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
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
Course Materials & Resources
Find Your Materials in the General Library
All lecture notes, past questions, textbooks, and study packs for every level of Plant Biology now live in one place — the LEGACY General Library.
Go to General Library