Universiti Sains Malaysia

Universiti Sains Malaysia
Established as the second university in the country in 1969, Universiti Sains Malaysia
was first known as Universiti Pulau Pinang. Initially, the University operated on
borrowed premises at the Malayan Teachers’ Training College at Gelugor. In 1971,
it moved to its present 239.4-hectare site (formerly a military barracks) at Minden,
approximately 9.7 kilometres from Georgetown. The site, which consists mainly of
undulating land, is indeed an ideal location to house a university campus. There are
now two other USM campuses as well, one at Kubang Kerian in Kelantan known
as the Health Campus and the other at Seri Ampangan in Penang, known as the
Engineering Campus. The former houses the School of Medical Sciences, the School
of Health Sciences and the School of Dental Sciences, while the latter houses the six
engineering schools.
From the outset, Universiti Sains Malaysia was given the mandate to provide, promote
and develop learning in the fields of Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences, Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Building Science and Technology, Social Sciences, Humanities and Education
as well as to conduct research and foster the dissemination of such knowledge. To
date, the University has not departed from these terms of reference and has made
significant progress in meeting its academic, social, and national obligations.
The University has always been guided in its activities by the need to develop its
own unique identity. Since its establishment, it has adopted an innovative approach
to higher education and departed significantly from the traditional faculty system of
an academic organisation. In its place, the University introduced the school system
that allows for a multidisciplinary approach. The aim was to combine subjects and to
organise programs in such a manner that a degree of specialisation in a chosen subject
was possible.
To date, 26 Academic Schools, 16 Centres and 7 Units have been established. Of
the Schools, 12 are applied science and technology-based Schools. They comprise
the School of Civil Engineering, the School of Aerospace Engineering, the School
of Chemical Engineering, the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, the
School of Materials and Mineral Resources .Engineering, the School of Mechanical
Engineering, the School of Housing, Building and Planning, the School of Industrial
Technology, the School of Medical Sciences, the School of Dental Sciences, the School
of Health Sciences and the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The three liberal arts

schools are the School of Educational Studies, the School of Humanities and the
School of Social Sciences. The pure science schools comprise the School of Biological
Sciences, the School of Chemical Sciences, the School of Mathematical Sciences, the
School of Computer Sciences, and the School of Physics, all of which offer courses
that are similar to those traditionally available in other universities.
In December 1989, the School of Management was set up, having evolved from
the Management programme within the School of Social Sciences. As part of its
expansion, the University established the School of Computer Sciences and the School
of Communication as of March 1995. In November 2008, the School of Languages,
Literacy and Translation was formally established.
The centres and ancillary services provided by the university include the National
Poison Centre, the Doping Control Centre, the Centre for Archeological Research
Malaysia, the Centre for Educational Technology and Multimedia, the Computer
Centre, the Centre for Knowledge, Communication, and Technology and the Islamic
Centre. There are also various research centres, namely the Centre for Policy
Research, the Centre for Drug Research and the Centre for Marine and Coastal
Studies. The Distance Education Programme offered through the School of Distance
Education is another innovative programme adopted by the University in 1971. It has
gained encouraging response from working adults and is set to be developed further
in this decade to cater for new needs and demands.
In the field of research, the emphasis is on function-oriented or interdisciplinary
research. The focus is on areas that integrate academic interest and practical relevance,
thus directing scientific thrusts towards breakthroughs in problem areas crucial to the
quality of life and national development.
In 2008, the Ministry of Higher Education formally selected Universiti Sains Malaysia
to participate in the Accelerated Programme for Educational Excellence (APEX). This
selection was based on a rigourous evaluation of the capabilities and preparedness
of local public universities to attain world class status within the shortest period of
time. The assessment revealed that Universiti Sains Malaysia with its innovative and
constantly evolving curricula, its comprehensive transformational plan and its emphasis
on providing quality education within a sustainable teaching and learning paradigm was
the most suited and prepared public university to attain a top 100 ranking within the
foreseeable future. USM is indeed honoured and proud to be the first university to
be selected for this programme yet it is also aware of the tremendous responsibility
and trust placed upon it by the Government of Malaysia to realize the Government’s
cherished aspiration of having world class universities in the country that will further
enhance the nation’s stature as an educational hub.

The Undergraduate Programme
Almost all undergraduate degree programmes at the University require a minimum
full-time study period of three years. Degrees in computer science, management,
education, accountancy, food technology, engineering, health sciences (e.g. forensic
science) pharmacy, medicine, and dentistry, however, require minimum periods of
study of between four and five years. Graduates from the Housing, Building and
Planning programme may apply to continue their studies in Architecture, which leads
to a Bachelor’s degree after an additional two years of study. For Malaysian students,
degrees in the pure sciences, humanities, social sciences, and management may also
be pursued through the distance education programme. These degrees require a
minimum study period of four years. Each academic year consists of two semesters,
and in order to graduate, students must accumulate the required number of credit
units. All the Schools, with the exception of the School of Medical Sciences and the
School of Dental Sciences, currently follow this system.
Courses for all undergraduate degree programmes are conducted through classroom
lectures, tutorials, practicals, fieldwork, seminars, and workshops. The courses are
further classified into core-compulsory, core-required, elective, and optional courses.
Courses in Bahasa Malaysia (Malay Language) and English Language are graduation
requirements for all undergraduate students.
A course may be a prerequisite to, sequential to, or concurrent with another course.
Courses are coded in ascending levels, viz. Levels 100, 200, 300, and 400. Examinations
are held at the end of each semester and students are required to reach a satisfactory
standard of performance before they are permitted to continue their studies in the
following semester, failing which, they are placed on probation. A student can only
remain on probation for a maximum of three consecutive semesters. Students failing
core-compulsory courses must repeat them until they pass the courses concerned.
Students may also audit courses for self-enrichment purposes and may also sit for
examinations in them, but the marks/grades obtained, do not contribute towards the
credit units required for graduation. Students may major in one subject, or enroll in a
major-minor programme.

