Overview
Microscopic power. Global impact. Scientific discovery.
Microorganisms may be invisible to the naked eye — but their influence spans medicine, food, the environment and even space exploration. With UCSI University’s BSc (Hons) Applied Microbiology, you’ll unlock the secrets of the microbial world and harness their potential to solve real-world challenges.
From studying bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites to exploring molecular genetics, microbial ecology and immunology, this programme trains you to work at the intersection of science and society. Whether you're developing novel antibiotics, ensuring food safety, investigating infectious disease outbreaks or driving breakthroughs in biotechnology, you’ll be prepared to lead in fields where microbiology drives innovation. If you're ready to explore life at its smallest scale — and create change at the largest — this is your calling.
The BSc (Hons) Applied Microbiology at UCSI University explores how microbes influence human health, food systems and the environment — and how microbiologists are at the frontline of global solutions.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of understanding viruses, pathogens and disease transmission. This programme prepares students to investigate infectious agents and contribute to future health security through modules in molecular microbiology, epidemiology and diagnostics.
Beyond pathogens, students explore the beneficial side of microbes — from the science behind fermented heritage foods like tempeh and tapai, to the rising importance of the gut microbiome in nutrition, immunity and mental health. You’ll gain hands-on experience in microbial culture, bioprocessing and host-microbe interactions, supported by a strong foundation in chemistry, genetics and immunology.
Assessments include lab reports, case studies, fermentation projects, oral presentations and a final-year research project. Industry exposure is built in through internships with hospitals, biotech labs, food companies and environmental agencies — supported by UCSI’s network of over 4,500 partners.
Graduates are ready for careers in clinical diagnostics, food microbiology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical R&D, environmental health or gut microbiome research with strong prospects for postgraduate study in microbiology research or our MSc Biotechnology or MSc Biotechnology with Business Management or MSc Food Science with Business Management. Core modules include microbial genetics, immunology, bioprocess technology, environmental microbiology, food safety and infectious disease surveillance. The programme also provides training in modern lab techniques, scientific communication and data analysis. With a curriculum that blends scientific rigour and real-world relevance, students graduate with both deep technical skills and a broad understanding of how microbiology shapes the world around us.
Academic Requirements
UCSI Foundation in Science or equivalent in Malaysia
Minimum CGPA 2.00 and possess SPM/O-level with THREE credits in Mathematics ONE science subject and ONE any other subject, or its equivalent
Matriculation
Minimum CGPA 2.00 and possess SPM/O-level with THREE credits inclusive of Mathematics and one science subject and one any other subject, or its equivalent
STPM
Minimum GPA of 2.0/Grade C in any two subjects and possess SPM/O-Level with THREE credits in Mathematics, ONE Science subject and ONE any other subject
UEC
Minimum grade B in FIVE subjects inclusive of Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Mathematics, and PASS SPM or equivalent
A-levels
Minimum Grade C (GPA of 2.0) in any two subjects, and THREE credits in O-Level inclusive of Mathematics and ONE Science subject
Australian High/Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12) - SAM/ AUSMAT/ SACE/ TEE/ NTCE/ WACE
Minimum ATAR of 60% or minimum average of 60% in FIVE subjects inclusive of Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Mathematics, and PASS SPM or equivalent
Canadian Grade 12 – CPU/CIMP
Pass with minimum mark of 60% inclusive Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Mathematics, and possess SPM (or equivalent)
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Minimum score of 26/42 from SIX subjects inclusive of Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Mathematics, and PASS SPM or equivalent
Diploma/Advanced Diploma
Minimum CGPA of 2.0 or equivalent
English Language Requirements
For Local Students
SPM English language
B+CEFR
Low B1English language 1119/O-Level English/IGCSE
CUEC English Language
A2MUET
Band 3- In the event that the English language requirements are not met, applicants will be required to take the Basic English and English Foundation for in-sessional academic enhancement concurrently with the programme/ sit for Cambridge Linguistic Test (CLT)
For International Students
IELTS Academic
Score of 5.0Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests
Minimum score of 154TOEFL iBT
40Pearson Test of English
47MUET
Band 3.5CEFR
High B1Certified Intensive English Programme (CIEP) by ELS
Minimum score of 107- International applicants who do not meet the respective academic programme’s English Language Requirement will need to improve their proficiency by enrolling into the English for Tertiary Education programme (R/KJP/00920-00929) which helps them prepare for attaining a required band score. Placement into the various levels of the English for Tertiary Education programme depends on the English Language qualification students have at the point of admission and/or the outcome of the English Placement Test.
- Effective Speaking
- Effective Writing
- Chemistry For Applied Sciences
- Biomolecular Structure and Function
- Fundamental Techniques in Applied Sciences
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Extra-curricular Learning Experience 1
- Co-Operative Placement 1
- Elective I
Elective I (Choose 1 out of 3):
- Fundamentals of Marketing
- Introduction to Public Speaking
- Introduction to Programming
- IP Rights and Biosafety
- Microbial Genetics
- Analytical Chemistry
- Food Microbiology
- Research Methods and Data Analysis
- Bioinformatics
- Biocatalyst and Biosensors
- Tools in Genetic Engineering
- Extra-curricular Learning Experience 2
- Co-Operative Placement 2
- Elective II & Elective III
Elective II and III (Choose 2 out of 4):
- Introduction to Biomaterials
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
- Ecology and Sustainability
- Food Safety and Quality System
- Bioeconomy and Commercialisation
- Agricultural Microbiology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Industrial Microbiology
- Medical Microbiology
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology
- Current Topics in Microbiology
- Co-Operative Placement 3
- Applied Microbiology Research Project 1
- Applied Microbiology Research Project 2
- Applied Microbiology Research Project 3
- Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisations (Penghayatan Etika and Peradaban)
- Philosophy and Contemporary Issues (Falsafah dan Isu Semasa)
- Philosophy and Contemporary Issues
- Communication in Bahasa Melayu 3 (Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 3)
Examples of research areas:
Microbiome mapping of fermented heritage foods in Malaysia: Linking culture to cultures.
Waste to worth: Valorisation of agro-industrial waste for microbial production of bioplastics (PHA).
Biofilm busters: Evaluating local plant extracts for anti-biofilm activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
- Molecular microbiologist
- Quality control/Quality assurance microbiologist
- Clinical microbiologist
- Agricultural and Food microbiologist
- Biomedical researcher
- Biopharmaceutical process scientist
- Diagnostic laboratory scientist
- Public health microbiologist/Epidemiology
- Antimicrobial resistance specialist
- Environmental microbiologist
- Regulatory affairs and biosafety officer
- Academician
- Researcher
Local Students
Approximate Total Fees:
RM 94,195
International Students
Approximate Total Fees:
RM 114,863
Note:
- This is an estimated fee, as different countries have different visa processing charges and administrative fees. For more information, kindly refer to your region’s counselor for the detailed fee breakdown.
- In accordance with the Malaysian government tax regulation, effective 1st July 2025, a 6% service tax will be imposed on non-Malaysian citizens.
| IDP Programme | Pathway | University | Country | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science: Cell Biology majors Genetics majors | 2+2 | University of Queensland | Australia | AUD50,560 |
| Bachelor of Biotechnology: Molecular and Microbial Biotechnology Extended Major | 2+2 | University of Queensland | Australia | AUD53,760 |
For enquiry, please contact us at [email protected] or call us at +603 9101 8880 ext 2066.
