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PhD (Marine Sciences) - Centre For Marine And Coastal Studies

PhD (Marine Sciences) - Centre For Marine And Coastal Studies


  • OVERVIEW

    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

  • ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

    Candidates are required to possess:

    • A Master degree in related field (research mode); or
    • 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)

    In cases where the candidates do not meet the minimum CGPA requirements, research experience or journal publications may be used to support applications.

  • LANGUANGE REQUIREMENT

    (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 
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 1000.00 
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2775.00 
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • 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 
    • Research Methodology : 80.00
    • 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 
    • Research Methodology : 80.00
    • 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) : 1,850.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00
    • Registration Fee : 225.00
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,570.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00

    ** Fees are subject to change

PhD (Microbiology) - School of Distance Education

PhD (Microbiology) - School of Distance Education


  • 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 School:
    School of Distance Education

  • ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

    Applicants should possess one of the following:

    • A Master's degree in research mode; or
    • 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 REQUIREMENT

    (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) : 3350.00 
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 1000.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2775.00 
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 1000.00 
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00

     

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

    ** 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 : 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) : 1,800.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology: 80.00
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,530.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology: 80.00

    ** Fees are subject to change

PhD (Zoology) - School of Distance Education

PhD (Zoology) - School of Distance Education


  • 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.

    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 Distance Education

  • ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

    Applicants should possess one of the following:

    • A Master's degree in research mode; or
    • 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 REQUIREMENT

    (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 
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 1000.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,775.00 
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 1000.00 
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00

     

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

    ** 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 : 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) : 1,800.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology: 80.00
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,530.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology: 80.00

    ** Fees are subject to change

PhD (Biotechnology) - School of Distance Education

PhD (Biotechnology) - School of Distance Education


  • 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 sequence, electron microscopes, protein crystallography and a 100 litre fermenter. Existing projects include functional genomics for rubber production, in search of natural compounds with potential roles in chemical biology, stem cell biology, structural biology and protein chemistry.

    Research Thrust Areas:

    1. Biotechnology

    Expertise available in the following School:
    School of Distance Education 

  • ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

    Applicants should possess one of the following:

    • A Master's degree in research mode; or
    • 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 REQUIREMENT

    (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
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 1000.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,775.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 1000.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00

     

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

    ** 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 : 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) : 1,800.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology: 80.00
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,530.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology: 80.00

    ** Fees are subject to change

PhD (Aquatic Biology) - School of Distance Education

PhD (Aquatic Biology) - School of Distance Education


  • 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 Distance Education 

     

  • ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    Applicants should possess one of the following:

    • A Master's degree in research mode; or
    • 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 
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 1000.00 
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,775.00 
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 1000.00 
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00

     

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

    ** 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 : 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) : 1,800.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology: 80.00
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,530.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology: 80.00

    ** Fees are subject to change

Postgraduate

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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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