Admission To The University
The university admits suitably qualified Malaysian citizens into its degree programmes.
A small number of places are also allocated for foreign students. Applications for
admission will be processed by the University itself. As a general admission requirement,
the applicant must possess the Malaysian Certificate of Education with a credit in
Bahasa Malaysia (Malay Language). In addition, the candidate must possess a Malaysian
Higher School Certificate or a Matriculation Certificate, a Diploma, or any equivalent
qualifications with a minimum grade B (3.00) for science’s based programme and
grade B- (2.67) for art’s based programme, in three subjects including General Studies
and obtain a Band 1 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET). Other minimal
entry prerequisites are subject to the requirements of the respective schools.
Admission of International Students into a Full-time Undergraduate Programme
In line with the move towards internationalisation, the University has with effect from
the 1998/99 Academic Session, made available a limited number of places to non-
Malaysian citizens to undertake undergraduate courses on a full-time basis with the
aim of earning USM degrees in selected disciplines. Interested candidates can apply
directly to the Deputy Registrar, Admissions & Enrolments, Academic Management
Division for the prescribed forms, fee schedule, and other related materials. As a
general admission requirement, the applicant must complete 12 years of primary
and high school education and must posess a High School Certificate or a diploma
in the related field. At present, the following degree programmes are offered to
international students:
Bachelor of Accounting
Bachelor of Architecture
Bachelor of Arts
English Language & Literature Studies
Bachelor of Arts [Humanities]
English Language Studies History
Geography Literature
Malay Language Studies Translation and Interpretation

Bachelor of Communication
Film and Broadcasting Persuasive Communication
Journalism
Bachelor of Computer Sciences
Distributed Systems & Security Information Systems Engineering
Intelligent Systems Multimedia Computing
Network Computing Software Engineering
Bachelor of Education
Arts with Education Education [Special Education]
Education [TESOL] Science with Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Acting & Directing Communication Graphics
Fine Arts New Media Design and Technology
Performance and Pedagogy Product Design
Bachelor of Industrial Technology
Food Bioprocess
Bio-Resource, Paper and Coatings Environment
Bachelor of Management
Finance International Business
Marketing Operations
Organisation
Bachelor of Science
Animal Biology Microbiology
Plant Biology
Bachelor of Applied Science [Biology]
Agrobiology Aquatic Biology
Biotechnology Biology & Management of Vector & Parasites
Environmental Biology
Bachelor of Science
Chemistry
Bachelor of Applied Science [Chemistry]
Analytical Chemistry Industrial Chemistry

Bachelor of Science [Housing, Building and Planning]
Architecture Building Technology
Construction Management Interior Design
Quantity Surveying Urban and Regional Planning
Bachelor of Science
Mathematics
Bachelor of Applied Science [Mathematics]
Applied Statistics Mathematics and Economics
Mathematicals Modelling
Bachelor of Science
Physics
Bachelor of Applied Science [Physics]
Applied Physics Geophysics
Medical Physics Engineering Physics
Bachelor of Social Science
Anthropology and Sociology Planning & Development Management
Economics
Social Work
Political Science
All enquiries are welcome and should be sent to the Admissions & Enrolments Unit of
the Registry Department. Alternatively, relevant information can be sourced through
the USM Homepage, at http://www.usm.my.
Undergraduate courses are taught in Bahasa Malaysia and English. As such, international
students will have to demonstrate a level of proficiency in the national language as
part of the entrance selection criteria. Prospective candidates who are not sufficiently
proficient in Bahasa Malaysia will be required to undergo a preparatory
intensive Malay Language programme of one year prior to admission
into the undergraduate degree course. This course is offered in
June each year.

Undergraduate Programme Structure
Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours
[B.App.Sc. (Hons.)]
The Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours is a three-year degree programme jointly
offered by the four Pure Science Schools to produce graduates in the various fields of
applied science. In their first year, students are required to take basic courses related
to their major disciplines, which are Applied Physics, Geophysics, Analytical Chemistry,
Industrial Chemistry, Entomology, Aquatic Biology, Biotechnology, Environmental Biology,
Parasitology, Plant Pathology, Applied Statistics and Operations Research, Mathematics,
Engineering Physics and Medical Physics. In the subsequent years, students major in
their chosen disciplines and minor in any one of the other science disciplines. There is,
however, an exception to this, wherein a student may opt for a double-major programme
in Mathematics and Economies (where Economics is offered through the School of
Social Sciences). Courses offered are graded into three levels, viz levels 100, 200 and
300. In order to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science, students must accumulate
105 credit units and fulfil all other relevant University requirements.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours
[B.A. (Hons.)]
The Bachelor of Arts with Honours is a three-year degree programme offered by the
School of Humanities. In the introductory year, students register for four foundation
courses in disciplines like Bahasa Malaysia, English Language, Fine Arts, Geography,
History, Islamic Studies, Literature, Music, Philosophy, and Performing Arts. In addition,
the students must pass a course in Critical Thinking. Students are also encouraged to
participate in the activities of uniformed bodies, sports, community service or cultural
activities. After completing the introductory courses, the students major in one and
minor in another of the above- mentioned disciplines. Islamic and Asian Civilizations
is a compulsory course in the second year of study. In the final year, students continue
with their subjects of specialisation. The graduation requirement is 100 credit units.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours
[B.A. (Hons.)] (Translation and Interpretation)
The Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Translation and Interpretation is a three-year
degree programme based on four components:
1. The theoretical aspects of translation and interpretation.

