Below are program educational objectives (PEO) for graduates of Master of Science (Biotechnology):

PEO	PEO Statement
PEO 1	Competent in applying advanced knowledge towards solving Biotechnology problems to meet local and global needs
PEO 2	Adaptable to changing situations with initiatives for career advancement through life-long learning
PEO 3	Holistic leader who adhere to standards of ethical conduct within professional and societal setting

Below are program learning outcomes for Master of Science (Biotechnology) program:

PLO	PLO Statement
PLO 1 (KW)	Synthesize advanced knowledge, theories and concepts in biotechnology
PLO 2 (CG)	Produce innovative solutions to complex and current issues in biotechnology and related field.
PLO 3 (PS)	Use specific and advanced equipment in executing specialised Research Methodology to generate accurate and valid data
PLO 4 (IPS)	Collaborate effectively with different groups in learning and working communities
PLO 5 (CS)	Communicate effectively using appropriate media in delivering knowledge and ideas to the relevant communities
PLO 6 (DS)	Utilize a wide range of suitable digital technologies and appropriate software competently to enhance study and research
PLO 7 (NS)	Evaluate numerical and graphical data using relevant software as well as qualitative and quantitative methods for research.
PLO 8 (LAR)	Demonstrate leadership skills, autonomy and responsibility in supervising and managing an organization.
PLO 9 (PRS)	Demonstrate self-advancement through continuous academic and professional development
PLO 10 (ENT)	Initiate entrepreneurial ventures in biotechnology and related field.
PLO 11 (ETS)	Practice adherence to biosafety guidelines, professional ethics and legal norms.

Keyword:

KW: Knowledge & Understanding

CG: Cognitive skills

PS: Practical skills

IPS: Interpersonal skills

CS: Communication skills

DS: Digital skills

NS: Numeracy skills

LAR: Leadership, autonomy and Responsibility

PRS: Personal skills

ENT: Enterpreneurship skills

ETS: Ethics & Proffesionalism skills

Master of Science (Biotechnology) is a comprehensive postgraduate program by mixed mode consisting of 42 credits,  and includes a 3-credit dissertation project. This program has been designed according to Biotechnology Program Standards 2^nd edition set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) with the aim to produce graduates with strong foundation in biotechnology, fostering both knowledge and skills.

Within the Department of Bioscience, students pursuing a Master of Science (Biotechnology) will acquire advanced knowledge, laboratory expertise, and research skills essential for a multidisciplinary approach to Biotechnology field. In addition to core subjects, the curriculum integrates specialized modules such as  Tissue Culture Approaches in Industrial Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Agricultural Practices, Algae Biotechnology, Environmental Bioengineering, and Halal Industry Regulation, Management, and Practices. Under these modules, students were given opportunity for industrial visit to interact with industries and gain insights into real-world problems.  Previously, the Agricultural Practice course involved student visits to various agricultural settings, such as indoor hydroponic farming at Sin Huat Marketing Sdn Bhd., outdoor farming at Harvest Rich Plantation Sdn Bhd., and an agrotourism farm at Agroprism Sdn Bhd. Additionally, the Environmental Bioengineering course included a visit to UTM Eco Park.

Within this program, students are evaluated through two assessment methods;  a final examination and dissertation. In the third semester, students partake in a 6-month dissertation project based on their selection of two elective subjects from the aforementioned modules in semester 2. This practical experience not only enhances their research and laboratory skills but also open doors to diverse career opportunities in planning, management, research, academia, and related industries within the biotechnology sector.

The Master of Science (Biotechnology) can be completed in a minimum duration of one and a half years, with a maximum completion period of four years.

 

Award requirements:

To graduate, students should:

• achieve a total of minimum 42 credit hours with minimum CPA of 3.00
• complete and pass viva M.Sc dissertation.

