UCSI University

Overview of BSc Hons Aquatic Science in UCSI University Malaysia

Water covers more than 70% of the earth’s surface and is a crucial component for human life. Thus, there are increasing concerns about the sustainability, pollution and future of this valuable natural resource, and a pressing need for scientists who are trained to address these concerns.

The field of aquatic sciences is one which enhances the scientific understanding of the aquatic ecosystem using multi-disciplinary studies. The primary focus is to foster and sustain healthy aquatic environments, which allows us to maintain and manage its unlimited valuable resource besides developing solutions to a broad range of environmental issues.
Key areas of research will focus on ecosystem-based management, natural resources management, sustainable aquaculture as well as modern development’s impact on the natural ecosystems.

A combination of a solid foundation in basic sciences such as mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and statistics with an intensive training in organismal biology, ecology and evolution is a must for undergraduate students in aquatic sciences.

The bachelor programme has two specialisation options in Year 3, Aquatic Health and Management or Seafood Processing and Safety which will be used as the students’ research focus for their honours projects. Emphasis on theory, laboratory and fieldwork will ensure students are prepared for the demands of the working world.

This programme also plays an important role in nation building as it aims to support the government in conserving aquatic resources and providing training for industry personnel in the areas of research, development, management, production and conservation.

Entry Requirement of BSc Hons Aquatic Science in UCSI University Malaysia

Qualification

Academic Requirements

STPM

Minimum 2 Principals (C) in Chemistry and Biology/Mathematics/Physics.
Minimum GPA 2.0

A-levels

Minimum 2 Principals (E) in Chemistry and Biology/Mathematics/Physics. Minimum GPA 2.0

UEC

Minimum Grade B in any 5 subjects (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics)

CPU

Minimum average of 60% in 6 subjects (Inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics)

National Matriculation

Minimum CGPA 2.0 (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics)

WAEC

Minimum average of 60% in 5 subjects (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics)

WACE

Minimum average of 60% in 5 subjects (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics)

Other qualifications deemed equivalent to STPM/A-Level by Malaysian Qualifications Agency

Minimum average of 60% (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics)

Diploma/ Advance Diploma/ Degree/ equivalent

Minimum CGPA 2.0 (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics)
(Admission level: case - to - case basis)

UCSI Foundation in Science or equivalent

Minimum CGPA 2.0 (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics)

International Baccalaureate

Minimum 26/42 from 6 subjects (Minimum scores of 4/7 in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics)

SAM

Pass with ATAR of 70% including a minimum average of 60% in 5 subjects (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics)

*To be reviewed by the University on a case-to-case basis.

FOUNDATION IN SCIENCE

Qualification

Academic Requirements

SPM/O-Level or its equivalent

Minimum 5 credits (inclusive of Mathematics and 2 science subjects)

UEC

Minimum 4 credits (inclusive of Mathematics and 2 science subjects)

CPU

Average below 60% in 6 subjects (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics)

Other qualifications deemed equivalent to STPM/A-Level by Malaysian Qualifications Agency

Minimum average of 50% (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics)

Other qualifications deemed equivalent to SPM/O-Level by Malaysian Qualifications Agency

Minimum average of 60% (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics)

SAM

Average below 60% (inclusive of Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics)

Note / Legend:

Discretion is given to the Head of School to deal with applicants who have results borderline to the Academic Requirements.

SPM – Credit (A+ – C)
UEC – Credit (A1 – B6)
O-Level – min. Credit (A1 – C6)
WAEC – min. Credit (A1 – C6)

STPM – min. Principal – ‘C’ grade (GPA 2.00)
A-levels – min. Principal – ‘E’ grade (GPA 2.00)
SAM/CPU – min. Pass – 50%

English Language Requirements for International Students

• A minimum score of 5.0 in IELTS OR
• Band 3 in MUET OR
• A minimum score of 42 in TOEFL iBT OR
• A minimum score of 47 in Pearson Test of English OR
• A minimum score of 154 in Cambridge English Qualification and Tests OR
• English as a medium of instruction letter.
• In the event that the English Language Requirements are not met, student may be required to undertake additional English module(s) prior to or concurrently with the undergraduate programme, based on the University’s decision.

