Developing better scientists and researchers
> TAR UC partakes in high impact research to push the country into becoming a high income nation
NOTHING propels the advance of the human race more than the research that goes into the greatest of discoveries and inventions, yet the effort poured into the aforementioned often takes place behind the scenes.
Inception of a hypothesis, planning, testing, development and all that is involved highlight the necessity of research, particularly with mankind in the thick of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where science and technology are playing a monumental role in taking the world forward.
Here in Malaysia, the call to be pertinent and affective in the galvanisation of innovation and entrepreneurship through high impact research that can push the country into becoming a high income nation is answered at the Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC).
As a premier institution of higher learning with 50 years of academic excellence, TAR UC is committed to developing highly qualified talent in high impact research through the university’s Master of Science and Master of Science (Life Science) programmes.
“TAR UC’s postgraduate research programmes are highly relevant to industries and the training aims to produce future scholarly graduates who are knowledgeable and highly competent,” said TAR UC Faculty of Applied Sciences dean Dr Tan Hui Yin. “Moreover, the exposure they receive during the Master’s programmes provide students with the necessary skills to facilitate their transition to doctoral studies.”
Focusing on developing a greater understanding of the inorganic world, the Master of Science programme prides itself on honing the observation and understanding skills of students to help develop practical applications for the advancement of new technologies and inventions.
A student of this programme, Wong Pui Munn, decided to pursue this course to expand her knowledge specifically related to nanotechnology, apart from developing her soft skills.
“I am also able to refine other skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, interpersonal communication skill, time management, while staying level-headed, which will put me in good stead in the future,” she says.
On a more organic side of the spectrum, the Master of Science (Life Science) programme involves cultivating a better understanding of the structure and function of living organisms, from molecules to entire ecosystems.
This is done through the inter-disciplinary study involving anatomy, animal biology, bacteriology, biochemistry, biotechnology, cell biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, molecular biology, plant biology, physiology and virology. The programme enables students to develop deeper understanding and appreciation for human health, environmental issues and broader matters that affect the web of life on earth.
“I have the chance to conduct in-depth research work and obtain hands-on experience which allows me to gain so much more than just acquiring knowledge academically,” said Wee Sze Peng, student of the Master of Science (Life Science) programme. Wee is currently using molecular docking simulation to research natural products extracted from plants.
The programmes provide collaboration opportunities with researchers from other institutions for wider exchange of knowledge besides expanding networks in the field.
For more information, visit TAR UC’s Info Day from Aug 10 to 12, 9am to 5pm at the Kuala Lumpur Main Campus and all branch campuses nationwide; its Centre for Postgraduate Studies and Research, or its website at www.tarc.edu.my/cspr