Department of Plant Biology
School of Life Sciences (SLS) • Federal University of Technology, Akure
About the Department
The Department of Plant Biology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), within the School of Life Sciences, is dedicated to advancing comprehensive understanding of plant life, function, evolution, and ecological roles. Our department develops skilled plant biologists and life scientists capable of conducting rigorous research, teaching, and applying botanical knowledge to address agricultural challenges, environmental conservation, and biotechnology innovations.
Plant Biology is the science of understanding plant structure, function, genetics, ecology, diversity, and interactions with their environment. Our comprehensive curriculum integrates plant physiology, plant anatomy, plant taxonomy, plant genetics, plant molecular biology, plant ecology, plant pathology, mycology, lower plants biology, and plant biotechnology. Students develop expertise in plant identification and classification, physiological processes, genetic mechanisms, molecular techniques, ecological relationships, disease management, and sustainable agricultural practices.
The department features well-equipped botanical laboratories with microscopy facilities, plant tissue culture units, molecular biology equipment, herbarium collections, and greenhouses for experimental cultivation. We maintain active collaborations with agricultural research centers, botanical gardens, environmental organizations, and industries, providing students with extensive practical experience in field surveys, plant collection, laboratory analysis, and applied research in plant sciences.
Graduates of Plant Biology are highly valued professionals in agriculture, environmental conservation, research institutions, biotechnology, horticulture, and educational sectors. They work as botanists, plant scientists, researchers, educators, agricultural specialists, and environmental consultants. Our alumni advance knowledge of plant diversity, improve crop productivity, develop sustainable farming practices, conserve endangered plant species, and contribute to food security and environmental sustainability.
What We Offer
Academic Programs
- B.Sc in Plant Biology - 4-year undergraduate program
- B.Sc in Botany - 4-year science program
- M.Sc in Plant Biology - Postgraduate degree with specialization options
- Ph.D in Plant Biology - Advanced research degree
- Postgraduate Diplomas - Specialized technical programs
Core Focus Areas
- Plant Physiology & Biochemistry
- Plant Anatomy & Morphology
- Plant Taxonomy & Systematics
- Plant Genetics & Molecular Biology
- Plant Ecology & Conservation
- Plant Pathology & Mycology
- Ethnobotany & Economic Plants
- Plant Biotechnology
Laboratory & Research Facilities
Plant Anatomy Laboratory
Microscopy, tissue examination, histochemical analysis
Tissue Culture Unit
Plant micropropagation, regeneration, breeding techniques
Greenhouse & Field
Cultivation, experimental plantations, field surveys
Research Focus Areas
Our department conducts comprehensive research in plant sciences:
Plant Physiology & Biochemistry
Photosynthesis, respiration, water relations, nutrient uptake, hormone regulation, metabolic pathways.
Plant Genetics & Molecular Biology
Gene expression, DNA sequencing, genetic engineering, plant breeding, molecular markers.
Plant Taxonomy & Systematics
Plant classification, identification, phylogenetics, plant diversity, herbarium curation.
Plant Ecology & Conservation
Plant communities, habitat ecology, endangered species, habitat restoration, biodiversity.
Plant Pathology & Mycology
Plant diseases, fungal pathogens, bacterial infections, disease management, mycological diversity.
Plant Anatomy & Development
Tissue structure, development patterns, growth, differentiation, functional morphology.
Plant Biotechnology & Breeding
Genetic modification, crop improvement, tissue culture, micropropagation, plant breeding.
Ethnobotany & Economic Plants
Traditional uses, medicinal plants, useful plants, ethnopharmacology, cultural botany.
Career Opportunities
Plant Biology graduates pursue diverse careers in agriculture, research, conservation, and industry:
Botanist
Study and research plant species and ecosystems
Plant Scientist
Conduct agricultural and research investigations
Agronomist
Manage crop production and soil management
Plant Pathologist
Study and manage plant diseases
Plant Geneticist
Develop new crop varieties through breeding
Conservation Biologist
Protect endangered plant species
Horticulturist
Cultivate ornamental and fruit plants
Biotechnologist
Apply biotechnology in plant improvement
Science Educator
Teach botany and plant sciences
Course Materials & Resources
Access comprehensive plant biology materials, field guides, laboratory manuals, and research resources organized by academic level.
100 Level Resources - Foundation Biology
Basic biological sciences and introduction to plant study.
First Semester
General Biology
General Biology, Chemistry I, Physics I, Mathematics I, Communication Skills.
Access Offline Study PacksSecond Semester
Biological Foundations
Biology of Organisms, Chemistry II, Physics II, Mathematics II, Statistics.
Go to Offline Study PacksFirst Year Foundation
100 Level covers fundamental biology and supporting sciences. Courses establish biological knowledge essential for advanced plant biology studies.
200 Level Resources - Plant Biology Essentials
Core plant biology and botany courses.
Download 200 Level Materials
Plant anatomy, lower plants, plant physiology, mycology, general plant pathology, taxonomy.
Access Study PacksGeneral Plant Anatomy
Plant tissues, organs, histological structures
Phycology & Bryology
Algae, mosses, liverworts, lower plants
General Plant Physiology
Photosynthesis, water relations, nutrient uptake
General Mycology
Fungi, classification, morphology, reproduction
General Plant Pathology
Plant diseases, disease concepts, management
Practical Botany
Laboratory and field techniques
300 Level Resources - Advanced Plant Sciences
Specialized plant science and research methods.
Advanced Plant Studies
Plant taxonomy, genetics, ecology, tissue culture, plant molecular biology.
Access 300 Level ResourcesPlant Taxonomy I & II
Plant classification, systematics, higher plants
Plant Genetics
Heredity, Mendel's laws, plant breeding
Plant Ecology
Plant communities, populations, ecosystems
Plant Tissue Culture
Micropropagation, plant regeneration techniques
Plant Molecular Biology
Gene expression, DNA, biotechnology applications
Research Methods
Scientific research design and analysis
400 Level Resources - Research & Specialization
Final year project, seminars, and advanced topics.
Research & Capstone
Final year project, plant embryology, specialized electives, professional practice.
Access 400 Level ResourcesResearch Project
Original research investigation and thesis
Plant Embryology
Seed development, morphogenesis, differentiation
Ethnobotany
Traditional uses, medicinal and useful plants
Economic Botany
Plants of economic importance and applications
Plant Phytogeography
Plant distribution and biogeography
Seminars & Ethics
Research ethics and professional practice
Admission Requirements
UTME Requirements
- Minimum UTME score as set by JAMB and FUTA
- Subject combination: English Language, Biology, and Chemistry/Physics
- Five O'Level credit passes in no more than two sittings
- O'Level credits must include: English, Biology, Chemistry, and two other subjects
Direct Entry Requirements (100 Level)
- A'Level passes in Biology and Chemistry (minimum grade C)
- ND Upper Credit in Plant Biology or related discipline
- GCE Advanced Level passes in science subjects
- Plus O'Level requirements as stated above