Affordable BSc. (Hons) Biotechnology Degree Programme in Malaysia at the Top Ranked UCSI University
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Students after SPM or O-Levels interested in a career in Biotechnology can go for the Foundation in Science at top ranked UCSI University before continuing on to the 3-year BSc (Hons) Biotechnology Degree programme. Students who have completed a Pre-University programme in Malaysia can enter directly into the BSc (Hons) Biotechnology degree at UCSI University with the relevant results.
In addition, UCSI University is ranked in the Top Universities in Asia and the World by the renown QS University Rankings. UCSI University is ranked as Excellent or Tier 5 in the SETARA rating system by MQA.
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High Quality Biotechnology Degree at the Top Ranked UCSI University in Malaysia
Biotechnology, the fastest growing science-based industry in the world, is widely regarded as the new engine of growth for the global economy. Covering the medical and health care industries, the agricultural and industrial sectors, the environment, and forensics, it encompasses also the applications of technologies like biochemistry, molecular biology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and others for the development of new products and processes.
In addition, it also includes vaccines and drugs for the treatment or improvement of life-threatening diseases like AIDS, medical diagnostic kits, agricultural products with improved nutritional values and reduced dependence on chemical pesticides, as well as high quality industrial products, cleaner biochemical process with less waste, and DNA fingerprinting for improved criminal investigation.
Designed with the aid of leading members in the biotechnology field, the 3-year programme helps to bridge the gap between industry and academia.
The course content is aimed at providing students with a good foundation of knowledge and hands-on practical experience of the different fields of biotechnology for their future careers which include Pharmacology, Physiological Sciences, Metabolic Biochemistry, Molecular Cell Biology, Human Molecular Genetics, Animal and Plant Cell Culture, Microbial Biotechnology, Enzyme Technology, Fermentation Technology and Downstream processing, Bioprocess Engineering and Environmental Biotechnology.
Jia Loon, Biotechnology Graduate from UCSI University
The course at UCSI University aims to produce competent, confident and consummate graduates in the field of Biotechnology who are internationally employable and who are equipped with various valuable transferable skills like presentation techniques, communication skills, exposure to problem solving, teamwork and the use of information technology.
In addition, students will be made to realize the ethical issues and the impact of biotechnology on society, as well as trained to be bioentrepreneurs / technopreneurs that would enable them to translate research outcomes into business opportunities.
Top Biotechnology students at UCSI University have won awards such as:
- Made Adwiditya won in the Poster Category for the 26th Intervarsity Biochemistry Seminar
- Ng Sze Man won won in the Oral Category for the 26th Intervarsity Biochemistry Seminar
- Khong Mei Li graduated in Biotechnology with First Class Honours at UCSI University and is now pursuing her PhD at Hong Kong University. She won the Best Oral Presenter Award at the 23rd Intervarsity Biochemistry Seminar
Assessments
Coursework percentage: 60%, written examination percentage: 40%
Faculty of Applied Sciences at UCSI University
Established in 1999, UCSI University’s Faculty of Applied Sciences has distinguished itself as one of Malaysia’s leading hubs of scientific study. The Faculty of Applied Sciences wins multiple research grants each year. More than 60% of the Faculty of Applied Science staff are PhD holders.
The Faculty stands out for the quality of academic teaching and research in Biotechnology, Food Science, Nutrition and Aquatic Science. It is the Pioneer for Aquatic Science, Biotechnology, Food Science and Nutrition programmes in Malaysia‘s private higher education landscape
Graduates from the Faculty of Applied Sciences at UCSI University records a virtual 100% employment rate, the statistics show that this is indeed the case.
University records show that around 40% of Applied Science students move on to sales and marketing upon graduation while others move into non-Biotech fields like quality control – a field that involves a great deal of chemical analysis – and Microbiology.
The Faculty is home to intelligent and ambitious individuals who target a fast-track career in science. UCSI University’s students go beyond themselves in every endeavour and the Faculty provides them with myriad avenues to shine.
The Faculty enjoys an impressive haul of inter-varsity awards and many of our undergraduate students steal a march on their postgraduate counterparts by publishing their research findings in scientific journals. Success is an integral part of the Faculty’s identity and character.
State-of-the-art Biotechnology labs at UCSI University
The specially designed and purpose-built laboratories at UCSI university include Basic Chemistry and Biology laboratory, Microbiology laboratory, Physiology and Pharmacology laboratory, Molecular Biology laboratory, Enzyme Technology laboratory, Fermentation and scale-up laboratory, and Animal and Plant Cell Culture Laboratory.
