PhD (Environmental Biology) - School of Biological Sciences

OVERVIEW

Environmental Biology is increasingly gaining attention, especially in these environmentally-conscience times. Malaysia enjoys the luxury of a rich biodiversity in a relatively small area. Its effective preservation and conservation requires a strong understanding and appreciation of the environment. Students are trained in fundamental and practical aspects of ecology and the environment. Knowledge and understanding of various concepts of ecology, function and interaction between abiotic and biotic components of various ecosystems will be strengthened. This will give a broad understanding about the diversity together with the structure and function of tropical ecosystems, the importance of environmental protection and conservation of natural resources. Aquatic biology and environmental biology are therefore very closely related. Academic personnel in the School of Biological Sciences doing research related to Environmental Biology are also involved in supervising postgraduate students working on Aquatic Biology-related research topics.

Research Thrust Areas

Environmental Biology

• Soil Science
• Tropical Forest Ecology
• Tropical Wetland Ecology
• Chemical Ecology
• Population & Community Ecology
• Environmental Pollution
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Wildlife Ecology & Management
• Animal Behaviour

Expertise available in the following School:
School of Biological Sciences www.usm.my/bio/bioschool

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• 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)

• 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 4 semesters / Max 10 semesters
• Part-time: Min 6 semesters / Max 15 semesters

FEES

** Fees are subject to change