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University of Nottingham Malaysia
University of Nottingham Malaysia
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Course overview

This degree in Biotechnology is designed to expose students to the fundamentals and specific skills of the industry. It places emphasis on the application of advances in biotechnology to address global issues. Students will learn the key concepts and techniques in microbial, plant, and medical and pharmaceutical biotechnologies to address modern-day problems in healthcare, industrial, environmental, renewable energy, crop and food production. With that, our programme is designed with a focus on 3 key areas of biotechnology: Industrial biotechnology which sits at the core of the programme linked with plant biotechnology and medical/pharmaceutical biotechnology. Topics covered include genomics and proteomics, genetic engineering of microorganisms and crops, food hygiene and safety industrial bioprocesses and bioproducts, pharmaceuticals, and various others.

At UNM, our programmes are delivered through interactive teaching methods as well as the use of various pedagogies and digital formats to suit the needs of our students. With carefully designed programme content and assessments, students are steered to become independent learners and critical thinkers to innovate into the world of tomorrow.

Why choose this course?

  • Students in this programme have the opportunity to study at our Nottingham UK campus for either one semester or an entire academic year under the exchange programme.
  • Our programme offers industrial placements towards the end of year 2. This opportunity allows students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen industry, which is essential for career growth, job prospects, and entrepreneurship.
  • Our programme benefits from industrial partnerships that include topics delivered by industry experts. Students will have excellent opportunities to interact with and learn from guest speakers who bring valuable experience and knowledge to the programme.
  • The School has purpose-built facilities to support students' learning, including a Biotechnology Research Laboratory, Shade Houses, Biosciences Laboratory, Microbiology Laboratory, Instrument Laboratory, Mammalian Cell Culture Laboratory, Biobanking Laboratory, Field Research Station, and Centre of Excellence for Post-Harvest Biotechnology.

Modules

Core modules

  • Introduction to Biotechnology
  • The Biosciences and Global Food Security
  • Introduction to Genetics and Biochemistry
  • Plant Science
  • Microbial Physiology
  • Statistical Skills for Bioscientists
  • Human Physiology
  • Essential Study Skills

Core modules

  • Microbial Biotechnology
  • Molecular Biology and the Cell
  • Molecular Pharming and Biotechnology
  • Professional Skills for Bioscientists
  • Research Skills for Biotechnologists
  • Principles of Immunology 

Optional modules

  • Agrifood Production Systems
  • Biochemical Engineering
  • Biotechnology for industries
  • Epigenetics and Developmental Biotechnology
  • Food Hygiene and Safety
  • Food Materials and Ingredients 
  • Industrial placement in Biotechnology 

Core modules

  • Undergraduate Research Project
  • Applied Bioethics: Sustainable Food Production, Biotechnology and the Environment
  • Commercialisation in Biotechnology
  • Current Issues in Biotechnology

Optional modules

  • Advanced Postharvest Technology
  • Basic Introduction to Omic Technologies
  • Biochemical Engineering
  • Biotechnology in Animal Physiology
  • Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
  • Plants and Their Environment
  • Postharvest and Preservation Technology
  • Therapeutic Immunology

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

A Level BCC, including two science-based subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics, with at least one at grade B. Critical Thinking and General Studies are excluded.
IB Diploma 24 points with 5 and 4 at Higher Level, including two science-based subjects such as Biology (HL), Chemistry (HL), Physics (HL), or Mathematics (HL), with at least one subject at 5 points (not including Physics).
STPM BC+C+, including two science-based subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics. One of these subjects must be at grade B (not including Physics). Excludes Pengajian Am.
UEC 3 B3s and 2 B4s, including two science-based subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics. One of these subjects (not including Physics) must be at grade B3 (excluding Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese Language).
Australian Year 12 ATAR 78. Applicants are required to meet specific grade standards in two science-based subjects, such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics, aligned with A Level subject requirements. To fulfil these A Level standards, specific grade equivalents in the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) are required.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 75% average based on 6 subjects, including two science-based subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics. Applicants must meet specific grade requirements for subjects required at A Level: 75% for C and 81% for B.

Canadian Secondary School Diplomas from other provinces are acceptable and will be assessed based on the University’s requirements.
Gaokao (NCEE) and Senior High School Diploma (China) 68% average in the Gaokao, including two science-based subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics, with one subject at 75% and the other at 73%. In addition, a minimum of 70% overall in the Senior High School Diploma, with at least 70% in Mathematics and two Science subjects, which must include Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

Gaokao scores are converted from 750 to a percentage scale.
Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE) / Indian School Certificate (CISCE) - Class XII 75% average from the best four subjects, including two science-based subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics, with one subject at 80% and the other at 70%. Excludes local language, Environmental Education, General Studies, and Physical Education.
Advance Placement (AP) 4, 3, 3, including AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, or AP Physics. One of these subjects (not including AP Physics) must be at score 4.
Diploma - Local Institutions Entry to Year 2 is assessed on a case-by-case basis, typically requiring a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 and good grades in relevant subjects, including two science-based subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics.
Foundation - Local Institutions Acceptance is at the School’s discretion and requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 and good grades in relevant subjects, including two science-based subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics.
Nottingham's Foundation Programme Successful completion is required with an overall minimum average of 50%.

In addition to the entry requirements listed above, applicants must have at least a credit (normally grade C) in Mathematics at SPM/GCSE/IGCSE/High School Diploma or equivalent. This requirement can be waived if applicants have obtained a similar or equivalent grade at a higher level.

This list is not exhaustive, and we accept a wide range of qualifications. Eligibility will be fully determined upon the submission of a completed application.