All these laboratories were built to ensure that our students were given the best facilities and real hands-on practical experience in the different fields of Biotechnology which is important for their future careers. The laboratories are equipped with high-value equipments such as Bioreactor, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Atomic Absorbance Spectrophotometry and such.
All UCSI University students will have to carry out a final Research Project at the end of their third academic year in these laboratories under the supervision of our highly qualified academic staff.
Each student will gain invaluable experience from their final project as they are given a chance to plan, exhibit and experience real hands-on laboratory practical work.
Internships a UCSI University
To differentiate from other institutions of higher learning offering the same degree programme, UCSI University students are well-equipped for the workforce before graduation. Their Biotechnology programme is a homegrown B.Sc. degree and is tailored to incorporate Co-Op training in year 1, 2 and 3 of study. UCSI students have the opportunity of working for two months at the end of each of the three academic years on their Co-Operative Placements in a company in the related industries.
This means they would have more than six months of real world working experience before they graduate. The Co-Op aims to develop not only students’ communications and soft skills, but also help students to relate theory with practical and working experience in the Biotechnology industry in Malaysia.
It also aims to provide students with technical and analytical skills to carry out life science research and prepares them to pursue postgraduate studies in a range of disciplines.
The career opportunities for a biotech graduates range across many industry sectors due to the wide applications of biotechnology. These include the food and agricultural sector, medical and bio-pharmaceutical sector, industrial and environmental sector as well as the animal and aquaculture sectors.
UCSI University graduates have gone on to pursue careers overseas such as in Singapore where they found employment as researchers, both in private and government research centres.
Biotechnology degree students at UCSI University may transfer to top universities overseas for the final part of their degree students such as the University of Queensland, Australia or Northumbria University, UK.
Entry Requirements for the BSc (Hons) Biotechnology at UCSI University
| Qualifications | Academic Requirements |
| STPM | Minimum 3 Principals (C) in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics. and Pass at SPM level (or equivalent) |
| A-Level | Minimum 3 Principals (E) in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics. and Pass at SPM level (or equivalent) |
| UEC | Minimum 5 credits (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics) and Pass at SPM level (or equivalent) |
| CPU | Minimum average of 60% in 6 subjects (Inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics) and Pass at SPM level (or equivalent) |
| National Matriculation | Minimum CGPA 2.8 (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics) and Pass at SPM level (or equivalent) |
| WACE | Minimum average of 60% in 5 subjects (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics) and Pass at SPM level (or equivalent) |
| Other qualifications deemed equivalent to STPM/A-Level by Malaysian Qualifications Agency | Minimum average of 60% (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics) and Pass at SPM level (or equivalent) |
| Diploma/ Advance Diploma/ Degree/ equivalent | Minimum CGPA 2.0 (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics) (Admission level: case-to-case basis) and Pass at SPM level (or equivalent) |
| UCSI Foundation in Science or equivalent | Minimum CGPA 2.0 (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics) and Pass at SPM level (or equivalent) |
| International Baccalaureate | Minimum 26/42 from 6 subjects (Minimum scores of 4/7 in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics) and Pass at SPM level (or equivalent) |
| SAM | Pass with ATAR of 70% including a minimum average of 60% in 5 subjects (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics) and Pass at SPM level (or equivalent) |
| Foundation in Science Entry Requirements | |
| Qualification | Academic Requirements |
| SPM/O-Level or its equivalent | Minimum 5 credits (inclusive of Mathematics and 2 science subjects) |
| UEC | Minimum 4 credits (inclusive of Mathematics and 2 science subjects) |
| CPU | Average below 60% in 6 subjects (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics) |
| Other qualifications deemed equivalent to STPM/A-Level by Malaysian Qualifications Agency | Minimum average of 50% (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics) |
| Other qualifications deemed equivalent to SPM/O-Level by Malaysian Qualifications Agency | Minimum average of 60% (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics) |
| SAM | Average below 60% (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics) |
Year 1 Subjects for the Biotechnology Degree at UCSI University
Semester 1 (Long semester)
- Chemistry 1
