Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences – Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University

The Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences is a dynamic center of medical education, research, and clinical innovation. Since our establishment in March 2012, and our evolution as an independent entity from the Faculty of Clinical Medicine in March 2021, we have remained unwavering in our commitment to producing highly skilled, compassionate, and result-oriented medical professionals who will become specialists, educators, researchers, and leaders in healthcare delivery.

Our faculty stands as a pillar of medical education and healthcare advancement in Anambra State and beyond. We understand that basic clinical sciences are not merely academic disciplines—they are the foundation upon which accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and holistic patient care are built. They are the driving force behind medical progress, disease prevention, and the creation of solutions that improve lives and shape the future of healthcare.

Core Values

Academic Excellence – Rigorous, competency-based programs designed to produce world-class medical professionals

Innovation – Encouraging creativity and cutting-edge research in medical sciences

Integrity – Upholding the highest ethical standards in medical practice and research

Clinical Relevance – Strong connections with teaching hospitals and healthcare practitioners

Community Health – Promoting preventive medicine and community-oriented healthcare solutions

African Solutions – Training professionals equipped to address health challenges in Nigeria and Africa with an African mindset

Research and development, with a focus on tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and local health challenges, are actively encouraged, ensuring our graduates are equipped to address Nigeria's unique healthcare needs.

Our History

Date of Creation: March 2012

Established as Independent Faculty: March 2021

Since our inception, the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences has grown from strength to strength, successfully graduating numerous cohorts of medical students in collaboration with other faculties within the College of Medicine. Our departments have produced several diploma, master's, and PhD graduates in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, as well as PhD graduates in Surgical Pathology, who have gone on to make significant contributions in various sectors of healthcare.

Achievements

Successfully graduated numerous cohorts of medical students in collaboration with other faculties within the College of Medicine

Produced several diploma, master's, and PhD graduates in Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Produced PhD graduates in Surgical Pathology

Established five distinct specialized departments dedicated to excellence in medical sciences

Gained recognition for contributions to medical education and research in Nigeria

Our Departments

The Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences comprises five specialized departments, each dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and community service:

1. Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Exploring the effects of drugs on the human body and their therapeutic uses in medicine. Our program equips students with expertise in drug actions, clinical trials, and rational drug use for effective disease management.

Key Areas: Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics, Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmaco-epidemiology, Drug Safety, Rational Therapeutics

2. Department of Histopathology

Analysis of tissue samples to diagnose diseases and understand pathological changes. Students develop expertise in microscopic tissue analysis, biopsy interpretation, and autopsy procedures for accurate disease diagnosis.

Key Areas: Histopathology, Histochemistry, Cytopathology, Immunohistochemistry, Surgical Pathology, Autopsy Pathology

3. Department of Medical Microbiology

Study of microorganisms and their role in human diseases, along with diagnostic methods. Students gain comprehensive training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases.

Key Areas: Bacteriology, Virology, Parasitology, Mycology, Antimicrobial Resistance, Infection Prevention and Control

4. Department of Hematology/Immunology

Study of blood, blood diseases, and immune system functions and disorders. Students are trained in the diagnosis and management of haematological and immunological conditions.

Key Areas: Anaemia, Haemoglobinopathies, Coagulation Disorders, Haematological Malignancies, Immunohaematology, Clinical Immunology

5. Department of Chemical Pathology

Focus on the biochemical changes in diseases and the laboratory techniques for diagnosis. Students gain expertise in clinical biochemistry, endocrinology, toxicology, and metabolic disorders.

Key Areas: Clinical Biochemistry, Endocrinology, Toxicology, Metabolic Disorders, Molecular Diagnostics, Laboratory Management

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Admission (MBBS Pre-Clinical Phase)

Credit level passes in Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in five subjects including English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, obtained in one or two sittings

OR GCE 'O' level or equivalent credit level passes in five subjects including English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, obtained in one or two sittings

Candidates must also satisfy JAMB (UME) admission requirements and achieve the prescribed cut-off mark

Direct Entry Admission

GCE 'A' level passes or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, and Biology/Zoology

OR B.Sc. degree in relevant biological sciences with at least Second Class Honours (Upper Division)

Candidates must also meet all faculty and university admission requirements

Admission requirements and procedures for non-graduate, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs are aligned with the standards of the College of Medicine and COOU, allowing for deferment, transfer, and registration in accordance with university policies.

Research and Innovation

The Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences is committed to cutting-edge research that addresses real-world health challenges. Our research areas include:

Tropical Infectious Diseases – Malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and neglected tropical diseases

Non-Communicable Diseases – Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers

Antimicrobial Resistance – Surveillance, mechanisms, and stewardship programs

Molecular Diagnostics – Advanced techniques for early and accurate disease detection

Pharmacovigilance – Drug safety monitoring and adverse drug reaction reporting

Surgical Pathology – Advanced tissue analysis for cancer diagnosis and research

Translational Research – Bridging laboratory discoveries to clinical applications

Toxicology – Laboratory analysis for pharmaceutical and food industry safety

Clinical and Research Partnerships

We maintain strong connections with teaching hospitals, research institutes, and industry partners, providing students with practical clinical exposure, internship opportunities, and exposure to real-world healthcare challenges. Our partnerships ensure that our graduates are clinically competent and equipped with the skills employers seek.

Affiliated Teaching Hospitals for clinical rotations

Collaborations with pharmaceutical and food industries for toxicology research

Community health outreach programs in rural and underserved areas

Partnerships with national and international health organizations

Why Choose the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences at COOU?

Academic Excellence – Rigorous, competency-based programs designed to produce world-class medical professionals

Expert Faculty – Learn from distinguished medical educators, researchers, and consultants with extensive clinical experience

Modern Facilities – State-of-the-art laboratories, including plans for a Toxicology Laboratory to serve the pharmaceutical and food industries

Research Innovation – Cutting-edge research addressing Nigeria's most pressing health challenges

Career Development – Graduates equipped to become specialists, consultants, researchers, and public health leaders

Clinical Partnerships – Strong connections with teaching hospitals for hands-on clinical experience

Therapeutics Ward – Future plans to establish a dedicated Therapeutics Ward within our teaching hospital for the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics

African Perspective – Training professionals who are deeply aware of and responsive to the unique healthcare needs of Nigerian and African society