2. The practical aspects of translation and interpretation.
3. Courses that strengthen students’ grasp of the specific subject areas, for example,
Computer Science, Social Sciences, Law etc.
4. Courses that strengthen their command of the source and target languages as well
as linguistic areas, such as morphology, syntax and semantics.
For the purpose of the course, the English Language always serves as the source
language while Bahasa Malaysia is the target language. Students are taught to interpret
general texts in the English Language into Bahasa Malaysia. Using a range of texts drawn
from legal, literary, scientific, and technical fields, they are also taught techniques of
translating from the English Language into Bahasa Malaysia and vice-versa. Students are
introduced to the latest information technology and its use in editing and translating.
Students need to accumulate at least 100 credit units to graduate. In addition, students
majoring in Translation and Interpretation are required to minor in another discipline
such as Communication, Management, Economics, etc.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours
[B.A. (Hons.)] (English Language and Literature Studies)
The Bachelor of Arts with Honours in English Language and Literature Studies (ELLS)
is a three-year degree programme offered by the School of Humanities. It requires 100
credit units for graduation. The ELLS programme consists of:
• A selection of common-core of cross-disciplinary courses, which complements
the mainstream courses as well as provides exposure to, and foundation in, areas
relevant to future occupational and professional needs.
• Major courses, which involve in-depth study of English Language and Literature
in English.
• Minor courses in related disciplines, such as translation, communication, etc. from
the second year onwards.
• An elective programme of five courses from such diverse fields as Computer-
Assisted Language Learning, Report Writing and Editing, Odes and Sonnets, English
for Specific Purposes, Translation Methods, Lexicography and Terminology in
Translation, and New Literatures in English. The Elective programme is to encourage
a broad-based interdisciplinary education.
• University courses in Bahasa Malaysia, Writing Skills, Spoken English, and selected
options.
In the foundation and major courses, learning and teaching theories are emphasised. In
addition, students who choose not to do the elective courses may minor in another
discipline, which is usually a teaching subject in the school curriculum. Minor Programmes
comprising 16 units include:
• English Language and Literature
• Translating

• Japanese Language Studies
• Chinese Language Studies
Bachelor of Arts (Education) with Honours
[B.A. (Ed.) Hons.]
The Bachelor of Arts (Education) with Honours is a four-year degree programme. This
programme consists of two main components, viz the academic component offered
by the School of Humanities and the pedagogical component offered by the School
of Educational Studies. For the academic component, students enroll in at least four
introductory courses, and one other course taken from another school, during the
first year. They are required to major in a single school subject and minor in another
subject relevant to the secondary school curriculum. Subjects offered by the School of
Humanities for the major-minor specialisation include Bahasa Malaysia, English Language,
Geography, Literature, and History; while the School of Social Sciences and the School
of Management offer Economics and Commerce respectively. For the pedagogical
component, students are not only provided with foundation courses in education
but are also given exposure to methods of teaching the relevant school subject via
a compulsory teaching practice session in schools. Students pursuing this degree are
required to accumulate 130 credit units for graduation.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours
[B.A (Hons.)] English for Professionals
The Bachelor of Arts (English for Professionals) with Honours is a three-year degree
programme offered by the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation which
requires 110 credit units for graduation. The range of topics in the foundation and
major courses have been created to provide a balance between theoretical content
and practical language skills. This programme is designed to help undergraduates to
develop and acquire:
• theoretical knowledge and principles necessary for understanding the structure
and use of the English language;
• the ability to use the knowledge of the English Language (syntext, lexis, pragmatics)
for academic purposes (report writing, project work, etc.).
• interpersonal skills, critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities to contribute
meaningfully to a changing international environment; and,
• a broad range of professional registers in English appropriate for interaction with
employers and colleagues in a variety of work related situations.
In addition, students may choose to minor in another discipline from the various Minor
Programmes comprising a minimum of 16 units that are offered by the other Schools.

