Research Mode - School of Chemical Engineering, USM

INTRODUCTIONUnder the Ninth Malaysia Plan, Malaysian government hasfocused on knowledge-based economy (k-economy) andhuman resource development. In order to sustain thecompetition level in the industry especially in this globalizationera, it is vital to possess knowledge in advanced scientific andtechnology, training and innovative thinking. Research anddevelopment is the prime field to expand the industries in thishighly competitive world of today.The School of Chemical Engineering (SCE), Universiti SainsMalaysia has designed a mixed mode Master’s programmeto fulfill the increase in demand, particularly in the currentchemical industries and to provide intuitive knowledge invarious core and elective chemical engineering courses relatedto technology advancement and its application in industries.At the same time, the designed courses offer more opportunityand flexibility in the programme for the students that undertakethe programme. Besides, SCE also anticipates that theprogramme able to attract interest from those who activelyinvolved in research and development, university or privatecollege lecturers as well as graduates in Bachelor of ChemicalEngineering, to pursue their studies and to develop theirprofessional qualification.COURSE OBJECTIVESThe course is aimed to contribute to the growth andestablishment of the chemical industries in our country basedon k-economy. Therefore, a chemical engineer is required tohave inter-discipline knowledge in research and developmentto ensure the progress of the chemical industries globally.Objectives of the offered course include:~ To produce well-trained chemical engineers that are capableto conduct research activities in the chemical industries.~ To produce knowledgeable engineers in chemical engineeringresearch that will contribute to the development of researchin academic institutions or industrial organizations.~ To train the professional chemical engineer as an industrialadviser especially in the research areas that focus oninnovation, development and identification, and to solveindustrial problems related to chemical engineering aspects.~ To train lecturers from the private and government sectorson the current research and development in chemicalengineering.~ To produce highly skilled researchers and chemical engineersthat are capable to conduct research as to accomplish themission and vision of a research university.ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTSApplicant should possess a bachelor’s degree in ChemicalEngineering, preferably with a Second Upper Honours Divisionor minimum CGPA of 2.75 from a recognized university orequivalent qualifications acceptable to the University Senate.A candidate who does not meet the minimum qualification canalso be considered for the admission based on relevant workingexperience, has at least one (1) publication in the applied fieldor obtained at least B+ in the final year project.UNIQUENESS OF THE COURSEChemical industries have been identified as one of the importantindustry for research and development. Therefore, group ofhighly skilled manpower in technical aspects is crucial tocompete with the industrial development that requires advancedresearch and development strategies and multidisciplinaryapproach. This reflects to the structure of the course, in whichthe majority of the offered courses will enhance the knowledgeand skills of the chemical engineers in various aspects. Theuniqueness of the programme lies in the followings:~ The course provides option for the candidates to choosetheir major field in the chemical industries, based on theirinterest, capabilities and the need of the industries.~ The course focuses on the characteristic of chemicalengineers to actively participate in research and developmentsectors in order to enhance their skills.~ The core and elective courses offered in this programmeare unique and not available in any Master programme inother local universities. Moreover, the research course willenhance students’ capabilities and skills, such as to deriveappropriate research designs and to find alternative solutionson strategic problems or issues relating to chemicalengineering.COURSE STRUCTUREThe mixed mode MSc. (Chemical Engineering) is a full-timecourse. For the award of the Master’s degree, a candidatehas to accumulate 40 units (20 units from courses and 20units from research project). The minimum period for graduationis 1 year and maximum 2 years.Students are required to undertake 3 core compulsory courses(12 units) in Semester 1. In Semester 2 students will proceedwith 2 elective courses (8 units) and the individual researchproject (20 units). The followings are the programme plan(Table 1) and summary of course contents:Table 1: Programme plan3 core courses 123 elective coursesSemester 1Semester 2Research Project• Research Methodology and Skills• Research Article Write-up andSubmission• Research Project(Thesis and Oral Exam or Viva)Accumulated unitUnit12Accumulated unit 12Unit82028