IELTS (Academic):

6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in each element)

TOEFL (iBT):

 80 (minimum 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking)

PTE (Academic):

65 (with no less than 59 in each element)

GCE A Level English Language or English Literature:

Grade C

GCE AS Level English Language or English Literature:

Grade C

SPM:

CEFR level B2

GCSE O-Level:

Grade C / 6

IGCSE (first language):

Grade C / 6

IGCSE (second language):

Grade B / 6

MUET:

Band 4

UEC:

Grade B3

IB English A1 or A2 (Standard or Higher Level):

4 points

IB English B (Higher Level):

4 points

IB English B (Standard Level):

5 points

OSSD English (ENG3U/ENG4U) (No fast-track route):

75%

CBSE/CISCE Class XII or Class X:

70% overall (confirmation of English as the medium of instruction required)
  • IELTS (Academic), TOEFL iBT, and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than two years old.
  • IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.
  • IELTS Academic Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and PTE Academic Online are not accepted.
  • MUET results are valid for five years from the release date.
  • OSSD English (ENG3U/ENG4U) with the required grades will only be accepted if applicants have completed all 30 credits from standard OSSD courses, not through credit exemptions. Fast-track routes are not accepted.
  • CBSE/CISCE Class XII or Class X English with the required grades will only be accepted if applicants provide a confirmation letter stating that English was the medium of instruction throughout schooling from Class X to Class XII.

Foundation progression options

The Nottingham's Foundation Programme is a 1-year pre-university course that prepares students for direct progression to UNM’s undergraduate degrees. It builds a strong academic foundation while enhancing language, critical thinking, and study skills. Students can also explore elective modules tailored to their chosen degree pathway.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Supervision
  • Practical classes
  • Field trips
  • Lab sessions
  • Computer labs

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Group coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Examinations
  • Presentation
  • Essay
  • Poster presentation
  • Practical write-ups
  • Research project
  • Reflective review

Applying

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for undergraduate courses.

How to apply

Fees

ResidencyFees
Malaysian studentsRM52,000 per year
International studentsRM58,000 per year

Where you will learn

Malaysia Campus

Semenyih Campus is 48km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and just 45 minutes’ drive from the famous city centre with its iconic Petronas Twin Towers. On arrival, you are immersed in the green jungle backdrop that Malaysia provides with wildlife, sunshine and campus lake.

The campus is home to our business, education, science and engineering schools, which sit alongside a sports centre, library and student accommodation. The University has everything a modern day student could wish for with the added bonus of being located in central Asia allowing you to travel further afield in your free time.

Public transport is plentiful with free shuttle services operating on some routes. Taxi/Grab services in Malaysia are very reasonable and used widely by the student community.

Careers

Nottingham’s Biotechnology graduates are highly sought after worldwide. The vast majority of our students secure employment within 6 months of graduation or continue with further studies. Biotechnology graduates go on to work in a diverse range of roles and markets with job titles such as; Research Scientist, Scientific Analyst, Project Manager, Consultant, Educator and Advocator in both the public and private sectors. Alternatively, many of our degree graduates who pursued academic excellence opted to further their postgraduate study within the Schools’ postgraduate (MRes / MPhil / PhD) programmes.

The University has an established Careers Advisory Service (CAS) that provides students with essential resources and guidance for career choices offering many opportunities to develop the skills needed to plan and manage your future. Our Careers Advisory Service will work with you to improve and maximise your employability skills as well as providing essential resources and guidance that will assist you with job/course applications. They will facilitate searches for appropriate work experience placements and connect you to a wide range of prospective employers or training opportunities.

Our graduates are highly sought after by both local and multinational employers. The skills and knowledge gained from our Biotechnology degree are widely applied in various industries including food and beverages, agricultural and plantation, healthcare products and services, renewable and clean energy, wastewater management, chemical, and many others. Some of our graduates move onto roles in major companies like CCM Chemicals, Johnson and Johnson, Pharmaniaga, Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD), Syngenta, Pantai Parkway, and Applied Agricultural Resources to name just a few. Many have also continued their studies at postgraduate level and upon graduation have worked as researchers and academicians in either public or private higher learning institutions.

Frequently asked questions

Biotechnology offers numerous future opportunities for those interested in the field. As a biotechnologist, you can work in various settings such as clinical laboratories, regulatory bodies, private companies, and government agencies.

Following are some career options for students who graduate with a biotechnology degree:

  • Research and Development (R&D) Scientist
  • Medical Product Specialist
  • Food Product Scientist
  • Agriculture Scientist
  • Biotechnology Consultant
  • Microbiologist
  • Patent Technical Specialist
  • Health and Safety Officer

The promising benefits of biotechnological innovations have prompted the Malaysian government to take initiatives in creating a favourable ecosystem for the growth and advancement of the industry.

In 2022, an announcement was made regarding the implementation of the National Biotechnology Plan 2.0. This strategic plan aims to harness the strengths of biotechnology to propel Malaysia towards achieving a high technology status by 2030. The plan specifically focuses on vital areas such as agriculture and food security, healthcare and wellbeing, as well as the industrial and circular economy.

These efforts demonstrate the government's commitment to nurturing the biotechnology sector and utilising its potential for the overall development and progress of the country.

Yes, the BSc (Hons) Biotechnology programme at UNM incorporates industrial training or internships to provide practical experience and exposure to real-world applications of biotechnology.

Yes, upon completion of this programme, you can consider pursuing postgraduate studies such as MSc Biotechnology or Biosciences MRes/MPhil/PhD programme at UNM to further enhance your expertise and research capabilities. 

Yes, the university has various scholarships and financial assistance schemes for deserving students.

This content was last updated on 21 January 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.