MSc (Aquatic Biology) - School of Distance Education

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

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

(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)

Full-time : Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters

Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters

** Fees are subject to change