Do you know the list of science courses that you can study in the university career options. If medicine and surgery and other popular courses are what you think about as a science student then you’re selling yourself short.
As a science student, you have many options to choose a career in. These careers are not just about passion, they are lucrative and also cut across different walks of life from medical, life sciences, subject science, engineering and pharmacy.
The required cut-off mark to study these courses in universities, job/career prospects and important information about the courses will be shared. This list also answers the question “What are the top 10 best courses in Nigeria?
List of Top best science courses
Science courses cut across various walks of life and we will be listing the best science courses for you.
Note that some of the list of science courses have the same jamb subject combinations while others do not. For courses that don’t have the combination listed, please check the university website.
The list of science courses at Nigeria University includes;
Medical science courses
- Medicine and Surgery
- Dentistry
- Physiotherapy
- Nursing
- Medical laboratory science
- Radiography
- Physiology
- Pharmacy
- Pharmacology
Life sciences
- Cell biology and genetics
- Microbiology
- Botany
- Zoology
- Biochemistry
- Marine biology
- Fishery
Core Sciences
- Mathematics
- Computer science
- Chemistry
- Industrial Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
Engineering and related courses
- Geology
- Geography
- Architecture
- Petroleum and gas engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Systems engineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Civil engineering.
Medicine and Surgery
Medicine and surgery consist of a bachelor’s degree in basic medical courses like anatomy, physiology and biochemistry and clinical training in different specialty. It is one of the most competitive courses in the country. Most science students spend a lot of time passing the jamb well enough to secure admission into one of the best universities in Nigeria.
The cutoff mark for medicine and surgery in most universities in Nigeria is 250. Of course, you need to get way above that to compete with students all over the country. The Jamb subject combination for medicine and surgery is English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Dentistry
Dentistry is a lucrative career in oral care, dental health, and surgery. Like medicine and surgery, it requires excellence, dedication and sacrifice. Candidates who complete this degree will get the title of Doctor and it takes 6 years. Not all universities offer a dentistry curriculum that follows the Medical and Dental Board of Nigeria. Check the faculty of health in universities to confirm if they offer the course.
The cutoff mark for dentistry is 250 and the subject combination is English, biology, chemistry and physics.
Medical rehabilitation/ Physiotherapy
Medical rehabilitation refers to the study of. It includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Universities in Nigeria offer either physiotherapy or medical rehabilitation. It takes 6 years to obtain a Doctor of Physiotherapy degree and 5 years to obtain a bachelor of physiotherapy in the best universities in Nigeria.
The cutoff mark for physiotherapy is 200. But that is just the minimum requirement to participate in the post-utme and screening exercise of universities. You will need to prepare and pass Jamb excellently if you want to study these courses.
Nursing
It is no news that nursing is one of the most lucrative medical courses not just in Nigeria but all over the world. If you’ve asked “What are the top 10 best courses in Nigeria?” then know that Nursing is on the list. It takes 5 years to study nursing in the best state universities in Nigeria. Nursing is arguably one of the best science courses for females but of course, there are exceptions in the field of nursing.
The cutoff mark for nursing is 200. It is not one of the 4 years of science courses listed in Nigeria Although some colleges of health and nursing schools offer it in 4 years. Additionally, nursing courses offer two degrees; nursing and midwifery.
Radiography
Radiography is the study of the use of imaging technologies like CT Scans, MRI, X-rays and ultrasounds to examine, diagnose and proffer treatment for medical conditions.
The cutoff mark for radiography is 200. Not many universities offer the course but it is a b.sc degree in top best universities like Unilag, OAU, UNN and others. Some best top state universities also offer it. On the list of top science courses and their cutoff, Radiography takes 5 years to complete.
Medical laboratory science
This refers to the use of laboratory techniques and tests to examine, diagnose, treat and prevent diseases. It is similar to science laboratory science which is a diploma (2-4 years) offered in the best polytechnics in Nigeria.
The cutoff mark for medical laboratory Science is 200. It can be lower or higher depending on the university. And unlike SLT, it is a professional course that takes 5 years to complete.
Pharmacy
Pharmacy is a professional science of the development and dispensing of drugs. It involves the study of methods and techniques of making drugs, research on the effect of medications and proper dosage of drugs using laboratory-approved approaches and new technology. It is high on the list of science courses at Nigeria University.
The cutoff mark for pharmacy is 200. But, it is more than that in universities in Nigeria. Students should utilize free Jamb PQ to study and score high in Jamb to get admission.