 

Course Category	Code	Course	Credit
University General Course (3 Credits)	UXX 6XX3	(Choose 1 courses from the list given by School of Graduate Studies)	3
Core Courses (12 Credits)	MSCB 1403	Research Methodology	3
	MSCB 1113	Biochemistry and Microbial Physiology	3
	MSCB 1813	Protein Engineering	3
	MSCB 1523	Industrial Technology & Bioreactor Design	3
Elective Courses (6 credits)	MSCB 1323	(Select any 6 credits) Tissue Culture Approaches in Industrial Biotechnology	3
	MSCB 1423	Halal Industry Regulations, Management and Practices	3
	MSCB 1503	Agricultural Practices	3
	MSCB 1203	Algae Biotechnology	3
	MSCB 1223	Environmental Bioengineering	3
	MSCB 1823	Bioinformatics	3
Research Course (21 credits)	MSCB 1280	Research Proposal (pre-requisite Research Methodology)	3
	MSCB XX80	Dissertation (pre-requisite Research Proposal)	18
TOTAL CREDIT			42

Future prospects of the Master of Science (Biotechnology) graduates include:

• Academician
• Microbiologist
• Research officer
• Clinical manager
• Environmental Officer Quality Assurance Officer
• Postdoctoral researcher
• Corporate learning advisor
• Biotechnology engineer
• Professional editor
• Bio-entrepreneurs
• Enforcement officer
• Lab analyst & Executive
• Underwriting associate
• Equipment/ Chemical specialist
• Biomanufacturing Associate
• Product Specialist
• Consultant
• Regulatory Affairs Specialist
• Science Officer
• Research scientist
• Biotechnologist

or

further education in a PhD programme in related field of study.

MSCB PROGRAMME WORKFLOW (2023/2024-2)

 

No	Activity	Week	Date	In charge/ Action taken by
1	Registration of new PG students	0	10-16 March 2024	Graduate Faculty
2	Meeting of students and briefing by Dean/ Deputy Dean of Academic	0	To be confirmed	TDA/ Coordinator/ Graduate Faculty/ Students
3	Deadline for academic staff to hand in titles of research to MSCB Program Coordinator	3	1 April 2024	Coordinator/ Academic Staff
4	Titles and name of supervisors will be announced to students	3	4 April 2024	Coordinator/ Graduate Faculty/
5	Students need to choose and decide their MSCB dissertation title concerning the agreement from the respective supervisor	4	7 April 2024	Graduate Faculty/ Coordinator/ Students
6	The coordinator will compile and announce supervisor-students names	4	11 April 2024	Graduate Faculty/ Coordinator
7	An official letter for an appointment of supervisor will be issued	5	16 April 2024	Graduate Faculty/ Coordinator/
8	Dateline for student to submit the first draft of a proposal to the Research Methodology Coordinator	To be confirmed		RM Coordinator

Attention:

• New students, or
• Those that still not have a supervisor
• This workflow is a guideline based on the UYM Work schedule 2023/2024

MSCB PROGRAMME WORK SCHEDULE  (2023/2024-2)

 

No	Activity	Week	Date	In charge/ Action taken by
1	Deadline for a student to submit a proposal to T05 PG academic office (att. to Mdm Farawahida)	7	28 April-2 May 2024	Student/Supervisor
2	Faculty will appoint examiners for proposal assessment	8	5-9 May 2024	Graduate Office Faculty/Supervisor/ Coordinator
3	Faculty will distribute proposals and proposal assessment form to respective examiners	9	12-16 May 2024	Panel of Examiners/ Coordinator
4	Examiners will submit completed proposal assessment forms to the faculty	10-11	19-31 May 2024	Panel of Examiner/Coordinator
5	Submission of Progress Report through GSMS System	11-14	28 May-18 June 2024	Student/ Supervisor/ Graduate Office Faculty
6	Faculty will issue official letter: Proposal result and permission to start lab work	12-13	2-13 June 2024	Student/Supervisor/ Coordinator

Attention:

Guidelines above is based on the UTM Academic Calendar for:

• MSCB students Semester 2 who already have supervisor(s) and project titles
• Respective supervisors

 

Important notes:

1. Students MUST submit their proposals before end of week 7.
2. Faculty will appoint examiners for each project.
3. Faculty will distribute the proposals and proposal assessment form to examiners during Week 9. The examiners have 2 weeks to assess the proposal ( Week 11-12)
4. Proposal assessment forms should be submitted by the examiners to the Faculty (Mdm Farawahida) by end of Week 12.
5. If the proposal evaluation is below 60%, the student will be deemed to have failed. The proposal must be corrected within 2 weeks to ensure they pass Dissertation 1.

