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Master of Science in Solid State Physics - School of Physics

Master of Science in Solid State Physics - School of Physics


  • OVERVIEW

    This programme exposes candidates to up-to-date theoretical and experimental aspects of Solid State Physics. The students will explore the journey of knowledge and practical experience from sand to optical communication system. Candidates will also be trained to equip them with the capability of addressing physicist related problems as engineers in the semiconductor and solid state lighting industry.

    Course Structure

    The programme consists of 40 units of the following four core courses, three elective courses, two practical courses and one compulsory research project.

    Semester I

    • Solid State Physics I (core - 4 units)
    • X-Ray Structure Analysis (elective - 4 units)
    • Measurement and Experimental Techniques I (core - 4 units)
    • Physics of Optical Communication (elective - 4 units)

    Semester II

    • Solid State Physics II (core - 4 units)
    • Semiconductor Physics (core - 4 units)
    • Measurement and Experimental Techniques II (core - 4 units)
    • Semiconductor Devices (elective - 4 units)
    • Research Project (compulsory - 8 units)

     

  • ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    Applicants should possess the following:

    A. Bachelor's degree in Physics or related area

    1. CGPA of at least 2.75 / 4.00; or

    2. CGPA between 2.50 - 2.74 with the following additional conditions: or

    a) Research experience for at least one year; or
    b) Work experience in related field for at least one year; or
    c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
    d) Grade B for major / elective courses; or
    e) Grade B+ for final year project

    3. CGPA between 2.00 - 2.49 (Bachelor's Degree with Honours) with the following additional conditions: or

    a) Research experience for at least five (5) years; or
    b) Work experience in related field for at least five (5) years; AND
    c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
    d) Grade B for major / elective courses; or
    e) Grade B+ for final year project

  • LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

    Not Applicable

  • DURATION

    Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 4 semesters
    Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 8 semesters

  • SEMESTER INTAKE

    April & October

  • FEES

    Malaysian (MYR) International (USD)
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee : 565.00 X 40 Units = 22,600.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Registration Fees : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1,000.00
    • Tuition Fees : 225.00 X 40 Units = 9,000.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00

     

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

    Malaysian (MYR) International (USD)
    • Registration Fee : 330.00
    • Tuition Fee : 565.00 X 40 Units = 22,600.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Registration Fees : 225.00
    • Personal Bond : 1,000.00
    • Tuition Fees : 225.00 X 40 Units = 9,000.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00

    ** Fees are subject to change

PhD (Botany) - School of Biological Sciences

PhD (Botany) - School of Biological Sciences


  • OVERVIEW

    The plant biology postgraduate programme is dedicated to provide training and experience to allow talented developing scientists to become active and competent professional plant scientists and effective academics. Modern and well-equipped research facilities are available for use by students in the School of Biological Sciences. These include low temperature rooms, tissue culture facilities and GLC. The programme offers special opportunities for research in plant cell and molecular biology, and plant systematic and evolution. The newly furbished Herbarium facility provides access to preserved plant specimens collected from various parts of Peninsula Malaysia. Other modern instrumentation for all aspects of plant cell and molecular biology such as electron microscope, ultracentrifuges, electrophoresis equipment and computing facilities for DNA and protein sequence analysis housed in individual laboratories and shared facilities are also available. Interdisciplinary study is encouraged and facilitated by programmes in environmental biology, agronomy and plant pathology and biotechnology. The plant biology programme, in collaboration with the environmental and ecology programmes, is actively researching the conservation status of several threatened plant species in Malaysia such as Cryptocoryne.

    Research Thrust Areas:

    1. Botany

    • Plant Taxonomy
    • Plant Tissue & Cell Culture
    • Weed Biology
    • Molecular Taxonomy
    • Botany


    Expertise available in the following School:
    School of Biological Sciences

     

  • ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    Applicants should possess one of the following:

    • A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 3.00/4; or
    • A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 2.50-2.99/4 with additional requirements; or
    • Bachelor’s degree in related area with minimum CGPA 3.67/4 (fast-track to PhD)

  • LANGUAGE 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)
  • DURATION

    Full-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 10 semesters

    Part-time: Min 6 semesters /Max 15 semesters

  • FEES

     

    Malaysian (MYR)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,350.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 1,000.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,775.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 1,000.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00

     

    International (USD)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1,000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,250.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 375.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1,000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,113.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 375.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00

     

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

    Malaysian (MYR)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 330.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,350.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 800.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Registration Fee : 330.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,775.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 800.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00

     

    International (USD)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 225.00
    • Personal Bond : 1,000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,800.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00
    • Registration Fee : 225.00
    • Personal Bond : 1,000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,530.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00

    ** Fees are subject to change

PhD (Biotechnology) - School of Biological Sciences

PhD (Biotechnology) - School of Biological Sciences


  • OVERVIEW

    Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing areas in applied biology. The practical application of cells or its components in manufacturing and service industries entail the integration of knowledge from microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, chemistry as well as chemical and process engineering. The programme gives students theoretical and practical background in biotechnological techniques and applications while developing a strong understanding of cellular biology involving microbiology, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology. The programme boasts modern research facilities such as an automated DNA sequencer, electron microscopes, protein crystallography and a 100 litre fermented. Current postgraduate students also perform studies on gene structure and regulation. Several members of the academic staff investigate aspects of cell culture techniques in plant and animal cells.