Bachelor of Science (Education) with Honours
[B.Sc. (Ed.) Hons.]
The Bachelor of Science (Education) with Honours is a four-year degree programme.
The programme comprises two main components, viz the academic component
offered by the Schools of Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences,
Computer Sciences and Physics, and the pedagogical component by the School of
Educational Studies. For the academic component, students major in one of the four
science disciplines, which are Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics, and minor
in another subject from the above. Several arts subjects are also offered as minors.
The pedagogical component includes a compulsory teaching practice session. Students
pursuing this degree are required to accumulate 130 credit units for graduation.
Bachelor of Communication with Honours
[B.Comn. (Hons.)]
The Bachelor of Communication with Honours is a three-year degree programme,
designed to incorporate the various theoretical and practical dimensions of communication
and media studies. In the first year, students take communication courses which are
aimed at orienting them to the fundamentals of communication, including theory,
research, technology and culture. In the second year, students choose one of four
communication subjects for specialization. They comprise journalism, film, television,
and persuasive communication. At the end of the third year, students are placed in a
communication organisation to undergo five months of industrial training. The training
exposes the students to and prepares them for professional work situations. Students
are required to accumulate 105 credit units for graduation.
Bachelor of Computer Science with Honours
[B.Comp.Sc. (Hons.)]
The Bachelor of Computer Science with Honours is a four-year programme offered
by the School of Computer Sciences which encompasses all aspects of computing as a
discipline. The programme covers theoretical and scientific foundations as well as various
extensive applications in industry and commerce. The curriculum of the programme
emphasizes problem-based learning concepts in particular through practical/project/
training-based courses that are integrated throughout the years, and emphasises as
well as inculcates a research orientation to the students.
In the first year, students are taught the basics of Computer Science such as algorithms
and problem solving, programming techniques using a high level language, data structures,
computer organisation and a strong foundation in mathematics and logic. Year II and
Year III offer an integrated and a wide range of courses that focus on a variety of areas
in computing that allow students to specialise in a specific area namely:
• Intelligent Systems
• Software Engineering
• Information Systems Engineering

• Multimedia Computing
• Network Computing
• Distributed Systems & Security
Second year topics also include common core courses namely operating systems, data
communication, programming language concepts and paradigms, algorithms, database
organisation, and system analysis and design. Practical and project based courses namely
integrated software development, group minor project and research methods and
special topics on the specialisation area are also offered.
During the second semester and the long vacation of the third year students will be
assigned to various organisations for a full time industrial training for a period of six
months. In the final year, students will be taking other advanced courses to enhance
their field of specialisation that focuses on the main research activities of the school.
Students are also required to complete a major project during the fourth year under
the supervision of at least one academic staff and to undertake a course on professional
and technoprenuership development.
The specialisation areas together with the common core courses have been carefully
designed to ensure that graduates will have the widest choice in their later careers in
business, industry, public sector, research and education, occupying a variety of positions
such as System Analyst, Analyst/Programmer, System Engineer, System Programmer, System
Administrator, Software Engineer, Information Systems/Information Technology Officer,
Software Project Manager, Software Quality Officer, Knowledge Engineer, Information
Systems Project Manager, Multimedia Project Manager, Information Research Manager,
Information Systems Manager, Database Administrator, Network Manager, Network
Engineer and Research Officer.
Bachelor of Education with Honours
[B.Ed. (Hons.)]
The Bachelor of Education with Honours degree programme consists of two main
components, viz the academic component offered by the four pure science schools
and the School of Humanities, and the pedagogical component offered by the School
of Educational Studies. For students majoring in Preschool and Special Education
(Professional), the minor component will be from the pure science school or the
School of Humanities. Under the academic component, students are required to take
courses in the Sciences or Humanities as well as to study, for exposure, a particular area
in a discipline outside the Sciences and Humanities. For the pedagogical component,
students are required to read foundation courses in education and courses on methods
of teaching in the relevant school subjects. In addition, they have to choose an area of
specialisation in education in the form of a minor package consisting of five courses.
Teaching practice and practical sub-components are compulsory. Students pursuing
this degree programme must accumulate 130 credit units for graduation.

Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
[B.Eng. (Hons.)]
The six engineering Schools at the Engineering Campus offer courses in their respective
thrust areas, which are Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Electrical Power Engineering,
Materials Engineering, Mineral Resources Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical
Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering and Management, and
Aerospace Engineering leading to a common Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. Students
are exposed to the basic engineering sciences and to their relevant disciplines from
the first year. In subsequent levels, their curriculum contains an increasingly larger
proportion of courses relevant to their specialisation.
Students are required to undergo seven weeks of in-house practical training and a
minimum of ten weeks of industrial training at the end of the second year. Students
must accumulate at least 135 credit units for graduation.
Bachelor of Management with Honours
[B.Mgmt. (Hons.)]
The Bachelor of Management with Honours is a four-year degree programme. The first
half of the programme is devoted to basic analytical tools and general management
courses. The final year of the programme focuses on specialised management areas.
Students in the second year may elect to major in Finance, Marketing, Operational
Management or Organisational Management and International Business. Bahasa Malaysia
and English Language courses are compulsory. The course on Islamic Civilisation is
compulsory for all students.
Co-curricular activities, totaling a maximum of 3 credit units, may also be taken. Students
are required to accumulate 136 credit units for graduation.
Bachelor of Accounting
[B.Acc. (Hons.)]
The Bachelor of Accounting is a four-year professional degree programme, which
incorporates various theoretical and practical dimensions of accounting, IT and
business. The curriculum was designed in consultation with the Malaysian Institute of
Accountants (MIA) and was evaluated by practitioners, renowned accounting professors
and the Malaysian Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA). To ensure the
professional climate of the programme, practicing accountants will also be participating
in the teaching of selected courses. Upon the completion of the degree, students are
required to gain 3 years of working experience after which they are eligible to apply
for professional membership.
Student is required to accumulate 139 credit units for graduation. In the first year,
students enrol in foundation courses. This prepares them for the problem-oriented
accounting, finance and management courses in the second and the third year.

