Microbiology is an exciting and essential field of science that focuses on the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
To pursue a degree in this field, students must choose the right subjects in their WAEC examination.
Selecting the correct WAEC subject combination for Microbiology ensures eligibility for university admission and provides a solid foundation for further studies.
This article provides an in-depth guide on the WAEC subject combination for Microbiology, its importance, and frequently asked questions regarding subject selection.
For students who aspire to study Microbiology at the university level, choosing the appropriate WAEC subjects is essential.
The correct subject combination helps students meet admission requirements and prepares them for higher education in biological sciences.
The WAEC subject combination for Microbiology
Microbiology typically consists of nine subjects, including compulsory and relevant science-related subjects.
1. Core (Compulsory) Subjects
All WAEC candidates must take the following core subjects, regardless of their course of study:
English Language
Mathematics
Civic Education
These subjects are compulsory because they form the foundation of general education and are required for admission into tertiary institutions.
2. Science Subjects Required for Microbiology
To qualify for a degree in Microbiology, students must select science-related subjects in their WAEC exams.
The most important subjects include:
Biology – As the primary subject for Microbiology, it introduces students to living organisms and cellular structures.
Chemistry – Essential for understanding biochemical reactions and molecular interactions in microbiology.
Physics – Important for understanding scientific principles, but some universities allow students to substitute it with another subject.
3. Additional Subjects
While the core and science-related subjects are the most important, students may also choose additional subjects to strengthen their knowledge and increase their chances of admission.
These may include:
Agricultural Science – Helps in understanding microorganisms in soil, plants, and livestock.
Geography – Useful for students interested in environmental microbiology and climate effects on microorganisms.
Further Mathematics – Beneficial for students who want a deeper understanding of scientific calculations.
Confirming specific university requirements is recommended, as some institutions may have slight variations in their admission criteria.
JAMB Subject Combination for Microbiology
Apart from WAEC, students also need to choose the correct JAMB subject combination for Microbiology to gain admission into their preferred university.
The required subjects in JAMB for Microbiology include:
English Language (Compulsory for all courses)
Biology
Chemistry
Physics or Mathematics
Most universities prefer Physics, but some institutions accept Mathematics as a substitute.
Students should check the specific admission requirements of their chosen university to avoid mistakes.
Can I Study Microbiology Without Physics?
Yes, some universities allow students to study Microbiology without Physics.
However, it depends on the institution’s admission policy.
While Physics is considered important in scientific studies, some schools accept Mathematics or Agricultural Science as an alternative.
Students who are not confident in Physics should verify their preferred university’s requirements to know if they can apply without it.
However, having Physics as part of the WAEC subject combination for Microbiology increases admission opportunities.
100 Level Microbiology Courses
In the first year of studying Microbiology at the university, students take foundational courses that introduce them to biological sciences and laboratory techniques.
These courses provide the basic knowledge required for advanced studies.
Some of the common 100-level Microbiology courses include:
General Biology
General Chemistry
General Physics
Introduction to Microbiology
Biochemistry
Genetics
Mathematics for Biological Sciences
Laboratory Techniques in Microbiology
Use of English
Computer Science
These courses prepare students for more advanced microbiological studies in subsequent years.
Subjects for Microbiology
The subjects for Microbiology in WAEC focus on sciences and general education.
A complete list of required subjects includes:
English Language (Compulsory)
Mathematics (Compulsory)
Biology (Highly required)
Chemistry (Essential for understanding biological processes)
Physics (Recommended but not always compulsory)
Civic Education (Compulsory for all WAEC candidates)
Agricultural Science or Geography (Useful for specific areas in microbiology)
Further Mathematics (Optional but beneficial for students interested in research)
Computer Science (Advantageous due to technological advancements in microbiology)
This WAEC subject combination for Microbiology ensures students have a strong scientific background for further studies.
Can I Study Microbiology with D7 in Physics?
Many students worry about whether they can study Microbiology if they do not perform well in Physics.
While some universities accept D7 in Physics, others require at least a Credit (C6).
If a student has D7 in Physics, they should consider:
Checking university admission policies – Some institutions allow students to substitute Physics with Mathematics or Agricultural Science.
Applying to polytechnics or colleges of education – Some higher institutions accept lower grades in Physics.
Retaking WAEC or NECO – If Physics is compulsory at the desired university, rewriting the exam may be necessary.
It is always advisable to verify the requirements of the chosen institution before applying.
Microbiology Subjects in 1st Year
The Microbiology subjects in 1st year introduce students to the fundamental concepts of microorganisms and their interactions with humans, animals, plants, and the environment.
Some of the key first-year Microbiology subjects include:
1. General Biology – Covers plant and animal biology.
2. Introductory Microbiology – Introduces students to microorganisms and laboratory techniques.
3. Biochemistry – Focuses on the chemical composition of living organisms.
4. Genetics – Examines heredity, DNA structure, and genetic mutations.
5. General Chemistry – Covers organic and inorganic chemistry principles.
6. Physics for Life Sciences – Explores scientific measurements and biological applications of physics.
7. Mathematics for Scientists – Focuses on statistics and calculations used in microbiology research.
These subjects help students understand the fundamental concepts that are necessary for more advanced microbiological studies.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct WAEC subject combination for Microbiology is essential for students who want to study microbiology in higher institutions.
The right subjects provide the foundational knowledge required for further education and professional careers in microbiology, biotechnology, and medical sciences.
To increase admission chances, students should focus on core science subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
However, alternatives like Agricultural Science or Further Mathematics may be accepted in some institutions.