Open Day: UCSI University and APIIT-UCTI

Got back home at about 4pm, after taking Micky, as she would like to be called, to APIIT-UCTI’s Open Day and also UCSI University’s Open Day.

After picking her up from the Sri Petaling LRT station, we went to our first stop, APIIT-UCTI, which is located at Technology Park Malaysia (TPM), Bukit Jalil. We were greeted by the friendly student ambassadors and proceeded to sit down to listen to what they have to say about APIIT-UCTI. Cheng Mun, a software engineering student, shared about her study experience at APIIT-UCTI and about the course.

When I contacted Micky a few days back, she was confused about her studies and what to do next. She was interested in the science courses as she had come from the science stream. Micky had worked part time in a pet shop and was keen to pursue something related to animal science. However, the only place offering this course is UPM. I had seen that her results are good in Sejarah, Moral, English and Mandarin, so I suggested that she look at the Media & Marketing degree course at UCTI. UCTI is partnered with Staffordshire University, UK where graduates will receive Staffordshire’s degree as well as UCTI’s degree. Another strength of UCTI is that they are an award-winning university and are focused on teaching students how to behave & think like a professional from the first day of class itself. One way is that students are required to dress in formal wear on the university campus while attending class.

Some of the fascinating subjects in the BA (Hons) Media Marketing are:

• Introduction to Theories of Media and Culture
• Introduction to Management
• Business and Communications Skills
• Computing and IT in the Workplace
• Interactive Media and Web Design Technology
• Mass Media to Multimedia
• Marketing
• Understanding the Press
• Introduction to Interactive Scripting
• Audio Visual Technology

Next, we went to UCSI University located at Taman Connaught, Cheras. UCSI University has the Food Science & Nutrition course which I am recommending to Micky because of her interest in the sciences. With this degree she can create nutritious food for animals or dogs. She had shared her love for dogs and possibly creating dog food that is nutritious. Although she loves mixing chemicals but Micky shared that she may not be interested in the theories of chemistry.

Programme Overview Food Science and Nutrition is an integrated study that applies various science disciplines such as chemistry, biochemistry, nutrition, microbiology and engineering. It involves an understanding of how diets and nutrition affect the health of individuals, the technologies for creating new food products, and the designing of new processes to improve food quality and safety.

Food Science and Nutrition begins with an understanding of the biological and physical sciences as a basis for understanding the science of food and nutrition and the relationships between nutrition and health. It is a challenging programme for students with an analytical and inquisitive mind interested in applying food science principles to further enhance the health and welfare of mankind. The professor shared that in this programme, one will be studying lots and lots of Chemistry so you must be love that subject. Below is the course description from the brochure and the subjects.

The Bachelor of Science in Food Science & Nutrition is designed to provide students with practical “hands-on” experience through a comprehensive and practical curriculum of cutting edge research and studies in food science and nutrition. Students will have access to a variety of laboratory equipments here at UCSI University, under the directions and guidance of qualified professors and academicians, as well as experienced lab technologists. The curriculum enables students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the food manufacturing industries, government agencies, colleges and universities as well as research laboratories. In addition, it also equips them with good interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work in teams, to solve multidisciplinary problems.

• Biology I with Lab *
• University Chemistry I *
• University Chemistry II *
• Calculus and Analytical Geometry for Applied Sciences
• University Life
• Principles of Nutrition
• Research Methodology and Communication for Food Science and Nutrition
• Microbiology I *
• Structural Biochemistry *
• Co-Operative Placement I
• Extra-curricular Learning Experience I

• Information Technology
• Biochemistry and Metabolism *
• Food Chemistry *
• Analytical Chemistry *
• Food Microbiology *
• Food Processing and Preservation *
• Human Nutrition
• Biostatistic for Applied Sciences
• Co-Operative Placement II
• Extra-curricular Learning Experience II
• Elective: Choose One
  • Physiological Science I *
  • Fundamentals of Marketing
  • Introduction to Internet Technologies

• Food Safety and Quality *
• Food Technology *
• Fundamentals of Food Engineering
• Nutrition and Metabolism *
• Nutritional Aspects of Human Diseases
• Food Science and Nutrition Research Project
• Co-Operative Placement III
• Extra-curricular Learning Experience III
• Elective: Choose Two
  • Physiological Science I *
  • Physiological Science II *
  • Fundamentals of Marketing
  • Introduction to Internet Technologies
  • Fermentation Technology and Downstream Processing *

After talking to the professor, we walked over to find out more about Mass Comm as well as the Marketing degree courses. This goes back again to the subjects that she had done well in SPM which are the languages and reading subjects.

Mass Comm is a good course for students who are good in the languages, like to read, are creative, socialise with people, and organise events. Mass Comm is basically communicating to a large group of people at the same time using some media such as newspaper, radio, TV, Facebook, etc. In this course, she will study a bit about advertising, events, broadcasting, film studies, journalism, public relations, communications, and more.

Finally, after all the consultation is done. I took Micky back to the LRT station armed with the knowledge and brochures so that she can think about which course and university to choose. She also needs to talk to her parents and decide together. Will call her again in a few days time to see what they decide. It is important for students to visit a few universities to talk with their lecturers and counselors to find out more about the courses. They can give you insights into the courses and the career pathways. Taking the campus tour also give you a look at the facilities and a “feel” of whether it fits you. Open Days are good opportunities for you to take advantage of.