Bachelor in Bioinformatics (Hons)

Introduction:

Bioinformatics is one of the 5 core technologies which will propel the country's progress to new heights by the year 2020. Vast development has been experienced in the area of Bioinformatics research and there is need for professionals to further develop the discipline to meet future challenges.

Objective:

This course is structured to produce graduates with strong understanding of the science of Bioinformatics and its applications in research and development of new drugs.

Career Prospect:

Graduates of this course can apply for positions such as System Analyst, Quality Control Expert or Advisors in both the private and public sector. Apart from that, our graduates can venture into the education or research field as a Research Personnel or Director. Pharmaceutical companies are constantly on the lookout for experts in Bioinformatics who would be responsible for the research and discovery of new drugs.

Entry Requirements:

1. Minimum requirement (STPM candidates):
   
   
   1. Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)
      Candidates will have to pass Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination or equivalent with credits in Bahasa Malaysia or Bahasa Melayu (Syllabus X) / Bahasa Malaysia II and Pass in general Science or Additional Science or Biology / Chemistry / Physics;
      
      AND
      
      
   2. Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) or equivalent
      Candidates will have to pass Sijil Tinggi Peperiksaan Malaysia (STPM) examination with at least:
      
      
      1. Pass with C grade in 3 subjects including General Studies paper OR
         
         
      2. Pass with C grade in 2 subjects including General Studies, and another 2 subjects with D grade OR
         
         
2. Malaysian Ministry of Education's Matriculation Certificate or MSU foundation or equivalent qualification from other institutions approved by Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education and accredited by Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA);
   
   OR
   
   
3. Minimum passes 3 subjects of A 'Level' (GCE)
   
   OR
   
   
4. Minimum 65-70% score for The South Australian Matriculation (SAM)
   
   OR
   
   
5. Minimum 80% score for Canadian Pre-University Program (CPU)
   
   OR
   
   
6. Diploma in related fields from PTPL/ MSU or Diploma/Certificate in related fields from Polytechnics, IPTA or accredited IPTS or other institutions recognized by Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education.

Course Content:

The Bachelor in Bioinformatics (Hons) is made up of 120 credits. Twenty Four units are allocated for the compulsory (university) subjects, 18 units for the core (school) subjects and the remaining 78 units are for the core (programme) subjects. In the first year, students will be taught foundation subjects such as Fundamentals of Science and Computing. The core subjects are conducted during the short semester.

Students will have to undergo industrial training for 10 weeks during the second year. Throughout this period of training, the trainees will be exposed to the challenges faced in this industry. This learning opportunity would prove valuable in enabling the students to understand what roles they could play upon graduation. A major project will be undertaken during the third year. The ethics of the Bioinformatics will also be taught during this time.