Doctor of Philosophy (Science) at Perak Campus

Overview
Science is the basis for technological progress in the country. Knowledge in these fields will enhance the capability of the nation to utilize the human and natural resources of the country more effectively.
The need for qualified and skilled workers in the fields of science is expected to continue to rise towards the year 2020, not only for research and development to solve both scientific and industrial problems but also to develop indigenous innovative technologies. UTAR?s PhD(Science) and MSc postgraduate programmes endeavour to fulfill the evolving market needs for such professionals and technical expertise.

Science will provide the foundation for new and emerging competitive industries that are critical to the progress of the nation; such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, genetic algorithms, food technology, medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, mathematical sciences, physical sciences, veterinary medicine, environment, and other identified important technology and industry segments.
The expected outcome from this programme is to produce competent and skilled science graduates, broaden and deepen knowledge in a range of current topics in science, develop advanced research skills and techniques and present findings in a documented scholarly form and encourage the development of transferable skills including the abilities to think strategically, critically and independently.

Mode of Study
By Research (Structure A)
The programme consists exclusively of a research-based mode of study (structure A). The research-based programme entails a specific programme of research under appropriate supervision. Research-based programmes generally have the objective of training candidates in research methodology and techniques, and in the critical evaluation of the research work carried out.
The research topic must relate to the discipline which it falls under. The research work produced in the form of a PhD or Master's thesis must display original and critical thought and be a significant contribution to knowledge.         

Duration of Study
PhD   Full-time      Minimum 2 years; Maximum 5 years
         Part-time     Minimum 4 years; Maximum 6 years

Medium of Instruction
English Language

Intakes
Open throughout the year

Minimum Entry Requirements
For PhD(Science) Programme
(i)   a Masters degree from UTAR and shows evidence of adequate related research or work experience to the satisfaction of the Senate; or
(ii)  a Master's degree of another university or equivalent qualification from an institution as approved by the Senate and shows evidence of adequate related research or work experience to the satisfaction of the Senate; or
(iii)  any other qualifications equivalent to (i) or (ii) as approved by the Senate

English Requirements
SPM/O-Level English, minimum C4
Paper-based TOFEL, score > 580
Computer-based TOEFL, score  > 237
Internet-based Testing (IBT), score > 92
International English Language Testing System (IELTS), score > 6.5
English 1119, credit
MUET, band 4.0
American College Testing Assessment (ACT), score > 22
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), score > 500
English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT), score > 980

Programme Structure
1.         For PhD(Sc) Programme:

 

Structure A - By Research (Thesis) :   2 compulsory modules (6 credit hours) + Thesis

Details of Units:

No.

Unit Code

Unit Title

Type

Credit Hours

1

DDCA10100

Thesis

Core

-

2

DDCA10203

Research Methods in Science

Compulsory

3

3

DDCA10303

Directed Readings in Science

Compulsory

3

  

Process of Evaluation and Assessment

·  Both Research Methods in Science and Directed Reading in Science subjects are coursework-based with no final exam.

·  For Thesis, candidate must pass Proposal Defence and Work Completion Seminar with Satisfactory grade before candidate is allowed to submit Thesis for examination. A viva examination will also be held.

 

Academic Staffs & Research Areas

 

Staff

Research Areas

(1) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gideon Khoo

gideonkhoo@utar.edu.my

 
  • Inheritance and genetic basis of colour pattern genes
  • Linkage analyses
  • gene mapping
  • Breeding
  • Larval rearing and ontogeny of aquatic species
  • Fish cell culture and embryonic stem cell technology
  • Genetic diversity studies of wild and cultured aquatic organisms
  • Toxicity studies of aquatic organisms

 

(2) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Han Kwai Hin

hankh@utar.edu.my

 

 
  • Molecular systematics
  • Population genetics
  • Neurogenetics
  • Biodiversity
  • Ecology
  • conservation

 

(3) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teh Yok Lan

tehyl@utar.edu.my

 
  • Microbiology

(4) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yeong Kee Choon

yeongkc@utar.edu.my

 
  • Quantum optics
  • quantum computing

(5) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hnin Pwint Aung

hninpa@utar.edu.my

 
  • Food Safety
  • Consumer Protection
  • Enzymology

       

(6) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lim Tuck Meng

ltmeng@utar.edu.my

 
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Electroorganic reactions
  • Mechanisms

 