    Research Thrust Areas:

    1. Biotechnology

    • Cell Culture Technology
    • DNA Probes Technology
    • Enzyme Technology
    • Immunology
    • Industrial Biotechnology
    • Microbial Biotechnology
    • Micropropagation Techniques
    • Molecular Biology
    • Genetics and Plant Biotechnology
    • Tissue Culture
    • Biotechnology


    Expertise available in the following School:
    School of Biological Sciences

     

  • ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    Applicants should possess one of the following:

    • A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 3.00/4; or
    • A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 2.50-2.99/4 with additional requirements; or
    • Bachelor’s degree in related area with minimum CGPA 3.67/4 (fast-track to PhD)

  • LANGUAGE 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)
  • DURATION

    Full-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 10 semesters

    Part-time: Min 6 semesters /Max 15 semesters

  • FEES

     

    Malaysian (MYR)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,350.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 1,000.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,775.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 1,000.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00

     

    International (USD)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1,000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,250.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 375.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1,000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,113.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 375.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00

     

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

    Malaysian (MYR)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 330.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,350.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 800.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Registration Fee : 330.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,775.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 800.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00

     

    International (USD)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 225.00
    • Personal Bond : 1,000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,800.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00
    • Registration Fee : 225.00
    • Personal Bond : 1,000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,530.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00

    ** Fees are subject to change

PhD (Molecular Biology) - Centre for Chemical Biology

PhD (Molecular Biology) - Centre of Chemical Biology


  • OVERVIEW

    The program focuses on the whole spectrum of cellular and molecular biology research. Work on full genome sequencing, transcriptomic, characterisation of candidate genes and proteins with interest or relevance to chemical biology forms the core of this program. Organisms ranged from interesting microbe species to typical life science model organisms such as C. elegans and zebrafish.

    Research Thrust Areas:

    1. Microbiology

    • Microbiology
    • Biotechnology
    • Biotechnology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Molecular Biology


    Expertise available in the following Centre:
    Centre for Chemical Biology

  • ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    Applicants should possess one of the following:

    • A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 3.00/4; or
    • A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 2.50-2.99/4 with additional requirements; or
    • Bachelor’s degree in related area with minimum CGPA 3.67/4 (fast-track to PhD)
  • LANGUAGE 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)
  • DURATION

    Full-time : Min 4 semesters / Max 10 semesters

    Part-time: Min 6 semesters/ Max 15 semesters

  • FEES

    Malaysian (MYR)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,350.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 1000.00 
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2775.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 1000.00 
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00

     

    International (USD)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,250.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 375.00 
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,113.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 375.00 
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00

    ** Fees are subject to change

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

    Malaysian (MYR)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 330.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,350.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 800.00
    • Convocation Fee : 120.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Registration Fee : 330.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,775.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 800.00
    • Convocation Fee : 120.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00

     

    International (USD)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 225.00
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,800.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00
    • Registration Fee : 225.00
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,530.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00

    ** Fees are subject to change

MSc (Microbiology) - Centre for Chemical Biology

MSc (Microbiology) - Centre for Chemical Biology


  • OVERVIEW

    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 natural product based compounds and metabolites with anti-bacterial properties, characterisation of nitrogen-fixation genes in both local and Antartica bacterial species, molecular biology of bioplastics-producing bacteria species, Salmonella toxin-antitoxin systems and formation of biofilms in pathogenic bacterial species.

    Research Thrust Areas:

    1. Microbiology

    • Microbiology
    • Biotechnology
    • Molecular Biology

    Expertise available in the following Centre:
    Centre for Chemical Biology

  • ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    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
  • LANGUAGE 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)
  • DURATION

    Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters

    Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters

  • FEES

    Malaysian (MYR)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,350.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 750.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,775.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 750.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00

     

    International (USD)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,250.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,113.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00

    ** Fees are subject to change

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

    Malaysian (MYR)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,350.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 1000.00
    • Convocation Fee : 120.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,775.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 1000.00
    • Convocation Fee : 120.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00

     

    International (USD)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,800.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 375.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,530.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 375.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00

    ** Fees are subject to change

Postgraduate

Institute of Postgraduate Studies
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
11800 Penang, Malaysia.

Tel : +604 653 2606
Fax : +604 653 2940

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Last Update: Friday 14 March 2025.

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