Agrobiology

This programme offers undergraduate studies leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Agrobiology which emphasizes on multidisciplinary approach in the field of plant pathology and entomology related to other fields such as environment, soil science, botany, physiology microbiology, plant diversity biotechnology and ecology. The main objective of this programme is the application of scientific approaches leading to high agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Academic staffs consist of experts in the fields of soil fertility, plant health and crop protection. There are expertise in plant pathogenic fungi, biological nitrogen fixers, biocontrol of plant diseases, composting and vermiculture technology. The School of Biological Sciences is the leading institution in Fusarium research in Malaysia.Agrobiology programme is in line with the Malaysian Agricultural Policy (1998-2021) that focuses on the introduction of integrated agricultural approaches based on agroforestry, mixed farming, rehabilitation of marginal land, recycling of organic matter, mulching, cover cropping, composting, organic farming, soil and water conservaton. This programme is strengthened with the concept of crop protection related to plant pathogen and insect pests. The integrated control methods included in the programme are chemical, biological and physical methods of disease and insect pests minimization.

Graduate of this programme can fi nd employment in private and governmental sectors in Agriculture (MARDI, PORIM, FRIM), Agrochemical industries, plantations, management, teaching and sales, environmental management and forensic entomology.

Aquatic Biology 

Aquatic Biology is an area of applied biology that entails the multidisciplinary study and research on fresh-, brackish- and marine biology and ecosystems. Since about 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, these aquatic ecosystems are the major environment and ecosystems on Earth. Aquatic biology and environmental biology are therefore very closely related. Academic personnel in the School of Biological Sciences doing research related to Aquatic Biology are also involved in supervising postgraduate students working on Environmental Biology-related research topics. For this reason, the thrust areas of Aquatic Biology and Environmental Biology are both coordinated under the same Programme Chairperson and comes under the AQEN Bio (AQuatic & ENvironmental Biology) group.

Environmental Biology 

Environmental Biology is increasingly gaining attention, especially in these environmentally-conscience times. Malaysia enjoys the luxury of a rich biodiversity in a relatively small area. Its effective preservation and conservation requires a strong understanding and appreciation of the environment. Students are trained in fundamental and practical aspects of ecology and the environment. Aquatic biology and environmental biology are therefore very closely related. Academic personnel in the School of Biological Sciences doing research related to Environmental Biology are also involved in supervising postgraduate students working on Aquatic Biology-related research topics. For this reason, the thrust areas of Aquatic Biology and Environmental Biology are both coordinated under the same Programme Chairperson and comes under the AQEN Bio (AQuatic & ENvironmental Biology) group.

Entomology & Parasitology

The Entomology and Parasitology programme is important for the development of the nation. Malaysia lies in a tropical zone, and thus is often invaded by various vectorborne diseases (especially mosquitoes and housefl ies) which are capable of transmitting diseases like malaria, dengue, fi lariasis, Japanese encephalitis and typhoid. The strategy for the control of such diseases is not through medication of sick patients, but through the reduction in the source of infection of the disease, which is often the mosquitoes and other vectors. The ability to effectively control the vectors is only possible through extensive knowledge on the biology and the behaviour of those vectors.

Extensive urbanization brings an imbalance between infrastructural development and human activities towards the natural habitats, and this has resulted in the increase of insects and urban pest population like cockroaches, ants, termites, rats, crows etc. Thus, the biology and management of vector and parasite programme will expose students to various vectors and parasites, as well as their life cycle patterns, the ecology and behaviour, so as to fully comprehend their epidemiology before effective control strategies can be formulated for the reduction of such diseases. Vector-borne diseases like malaria, fi lariasis, and dengue are still responsible for the high incidence of morbidity and mortality in many tropical countries, including Malaysia. Thus through this program, students will have a better understanding of the biology of the vectors like mosquitoes and fl ies, as well as their relationship with the transmitted parasites or pathogens.

Graduates are able to work in parasitology research, veterinary, health and academia. Other options of careers include positions in urban as well as agricultural pest control companies.

Biotechnology

Biotechnology, an area of applied biology, involves the practical application of cells or its components in manufacturing and service industries. Biotechnology is multidisciplinary, involving the integration of knowledge from microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, chemistry as well as chemical and process engineering. This programme aims to develop a strong understanding in cellular biology involving microbiology, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology of biocatalysts: This will then be followed with discussion on modern approaches in the modifi cation of the characteristics of biocatalysts followed by product formation through fermentation and bioconversions. Aspects of cell culture techniques in plant and animal cells will also be discussed.

Graduate of Biotechnology programme enjoy a wide range of career opportunities in research and development sectors with government institutions and private companies such as in environmental, industrial, medical, pharmaceutical, agriculture, food processing and academic related to management or manipulations of microorganisms

STPM/Matriculation/MUET or its Equiv.