Physiology
Physiology is a medical course that studies the functions and mechanisms of action of the human body. It involves the study of cells, tissues, organs and systems as they help to maintain a normal state of health.
Physiology is a prerequisite for most of the medical courses listed above. The cutoff mark for physiology is 180 and above. It is also on the list of 4 year science courses in Nigeria.
Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the study of drugs, their mechanism of action and how they affect the body. It is related to pharmacy. Check out the pharmacy courses to see the difference between them.
The cutoff mark for pharmacology is 180 and above. Target at least 200 to get admission into some of the best universities in Nigeria that offer the course. It takes 4 years to complete a pharmacology degree in Nigeria.
What to do if I miss the cutoff mark for medicine and surgery?
The above-mentioned courses have the same jamb subject combination as MBBS if you can change your course. Before the change, head on to the institution’s website to check if they listed specific requirements for any of the courses.
What if I don’t want to do any medical courses?
Well, you’re a science student and the career prospects are wide. Below are life science courses that are also on the list of science students. Most of this course typically takes 4 years except marine biology which may be 5 years in some institutions. Students usually include these courses on the list of simple science courses in the University or best science courses for females but that may not be right. Anyone can do it.
Cell biology and genetics
If you love genetics as a topic in biology, then you are in for a ride. CBG focuses on cells as the major building block of hereditary variation. It is on the list of simple science courses in the university that you can study in four years. Career prospects here include: genetics, research, academia, biotechnology and many more.
The cutoff mark for cell biology and genetics is 180. In state universities in Nigeria, the cutoff mark is above 200.
Microbiology
Microbiology studies microbial organisms like bacteria, viruses and fungi, and how they affect other living things, especially humans. Career prospects in microbiology include clinical microbiology, environmentalists, research and options in pharmacy and public health.
The cutoff mark for microbiology is 180 in Nigerian universities. They are similar courses in some of the best polytechnics in Nigeria.
Zoology
Zoology is the study of animals. It includes studying the anatomy, physiology, pathology and evolution of animals. There are so many career prospects in zoology including wildlife conservation, biodiversity and research. A degree in zoology can also be used as direct entry into a university to study veterinary medicine.
The cutoff mark to study zoology is 180. It is not a very competitive course so the areas of specialities are not tapped.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry is not on the list of simple science courses. It requires dedicating time and a high level of studying because of its assumed complexity. It involves studying the processes of life and how they affect us.
Career prospects range from clinical biochemistry to research in pharmacy, biotechnology and chemistry. The cutoff mark for biochemistry is 180 and above. Although, it is 200 in most state and federal universities.
Marine biology
Marine biology is the study of marine and marine organisms. It involves knowing the ecosystems, environment and lifestyles of these animals. In some institutions in Nigeria, it takes a minimum of 4 years to complete the degree but 5 in a few universities. Be sure polytechnics offer the course before putting in for it.
The cutoff mark for marine biology is 180.
Core Science Subjects
Studying these courses allows you to deeply learn the methods and basics of these subjects as well as their advanced applications. It also creates an avenue for general specializations. For example if one studies mathematics, there are options for postgraduate degrees in pure mathematics, mathematical physics, computational math and especially education.
The core courses that you can study as an undergraduate degree include mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics and computer science.
The cutoff mark for science courses is between 150-200. It can increase or decrease based on the university and departmental cut-off.
As a science student, calculations are your thing. But beyond calculations is the application of processes to solve problems. And that is what engineers do
The cutoff mark for engineering courses is 200 and above. For clarity, 200 is the minimum to write the post-utme examination and screening exercises for schools. The best score to gain admission to engineering courses is above 300.
Some engineering courses that you could explore include: Petroleum and gas engineering, Electrical engineering, Systems engineering, Biomedical engineering and Civil engineering.
Other science courses related to engineering include geology, geography and architecture. Geology and geography are 4-years courses but Architecture and engineering courses are 5 years courses.
Which field is best for art students?
Like science courses, Art students also have a variety of careers. The list of art courses available to art students includes but is not limited to Law, sociology, political science, linguistics, psychology, history and international relations, performing arts, education, and mass communication.
The list of art courses available in universities and polytechnics has a cutoff mark of 120 and above. The cutoff mark for law is 230. Of course, the score is increased for top universities in Nigeria.
Also, art courses usually take 4 years to complete except law, which is five years of study and a year of law school. Alternatively, you can switch to social science courses.
There are opportunities for you as a science student no matter the subjects that you like. If you need to change your course for whatever reason, choose the ones that have the same subject combination that you choose in JAMB. Cheers to your journey of choosing a fulfilling career.