Where possible, the courses are designed to provide the students with ‘hands-on’
experience in using various accounting software. This is to equip them with the
necessary IT skills to enable them to work in a near ‘paperless’ world with much
emphasis towards electronic transactions.
The USM accounting programme intends to supply the nation with high calibre
accountants, knowledgeable in the field of accounting as well as equipped with IT
knowledge and management skills. It is envisaged that this initiative will enable the
country to achieve the number of accountants needed to achieve Vision 2020.
Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.)
The School of Dental Sciences, established in 1998, offers an undergraduate degree
programme, namely the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). The School has adopted an
integrated problem-based and problem-solving medical education programme using the
‘organ-system’ approach. The curriculum is designed to offer three phases of study over
a period of five years. The first year (Phase 1) is to lay the foundation for the problembased
course that is undertaken in the second phase of the dental course. The course
provides an understanding of the structure and function of man, his responses to injury,
growth and development, with emphasis on and relevance to the oral environment,
his role in the community, an introduction to clinical studies and a structured first-aid
course. The relevant materials are taught in a series of four core topics: First Aid and
Nursing Courses, The Normal Human Being, Tissue Response, Community Medicine
and Dentistry, Oral Biology and Behavioural Sciences.
Phase II (years 2 and 3) consists of a course in clinical sciences formulated on a
problem-based learning approach. The aim is to integrate the teaching of the basic
Medical and Dental Sciences with that of clinical sciences and thereby provide a
scientific understanding of the disease systems of the body and its impact on the oral
cavity. Clinical relevance is maintained throughout the course. Included are the following
systems: Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Genitouring, Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, Nervous,
Hematology, Reproductive, Musculoskeletal, Psychological Medicine, Communicable
Diseases, Dental Biotechnology, Dental Restorative and Head & Neck Block.
An important Introductory General Block precedes these teaching blocks where the
foundation of clinical sciences, communication skills and bioethics are taught. The main
clinical work is in the form of bedside clinical teaching and dental chair side clinical
teaching following a satisfactory level of competence shown in the dental preclinical
skills laboratory. The emphasis is on acquiring basic clinical examination skills of the
various organ systems and a high level of competence in oro-facial and head & neck
examination, diagnosis and treatment planning. Electives either confer experiential
learning of broad-based societal needs, or generate in-depth scientific investigative
work within departments.

The Community and Family Case Study (CFCS) is a fully integrated School programme
which runs through Phases I, II and III. It provides the students with experiential learning
in the holistic approach to patient care within the community emphasising oral health
as an integral part of general health. Although students are exposed to general clinical
work from the first year, the more senior years are dedicated to dental and oral clinical
teaching, i.e. during Phase III (years 4 and 5).
The aim of this clinical course is to allow students to develop competence in dental
and oral clinical practice and an orientation to Community Service based on the oral
care delivery services of both the teaching hospital and the network of the supporting
hospitals in the district. The aim is to inculcate a sense of professional responsibility
and adaptability towards oral health issues of the community and to independently
design approaches for their resolution. The elective programme of the School offers a
varied spectrum of courses aimed at promoting individual interests beyond the scope
of the dental curriculum, inculcating interest in community services, providing avenues
for research-oriented interests, facilitating personal advancement as well as providing
remedial periods for slow learners. The elective course in the fourth year is compulsory
for dental students who have performed satisfactorily in their core curriculum subjects
and the students are given the liberty to choose their subjects of interest either by
themselves or on the advice of staff. Students are encouraged to design their electives
individually or in pairs. Optional electives are also available for those interested in
pursuing their interests during the vacation. These courses are designed to promote a
continuing interest in subjects outside the core structure of the dental course.
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
The School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, has adopted an integrated
problem-based and problem-solving medical education programme using the ‘organsystem’
approach. The curriculum is designed to offer three phases over a period of
five years. The first year (Phase 1) is to lay the foundation for the problem-based course
that is undertaken in the second phase of the medical course. The course provides an
understanding of the structure and function of man, his responses to injury, growth
and development, his role in the community, an introduction to human relationship,
his behaviour and emotions, an introduction to clinical studies and a structured firstaid
course. The relevant materials are taught in a series of four core topics: First Aid
and Nursing Courses, The Normal Human Being, Tissue Response, and Community
Medicine and Behavioural Sciences. Phase II (years 2 and 3) consists of a course in clinical
sciences formulated on problem-based learning. The aim is to integrate the teaching of
the basic medical sciences with that of clinical sciences and thereby provide a scientific
understanding of the disease systems of the body. Clinical relevance is maintained
throughout the course. Included are the following systems: Cardiovascular, Respiratory,
Genitourinary, Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, Nervous, Hematology, Reproductive,
Musculoskeletal, Psychological Medicine, and Communicable Diseases.

