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

Master of Science (Human Genetics) by Research Mode is a graduate program designed for students who are passionate about understanding the genetic basis of human health and disease. This program focuses on the study of genes, genetic disorders, genetic variations, and their applications in medical research, diagnostics, and treatment. The research mode offers students an opportunity to engage deeply in independent research projects in the field of human genetics.

Students can explore various specialized topics within Human Genetics, including:

• Genetic Disorders: Investigating the genetic basis of inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, sickle cell anemia, and other monogenic disorders.
• Genomic Medicine: Researching the application of genomic data in diagnosing, predicting, and treating diseases, including the use of personalized medicine based on genetic information.
• Genetic Variation and Population Genetics: Studying genetic variation within populations, including how genetic differences contribute to health disparities, disease susceptibility, and drug responses.
• Cancer Genetics: Exploring the genetic factors involved in the development of cancers, including hereditary cancer syndromes and genetic mutations associated with tumorigenesis.
• Genetic Epidemiology: Studying the role of genetics in the distribution of diseases in populations, with a focus on gene-environment interactions.
• Molecular Genetics: Conducting research on gene function, regulation, and expression, and investigating molecular mechanisms underlying genetic diseases.
• Bioinformatics and Genomic Data Analysis: Using computational methods to analyze large genomic datasets and develop tools for interpreting genetic information in research and clinical settings.
• Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues in Genetics: Examining the ethical implications of genetic testing, gene therapy, genetic counseling, and the use of genetic information in healthcare.

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

Master of Science (Medical Immunology) by Research Mode is a graduate program that focuses on in-depth research in the field of immunology, particularly its applications in human health and disease. This program is ideal for students interested in understanding the immune system, immune responses, and how immunology can be applied in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.

The program allows students to conduct research in a variety of Medical Immunology subfields, such as:

• Infectious Disease Immunology: Studying how the immune system responds to infections, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Research may involve vaccine development, immune responses to pathogens, and immunodiagnostics.
• Cancer Immunology: Focusing on the immune system’s interaction with cancer cells, including the development of immunotherapies such as cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Investigating how the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Research may include immunopathogenesis and therapeutic approaches.
• Transplant Immunology: Examining the immune system’s response to transplanted tissues and organs, including the development of strategies to prevent rejection and improve transplant outcomes.
• Immunotherapy: Researching the use of the immune system to treat diseases, particularly cancer, through immune modulators, gene therapy, and cellular therapies (e.g., CAR-T cells).
• Allergy and Hypersensitivity: Investigating immune responses that lead to allergic reactions, asthma, and other hypersensitivity conditions, as well as potential treatments.
• Innate and Adaptive Immunity: Studying the mechanisms of the immune system’s two main branches—innate and adaptive immunity, and their roles in immune defense and disease.
• Immunogenetics: Exploring the genetic basis of immune responses, including the role of genetic variations in the immune system’s response to infections and diseases.
• Immunopathology: Researching the changes in immune system function that occur in disease, and how immune dysregulation contributes to conditions like chronic inflammation, infection, and autoimmune disorders.

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

Master of Science (Medical Microbiology) by Research Mode is a graduate program designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and research experience in the field of microbiology, particularly in relation to human health. This program focuses on the study of microorganisms that affect human health, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, as well as the development of strategies for diagnosing, preventing, and treating infectious diseases.

Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of Medical Microbiology topics, including:

• Bacterial Pathogenesis: Studying how bacteria cause infections in humans, the mechanisms of bacterial virulence, and the development of antibiotics and other antimicrobial therapies.
• Virology: Researching viruses that cause human diseases, including respiratory viruses (like influenza), hepatitis viruses, and emerging viral diseases (e.g., HIV, Zika, COVID-19).
• Fungal Infections: Investigating the pathogenesis of fungal diseases, including fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals, and exploring antifungal treatments.
• Parasitology: Studying parasitic diseases that affect humans, such as malaria, leishmaniasis, and helminth infections, and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
• Antimicrobial Resistance: Investigating the growing global issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including how microorganisms develop resistance to antibiotics and strategies to combat resistance.
• Molecular Microbiology: Using molecular techniques to study microbial genetics, gene expression, and the molecular basis of microbial pathogenesis.
• Immunology and Microbiology: Exploring the interaction between microorganisms and the host immune system, including research into vaccines and immunotherapy for infectious diseases.
• Diagnostic Microbiology: Developing and improving diagnostic tools and techniques for identifying infectious agents, including the use of molecular methods (PCR, sequencing, etc.).
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology: Studying the distribution and determinants of infectious diseases within populations, and using data to inform public health strategies.
• Microbiome Studies: Investigating the human microbiome and its role in health and disease, including gut microbiota and its association with diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions.

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