MSc Applied Sciences (by Research)

  Institution: UCSI University

In the area of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Applied Sciences is considered one of the key economic engines in the world in the fields of health sciences, food and fuel production. The government of Malaysia has launched the National Biotech Policy on April 28, 2005 and Biotechnology has been acknowledged as one of the focus areas for Malaysia’s growth. Much effort has been taken to promote Malaysia as the main ‘Halal Hub’ for ‘Halal’ food processing and production. As a result of this, new and existing companies have invested in these areas, thus creating an ever-increasing job market for trained professionals in the field.

M.Sc. (Applied Sciences) by Research aims to provide postgraduate learners with enhanced knowledge of Applied Sciences (e.g. in the areas of Biotechnology, Food Science and Nutrition) and the ability to adopt and apply this knowledge within their career. Learners will apply these principles and methods of scientific inquiries and research designs to plan and explore research questions; to operate key instruments in this specialized area; and to critically analyse and interpret information related to current issues and controversies in the sciences from a variety of sources.

With such skills, they will be able to conduct independent research and will be equipped with valuable transferable skills such as presentation techniques, communication skills (both written and oral), information and data handling, problem solving abilities, teamwork and information technology knowledge. Furthermore, learners will also recognize the importance of life-long learning and will be well-prepared to meet any challenge that arises.

Teaching and Learning Features

This M.Sc. programme which focuses on research (thesis and publication) as the major requirement for its degree qualification requires students to obtain a pass in its two compulsory subjects i.e. Research Methodology for Scientists and Academic Communication. Thus, students must present their research proposal in the Subject Master Research Project Planning and obtain a “B – 70% and above” marks prior to beginning their research project. Research work is graded as Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U), and students must obtain “S” on their research progress report as well as their supervisor’s recommendation each semester to enable them to continue their candidature until their thesis submission. To obtain their degree, students must complete their research project and defend their research dissertation. Therafter, they are encouraged to present their research at research seminars and conferences and also to publish their findings in scientific journals.

In addition, MSc. students will also be exposed to current issues and technological advances in Applied Sciences through various seminars by academia / industry players in their respective specialised area.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Approved undergraduate degree with honours in the areas of Biotechnology / Biology / Chemistry / Biochemistry / Microbiology / Genetics / Food Science / Nutrition etc, with a minimum of 65% or Classification of 2nd Upper
• Applicants without sufficient academic qualifications but who possess evidence of adequate work experience may also be considered for admission

English Language Requirements

• TOFEL: a minimum score of 550
• IELTS: a minimum score of 6.0
• Undergraduate 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 subject 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 advancements to enhance employability and other inter alia skills in handling the daily challenges of the ever-growing realms of Applied Sciences, i.e Biotechnology or Food Science. Overall, postgraduates can embark into their career-choices in areas related to the medical, health, food and beverage, wine, agricultural, chemical and environmental industries or into any relevant PhD programmes or become an / a academic / researcher upon completion of this programme.

Course Duration

Minimum 1.5 Years of Full Time study
Minimum 2 Years of Part Time study

Subjects Offered

Semester 1

• Research Methodology for Scientists
• Academic Communication
• Master Research Project Planning & Proposal Presentation

Semester 2

• Master Research I *

Semester 3

• Master Research II *

h4>Semester 4

• Master Research III *

* Science lab classes
Notes:
Thesis and research are the major requirements for learners to attain the degree. However, learners need to take 2 compulsory subjects (i.e. Research Methodology for Scientists and Academic Communication) and pass these 2 subjects to graduate.

In addition, learners will have to prepare for and present their research proposal – for the Master Research Project Planning and Proposal Presentation subject – and are required to obtain a minimum grade B or above, in order for them to start their research project.

Research work is graded as Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U); learners are required to obtain an “S” grade – based on their research progress report – and a recommendation by their supervisor each semester in order for them to continue their candidature until the submission of their thesis (minimum of 3 semesters of research).

Learners are encouraged to present their research work in research seminars and at conferences and are also encouraged to publish their research findings in scientific journals.

Source: UCSI University