PhD (Microbiology) - School of Biology Sciences

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 compounds and metabolites from local plants that can inhibit Helicobacter pylori, bacterium that causes peptic ulcer; production of flavour or enhancer, dye and industrial enzymes from a variety of microorganisms; characterization of nifgenes (nitrogen fixation gene) in a number of Gram positive bacteria; isolation and identification of psychrophilic nitrogen fixing microbes from Antarctica; and developing a microbial process to convert oil palm to biodegradable plastic, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). The department also houses a Fusarium collection as part of an international collaboration on Fusarium.

Research Thrust Areas:

1. Microbiology

• Bacteriology
• Mycology
• Parasitology
• Environmental Microbiology
• Industrial Microbiology
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Expertise available in the following School:
School of Biological Sciences

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)

(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 4 semesters / Max 10 semesters

Part-time: Min 6 semesters /Max 15 semesters

** Fees are subject to change