This Programme includes research on various fields. The fields offered are as followed:-

Research Thrust Areas:

1. Study on Mangrove Ecosystems

• Research on various aspects of the dynamics operating in this complex ecosystem such as biological productivity, estuarine hydrodynamics and nutrient fluxes.

2. Marine Pollution and Toxicology

• Research on the behaviour of environmental pollutants in the estuarine and coastal waters, and their effects on physiological status of marine organisms

3. Mariculture

• Research on marine aquaculture of fish, seaweed, mollusk and crustacean for sustainability.

4. Coral Reef Ecosystem

• Research in monitoring, understanding and restoring coral reefs from the microbiology and genetics aspects and also reef processes and the effects of natural and man-made influences on the health and conservation of coral reefs.

5. Integrated Coastal Zone Management

• Research in the management of the coast using an integrated approach, regarding all aspects of the coastal zone, including geographical and political boundaries, in an attempt to achieve sustainability.

6. Marine Sciences

• Research in marine biodiversity, impacts and adaptation to climate change, water quality and ecosystem health.

7. Biodiversity Conservation

• Research in the theory and practice of ecological networks to conserve biodiversity; sustainable utilization and conservation of flora and fauna; biodiversity change and sustainable development

Expertise available in the following Centre:
Centre For Marine And Coastal Studies

Applicants should possess one of the following:

• A minimum of 2.75/4.00 for BSc in Biology or equivalent; or
• CGPA below 2.75/4.00 for BSc in Biology or equivalent with additional requirements

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

The minimum score for each programme can be vary from the below list, candidates are required to check for each programme requirements.

• A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
• A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
• A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
• A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English: Advance (CAE)/Proficiency (CPE) /Preliminary (PET) /First (FCE)/ Linguaskill Online min. score 154; or
• A minimum score of 47 for Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
• A minimum of Band 107 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
• A minimum of Band 3.5 for Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

Exemption is given to candidate if:

• English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
• Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters

Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters

** Fees are subject to change

** New fees to be imposed starting from Academic Session 2025/2026 (October 2025 intake onward)

** Fees are subject to change

The study on marine and coastal ecosystem includes the sandy beaches, rocky shores, coral reefs, mangrove, estuaries and the open sea. In this research area, emphasis will be given on the processes and dynamics of these ecosystems, in relation with biotic and abiotic factors. The ecological and economic importance of each ecosystem will be emphasized. Research in this area also involves practical experience in sampling inventory and various field and lab-based measurement techniques. By studying the marine and coastal ecosystem, students are able to understand the flora and fauna adaptations to different ecosystems, which are currently threatened by humans and what options exist for dealing with these problems. This field of study is also inclusive of cultivation of marine organisms for food and other products.

Research Thrust Areas:

1. Marine & Coastal Ecosystem

• Mangrove Ecosystem
• Marine Pollution & Toxicology
• Mariculture
• Coral reefs Ecosystems
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Expertise available in the following School:
School of Biological Sciences

Applicants should possess the following:

• A minimum of 2.75/4.00 for BSc in Biology or equivalent; or
• CGPA below 2.75/4.00 for BSc in Biology or equivalent with additional requirements

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

The minimum score for each programme can be vary from the below list, candidates are required to check for each programme requirements.

• A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
• A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
• A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
• A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English: Advance (CAE)/Proficiency (CPE) /Preliminary (PET) /First (FCE)/ Linguaskill Online min. score 154; or
• A minimum score of 47 for Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
• A minimum of Band 107 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
• A minimum of Band 3.5 for Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

Exemption is given to candidate if:

• English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
• Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters

Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters

** Fees are subject to change

The microbiology postgraduate programme has evolved into a multidisciplinary research, which encompasses traditional microbial disciplines and the more recent molecular approaches, such as DNA technology. Active research areas span both fundamental and applied microbiology. Its multidisciplinary nature leads to graduates who are more versatile and enjoy rewarding careers in science.

Current research projects include identification and characterization of compounds and metabolites from local plants that can inhibit Helicobacter pylori, bacterium that causes peptic ulcer; production of flavour or enhancer, dye and industrial enzymes from a variety of microorganisms; characterization of nifgenes (nitrogen fixation gene) in a number of Gram positive bacteria; isolation and identification of psychrophilic nitrogen fixing microbes from Antarctica; and developing a microbial process to convert oil palm to biodegradable plastic, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). The department also houses a Fusarium collection as part of an international collaboration on Fusarium.

Research Thrust Areas:

1. Microbiology

• Bacteriology
• Mycology
• Parasitology
• Environmental Microbiology
• Industrial Microbiology
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Expertise available in the following School:
School of Biological Sciences

Applicants should possess the following:

• A minimum of 2.75/4.00 for BSc in Biology or equivalent; or
• CGPA below 2.75/4.00 for BSc in Biology or equivalent with additional requirements

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

The minimum score for each programme can be vary from the below list, candidates are required to check for each programme requirements.

• A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
• A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
• A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
• A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English: Advance (CAE)/Proficiency (CPE) /Preliminary (PET) /First (FCE)/ Linguaskill Online min. score 154; or
• A minimum score of 47 for Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
• A minimum of Band 107 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
• A minimum of Band 3.5 for Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

Exemption is given to candidate if:

• English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
• Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters

Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters

** Fees are subject to change

The animal biology programme offers postgraduate training that prepares students for careers in conservation, management, biomedical, academic and a variety of other professional opportunities. Students are trained to do original and significant research in zoological science, to develop a broad understanding of the zoological literature, and to provide experience and training in the presentation and publication of scientific findings. The School of Biological Sciences offers special opportunities for animal research in zoological sub disciplines. In addition the broad range of biological sciences permits collaborative programmes in oceanography, wildlife and aquatic sciences. Some areas of study include wildlife ecology, water quality, habitat management, fishery science and conservation zoology. Postgraduate studies in wildlife and aquatic research are designed to provide training in ecological principles, field research technique, and the application of these tools for the management of all types of zoological resources. Modern research facilities (including molecular laboratories, specimen collections and a computer laboratory) are available and would be beneficial for in depth research in zoology and trans-disciplinary research. The animal biology group consists of members with diverse approaches, expertise, and subject organisms. Specialties include behavioural studies, population ecology, ecological genetics, phylogenetic systematic and population genetics. The group emphasizes lower invertebrates (fish, amphibians) and insects (cockroaches, ants) although postgraduate student research often involves other groups of organisms.

Research Thrust Areas:

1. Zoology

• Animal Taxonomy
• Entomology
• Mammalogy
• Herpetology

Expertise available in the following School:
School of Biological Sciences

Applicants should possess the following:

• A minimum of 2.75/4.00 for BSc in Biology or equivalent; or
• CGPA below 2.75/4.00 for BSc in Biology or equivalent with additional requirements

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

The minimum score for each programme can be vary from the below list, candidates are required to check for each programme requirements.

• A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
• A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
• A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
• A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English: Advance (CAE)/Proficiency (CPE) /Preliminary (PET) /First (FCE)/ Linguaskill Online min. score 154; or
• A minimum score of 47 for Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
• A minimum of Band 107 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
• A minimum of Band 3.5 for Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

Exemption is given to candidate if:

• English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
• Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters

Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters

** Fees are subject to change