An important introductory General Block precedes these teaching blocks where the
foundation of clinical sciences, communication skills, and bioethics are taught. The main
clinical work is in the form of bedside clinical teaching. The emphasis is on acquiring
basic clinical examination skills of the various organ systems. Electives either confer
experiential learning of broad-based societal needs, or generate in-depth scientific
investigative work within departments.
The Community and Family Case Study (CFCS) is a fully integrated School programme
which runs through Phases I, II and III. It provides the students with experiential learning
in the holistic approach to patient care within the community. Although students are
exposed to clinical work from the first year, considerable emphasis is given to the
acquisition of this skill in the last two years of the medical course, i.e. during Phase III
(years 4 and 5). The aim of this clinical course is to allow students to develop competence
in clinical practice, and an orientation to Community Service based on the health care
delivery services of both the teaching hospital and the network of the supporting
hospitals in the district. The aim is to inculcate a sense of professional responsibility
and adaptability towards health issues of the community and to independently design
approaches for their resolution. The elective programme of the School offers a varied
spectrum of courses aimed at promoting individual interests beyond the scope of
the medical curriculum, inculcating interest in community services, providing avenues
for research-oriented interests, facilitating personal advancement as well as providing
remedial periods for slow learners.
The elective course in the fourth year is compulsory for students who have performed
satisfactorily in their core curriculum subjects and the students are given the liberty
to choose their subjects of interest either by themselves or on the advice of staff.
Students are encouraged to design their electives individually or in pairs.
Optional electives are also available for those interested in pursuing their interests
during the vacation. These courses are designed to promote a continuing interest in
subjects outside the core structure of the medical course.
Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours
[B Pharm. (Hons.)]
A candidate for the degree of Bachelor of Pharmacy is required to accumulate a total
of 143 credit units from core courses, electives and optional courses to graduate. The
elective courses cover certain aspects of the core component and the School itself
offers these. Other Schools such as the School of Communication and the School of
Social Sciences offer optional courses in mass communication, economics, sociology,
and management. Final year students pursue courses in clinical pharmacy and
take part in clinical discussions at the hospital. The professional courses come
under one of the disciplines of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
Technology, Physiology, Pharmacology, and Clinical Pharmacy. At levels 200
and 300, students receive their practical training in community pharmacy/

industry during the long vacation, for a period of one week. Level 400 pharmacy students
are attached to community pharmacists for 2 weeks, during their mid-semester break.
Bachelor of Science with Honours
[B.Sc. (Hons.)]
The four Pure Science Schools, which are the Schools of Biological Sciences, Chemical
Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Physics, jointly offer the Bachelor of Science with
Honours degree programme. Students can choose the major-minor stream (e.g. Major:
Mathematics, Minor: Management) or the Major - Elective stream). In this three-year
programme, a student has to accumulate 100 credit units for graduation.
Bachelor of Science (Housing, Building and Planning) with Honours
[B.Sc. (HBP) Hons.] and Bachelor of Architecture [B.Arch.]
The School of Housing, Building and Planning offers two undergraduate degree
programmes, namely the Bachelor of Science (HBP) and the Bachelor of Architecture.
The curriculum of Housing, Building and Planning includes multidisciplines such as
architecture, planning, engineering, applied design, quantity survey and construction
management.
The inter-related courses in Housing, Building and Planning are classified as courses in
Theory and Methodology, studio projects, laboratory projects, practical training and
research. In the second year, students may opt for any one of the major areas of study
comprising Architecture, Building Management, Town & Area Planning, Quantity Survey,
and Interior Decoration.
All students are required to undergo a minimum period of twelve weeks at building
sites as well as do office training after completing level 200. Students need to fulfil 110
credit units to graduate. Those who opt for Architecture and intend to pursue the
two-year course leading to the degree of Bachelor of Architecture are required to
undergo another 12 weeks of practical training in architectural firms.
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours
[B. Soc. Sc. (Hons.)]
Students for the honours degree in Social Sciences do
foundation courses in their first year of study. In the
subsequent years of study, Social Science students
pursue a major in the specialisation programme
of the School of Social Sciences, from
Anthropology/Sociology, Economics,
Social Work, Development Planning
& Management, or Political Science.

Students are also required to choose minors for specialisation from inside or outside
the School. In addition, they need to fulfil other School requirements and obtain 100
credit units for graduation. Practical training is compulsory for students specialising in
Social Work but optional for students in other programmes.
Bachelor of Technology with Honours
[B.Tech. (Hons.)]
The School of Industrial Technology offers four-year degree programme in Food
Technology and three-year degree programmes in Environmental Technology, Bioresource,
Paper and Coating Technology, each leading to the Bachelor of Technology with
Honours degree. Each one of these four programmes has its own distinct curriculum
spread over the three and four years. The first-year courses are natural extensions of
the basic sciences studied at school level, which are chemistry, mathematics, and physics.
These is also some exposure to topics relevant to the students’ area of specialisation.
In subsequent years, there is an increasing proportion of specialised technological
courses in the curriculum.
During the long vacation at the end of the second year, students have to undergo a
minimum of eight weeks of training by attachment to an industry or to a Government
research establishment. In the final year, students have to carry out an industrial-based
research project. Students may elect to follow either the regular or minor programme,
both of which require the students to take basic, core, elective/minor courses and satisfy
other University requirements. The minimum graduation requirement is 110 credit units.
Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours
[B.F.A. (Hons.)]
The Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours is a three-year degree programme that offers
two major areas of studies, namely Graphic Communications, and Acting and Directing.
The knowledge and skills obtained help students to prepare themselves for a career
in professional/commercial work, which are related to graphic and visual designs and
performance or theatrical arts. It is also designed to accommodate professional and
commercial or corporate needs in the field of graphic or electronic arts, drama and
theatre.
Major in Graphic Communications
Courses offered in Graphic Communications, are related to computer graphic and
design work, studio practices and theories in visual art. The programme is designed
to provide the necessary knowledge in graphic design and visual skills, either through
manual practice or computer-based work.
Students are trained through various projects, related to graphic art and
computer applications, and visual design techniques. The courses included are:
Introduction to Fine Arts, Design Theories, Drawings, 2- and 3-D Typography,

