Master of Science (Medical Physiology) by Research Mode is a graduate program designed for students interested in exploring the physiological mechanisms of the human body and their applications to health and disease. This program emphasizes research in various aspects of medical physiology, including cellular and molecular physiology, as well as systems physiology in areas such as cardiovascular, respiratory, neurophysiology, and endocrinology.

Students can explore a variety of research topics in Medical Physiology, such as:

• Cardiovascular Physiology: Investigating the physiology of the heart and blood vessels, including the mechanisms underlying diseases like hypertension, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
• Neurophysiology: Exploring the functioning of the nervous system, including brain function, neural signaling, neurotransmitters, and neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
• Respiratory Physiology: Researching the mechanisms of breathing, gas exchange, lung function, and diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia.
• Endocrinology and Metabolism: Studying the physiology of hormones and their effects on metabolism, growth, and development, with research into diseases like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and obesity.
• Renal Physiology: Understanding the physiology of the kidneys and fluid balance, including research on kidney disease, electrolyte disturbances, and the regulation of blood pressure.
• Gastrointestinal Physiology: Investigating the physiology of the digestive system, including the mechanisms of digestion, absorption, and disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Muscle and Exercise Physiology: Studying the physiology of skeletal muscles, exercise metabolism, and the effects of physical activity on health, including research into muscle atrophy, endurance, and fatigue.
• Cellular and Molecular Physiology: Researching the cellular mechanisms that govern physiological processes at the molecular level, such as ion channels, signal transduction, and gene regulation in health and disease.
• Developmental Physiology: Understanding the physiological changes that occur during growth and development, particularly during embryogenesis, childhood, and aging.
• Toxicology and Physiology: Studying the physiological effects of toxins, drugs, and other environmental factors on human health, with an emphasis on understanding how these agents affect physiological functions.

Expertise available in the following School:
School of Medical Sciences
https://medic.usm.my/

Applicants should possess the following:

A MBBS/MD or equivalent degree, BSc  in Medical Sciences/Biotechnology/Biology/ Chemistry/Physics or other related fields from a recognised university.

A) CGPA of at least 2.75/4.00; or
B) CGPA of 2.50 - 2.74/4.00 with; or

• Research experience – 1 year; or
• Professional experience in related field- 1 year; or
• One(1) academic publication in related field; or
• Grade B for major/ elective courses; or
• Grade B+ for final year project.

C) CGPA of 2.00 - 2.49/4.00 (Honours degree) with; or

• Research experience - 5 years; or
• Professional experience in related field - 5 years, AND
• One (1) academic publications  in related field; or
• Grade B for major/elective courses; or
• Grade B+ for final year project.

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

• 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; 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 CAN BE CONSIDERED 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