Doctor of Philosophy (Science)

  Institution: Private: Open University

The aim of the Doctor of Philosophy (Science) programme in OUM is to create an opportunity to develop scientific research skills among working adults in research institutions and industries towards creating specialised and technology driven economic structure. The objectives of this programme are to enable students to gain knowledge in research skills, develop ability to successfully conduct research projects, and hence to contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

Entry Requirements

Normal Entry

• Master’s degree in Science / related field; OR
• Bachelor’s degree with first class in Science / related field from OUM or other institutions recognized by Senate; AND
• Registered for a Master’s degree in Science / related field; AND
• Passed related qualifying examination.

Programme Structure

This programme is comprised of three parts:

• Part I – Compulsory Core Courses
• Part II – Research
• Part III – Thesis Examination

Part I

Compulsory Core Courses

• Research Methodology in Science
  This course focuses on the research elements, components, and processes in scientific research, its purpose and importance. Various types of research, characteristics of scientific research, and logical methods of reasoning, hypothetico-deductive method are discussed. Formulating research problem, research objectives, theoretical framework, hypothesis formulation, research design, data collection methods, scale and measurements, reliability and validity, data analysis methods, report writing and presentation.
• Doctoral Seminar
  In this course, participants will identify the basic area of study for research. Participants will present the literature review, methodology, and theories relevant for the proposed research area. After each presentation, participants will make the necessary amendments and improvement of the paper for subsequent seminars.

Part II

After completing the required courses (PART I) learners will begin the research and thesis work (PART II) under the guidance of a supervisor. Each learner will meet the assigned supervisor at least 4 times in a semester and achieve satisfactory progress in the research / thesis work before being allowed to register in the subsequent semester.
Areas of specialisations in research / thesis:

• Agriculture Technology and Business
• Applied Statistic
• Biotechnology Management
• Computational and Theoretical Mathematics
• Distance Education in Chemistry and other Science/Mathematics subjects
• Science Education
• Sport Science

Part III

When the learner has completed the thesis and is ready for examination, an examining committee consisting of one internal examiner and one external examiner will be appointed to assess the thesis (PART III). The learner will be examined in the Viva Voce session.

Source: Open University Malaysia (OUM)