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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

Typical 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

Typical core modules

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

Typical 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 

Typical core modules

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

Typical optional modules

  • Basic Introduction to Omic Technologies
  • Biochemical Engineering
  • Biotechnology in Animal Physiology
  • Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
  • Plants and Their Environment
  • Postharvest and Preservation Technology
  • Advanced Postharvest 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 2024 entry.

A Level

 BBC, including 2 science-based subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics, excluding critical thinking and general studies.

IB Diploma

 28 points with 5, 5, 4 at Higher Level, including 2 science-based subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics or specific subject in Mathematics.

STPM

 BBC+ including 2 science-based subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics, excluding Pengajian Am.

UEC

 1 As and 4 B3s, including 2 science-based subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics, excluding Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese language.

SAM or other Australian matriculations

 ATAR 82 including 2 science-based subjects such as Biology, Chemistry,  Physics or specific subject in mathematics.
Canadian Ontario Grade 12 Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

77% average based on 6 subjects including 2 science-based subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics or specific subject in mathematics Consideration to be made based on relevant individual grades if specific subjects are required.

Canadian Secondary School Diplomas from other provinces are acceptable and to be assessed based on the University’s requirements.
Advance Placement (AP) 4, 4, 3, including 2 science-based subjects such as AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP Chemistry or AP Physics.
Diploma - Other Institutions Acceptance to the second year is on a case-by-case basis (and at the discretion of the School) but normally would require an overall GPA of 3.20 out of 4.0 and above, including good grades in relevant subjects. Previous studies must meet the prerequisite requirements to the programme.
Foundation - Other Institutions Acceptance is at the discretion of the School but normally would require an overall GPA of 3.20 out of 4.0 and above, including good grades in relevant subjects. Previous studies must meet the prerequisite requirements to the programme.
University of Nottingham Malaysia Foundation Successful completion of the Foundation in Science programme.

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 for an entry to Biotechnology. This requirement can be waived if applicants have obtained similar or equivalent grade at a higher level.

We strongly encourage all interested students to apply. Our students come to us with a diverse range of qualifications and we are also reviewing and accepting grades based on the minimum acceptable (and those who are holding grades with near misses). The only way for us to fully determine eligibility is through the submission of a completed application.

Entry requirements in the prospectus and website may not always apply and individual offers may vary.

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

IELTS ,TOEFL and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than 2 years old and all IELTS must be the academic version of the test. MUET results are valid for five years from the date of the release of results.

Foundation progression options

The Foundation in Science is a 1+3 year programme that results in direct progression to the undergraduate degrees offered within the Faculty of Science. This rigorous programme provides students with a strong academic background that will result in enhanced language, mathematics, critical thinking and study skills.

Students on this programme also chose from a range of elective modules that provide the opportunity to sample topics related to their chosen undergraduate pathway such as chemistry, ecology, computer programming or psychology.

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 studentsRM45,600 per year
International studentsRM53,800 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 14 May 2024. 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.