Skip to main content

MSc (Zoology) - School of Biological Sciences

MSc (Zoology) - School of Biological Sciences


  • OVERVIEW

    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

  • 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 : 1,000.00
    • 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 : 1,000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,113.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • 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

MSc (Botany) - School of Biological Sciences

MSc (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 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 : 1,000.00
    • 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 : 1,000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,113.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • 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

MSc (Biotechnology) – School of Biological Sciences

MSc (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 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 : 1,000.00
    • 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 : 1,000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,113.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • 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

MSc (Aquatic Biology) - School of Biological Sciences

MSc (Aquatic Biology) - School of Biological Sciences


  • OVERVIEW

    Aquatic Biology is an area of applied biology that entails the multidisciplinary study and research on fresh-, brackish- and marine biology and the dynamics of these ecosystems. Since about 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, these aquatic ecosystems are the major environment and ecosystems on Earth. By doing research on this area, students will be applying the basic principles of aquatic science, and will be able to analyse, synthesize and evaluate the experimental data and information objectively. Research in aquatic biology also involves practical experience in aquatic sampling inventory and various field and lab-based measurement techniques. Management and sustainable utilization of aquatic resources for various ecological and economic importance will also be emphasized.

    Research Thrust Areas:

    1. Aquatic Biology

    • Aquaculture
    • Limnology
    • Marine Ecology
    • Oceanography
    • Coastal Ecosystems
    • Plankton Ecology & Productivity
    • Aquatic Animal Disease
    • Aquatic Animal Nutrition
    • Ichthyology

    Expertise available in the following School:
    School of Biological Sciences

  • 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 score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
    • A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
    • A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
    • A minimum score of 47 for PTE; or
    • A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or
    • A minimum score of 154 for Linguaskill Online; or
    • A minimum of Band 3.5 for 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 : 1,000.00
    • 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 : 1,000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,113.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • 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

MSc (Plant Pathology) - School of Biological Sciences

MSc (Plant Pathology) - School of Biological Sciences


  • OVERVIEW

    An applied programme in crop protection, plant pathology involves the study and understanding of the etiology, epidemiology and management of plant diseases with the aim of increasing agricultural production and limiting losses caused by pathogens and other predisposing factors. In addition to the traditional research on the various diseases of vegetable, ornamental, tree and fruit crops, other research disciplines include the study and use of microbial pathogens as bioherbicides and role of mycorrhizae in agricultural systems. The programme comprised of several fields including crop protection, fungal pathogens, soil science, mycorrhiza, biofertilizer, bioherbicide, entomology and plant pest management. Conventional and recent biological techniques, such as molecular tools, are adopted in research activities. Some areas of research are Fusarium diseases on agricultural crops in Malaysia, the role of mycorrhiza in agricultural systems, composting and development of biofertilizer and bioenhancer by rhizobacteria.

    Research Thrust Areas:


    1.Plant Pathology

    • Plant Pathogen
    • Tropical Plant Diseases
    • Plant Disease Management and Control
    • Mycoherbicides
    • Mycorrhiza
    • Plant Pathology

    Expertise available in the following School:
    School of Biological Sciences

  • 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 score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
    • A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
    • A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
    • A minimum score of 47 for PTE; or
    • A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or
    • A minimum score of 154 for Linguaskill Online; or
    • A minimum of Band 3.5 for 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 : 1,000.00
    • 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 : 1,000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,113.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • 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

Postgraduate

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

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

Disclaimer

USM will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by the use of any information obtained from this website.

Last Update: Friday 14 March 2025.

All Rights Reserved
Universiti Sains Malaysia © 2025