- Biology
- Calculus & Analytical Geometry for Applied Sciences
- University Life (MPU-U2)
- Extra-curricular Learning Experience 1 (MPU-U4)
Semester 2 (Long semester)
- Human Physiology
- Chemistry 2
- Microbiology
- Structural Biochemistry
Semester 3 (Short semester)
- Bioinformatics
- Co-operative Placement 1
Year 2 Subjects for the Biotechnology Degree at UCSI University
Semester 1 (Long semester)
- Malaysian Experiential Tourism (MPU-U3)/
- Business Law – Malaysian Perspective (MPU-U3)
- Biochemistry & Metabolism
- Microbes & Immunology
- Statistics & Its Applications
- Entrepreneurship for Applied Sciences
- Extra-curricular Learning Experience 2 (MPU-U4)
Semester 2 (Long semester)
- Research Methodology, Safety & Ethics
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Recombinant Technology
- Semester 3 (Short semester)
- Enzyme Technology
- Co-operative Placement 2
Year 3 Subjects for the Biotechnology Degree at UCSI University
Semester 1 (Long semester)
- Human Molecular Genetics
- Environmental Biotechnology & Sustainability
- Cell & Tissue Culture
- Biotechnology Research Project 1
- Extra-curricular Learning Experience 3 (MPU-U4)
Semester 2 (Long semester)
- Fermentation Technology & Downstream Processing
- Biotechnology Research Project 2
- Elective (Choose one)
- Food Microbiology
- Fundamentals of Marketing
- Introduction to Public Speaking
Semester 3 (Short semester)
- Bioprocess Engineering
- Co-operative Placement 3
- Biotechnology Research Project 3
Postgraduate Studies in Biotechnology at UCSI University
UCSI graduates can pursue a Master in Science degree by research or course work in local universities or overseas. They can choose to enrol in a Masters programme specialising in any of the 5 main fields of Biotechnology, i.e. Industrial Biotechnology, Medical Biotechnology, Agricultural Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology and Forensic Molecular Biology or in any other specific disciplines such as Biomedical Sciences, Immunology, Pharmacology and many others.
Postgraduate Research Laboratories at UCSI University
The Faculty of Applied Sciences at UCSI University maintains two laboratories dedicated to postgraduate research.
Phytochemistry laboratory at UCSI University
The Phytochemistry Laboratory house various instruments used to find, isolate, and identify novel natural products with medicinal value.
UCSI University’s research team collect plant samples from various localities for chemical analysis and bioactivity studies to new sources of beneficial plant compounds
Feature instruments
Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZS at the Phytochemistry Lab at UCSI University
The Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZS is the world’s most widely used system for the measurement of the size, electrophoretic mobility of proteins, zeta potential of colloids and nanoparticles, and optionally the measurement of protein mobility and microrheology of protein and polymer solutions.
Agilent 1200 Series High Performance Liquid Chromatography System at UCSI University’s Phytochemistry Lab
UCSI University’s Agilent 1200 HPLC system can be adapted for both analytical and semi-preparative isolation of natural products. It includes all the basic UV-vis HPLC modules and also other additional modules.
These additional modules includes a column temperature control for high resolution separation at elevated temperatures and an auto-sampler for high throughput analysis.
Agilent 7890A Gas Chromatograph at UCSI University Phytochemistry Lab
Agilent 7890A Gas Chromatograph is a robust analytical instrument used for the analysis of volatile chemicals. It has a wide range of applications including fatty acid analysis, flavour analysis as well as detection of certain food additives and pesticide residue.
CAMAG High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography System at UCSI University Phytochemistry Lab
CAMAG High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography system is one of the most advanced of instrumental Thin Layer Chromatography systems available.
Compared to conventional TLC systems, HPTLC includes a widely standardized methodology.
Every aspect of the analysis from sample loading, band resolution and plate visualisation is conducted under properly regulated conditions to ensure high precision. Analytical methods are easy to develop and many natural product samples can be analysed simultaneously.
Preparative column chromatographic columns at UCSI University Phytochemistry Lab
The venerable preparative chromatographic column is present in all respectable phytochemistry laboratories. Conventional column chromatography provides the large sample capacity required to isolate compounds in large enough quantities for structural elucidation and bioactivity testing.
UCSI University has a wide repertoire of chromatographic stationary phases ranging from traditional ODS and silica to newer MCI gel and Sephadex LH20.
LABSONIC® P at UCSI University Phytochemistry Lab
The LABSONIC® P homogenizer is designed for higher output up to 400 W and correspondingly for treatment of larger samples. Several liters can be sonicated in batch mode, whereas 10 to 50 L/h can be processed in continuous mode using a flow cell.
