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PhD (Microbiology) - Centre for Chemical Biology

PhD (Microbiology) - Centre for Chemical Biology


  • 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 Centre:
    Centre for Chemical Biology

  • ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    Applicants should possess one of the following:

    • 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

    Malaysian (MYR)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3350.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 1000.00 (PhD) 
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2775.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 1000.00 (PhD) 
    • 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) : 1250.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 375.00 (PhD) 
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology: 80.00
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1113.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 375.00 (PhD )
    • 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) : 1,800.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00
    • Registration Fee : 225.00
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,530.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00

    ** Fees are subject to change

MSc (Statistic) - School of Distance Education

MSc (Statistic) - School of Distance Education


  • OVERVIEW

    The programme is to produce experts in the field of statistics who are able to undertake research and development activities in addition to the teaching of statistics at the postgraduate level.

    Research Thrust Areas:

    1. Statistics

    • Applied Statistics
    • Quality Control
    • Experimental Design
    • Branching Process
    • Regression Analysis
    • Time Series
    • Industrial Statistics
    • Econometrics
    • Spatial Modelling
    • Data Mining
    • Categorical Data Analysis

    Expertise available in the following School:
    School of Distance Education

  • ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    Applicants should possess the following:

    A. Bachelor's degree in related area

    1. CGPA of at least 2.75 / 4.00; or

    2. CGPA between 2.50 - 2.74 with the following additional conditions: or

    a) Research experience for at least one year; or
    b) Work experience in related field for at least one year; or
    c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
    d) Grade B for major / elective courses; or
    e) Grade B+ for final year project

    3. CGPA between 2.00 - 2.49 (Bachelor's Degree with Honours) with the following additional conditions: or

    a) Research experience for at least five (5) years; or
    b) Work experience in related field for at least five (5) years; AND
    c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
    d) Grade B for major / elective courses; or
    e) Grade B+ for final year project

  • 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 : 1000.00
    • 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 : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,113.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • 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 : 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

MSc (Molecular Biology) - School of Distance Education

MSc (Molecular Biology) - School of Distance Education


  • OVERVIEW

    The program focuses on the whole spectrum of cellular and molecular biology research. Work on full genome sequencing, transcriptomic, characterisation of candidate genes and proteins with interest or relevance to chemical biology forms the core of this program. Organisms ranged from interesting microbe species to typical life science model organisms such as C. elegans and zebrafish.

    Research Thrust Areas:

    1. Microbiology

    • Microbiology
    • Biotechnology
    • Biotechnology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Molecular Biology

    Expertise available in the following School:
    School of Distance Education

  • ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    Applicants should possess the following:

    A. Bachelor's degree in related area

    1. CGPA of at least 2.75 / 4.00; or

    2. CGPA between 2.50 - 2.74 with the following additional conditions: or

    a) Research experience for at least one year; or
    b) Work experience in related field for at least one year; or
    c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
    d) Grade B for major / elective courses; or
    e) Grade B+ for final year project

    3. CGPA between 2.00 - 2.49 (Bachelor's Degree with Honours) with the following additional conditions: or

    a) Research experience for at least five (5) years; or
    b) Work experience in related field for at least five (5) years; AND
    c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
    d) Grade B for major / elective courses; or
    e) Grade B+ for final year project

  • 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 : 1000.00
    • 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 : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,113.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • 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 : 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

MSc (Zoology) - School of Distance Education

MSc (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 REQUIREMENTS

    Applicants should possess the following:

    A. Bachelor's degree in related area

    1. CGPA of at least 2.75 / 4.00; or

    2. CGPA between 2.50 - 2.74 with the following additional conditions: or

    a) Research experience for at least one year; or
    b) Work experience in related field for at least one year; or
    c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
    d) Grade B for major / elective courses; or
    e) Grade B+ for final year project

    3. CGPA between 2.00 - 2.49 (Bachelor's Degree with Honours) with the following additional conditions: or

    a) Research experience for at least five (5) years; or
    b) Work experience in related field for at least five (5) years; AND
    c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
    d) Grade B for major / elective courses; or
    e) Grade B+ for final year project

  • 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 : 1000.00
    • 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 :1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,113.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • 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 : 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

MSc (Aquatic Biology) - School of Distance Education

MSc (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 the following:

    A. Bachelor's degree in related area

    1. CGPA of at least 2.75 / 4.00; or

    2. CGPA between 2.50 - 2.74 with the following additional conditions: or

    a) Research experience for at least one year; or
    b) Work experience in related field for at least one year; or
    c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
    d) Grade B for major / elective courses; or
    e) Grade B+ for final year project

    3. CGPA between 2.00 - 2.49 (Bachelor's Degree with Honours) with the following additional conditions: or

    a) Research experience for at least five (5) years; or
    b) Work experience in related field for at least five (5) years; AND
    c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
    d) Grade B for major / elective courses; or
    e) Grade B+ for final year project

  • 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 : 1000.00
    • 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 : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,113.00 
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • 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 : 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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