Undergraduate

This program offers specialized training in both animal and plant biodiversity, preparing graduates for careers in biodiversity-related fields. Students are exposed to various animal and plant taxa, studying their form, function, taxonomy, biology, ecology, and economic importance, with an emphasis on species that are significant in Malaysia. Training includes practical skills in equipment maintenance, culturing techniques for laboratory animals, and research in plant biology, such as molecular biology, plant systematics, and conservation efforts for endangered species.

In the final year, students choose courses focused on key animal and plant groups, deepening their understanding of their ecological roles and applications. Graduates can pursue careers in veterinary fields, research, education, and conservation within both public and private sectors. Additionally, the plant biology program offers access to advanced research facilities for studying plant cell biology, biotechnology, and environmental biology, fostering interdisciplinary research and contributing to the conservation of Malaysia’s diverse plant species.

The Microbiology programme is designed to equip students with knowledge on metabolism, growth, genetics, regulation in microorganisms and the various situation where microorganisms are important to humans and other life forms. In the early part of the programme, courses offered will focus on the microbial world, mainly bacteria, fungi, yeast and viruses. Topics will cover the history of the development of microbiology, the status of microorganisms in the world of living things and diversity of microorganisms based on their morphology, fine structures, physiology, biochemistry and growth. Topics including basic methods in the maintenance of microorganisms, cultivation, isolation, enumeration and methods in sterilization will aslo be part of the programme.

Subsequently students will be exposed in detail on various groups of microorganisms and immunology. This will then be followed by discussion on microbial classification and aspects related to microbial physiology, biochemistry and genetics. The characteristics of antigens and human immunological response systems will also be part of the immunology course. Students will also be exposed to several applied courses in microbiology which will enable them to understand the role of microorganisms in the field of industry, agriculture, medicine and environment.

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.

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

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.

The Environmental Biology program offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to understanding the intricate relationships between organisms and their environments across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Given that approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, the study of aquatic environments is essential to understanding global biodiversity and the health of ecosystems. This program provides students with a solid foundation in ecology, conservation, and sustainable resource management, equipping them with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to address the pressing environmental challenges of our time. For those interested in pursuing a career in environmental science and contributing to the preservation of our planet’s ecosystems, the Environmental Biology program provides the ideal academic and practical foundation.