International students holding equivalent academic qualifications but which are not conducted in English, are required to sit for the English Placement Test, which may result in the taking of the English for Tertiary Education (1 to 10 months). Students who intend to pursue the above undergraduate programme directly, are advised to fulfil the above English requirements prior to commencing their studies at the University.

Career Opportunities of BSc Hons Aquatic Science in UCSI University Malaysia

• Researchers – Often called marine biologists, aquatic biologists or aquatic ecologists, researchers study the creatures found in aquatic environments. They usually spend their time teaching, gathering data, and conducting experiments.
• Biotechnologists – Use marine organisms to develop human medicines and other health aids.
• Environmental Planners – These professionals work with governments, as well as builders and other private companies to ensure that development does not encroach on fragile aquatic and wetland environments.
• Aquarists – They maintain exhibits at large public aquariums, while also teaching their colleagues and other interested people about aquariums and aquatic exhibits.
• Veterinarians – They help doctors take care of animals, and some of them specialise in the care of fish and other aquatic animals.
• Fish and Game Warden – They monitor wilderness areas, manage native species, and ensure that hunters and fishermen comply with state and federal laws (as well as any additional local regulations).
• Aquaculture Farmer – They raise fish and shellfish for a variety of uses such as food, bait, or breeding stock. Basic animal care, water quality maintenance, and personnel management duties may be a part of an aquaculture farmer’s responsibilities (both technician and management positions are available in the aquaculture industry).
• Food Scientists/Quality Control Inspectors – ensure that products (seafood) meet standards of quality and safety.

Courses Offered of BSc Hons Aquatic Science in UCSI University Malaysia

Year 1

• Extra-curricular Learning Experience 1
• Biology
• Chemistry 1
• Hubungan Etnik (for Local students) / Pengajian Malaysia (for International students)
• Tamadun Islam dan Tamudan Asia (for Local students) / Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 3 (for International students)
• University Life
• Chemistry 2
• Structural Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Fundamentals of Management
• Cooperative Placement 1

Year 2

• Extra-curricular Learning Experience 2
• Ecology and Sustainability
• Business Communication
• Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
• Aquatic Biodiversity and Taxonomy
• Entrepreneurship for Applied Science
• Statistics and its Applications
• Aquaculture Operation and System
• Current Topics in Aquatic Science
• Aquatic Pollution and Toxicology
• Research Methodology, Safety and Ethics
• Cooperative Placement 2
• MPU-U3 (select one)
  • Malaysian Experiential Tourism (MPU-U3)
  • Malaysian Ethnic Food (MPU-U3)
  • Business Law – Malaysian Perspective (MPU-U3)

Year 3

Choose either Aquatic Health & Management or Seafood Processing and Safety.

Aquatic Health & Management

• Extra-curricular Learning Experience3
• Aquatic Science Research Project 1
• Conservation and Management of Aquatic Resources
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Recombinant Technology
• Aquatic Science Research Project 2
• Water and Waste-water Engineering
• Tools for Aquatic Resource Management
• Aquatic Diseases and Diagnostics
• Aquatic Science Research Project 3
• Cooperative Placement 3
• Free elective (select 2)
  • Strategic Management
  • Seafood Industry
  • Introduction to Internet Technologies
  • Operation Management

Seafood Processing and Safety

• Extra-curricular Learning Experience 3
• Aquatic Science Research Project 1
• Halal and Food Legislation
• Food Chemistry
• Food Microbiology
• Aquatic Science Research Project 2
• Seafood Industry
• Food Processing and Packaging
• Food Safety and Quality Systems
• Product Development and Sensory Evaluation
• Aquatic Science Research Project 3
• Cooperative Placement 3
• Free elective (select 2)
  • Strategic Management
  • Introductory Accounting
  • Internet in Practice
  • Operation Management

General Courses (MPU) are compulsory for all students.

U1

– For Malaysian students:

1. Ethnic Relations
2. Islamic Civilisation and Asian Civilisation

– For foreign students:

1. Malaysian Studies
2. Communication in Bahasa Melayu 3