Visual Communication, Computer Generated Images, Interactive Multimedia, Practical
Training and Art Project. During each semester, students are expected to produce
studio work or visual projects and participate in art displays/exhibitions.
Major in Acting and Directing
This programme offers courses which are suitable for theatre designers, professional
actors, directors or administrators in the area of performing or stage arts. The courses
offered are also designed to accommodate many aspects of acting and directing, and
stage designs, which can be used in TV productions and film industries.
The main area of study for this programme is focused on theoretical frameworks and
studio practices. These include courses such as: Introduction to Drama and Theatre,
Acting and Directing, Traditional Theatres, Children’s Drama and Theatre, Technical
Theatre, Theories and Principles of Theatres, Perception of Art, Western and Eastern
Theatres and Modern Malaysian Theatres, Practical Training and Art Project. Students
are expected to have some theatrical or performance work during their period of study.
Major in New Media Design and Technology
The New Media Design and Technology programme prepares students to pursue careers
in the field of computer-generated imagery for the information and entertainment
industries. The industries produce special effects and animated characters for films;
interactive media for the World Wide Web and for game development, and motion
graphics for broadcast and feature titles. The New Media Design and Technology
department offers an innovative curriculum, professional-level computer facilities, and
a supportive learning environment.
With a strong industry focus, the undergraduate programme allows students to focus
their studies in specific areas such as two-dimensional or three-dimensional character
animation, game development, experimental animation and interactivity or motion
graphics. Each area of concentration builds upon a common set of digital design skills
developed as a logical extension of foundation studies. Students are encouraged to
take electives in other areas.
Major in Product Design
The Product Design course explores the design processes through which a product is
conceived, developed, fabricated, and marketed. Major emphasis allows the student to
work towards acquiring control of the physical and visual constructs of a given concept
allowing the desired content to be fully communicated. Ideations are developed through
drawings and/or models, and then progress to full-size working pieces. The product
design major requires students to attend a broad range classes including Sculpture,
Ceramics, Metals, and Woodwork.

Bachelor of Health Science with Honours
[B.Hlth.Sc. (Hons.)]
The School of Health Sciences offers eight 4-year programmes namely Audiology, Exercise
& Sports Science, Speech Pathology, Biomedicine, Nursing, Dietetics, Medical Radiation
and Forensic Science. Upon completion, graduates are conferred a Bachelor of Health
Science (Biomedicine/Nursing/Dietetics/Medical Radiation/Speech Pathology/Audiology/
Exercise and Sports Science) or a Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science) degree.
Courses offered are designed to equip students with skills in their chosen fields of
specialisation as well as good background knowledge in other aspects of health sciences.
Students are also expected to take 15-20 units of elective courses in areas such as
social health issues, information technology and others to help them become wellrounded
graduates who fit in well in society, and are sensitive to societal obligations
and needs. During the course, they are also attached to relevant institutions in Malaysia
for practical training and hands-on experience. Students need to accumulate a total of
130-145 (depending on the programme) credit units from core, elective and university
courses to graduate.
Career opportunities are varied and numerous notably in the health, medical and
therapeutic industries, biomedical research, food and nutritional industry, and
pharmaceutics.
Bachelor of Music with Honours
[B.Mus. (Hons.)]
The Bachelor of Music with Honours is a three-year programme. The main area of study
is on aspects of performance and pedagogy in music. Courses are designed for music
practitioners, conductors, technicians, administrators, teachers or professional musicians.
Courses offered include: Introduction to Music, Basic Pedagogy, Theories and Arrangements
of Music, Vocal and Instrumental, Appreciation of Asian, African and the Pacific Music,
Conducting, Score Reading, Composition, Malaysian and Western Music, Western
Ensemble and Instrumental Repertoire.
Throughout the period of study, students are exposed to theoretical frameworks of
music disciplines, and studio practices are emphasised. These provide students with
proper understanding of music as well as to develop students’ competency and skills in
their own area of specialisation. Students of this programme are expected to participate
in all performances/repertoires organised by the Music Section.

