Ever heard of those tiny creatures living on your skin. You may not see or feel it, but microorganism is there and is working. Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi, and protozoa. This discipline includes fundamental research on biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, ecology, evolution, and clinical aspects of microorganisms, including the host response to these agents.

Assistant Professor Dr Yam Hok Chai, from the Faculty of Applied Sciences UCSI University said, his passion for challenges and high curiosity led him to pursue microbiology when he was younger, “Everything in life is related to microbiology, from the act of changing your socks to consuming your favourite dessert. The more you study about microbes, the more you realise that there are a lot of things that humans do not know, and by understanding how microbes in our body work, we can explain things that we did not foresee nor believe before; it is a never-ending surprise”.

Established in 1999, UCSI University’s Faculty of Applied Sciences has distinguished itself as one of Malaysia’s leading hubs of scientific study.

At UCSI University, the enhance aspect of B.Sc. (Hons.) Applied Microbiology programme is that in addition to its core basic microbiology components is its incorporation of a relatively strong application aspect in other sectors, ranging from food, medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, environmental, biotechnology, and industrial. Not only will students be educated in more aspects of microbiology but will also get the opportunity to experience a two-months Co-Operative Placement (work experience) each year of their degree programme, attend seminars and other activities, as well as a postgraduate degree progression pathway.

As UCSI’s Applied Microbiology programme covers more downstream aspects of microbiology with an intensive hands-on approach, it enables UCSI graduates to be more employable and versatile in the marketplace. There are opportunities for a microbiology-related career in a wide range of sectors. Future employers would include healthcare organizations, environmental organizations, food and beverage industry, petroleum industry, pharmaceuticals industry, toiletries industry, water industry, biotechnology companies, forensic science laboratories, research organisations and higher education institutions.

According to Dr Lau Yin Yin, Lecturer Cum Senior Lab Technologist, Faculty of Applied Sciences UCSI University, studying microbiology may sound challenging for some, but it really depends on how you view it. “I see it as a fun part. It is fascinating to see how microbes communicate among themselves. When alone, they don’t do anything. But when they accumulate to a certain number and start communicating, we can see the results from that communication, if it brings benefit (ex: ability to degrade plastics) or bring harm (ex: diseases)”.

Learning at UCSI University will take you from modern classrooms to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.

As one of the pioneers in teaching applied sciences in Malaysia, UCSI Faculty of Applied Sciences has a reputation of producing quality graduates, having over 90% of its lecturers who are research active PhD holders and over 3,000 companies as internship partners, UCSI University is certainly your launchpad towards global careers.

This 3-years degree, which was recently launched in 2022, is an accredited programme by MQA (MQA/PA 14527) and its entry requirements can be accessed via UCSI’s website for further information.

For more information, please visit http://openday.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/ or contact 03-9101 8882/011-3591 5021.