BSc (Hons) Biotechnology

  Institution: UCSI University

Biotechnology, the fastest growing science-based industry in the world, is widely regarded as the new engine of growth for the global economy. Covering the medical and health care industries, the agricultural and industrial sectors, the environment, and forensics, it encompasses also the applications of technologies like biochemistry, molecular biology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and others for the development of new products and processes. In addition, it also includes vaccines and drugs for the treatment or improvement of life-threatening diseases like AIDS, medical diagnostic kits, agricultural products with improved nutritional values and reduced dependence on chemical pesticides, as well as high quality industrial products, cleaner biochemical process with less waste, and DNA fingerprinting for improved criminal investigation.

Designed with the aid of leading members in the biotechnology field, the 3-year programme helps to bridge the gap between industry and academia. The course content is aimed at providing students with a good foundation of knowledge and hands-on practical experience of the different fields of biotechnology for their future careers which include Pharmacology, Physiological Sciences, Metabolic Biochemistry, Molecular Cell Biology, Human Molecular Genetics, Animal and Plant Cell Culture, Microbial Biotechnology, Enzyme Technology, Fermentation Technology and Downstream processing, Bioprocess Engineering and Environmental Biotechnology.

The course aims to produce competent, confident and consummate graduates in the field of Biotechnology who are internationally employable and who are equipped with various valuable transferable skills like presentation techniques, communication skills, exposure to problem solving, teamwork and the use of information technology. In addition, students will be made to realize the ethical issues and the impact of biotechnology on society, as well as trained to be bioentrepreneurs / technopreneurs that would enable them to translate research outcomes into business opportunities.

Assessments are based on course work and written examination both i.e. Coursework percentage: 60%, written examination percentage: 40%

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirement

*To be reviewed by the University on a case-to-case basis

English Requirements

• A distinction (A+, A or A-) in English Language subject at SPM/UEC level; or MUET Band 5; or a score of 213 (computer-based) / 550 (written-based) / 80 (internet-based) in TOEFL; or Band 5.5 in IELTS.
• In the event that the English Language Requirements are not met, student may be required to undertake additional English module(s) prior or concurrently with undergraduate programme, based on the University’s decision.

*International students holding equivalent academic qualifications but of non-English curriculum, are required to sit for the English Placement Test, which may result in the taking of the Certificate in English programme (1 to 10 months). Students who intend to pursue the above undergraduate programme directly, are advised to fulfill the above English requirements prior commencing their studies at the university.

Career Opportunities

A biotechnology graduate can readily apply his/her knowledge and expertise in the following areas:

• Research and Development (R&D) in research institutes; universities; agricultural, clinical and forensic laboratories
• Quality control and quality assurance of pharmaceutical, health care and other industrial products
• Clinical research co-ordination in hospitals and pharmaceutical firms
• Bioinformatics Computational Analysis
• Other career opportunities in
  • Management
  • Intellectual Property (IP) and Patent Law
  • Sales and support services for the biotechnology industry, ecology, waste management and environmental pollution control
  • Venture capitalist business
  • Biotechnology technopreneurships

Subjects Offered

Year 1

• Semester 1
  • Chemistry 1
  • Biology
  • Calculus & Analytical Geometry for Applied Sciences
  • University Life (MPU-U2)
  • Extra-curricular Learning Experience 1 (MPU-U4)
• Semester 2
  • Human Physiology
  • Chemistry 2
  • Microbiology
  • Structural Biochemistry
• Semester 3
  • Bioinformatics
  • Co-operative Placement 1

Year 2

• Semester 1
  • Malaysian Experiential Tourism (MPU-U3)/
    Business Law – Malaysian Perspective (MPU-U3)
  • Biochemistry & Metabolism
  • Microbes & Immunology
  • Statistics & Its Applications
  • Entrepreneurship for Applied Sciences
  • Extra-curricular Learning Experience 2 (MPU-U4)
• Semester 2
  • Research Methodology, Safety & Ethics
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Cell Biology
  • Recombinant Technology
• Semester 3
  • Enzyme Technology
  • Co-operative Placement 2

Year 3

• Semester 1
  • Human Molecular Genetics
  • Environmental Biotechnology & Sustainability
  • Cell & Tissue Culture
  • Biotechnology Research Project 1
  • Extra-curricular Learning Experience 3 (MPU-U4)
• Semester 2
  • Fermentation Technology & Downstream Processing
  • Biotechnology Research Project 2
  • Elective (Choose one)
    • Food Microbiology
    • Fundamentals of Marketing
    • Introduction to Public Speaking
• Semester 3
  • Bioprocess Engineering
  • Co-operative Placement 3
  • Biotechnology Research Project 3

General Compulsory Courses for all (MPU)

• For Malaysian students:
  • Ethnic Relations
  • Islamic Civilisation and Asian Civilisation
• For foreign students:
  • Malaysian Studies
  • Communication in Bahasa Melayu 3

Source: UCSI University.