Plant Research
Plant Biology
Biodiversity
Plant Science

Plant Biology

Understanding Plant Life & Biodiversity

Department of Plant Biology

School of Life Sciences (SLS) • Federal University of Technology, Akure

Plant Physiology Plant Taxonomy Plant Ecology Plant Genetics Plant Pathology Biotechnology

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 Packs

Second Semester

Biological Foundations

Biology of Organisms, Chemistry II, Physics II, Mathematics II, Statistics.

Go to Offline Study Packs
First 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 Packs

General 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 Resources

Plant 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 Resources

Research 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