Skip to main content
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY WITH HONOURS

  • OVERVIEW

    This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of biological sciences through a flexible learning mode. The programme covers key areas such as ecology, biodiversity, genetics, microbiology, and molecular biology, complemented by foundational knowledge in chemistry, mathematics, and biostatistics.

    Students are trained to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills conducted via scientific research. Emphasis is placed on proposing hypotheses, data collection method & analysis followed by synthesis and evaluation of biological information.

    This program caters to learners seeking bachelor's degree while balancing personal and professional commitments. Graduates will be prepared for careers in education, environmental management, research, biotechnology and healthcare or to pursue advanced studies in biological sciences. With a strong curriculum and distance learning flexibility, this degree opens doors to impactful opportunities in science and beyond.

    School Of Distance Education,
    Universiti Sains Malaysia,
    11800 Penang, Malaysia.
    https://pppjj.usm.my/index.php/ms/

    Duration : Minimum 4 Years
                   Maximum 12 Years
    Medium Instruction : Malay & English Language
    Semester Offered : August & November

  • REQUIREMENTS

      • Candidates must have passed Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia/Sijil Persekolahan Vokasional Malaysia (SPM/MCE/SPVM) or an equivalent qualification, with a Credit in Bahasa Melayu/Bahasa Malaysia.

      • Candidates must also achieve at least Level 2 (Band 2) in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) within one (1) year from the date of registration.

      • DIPLOMA / EQUIVALENT CATEGORY

      i. DIPLOMA CANDIDATES

      Diploma from Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam (IPTA) or Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Swasta (IPTS) recognized by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) or an equivalent qualification.

      ii. MALAYSIAN VOCATIONAL DIPLOMA CANDIDATES

      DVM students whose SVM qualifications meet the equivalence of three (3) SPM credits

      And

      Must be 21 years old or above as of the application closing date.

      • STPM / EQUIVALENT CATEGORY

      i. STP/HSC/STPM CANDIDATES (Year 2002 and Earlier)

      Passed Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan (STP/HSC), Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), or an equivalent qualification with at least Grade E in General Studies/General Paper and Grade E in any two (2) other subjects

      Or

      At least Grade E in General Studies/General Paper and one (1) Grade E, along with two (2) Grade R in any three other subjects.

      ii. STPM CANDIDATES (From 2003 Onwards)

      Passed Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) or an equivalent qualification with at least Grade C in General Studies/General Paper and Grade C in any two (2) other subjects

      Or

      At least Grade C in General Studies/General Paper and one (1) Grade C, along with two (2) Grade C- in any three (3) other subjects.

      iii. MALAYSIAN HIGHER RELIGIOUS CERTIFICATE (STAM) CANDIDATES

      Passed STAM with a minimum grade of Jayyid (Good).

      iv. MATRICULATION/FOUNDATION GRADUATES

      All graduates from KPM Matriculation/Foundation programs or equivalent qualifications recognized by MQA

      And

      Achieve at least Grade C (2.00) in the specialization subjects applied for, and one (1) other subject at the KPM/Asasi Matriculation level, as follows:

      • Biology / Physics / Engineering Physics / Chemistry / Mathematics
      • Any one (1) other subject 
      v. A LEVEL, IB, or Equivalent CANDIDATE

      A-Level with a minimum score of 9 and achieve at least Grade C in any two (2) of the following subjects:

      • Biology
      • Chemistry
      • Physics / Mathematics
      Or

      International Baccalaureate (IB) with a minimum score of 24 and at least a score of 4 at the High Level (HL) in any combination of two (2) of the following subjects:

      • Biology
      • Chemistry
      • Physics / Mathematics
      Or

      AUSMAT/SAM with a minimum aggregate score of 45 and achieve at least Grade C in any two (2) of the following subjects:

      • Biology
      • Chemistry
      • Physics / Mathematics
      Or

      Equivalent qualification recognized by Senate of the University.

      • APEL CATEGORY

      Passed MQA APEL T-6 (Aptitude Test and Portfolio Assessment by certified assessors).

      • EXECUTIVE DIPLOMA CATEGORY

      Executive Diploma from Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam (IPTA) or Institut Pengajian Tinggi Swasta (IPTS) recognized by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)

      And

      Meet the total accumulated credit requirement of 90 units.

  • FEES

    • TYPE of fees                                                                                                                                    Amount (RM)

      • Tuition Fees                                                                                                                            1,250.00
      • Recurrent Fee (Payable every semester)                                                                                  980.00
      • Per year                                                                                                                                   2,230.00
      • Non-Recurrent Fee (Payable upon registration)                                                                         390.00

      ** Fees are subject to change

       

  • LIST OF COURSE

      • Basic Mathematics

      • Plant Diversity

      • Animal Diversity

      • Core Entrepreneurship

      • Professional Ethics

      • Integrity and Anti-Corruption

      • Philosophy and Current Issues

      • Appreciation of Ethics and Civilization

      • Open Elektive (I & II)

      • Microbiology

      • Ecology

      • Animal Physiology

      • Genetics

      • General Chemistry I

      • English I/English II

      • Bahasa Malaysia IV

      • Critical Thinking & Open Elective III

      • Biochemistry

      • Molecular Biology

      • Biostatistics

      • Plant Physiology and Development

      • Scientific Writing and Special Topics in Biology

      • English Il/Writing for Professional Purposes

      • Open Elective IV & Elective Biologi I

      • Ethnobiology

      • Animal Behaviour

      • Biosystematics and Taxonomy

      • Project

      • Open Elective V

      • Elective Biologi (II & III)

  • CAREER PROSPECTS

    Position

    • Educator

    • Science Officer

    • Research Officer

    • Laboratory Technologist

    • Wildlife Biologist

    • Environmental Scientist/Consultant

    • Conservation Officer

    • Science Journalist

    • Policy Advisor (Environment/Biotechnology)

    • Science Outreach Officer

    • Sales Executive (Pharmaceuticals/Scientific Equipment)

    • Marketing Specialist (Biotech/Healthcare Products)

    Related Industries

    • Education

    • Sciences and Technology

    • Government and Public Sector

    • Biomedical and Healthcare Industry

    • Environmental and Conservation

    • Government agencies & NGOs

    • Science Communication and Policy

    • Sales and Marketing in Science-Related Products