WiseClean WUC-A06H at UCSI University Phytochemistry Lab
An ultrasonic bath used for sample extraction and for removing dirt, grease and waxes from laboratory apparatus using ultrasonic frequency
Molecular Biology Laboratory at UCSI University
The facilities available at UCSI University’s Molecular Biology Laboratory allows for the study of biology at the molecular levels.
Their research team regularly conducts a wide range of basic and applied research activities including gene based, protein based and molecular based studies.
Feature instruments
Applied Biosystems StepOne Real-Time PCR System at UCSI University Molecular Biology Lab
The StepOne Real-Time PCR System is a 48-well, Real-Time PCR instrument perfect for both first-time and experienced users. Utilizing robust LED based 3-color optical recording, the StepOne Real-Time PCR System is designed to deliver precise, quantitative Real-Time PCR results for a variety of genomic research applications.
Bio-Rad Gel Doc XR+ imaging system at UCSI University Molecular Biology Lab
The Gel Doc™ XR+ system is based on CCD high-resolution, high-sensitivity detection technology and modular options to accommodate a wide range of samples and support multiple detection methods.
The system accommodates a wide array of samples, from large polyacrylamide gels to small agarose gels and various blots. The system enables image analysis and documentation of restriction digests, amplified nucleic acids, genetic fingerprinting, RFLPs, and protein SDS-PAGE.
BioLogic DuoFlow™ Medium-Pressure Chromatograph at UCSI University Molecular Biology Lab
BioLogic DuoFlow Medium-Pressure Chromatography system is an FPLC system used to separate and purify biological molecules.
It can be used for both preparative and analytical purposes medium pressure chromatography is typically used with columns that are not designed for the high pressures in HPLC instruments. Columns used with medium pressure chromatography typically include ion-exchange and affinity columns.
FLUOstar Omega at UCSI University Molecular Biology Lab
FLUOstar Omega is a multimode microplate reader with five detection modes. It utilizes an ultra-fast UV/Vis spectrometer or filters for absorbance as well as highly sensitive filters for all other detection modes. The FLUOstar Omega is the ideal plate reader for life science applications.
Q500 Sonicator at UCSI University Molecular Biology Lab
The Q500 is a powerful ultrasonic processor featuring programmable operation and a digital display of operating parameters. Popular applications include nanoparticle dispersion, creating emulsions, cell lysis and homogenization.
Undergraduate Research Laboratories at UCSI University
The seven purpose built undergraduate laboratories maintained by the Faculty of Applied Sciences are typically used for teaching and for undergraduate students to conduct their undergraduate research project.
Aquatic Science Lab at UCSI University
As the only local private university that offers aquatic science and aquaculture course, UCSI University has invested heavily in its new dry and wet labs equipped with aquarium tanks ranging from one to eight feet in length.
The new facility is also home to the jellyfish kreisel tank, a carefully designed circular aquarium made specifically for jellyfish and seahorses that are sensitive to water pumps or even the corners of the tank itself.
Microbiology Lab at UCSI University
This facility houses all the bacterial and fungal cultures used in research and teaching. Well-equipped to culture, store and contain microbes, the facility supports cutting – edge research in the areas of drug discovery, environmental health, food safety and antimicrobial therapies.
Food Science lab at UCSI University
Used for both teaching and research, this facility houses a wide range of instruments that are used to determine the physiochemical properties and sensory characteristics of food, as well as the ideal packaging for long term storage. High standards of hygiene are maintained to accurately simulate industry practices like GMP and HACCP.
Biochemistry Lab at UCSI University
Equipped with an abundance of analytical instruments, this facility supports the analysis of biochemical enzymes, as well as organic and inorganic molecules. Training at the lab focuses on techniques that identify, quantify and separate components within natural and artificial materials.
Cell Tissue Culture Lab at UCSI University
Specially built to culture plant and animal cells, this facility is equipped with advanced imaging technology that enables researchers to visualise the cell growth and condition. A sterile environment is maintained to house the many instruments for culturing plant and animal cells including photosynthetic growth chambers, carbon dioxide incubators and biosafety cabinets.
Chemistry Lab at UCSI University
Used primarily for teaching, this lab houses various instruments and reagents for chemical assays and analysis.
Biotechnology Lab at UCSI University
Housing a freeze dryer, spectrophotometers and PCR instruments, this facility houses a wide range of research apparatus and analytical instruments.