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Master of Science (Medical Parasitology)


OVERVIEW

Master of Science (Medical Parasitology) by Research Mode is a graduate program designed for students who wish to focus on the study of parasitic diseases that affect humans. This program emphasizes research in medical parasitology, covering a wide range of parasitic infections, their transmission, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and the development of therapeutic and preventive strategies.

Students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of research topics in Medical Parasitology, such as:

  • Helminthology: Researching parasitic worms, including roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes, and their role in human diseases such as schistosomiasis, malaria, ascariasis, and hookworm infections.
  • Protozoology: Investigating protozoan parasites such as Plasmodium (malaria), Leishmania (leishmaniasis), Trypanosoma (sleeping sickness), and Entamoeba histolytica (amoebiasis).
  • Parasitic Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Studying how parasitic infections affect immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS or cancer.
  • Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases: Analyzing the distribution, determinants, and transmission dynamics of parasitic infections across different populations and regions.
  • Vector-borne Parasitic Diseases: Focusing on diseases transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes (e.g., malaria, dengue) or sandflies (e.g., leishmaniasis).
  • Molecular Parasitology: Using molecular biology techniques such as PCR, genomic sequencing, and bioinformatics to study the genetics, resistance mechanisms, and evolutionary relationships of parasitic organisms.
  • Parasitic Immunology: Investigating the immune responses of humans and animals to parasitic infections, and understanding how parasites evade or manipulate host immunity.
  • Parasitic Diagnostics: Developing new diagnostic tools for detecting parasitic infections, including molecular and immunological techniques, as well as improving traditional methods like microscopy and serology.
  • Control and Treatment of Parasitic Infections: Researching the development of antiparasitic drugs, vaccines, and other strategies to control or eliminate parasitic diseases.
  • Global Health and Public Health: Studying the impact of parasitic diseases on global health, including the socio-economic factors influencing their transmission and control.

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

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

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.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

(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)
    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 : 340.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 4,200.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 750.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Registration Fee : 340.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,585.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 750.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00

     

    International (USD)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 227.50
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,575.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Registration Fee : 227.50
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,425.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • 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 : 330.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 4,200.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 800.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Registration Fee : 330.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,585.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 800.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00

     

    International (USD)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 225.00
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,500.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Registration Fee : 225.00
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,130.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00

    ** 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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