Fermentation of bread, antibiotics, AND the first genetically modified plant, (just to name a few) are discoveries from the study of Biotechnology. This interdisciplinary knowledge or field has been around for ages, but the term Biotechnology was only coined as such in the year 1919. Often referred to as Biotech, its importance plays a crucial role in society then, now, and in the future. Until we discover the secret to cure sickness at will, Biotechnology will remain relevant.
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology, in its simplest term, is the technological application for biological material. Biotechnology is the manipulation of organisms and/or their components to improve quality of life, including human health and the environment around.
There are 4 main areas of Biotechnology and they are coded using colours to help distinguish between different areas under the umbrella of Biotechnology. The colours are White for Industrial, Red for Medicine and Human Health, Green for Agriculture, and Blue for Marine. However, other areas of Biotechnology are being established and assigned their own colours. Biotechnology is an ever growing and very assorted field. The colour codes extend a helping hand in classifying everything covered under the Biotechnology sphere.
Why Study Biotechnology?
- Diverse Range of Jobs
Biotechnology falls under an umbrella of many different fields of study. Meaning, there are a lot of sectors in Biotechnology that can be pursued. This versatility creates career opportunities, which you can choose and master in, because a specialist is needed in each area of expertise under Biotechnology. Some examples include Microbiologist, Biochemist, and Genetic Engineers.
- Career Prospects
Biotechnologists are vital in a lot of industries such as industrial, medicine, and many more applications of Biotechnology are being classified today under their colour coded method of identifying the areas of expertise. This is because Biotechnology equips you with many transferable skills in a wide array of jobs. Working in the private sector or a field that is more in demand might also land you more lucrative opportunities.
- Contribution to society
The betterment of human life will always have a place in the working force, which in turn means a more needed and fulfilling role in society. For example, Biotechnologists played an important role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only that, Biotechnologists are also needed to find sustainable energy alternatives such as renewable fuels. Biotechnologists research how to improve human health by creating and improving drugs. All of these aspects contributes to everyone’s quality of life.
Key Skills in Biotechnology
- Perseverance
Biotechnologists develop products, which calls for and envelopes trial and error. Persevering through failure will be an important trait in this field.
- Problem-solving skills
Effectively solving problems will be a much needed skill in Biotechnology. Finding precise clarifications will be of utmost importance to solving the human body and environment.
- Transferable skills
As you know, Biotechnology encompasses many areas of knowledge. With this in mind, a person must also have all the soft skills necessary to be effective in this field. Not only must you have leadership and adaptability, you must also be communicative and dependable.
- Research skills
Research is one of the main methods in Biotechnology, and Scientific findings, of course, do not come out of thin air. They must come out of testing and experimentation. In other words, being able to scrounge for knowledge has to be a main skill in Biotechnology.
- Technology Literacy
Biotechnology in the modern era will require an aptitude for technology. Researching materials and transcribing data is only the tip of the iceberg of Biotechnology. Nearly every position under the Biotechnology umbrella will require the use of technology.
Career Opportunities in Biotechnology
Below are some examples of the Career Options and Job Opportunities after studying Biotechnology.
- Biomedical Engineer
- Biotechnologist
- Biochemist
- Microbiologist
- Genetic Engineer
- Safety Specialist
- Wildlife Biologist
- Science Researcher
- Biological Technician
- Field Application Specialist
General Entry Requirements to Study Biotechnology
These entry requirements may also call for 3 Credits in SPM including Mathematics and one Science subject as a prerequisite into the Biotechnology programme.
Academic Entry
Academic entry | Minimum Score |
Foundation | CGPA 2.00 (Possess SPM with 3 Credits inclusive of Mathematics and 1 Science Subject) |
Diploma | CGPA 2.00 |
STPM | CGPA 2.00 (Possess SPM with 3 Credits inclusive of Mathematics and 1 Science Subject) |
UEC | Min. Grade B in 5 Subjects (Inclusive of Mathematics and 1 Science Subject) |
A-Levels | Min. Grade D in 2 Subjects (Possess SPM with 3 Credits inclusive of Mathematics and 1 Science Subject) |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | 60% in 5 Subjects (Inclusive of Mathematics and 1 Science Subject) |
IB Diploma | 26 from 6 Subjects (Inclusive of Mathematics and 1 Science Subject) |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 5.0 |
MUET | Band 3 |
TOEFL | 42 |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Private Universities to Study Biotechnology in Malaysia
1. Monash University
Monash University in Malaysia is a campus branching off from their main counterpart in Australia. Monash Malaysia has been established for over 20 years marking their experience as an education provider in Malaysia. Students of the university will experience a diverse campus community with modern infrastructures.
Students who are interested to study Biotechnology can enrol in the Bachelor of Science programme at Monash and major in Biotechnology. Monash’s programmes are widely recognised, making it an exceptional choice of study. The programme ensures international standards, and the chance to gain professional working experience through internships.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Science Major In:
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Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | February, July, October |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 146,880 International Students: RM 167,040 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham Malaysia is a counterpart of their main branch based in the UK. As such, students are granted the opportunity to experience a UK-based curriculum while staying in Malaysia. The University of Nottingham also has progression options into their undergraduate programmes through their Foundation programmes.
The University of Nottingham offers a providential study option for those interested in the application of advances in Biotechnology to address global issues through their Bsc (Hons) in Biotechnology programme. Aside from their industry-relevant course design, the Biotechnology programme at Nottingham offers pertinent opportunities such as mobility programmes to their UK campus and industrial placements.
