MSc Biotechnology

  Institution: UCSI University

Biotechnology is seen as the technology that will “heal, feed and fuel” the world. Huge amounts of money have been poured into this area globally. The Malaysian government has identified Biotechnology as one of the focus areas for Malaysia‘s growth by launching the National Biotech Policy in April 28, 2005.

Since then, various new investors as well as traditional companies have invested in biotechnology-related products or turned to biotechnology in order to improve their products and make the manufacturing process easier, cleaner and more cost effective. This trend has created an ever-increasing job market for individuals trained in biotechnology. Moreover, in order for Malaysia to play in the global marketplace and win, Malaysia needs world-class people to lead world-class companies. Hence, it is very important for us to nurture potential talents to turn them into the best biotech brains in research and product development.

This coursework-based M.Sc. (Biotechnology) has been designed to provide graduates with in-depth conceptual understanding of the concept and techniques of the specialised areas of Biotechnology to meet the growing needs of the Biotechnology industry. This programme also trains learners to develop laboratory management and technical skills.

Teaching and Learning Features

This programme aims to provide students with an interesting and stimulating learning experience via various teaching and learning techniques and assessment strategies. Besides, theoretical knowledge, students will be trained to operate and maintain scientific equipment, to have good practical skills to enable them conduct basic guided research and laboratory work, as well as able to analyze, synthesize and integrate knowledge and information. Hence, students have to carry out extensive laboratory practicals for relevant courses as well as to undertake intensive research projects. Successful completion of the research project is compulsory for the completion of the degree.

Assessment is an integral part of the learning process. Some involves a formal summative assessment but most involves continues assessment throughout the course. Continuous assessment in the form of assignments will require students to be self-directed and learn through oral presentations, written reports, case studies, critical analysis on published scientific data, mini projects (individual or team), seminars and class discussions. Using various instructional media and technologies for learning, students will be thought how to identify and take advantage of unique opportunities and challenges involved in the assignments using various instructurial media and technologies for learning, students will be thought how to take advantage of real-life opportunities and challenges. For exmple, critical analysis of case studies and data interpretation exercises will help them analyses real-life biotechnology problems and apply the theories they study. In addition, they will also acquire communication skills, leadership skills and team-work necessary for pursuing their careers.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Approved undergraduate degree with honours in the areas of Biotechnology /Biology / Chemistry / Biochemistry / Microbiology / Genetics etc, with a minimum of 60% or Classification of 2nd Lower.
• Applicants without sufficient academic qualifications but who possess evidence of adequate work experience may also be considered for admission.
• Certain courses required students to have sufficient background in the basic concepts, if not, the student will need to take up the basic courses at the undergraduate levels before the students are allowed to take the courses at the Master level.

English Language Requirements

The medium of instruction of this programme is English. Thus, the student must posses one of the following qualification:

• TOFEL: a minimum score of 550
• IELTS: a minimum score of 6.0
• Undergraduate degree with English as its medium of instructionUndergraduate degree with English as its medium of instruction

Candidates, who fail to fulfill any of the above, may be required to take an English Proficiency Course at the University to attain the required language proficiency.

Career Opportunities

This programme promotes and nurtures lifelong scholarship and deep learning for career and personal advancement which enhances employability and other inter alia skills in the challenging Biotechnology field. Overall, biotechnology postgraduates can embark into their careers in the medical, health, food and beverage, wine, agricultural, chemical and environmental industries or into any Biotechnology-related PhD programme or be entrepreneurs upon completion of this programme.

Course Duration

Minimum 1.5 Years of Full Time study / 4 Semesters
Minimum 3 Years of Part Time study

Students are required to complete a minimum of 41 credits which include 2 University core courses, 4 core Biotechnology courses, 3 electives (inclusive of 1non-Science course drawn from the MBA programme) and 10 credits worth of research project.

Courses Offered

Semester 1

• Research Methodology for Scientists
• Academic Communication
• Molecular Cell Biology & Genetics
• Experimental Biotechnology – Method & Instrumental Design and Analysis

Semester 2

• Current Topics in Biotechnology
• Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
• Master Research Project Planning & Proposal Presentation
• Science Elective: Choose One
  • Trends in Medical Biotechnology
  • Advances in Agricultural Biotechnology
  • Applied Bioprocessing

Semester 3

• Master Research Project I

Semester 4

• Current Topics in Biotechnology
• Science Elective : Choose One
  • Trends in Medical Biotechnology
  • Advances in Agricultural Biotechnology
  • Applied Bioprocessing
  • Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
  • Perspectives of Commercial Biotechnology
• MBA Elective: Choose One
  • Financial Management & Policy
  • Marketing Management
  • Information Technology for Managers
  • Blue Ocean Strategy

Source: UCSI University