The Applied Entomology programme are specialize in many aspects of entomology and offer training in the following areas of research: aquatic entomology, urban & structural entomology, chemical ecology, insect biochemistry and physiology, insect-plant interactions, molecular entomology, pest management, medical entomology, vector ecology & control and insect systematics. In addition, the School of Biological Sciences also houses the Vector Control Research Unit (VCRU), a leading centre in vector and urban pest control research in Asia. The unit is equipped with various facilities in insecticide resistance, toxicology and analysis, space spray applications, household and public health insecticide formulations and excellent rearing facilities for many species and strains of vector mosquitoes, cockroaches, flies, household ants and subterranean & drywood termites.

Research Thrust Areas:

• Medical Entomology
• Urban & Industrial Entomology
• Agriculture Entomology
• Insect Pest Management
• Aquatic Entomology
• Molecular Entomology
• Insect Biology and Systematics

The postgraduate programme in applied parasitology encompasses various aspects of both medical and veterinary parasitology. Studies on various aspects of malaria, especially the epidemiology and vector bionomics can possibly be carried out in the more malaria- prone areas of Perak, especially along the Malaysia-Thailand border. As regards to veterinary parasitology, the emphasis will mainly be on the trichostrongylid nematode of ruminant parasites. Studies on the bionomics of these nematodes, together with drug efficacy studies would be potential areas to be investigated both in the indigenous goat and sheep populations of northern Peninsular Malaysia. Studies using medicated urea molass blocks (MUMB) in the control of the trichostrongylid nematodes would definitely prove to be an interesting area of research for postgraduate students.

Research Thrust Areas:

• Parasite Biology
• Protozoology
• Helminthology
• Molecular Parasitology
• Aquatic Parasitology

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:

• Aquaculture
• Limnology
• Marine Ecology
• Oceanography
• Coastal Ecosystems
• Plankton Ecology & Productivity
• Aquatic Animal Disease
• Aquatic Animal Nutrition
• Ichthyology

Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing areas in applied biology. The practical application of cells or its components in manufacturing and service industries entail the integration of knowledge from microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, chemistry as well as chemical and process engineering. The programme gives students theoretical and practical background in biotechnological techniques and applications while developing a strong understanding of cellular biology involving microbiology, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology. The programme boasts modern research facilities such as an automated DNA sequencer, electron microscopes, protein crystallography and a 100 litre fermented. Current postgraduate students also perform studies on gene structure and regulation. Several members of the academic staff investigate aspects of cell culture techniques in plant and animal cells.

Research Thrust Areas:

• Cell Culture Technology
• DNA Probes Technology
• Enzyme Technology
• Immunology
• Industrial Biotechnology
• Microbial Biotechnology
• Micropropagation Techniques
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics and Plant Biotechnology
• Tissue Culture
• Biotechnology

The plant biology postgraduate programme is dedicated to provide training and experience to allow talented developing scientists to become active and competent professional plant scientists and effective academics. Modern and well-equipped research facilities are available for use by students in the School of Biological Sciences. These include low temperature rooms, tissue culture facilities and GLC. The programme offers special opportunities for research in plant cell and molecular biology, and plant systematic and evolution. The newly furbished Herbarium facility provides access to preserved plant specimens collected from various parts of Peninsula Malaysia. Other modern instrumentation for all aspects of plant cell and molecular biology such as electron microscope, ultracentrifuges, electrophoresis equipment and computing facilities for DNA and protein sequence analysis housed in individual laboratories and shared facilities are also available. Interdisciplinary study is encouraged and facilitated by programmes in environmental biology, agronomy and plant pathology and biotechnology. The plant biology programme, in collaboration with the environmental and ecology programmes, is actively researching the conservation status of several threatened plant species in Malaysia such as Cryptocoryne.

Research Thrust Areas:

• Plant Taxonomy
• Plant Tissue & Cell Culture
• Weed Biology
• Molecular Taxonomy
• Botany

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. Knowledge and understanding of various concepts of ecology, function and interaction between abiotic and biotic components of various ecosystems will be strengthened. This will give a broad understanding about the diversity together with the structure and function of tropical ecosystems, the importance of environmental protection and conservation of natural resources. 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.

Research Thrust Areas:

• Soil Science
• Tropical Forest Ecology
• Tropical Wetland Ecology
• Chemical Ecology
• Population & Community Ecology
• Environmental Pollution
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Wildlife Ecology & Management
• Animal Behaviour

The study on marine and coastal ecosystem includes the sandy beaches, rocky shores, coral reefs, mangrove, estuaries and the open sea. In this research area, emphasis will be given on the processes and dynamics of these ecosystems, in relation with biotic and abiotic factors. The ecological and economic importance of each ecosystem will be emphasized. Research in this area also involves practical experience in sampling inventory and various field and lab-based measurement techniques. By studying the marine and coastal ecosystem, students are able to understand the flora and fauna adaptations to different ecosystems, which are currently threatened by humans and what options exist for dealing with these problems. This field of study is also inclusive of cultivation of marine organisms for food and other products. 

Research Thrust Areas:

• Mangrove Ecosystem
• Marine Pollution & Toxicology
• Mariculture
• Coral reefs Ecosystems
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management

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:

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

An applied programme in crop protection, plant pathology involves the study and understanding of the etiology, epidemiology and management of plant diseases with the aim of increasing agricultural production and limiting losses caused by pathogens and other predisposing factors. In addition to the traditional research on the various diseases of vegetable, ornamental, tree and fruit crops, other research disciplines include the study and use of microbial pathogens as bioherbicides and role of mycorrhizae in agricultural systems. The programme comprised of several fields including crop protection, fungal pathogens, soil science, mycorrhiza, biofertilizer, bioherbicide, entomology and plant pest management. Conventional and recent biological techniques, such as molecular tools, are adopted in research activities. Some areas of research are Fusarium diseases on agricultural crops in Malaysia, the role of mycorrhiza in agricultural systems, composting and development of biofertilizer and bioenhancer by rhizobacteria.

Research Thrust Areas:

• Plant Pathogen
• Tropical Plant Diseases
• Plant Disease Management and Control
• Mycoherbicides
• Mycorrhiza
• Plant Pathology

The animal biology programme offers postgraduate training that prepares students for careers in conservation, management, biomedical, academic and a variety of other professional opportunities. Students are trained to do original and significant research in zoological science, to develop a broad understanding of the zoological literature, and to provide experience and training in the presentation and publication of scientific findings. The School of Biological Sciences offers special opportunities for animal research in zoological sub disciplines. In addition the broad range of biological sciences permits collaborative programmes in oceanography, wildlife and aquatic sciences. Some areas of study include wildlife ecology, water quality, habitat management, fishery science and conservation zoology. Postgraduate studies in wildlife and aquatic research are designed to provide training in ecological principles, field research technique, and the application of these tools for the management of all types of zoological resources. Modern research facilities (including molecular laboratories, specimen collections and a computer laboratory) are available and would be beneficial for in depth research in zoology and trans-disciplinary research. The animal biology group consists of members with diverse approaches, expertise, and subject organisms. Specialties include behavioural studies, population ecology, ecological genetics, phylogenetic systematic and population genetics. The group emphasizes lower invertebrates (fish, amphibians) and insects (cockroaches, ants) although postgraduate student research often involves other groups of organisms.

Research Thrust Areas:

• Animal Taxonomy
• Entomology
• Mammalogy
• Herpetology