Programme Offered | BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 136,800 International Students: RM 161,400 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. International Medical University
International Medical University, also widely known as IMU, is one of the most distinctive private medical and health sciences universities in Malaysia. IMU carries the status of being Malaysia’s first private medical university with over thirty years in Malaysia’s healthcare education making them a very notable institution in Malaysia.
Through the Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons) in Medical Biotechnology programme by IMU, graduates are able to have an extensive network of healthcare professionals from healthcare fields. This network would benefit in employment and just general support as you continue your journey in the Biotechnology industry.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons) in Medical Biotechnology |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | July, September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 126,000 International Students: RM RM 132,000 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
4. Taylor’s University
Taylor’s University is a well-known private institution for higher education in Malaysia as well as Southeast Asia. Taylor’s University was founded in 1969 with a continual dedication towards a holistic education experience through comprehensive programme structures and supportive communities.
The Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) is offered under the School of Biosciences of Taylor’s University. Taylor’s School of Biosciences emphasises experiential learning where students will have opportunities for practical approaches to learning such as community service activities and nature trips to nature parks, refugee centres to manufacturing laboratories. The School also has many partnerships with foreign universities and notable corporations of the Biotechnology field, making Taylor’s University a preferable study option for Biotechnology.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | February, April, September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 112,694 International Students: USD 29,503 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
5. Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology of Malaysia is located in Kuching of Sarawak, Malaysia. Swinburne in Malaysia is a counterpart of the main branch based in Australia. Students will gain access to many facilities beneficial for their studies including a library with a 24-hour study area.
The Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) programme at the Swinburne University of Technology Malaysia has a structure dedicated to fundamentals of Biotechnology and its application in business, ethics and environmental science. The programme also has international recognition from many professional bodies of Australia, resulting in eligibility for graduates to register for a graduate membership there.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | February, September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 107,520 International Students: RM 137,376 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
6. Xiamen University Malaysia
Xiamen University Malaysia, abbreviated as XMUM, is a counterpart of Xiamen University, which is a leading education provider based in China. Xiamen University Malaysia is located in Sepang, 15 minutes away from Putrajaya.
The Bachelor of Science in Marine Biotechnology (Honours) at Xiamen University Malaysia is more suitable for those looking to be involved in the Marine area of Biotechnology. The programme aims to equip graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills relating to Marine Biotechnology through opportunities in practical and research experiments with emphasis on issues within Marine Biotechnology.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Science in Marine Biotechnology (Honours) |
Duration | 4 Years |
Intake | February, April, September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 108,000 International Students: RM 112,000 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
7. Sunway University
Sunway University is a preeminent private university in Malaysia located in the very connected area of Sunway City. Sunway University is a part of the Sunway Education Group, which is one of the largest education-focused social enterprises.
The BSc (Hons) Medical Biotechnology programme offered by Sunway University can be found under their School of Medical and Life Sciences. The School of Medical and Life Sciences at Sunway University provides the opportunity for graduates to be employed at the Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) or other healthcare settings locally and internationally. What’s more, graduates of the Medical Biotechnology programme at Sunway will be awarded another certificate from Lancaster University, making them graduates with two certificates.
Programme Offered | BSc (Hons) Medical Biotechnology |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | January, April, September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 108,000 International Students: USD 24,771 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
8. UCSI University
UCSI University started as a computer training institute and has since grown into one of Malaysia’s private higher education institutes providing transformative education to nurture professionalism, integrity, grit, and passion, in its graduates. UCSI also offers a broad range of credentials through collaborations with prestigious universities throughout the globe.
The Faculty of Applied Sciences at UCSI University offers the BSc (Hons) Biotechnology to prospective students interested in the Biotechnology field. The programme highlights versatility and critical issues of Biotechnology. Students have opportunities for internships, site visits, industry talks, and job opportunities in the Biotechnology field.
Programme Offered | BSc (Hons) Biotechnology |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | January, May, September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 92,360 International Students: RM 108,360 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
9. INTI International University
INTI International University is committed to providing its students with an education that will enable them to foster their potential and pursue their passions. This is achieved through appropriate and conducive learning environments equipped with the necessary equipment and facilities. INTI also has an extensive range of partnerships with international education institutions and industries.
The BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology at INTI International University looks at the key notions of Biotechnology and the variety of areas under Biotechnology. Students will have access to well-equipped labs and facilities including the Bioreactor, Sonicator and Inverted Microscope. The programme also allows for transfers to universities in Australia or the UK.
Programme Offered | BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | January, June, August |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 84,932 International Students: RM 84,932 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
10.Nilai University
Nilai University, founded in 1997, is a dedicated tertiary education learning provider located in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Nilai University centres education based on the overall development of its students, ensuring graduates are contributing members of society with the potential to become pioneers and leaders.
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) Biotechnology programme at Nilai University is designed to be industry-relevant through revised inputs from Biotechnology experts and academics. The programme includes many internship linkages including with WWF Malaysia and Genting Malaysia Berhad, making it a programme suited for looking to professionally pursue Biotechnology positions in Malaysia.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Science (Hons) Biotechnology |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | January, May, July, October |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 57,000 International Students: RM 60,000 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programme offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
About The Author
Hannah Hir
Hannah appreciates various art forms, especially Asian literature, film and music. Most of her favorite Malaysian kuihs are green-coloured.