(7) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wong Hann Ling

hlwong@utar.edu.my

 
  • Molecular plant-microbe interaction
  • Plant signal transduction
  • Plant biotechnology
  • Molecular biosensor design
  • Engineering

 

(8) Asst. Prof Dr. Chew Choy Hoong

chewch@utar.edu.my

 

 
  • Medical Molecular Biology
  • Signal transduction
  • Gene Expression
  • Molecular Biology
  • Clinical Microbiology

 

(9) Asst. Prof. Dr Ha Sie Tiong

hast@utar.edu.my

 
  • Organic Synthetic Chemistry
  • Liquid Crystals

 

(10) Asst. Prof. Dr Phoon Lee Quen

phoonlq@utar.edu.my

 

 
  • Molecular diagnostic of plants diseases
  • Molecular diagnostic of human diseases
  • Larvicidal activity

 

(11) Asst. Prof. Dr Tee Chong Siang

teecs@utar.edu.my

 
  • Plant Tissue Culture

(12) Asst. Prof. Dr. Chang Ying Ping

changyp@utar.edu.my

 
  • Food Science

(13) Asst. Prof. Dr. Chee Swee Yong

csy@utar.edu.my

 
  • Polymer Chemistry

(14) Asst. Prof. Dr. Choo Quok Cheong

chooqc@utar.edu.my

 
  • Molecular biology
  • Environmental microbiology

(15) Asst. Prof. Dr. Kho Chiew Ling

khocl@utar.edu.my

 

 
  • Molecular Characterizatio
  • Biomolecular engineering of RNA viruses
  • Protein-protein interaction

 

 

(16) Asst. Prof. Dr. Lee Chee Leong

leecheeleong@utar.edu.my

 
  • Photonics

(17) Asst. Prof. Dr. Lem Kong Hoong

lemkh@utar.edu.my

 
  • Quantum optics

(18) Asst. Prof. Dr. Lim Chan Kiang

cklim@utar.edu.my

 
  • Natural Product Chemistry

(19) Asst. Prof. Dr. Lisa Ong Gaik Ai

ongga@utar.edu.my

 
  • Enzyme Technology
  • Industrial Biotechnology

 

(20) Asst. Prof. Dr. Michelle Ng Yeen Tan

ngyt@utar.edu.my

 
  • Large-scale downstream process
  • Immuno-affinity ligand adsorbent development

 

(21) Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohammod Aminuzzaman

mohammoda@utar.edu.my

 
  • Thin film/Surface chemistry

(22) Asst. Prof. Dr. Ong Siew Teng

ongst@utar.edu.my

 
  • Environmental Chemisrty

(23) Asst. Prof. Dr. Said Abdul Sahib Saleh

saids@utar.edu.my

 
  • Molecular Biology

(24) Asst. Prof. Dr. Saravanan Nagalingam

sara@utar.edu.my

 
  • Material Chemistry
  • Nanomaterial
  • Thin films

 

(25) Asst. Prof. Dr. Sim Kooi Mow

simkm@utar.edu.my

 
  • Natural Products Chemistry

(26) Asst. Prof. Dr. Sit Nam Weng

sitnw@utar.edu.my

 
  • Pharmacology
  • Microbiology

(27) Asst. Prof. Dr. Tan Shu Min

tansm@utar.edu.my

 
  • Polymer Blending

 

(28) Asst. Prof. Dr. Yip Foo Win

yipfw@utar.edu.my

 
  • Organometallic Chemistry

 

Financial Assistantship
To alleviate the financial burden shouldered by postgraduate students as well as to attract potential applicants to the postgraduate programmes, UTAR offers financial aid in the form of research assistantship.
There are three types of assistantships in UTAR which are as follows:
(i)  Project Research Assistantship
(ii)  Research Scholarship Scheme
(iii) Student Assistantship

The purpose of these assistantships is to provide researchers of UTAR a platform to source assistance in research work and also to provide opportunity for students or research assistants to be involved and assist in research projects and thus enhancing their exposure and experience in research. However, the quantity of assistantships is limited and on a competitive basis.

To view progress/flow of study, please click here.


For additional information, please contact:
Asst. Prof. Dr. Saravanan Nagalingam
Deputy Dean (R&D and Postgraduate Programmes)
Department of Chemical Science
Faculty of Science
UTAR Perak Campus,
Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat,
31900 Kampar, Perak.
sara@utar.edu.my
+605-4688888   Extension : 3003

UTAR reserves the right to make changes without prior notice.