 

Before beginning labwork, students must adhere to the following requirements:

1. Attended the Lab Safety briefing
2. Completed the Lab Safety Acknowledgement form with supervisor’s signature
3. Completed the HIRARC form

 

 

 DISSERTATION WORKFLOW  (MSCB XX80)

No	Activity	Week	Date	In charge/ Action taken by
1	Submission Notice of Dissertation	2 (Minimum time	24-28 March 2024	Coordinator/Student
2	Submission of Progress Report through GSMS System	11-14	26 May-20 June  2024	Student/Supervisor/Graduate Office
3	Final date for Submission of Dissertation	20 June 2024		Student/Supervisor/Graduate Office
4	Mini-viva	To be confirmed		Student/Supervisor/Graduate Office
5	Submission of corrected version of the Dissertation – Hardcover	Depends on the Mini-viva result		Student/Supervisor/Graduate Office
6	Meeting of Faculty’s Postgraduate Committee on Examination Results	To be confirmed		Graduate Office
7	JKTS Meeting :Results Approval	To be confirmed		University level

IMPORTANT NOTES : 

Guidelines is based on the UTM Academic Calendar

Attention to students that registered MSCB XX80 dissertation:

 1. Deadlines MUST be followed to ensure students could graduate on time.

2. Please be reminded that the “Notice of Dissertation Submission” (form MS B-4) should be handed in 3 months prior the thesis submission. The form can be obtained through PG office (Madam Farawahida)

3. Please allow 1-2 weeks for examiners to assess the thesis before the mini viva.

4. Students who fail to submit their dissertation for assessment by week 15-16 re still allowed to submit thesis by 20 June 2024  to prevent incurring additional fee charges for the upcoming semester, PROVIDED that student have submitted the Notice of thesis submission.  Students choosing this option will not be able to graduate on time.

 

At the end of the viva, the student will be given one of these recommendations, the candidate :

1. will be awarded The Degree of Master (no corrections)
2. will be awarded The Degree of Master subject to minor corrections (1 Month)
3. will be awarded The Degree of Master subject to amendments and  corrections listed to the satisfaction of examiners (3 Months)
4. will NOT be awarded The Degree of Master but is permitted to resubmit the thesis for further examination in a revised form after an additional period of study and research
5. failed and will NOT be awarded The Degree of Master

 

MSCB Programme SOP for Research Methodology Course and other subject with final exam (2023/2024-1)

 

No	Activity	Week	Date	In charge/ Action taken by
1	Quiz and Test 1 mark distribution to the students	7	19-23 November	Academic staff
2	Application for Course Withdrawal	6-9	12-30 November  2023	Students/PG office
3	Announcement for the Deadline of Course Withdrawal	9	7 December 2023	PG office
4	Application for deferment for withdrawal of program	7-15	19 November 2023- 18 January 2024	Students/PG office
5	Announcement for the Deadline of Application for deferment or withdrawal of program	15	18 January 2024	PG office
6	Carry marks announcement to the students	15	14-18 January 2024	Academic staff
7	Revision Week	16	21-25 January 2024	Students
8	Final Examination	17-19	28 January – 15 Februrary 2024	Academic staff & students

 

NOTES : 

1. Those that still not register Research Methodology (RM) course or failed RM course cannot register Research Proposal
2. You cannot register RM course together with Research Proposal
3. You cannot register Dissertation until you completed and passed entirely the courses and Research Proposal
4. Those that fail Research Proposal cannot register Dissertation
5. You cannot continue your lab work until you have register your Dissertation in the following semester