Plant biotechnology focuses on plant sciences, molecular biology and biotechnology for the improvement of plants and their products in tropical and temperate environments. In this course, the latest developments and requirements of agro-industry are considered in relation to the exploitation of commercially important plant systems and plant biotechnology. Areas of study include the theory and practical transferable skills of plant genetic improvement, technologies relevant to plant biotechnology, and plant breeding and genome research. The plant biotechnology course is designed to equip you with a range of skills and a knowledge base valued by many employers. You will be encouraged to learn practical aspects of biotechnology and gain working skills through internships and visits to biotechnology companies, research stations, plantations and other relevant institutions.

Course structure

The plant biotechnology programme provides a detailed and comprehensive education in plant biotechnology in which you will learn underlying principles, defining concepts, theories and practical skills, and become familiar with current knowledge and developments in the subject. It also considers fundamental research in areas that offer the prospect of future commercial applications.

Semester 1

• Genes and Cells: 1
• Biochemistry: The Building Blocks of Life (YL)
• Microbes and You 
• The Biosciences and Global Food Security
• Academic Development and Employability (YL)
• Techniques in Biotechnology

Semester 2

• Genes and Cells: 2
• Biochemistry : The Building Blocks of Life (YL)
• Microbial Physiology
• Plant Science
• Academic Development and Employability

Optional modules

• Introduction to Sustainable Development
• Natural Resources of Malaysia
• Introductory Physiology 

Semester 3

• Molecular Biology and the Dynamic Cell
• Applied Plant Physiology: from cell to crop

Optional modules

• Soil Science
• Patterns of Life
• Climate Change Science
• Development and the Environment 

Semester 4

• Professional Skills for Bioscientists
• Molecular Pharming and Biotechnology
• Molecular Techniques in Biosciences

Optional modules

• Environmental Change
• Introductory Plant Pathology 

Semester 5

Core YL Research Project

• UG Research Project (YL)

Optional modules

• Fundamental & Applied Aspect of Plant Genetic Manipulation
• Plant Microbe Interactions
• Molecular Plant Pathology
• Basic Introduction to Omic Technologies
• Contaminant Fate & Impact in the Environment
• Water Resource Management (YL) 

Semester 6

Core YL Research Project

• UG Research Project (YL)

Optional modules

• Current Issues in Biotechnology
• Plants and Their Environment
• Applied Bioethics: Sustainable Food Production, Biotechnology and Environment
• Environmental Microbiology
• Introduction to Tropical Conservation Science
• Soil and Water Pollution and Reclamation
• Water Resource Management (YL)

Other equivalent qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis

IELTS and TOEFL test results must be less than 2 years old and all IELTS must be the academic version of the test

A degree in plant biotechnology will prepare you for a challenging and well-paid career as a research scientist or biotechnologist in private, university or government laboratories and in teaching. There are many different applications, which may involve agriculture, horticulture, food and food-processing, forest products, marine applications, phytoremediation, pharmaceuticals, medical and non-food uses of plants and industrial crops. Graduates may also choose to develop careers in areas as varied as scientific writing, marketing or education.

Specific opportunities for further specialist studies at masters and PhD levels include, for example, plant molecular genetics and plant pathology, which are valuable elements for major economic crops such as rice, oil palm, rubber, cocoa and tropical fruits.