Graduate Studies
People sign up for postgraduate studies for different personal reasons. Some do it to
increase their competitiveness in the market while some need it to help them progress
to the next level of their careers. For enthusiastic students, it is another chance for
more holistic learning. For others, postgraduate studies may be the alternative to
competing for jobs in the market.
Regardless of the reason, postgraduate education is gaining more importance by the day
and Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Institute of Postgraduate Studies is poised to spearhead
the university into becoming aworld-class higher education institution.
To make this vision a reality, IPS embarks on a journey playing the role of both the
promoter and advocator for quality postgraduate education that is carefully designed.
Established in November 16, 1991, IPS is currently supported by highly-qualified staff
in 35 schools and centres of excellence located at USM’s three campuses – the Main
Campus in George Town and Engineering Campus in Seri Ampangan, Nibong Tebal in
Penang, and the Health Campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.
Enrolment
USM offers its postgraduate studies in three different modes to suit various study
styles of students – coursework, research mode and mixed mode which incorporates
both research and coursework.
As of October 2009, IPS has enrolled 7,233 students pursuing their postgraduate
studies at the masters and doctoral levels in various programmes and modes. Some
25 percent of them are international students from 50 countries.
Research fields
Research degrees are often stereotyped as the pre-requisite for academician hopefuls.
IPS seeks to introduce a new paradigm on how research programmes should be
perceived by offering a wide range of research topics at USM.
There are 1,517 research fields applicants can select from that are offered at the
university’s 23 schools. For more details, visit www.ips.usm.my.

Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary from programme to programme and they are divided into two
categories, which are recurring fees per academic semester and non-recurring fees. For
international students, non-recurring fees vary from country to country, as stipulated
by the Malaysian Immigration Authorities. For more details, visit www.ips.usm.my.
Registration
Students can register for postgraduate programmes at USM’s three campuses, depending
on their choice of fields.
• IPS at USM’s Main Campus in George Town – for all programmes except
Engineering,Medicine, Health and Dentistry programmes
• IPS Desk (Registry) at USM’s Seri Ampangan campus in Nibong Tebal, Penang - for
Engineering programmes only
• IPS Desk (Registry) at USM’s Health Campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan – for
Medicine,Health and Dentistry programmes only.
During registration, students must settle all fees and produce payment receipts. Students
with scholarships or are under sponsorships must also produce letters or documents
from the respective organisation as proof.
Financial Assistance:
IPS under the roof of USM offers financial assistance to deserving postgraduate students
in the form of awards, teaching assistantships and research assistantships.
For Malaysian students, the Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science,
Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), provides fellowships through the University
Postgraduate Research Scheme and the National Fellowship Scheme.
For detailed information of the assistantships and awards mentioned above, please
refer to the table below:
Scheme Master PhD
Graduate Assistant
(Teaching)
RM900.00 RM1,100.00
USM Fellowship Scheme RM1,500.00 RM2,100.00
Vice-Chancellor’s Award - RM3,000.00

In addition, USM also offers assistantships through the Graduate Assistant (Research)
Scheme with various research grants.
For international students from selected countries, the Malaysian Government also
offers scholarships under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programmes (MTCP).
The Islamic Development Bank also provides a limited number of financial aids to
international students.
For more details on financial assistance, visit the Ministry of Higher Education website
at www.mohe.gov.my.
IPS Achievements as of 2009
The number of postgraduate students at USM has increase by 1,000 in 2009 compared
to 2008, indicating that postgraduate education is becoming more popular and significant.
The higher enrolment also reflects the increase in the number of research fields
introduced and offered by the university.
To enhance the quality of postgraduate students at USM, IPS has expanded its support
services to students by establishing the Postgraduate Academic Support Services Unit.
This unit advises students on statistical methodology and editorial services to help
improve students’ skills in theses writing.
IPS has also created the Professional Development Unit to coordinate the organisation
of workshops for developing students’ professionalism in conducting researches, as well
as adding value to their capabilities to enable them to face the competitive job market.
To cope with the expanding student population, IPS has also formed the Data and
Records Unit to expedite management of student data and records more efficiently.
In conjunction with the forming of this unit, the Marketing Information and Communication
(MarIC) Unit was also established to manage prompt transmission and circulation of
information to the ever-growing postgraduate student population at USM.

Dean
Prof. Roshada Hashim
Deputy Dean (Academic Affairs)
Assoc. Prof. Abdul Rahman Othman
Contact:
Institute of Postgraduate Studies
Universiti Sains Malaysia
11800 USM Penang,
Malaysia.
Email : dean_ips@usm.my
Website : http://www.ips.usm.my
Academic Staff

Other Study Programmes
Study Abroad / Exchange Programme
Universiti Sains Malaysia invites students from universities all over the world to
participate in its Study Abroad/Exchange Programme. Students will have the choice
of spending either one semester or one academic year at the University under this
programme. Credit transfer is possible through arrangements with the students’
home institutions. Fee waiver is provided to students from universities that have a
formal student exchange agreement with USM, while other students are required to
pay a tuition fee of RM3,000 per semester and other fees of about RM2,900.
The programme admits students in both first and second semester and deadlines for
application are 1 st May for the first semester intake and 1 st October for the second
semester intake. For more information on the programme, please contact USM
international at interel@notes.usm.my.
Short-Term Study Programme
USM International and the School of Biological Sciences jointly organise a six-week
Tropical Field Study Programme. The Programme commences in late May and ends
in July. It consists of two weeks of lectures on tropical flora and fauna, exposure to
local languages and cultures and affords participants the opportunity to interact with
local students. Two weeks will be spent in enchanting tropical destinations such as
the National Park, Redang Island (for coral reef studies ), Mangrove Park and other
exotic locations. This three-credit programme includes assessment in the form of
short quizzes, field-study journals and presentations. For more information, please
contact the Acting Senior Deputy Registrar, USM International at Norpisah@
notes.usm.my.
Besides the above programme, USM International also organises
specially tailored study tours based on request from overseas
institutions.