Holistic learning
BIOTECHNOLOGY contributes to wealth creation and social health improvement in many parts of the world. It involves any technological application that uses living and non-living organisms or biological substances to innovatively create new products and modify existing ones.
Examples include antibiotics, biodiesel, cloning, food preservation and bioconversion of organic waste.
Being a country rich in soil and plant based opportunities such as palm oil, food crops, natural resources, and the vegetation business being readily abundant in Malaysia, it is no wonder that this growing industry is set to change the economic scene by the year 2020.
The Malaysian government has plans for the country, where it will be seen as a biotechnology hub, and this is clearly spelled out in the National Biotechnology Policy that was launched on April 28, 2005.
By 2020, it is estimated that this sector would create 280,000 jobs and contribute 5% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
The total investment figure allocated under the National Biotechnology Policy is expected to be around RM30 billion, whereas an astounding total of Rm2.1bil has been allocated for biotechnology in the Ninth Malaysia Plan.
In lieu of this, there is a demand in the job market not only for R & D specialists and Bioscientists but also specialised jobs such as bioentrepreneurs, bioinformaticians, and even quality assurance associates.
Taylor’s University Bachelor of Biotechnology (Hons) is a threeyear programme designed to give students a comprehensive education and training in the core aspects of biotechnology.
They will explore scientific principles and knowledge; bio-information technologies; laboratory techniques in research and development; business and entrepreneurship skills; and legal, intellectual, social and ethical issues.
The programme offers students an opportunity to specialise in drug discovery, chemistry, microbiology, human nutrition, entrepreneurship or communication.
Students will also gain valuable real-world experience by undertaking actual research projects on topics, such as infectious diseases, drug discovery, plant engineering, and bioremediation, as well as a 10-week internship in the field.
Based on the faculty’s interests and expertise, Taylor’s University has established research clusters in the areas of drug discovery and infectious diseases.
Two of the schools’ academic staff were recently awarded the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia.
They received RM351,500 and this funding will help the school conduct research.
“This research will help us to identify potential new drugs which could help fight cancer and aid us in understanding how cancer develops,” said School of Biosciences acting dean Dr Anthony Ho.
He is doing research on the human cancer cell line.
As one of the leading biosciences faculties in Malaysia, the school also offers postgraduate research programmes.
The Master of Science (By Research) programme focuses on research in the two specialised fields of Natural Products & Drug Discovery, and Environmental Prevention and Control in the Bioindustry.
Each student is guided by an experienced lecturer or supervisor, who is an expert in their relevant field.
The Taylor’s Graduate School also offers financial aid in the form of Fellowship/ Tutorship programmes for those who have met the requirements.
By the end of this programme, students are equipped with the ability to think holistically and apply new scientific knowledge to develop enhanced agricultural, environmental, medical and industrial products and processes.
The first intake of the Biotechnology degree and the Master of Science programme will commence on March 26. For details, contact 03-5629 5000, e-mail admissions@taylors.edu. my, or log on to www.taylors.edu.my/sbs