720     Seminar II                                                                                                            3

BCMB 700     Thesis                                                                                                                        

 

YEAR 3 & 4

BCMB 730     Seminar III                                                                                                             3

BCMB 740     Seminar IV                                                                                                            3

BCMB700      Thesis                                                                                                                 45