SCIENCE

Why study Science?

There are six science courses offered in the School of Science at Monash University Sunway campus.

Single Degrees
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
Bachelor of Science (Food Science and Technology)
Bachelor of Science (Medical Bioscience)
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Management)

Double Degrees
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)/Bachelor of Science (Medical Bioscience)
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)/Bachelor of Science (Environmental Management)

BSc (Biotechnology)
Biotechnology is an area of science that seeks to harness the amazing variability and complexity of natural world for useful purposes. It is the key area of science in the 21^st century and will keep on touching our lives in many ways. In Malaysia, biotechnology is one of the priority areas for wealth generation and employment in the new millennium.

The three years course will equip students for work in the field of biotechnology. Students will specialize in  various aspects of biotechnology incorporating core units which covers genetics, biochemistry and applied microbiology, natural products chemistry, principle of modern instrumentation, experimental design and data analysis.

BSc (Medical Bioscience)

Medical Bioscience is the study of medical applications of scientific knowledge and techniques. It includes investigations carried out by scientists in areas related to healthcare; for example, in the diagnosis of disease or in the monitoring of a patient’s response to treatment.

The three years course provide opportunity to students to study a wide range of topics which include anatomy, biochemistry, cellular metabolism, immunology, medical microbiology, human physiology, pharmacology and pathology. Electives include genetics, genomics and environmental health. Mandatory attachment to Clinical Laboratories is part of the course.

BSc (Environmental Management)

Environmental management is the protection, conversation and appropriate development of the environment, heritage and natural resources. Worldwide concern for the state of the environment continues to increase, intensified by scientific research findings and media attention. Students of environmental management learn how the biological and physical processes that shape the natural world interact.

The three year course will equip students for work in the field of environmental management. The degree combines a breadth and depth of learning in the scientific disciplines that are necessary for the study of natural environment. The course offers a Malaysian perspective and several units were specifically designed to enable students  to gain knowledge and understanding on environmental issues relating to tropical habitats such as rainforests and coral reefs.

BSc (Food Science and Technology)

Food science builds upon basic sciences of chemistry, physics and biology to study the nature of foods as the foods are produced and formulated, before being presented to consumers. Food technology is the application of food science to the preservation, processing, packaging and distribution of foods to ensure the foods are safe, nutritious and wholesome. All together, food science and technology interacts with various disciplines such as nutrition, microbiology, biochemistry, engineering, biotechnology and marketing, adding to fundamental sciences.

The course offers a hands-on opportunity for students through a food science project or an industrial attachment.

BSc (Biotechnology)/BSc (Medical Bioscience)

Biotechnology and Medical Bioscience are innovative and exciting areas of study and research. Currently, Biotechnology is at the forefront of major advances in life sciences. Modern healthcare relies on the diagnostic work and the research efforts of medical scientists. The double degree is normally completed within four years. However, alternative exits may be taken for either of the single degrees in three years (provide all the relevant requirement s are completed).

BSc (Biotechnology)/BSc(Environmental Management)

Environmental biotechnology is emerging as a key science in the 21st century and is a business activity worth billions of dollars worldwide. It is the application of biotechnology to the environment including the use of biotechnology in agriculture, the recovery of mineral resources using biological materials and also the management of environmental problems, such as treatment of domestic, industrial and agricultural waste, bioremediation as well as pollution monitoring and control. Biotechnology can be used in the production of biofeuls and biodegradable plastic, both of which can help to reduce pollution. The double degree is normally completed within four years. However, alternative exits may be taken for either of the single degrees in three years (provide all the relevant requirement s are completed).

Career outcome:

Science graduates found employment in the following fields (non-exhaustive):

• Agricultural research laboratories

• Biodegradation

• Biodiversity conservation (as assessor)

• Brewery

• Development of nutraceuticals

• Diagnostic and analytical services

• Education

• Environmental consultancy

• Fermentation

• Food chemistry

• Food hygiene

• Food manufacturing

• Food microbiology

• Food processing

• Food product development

• Food production and packaging

• Food quality management

• Food safety and phytosanitary

• Food safety and regulations

• Forensic laboratories

• Genetic engineering

• Government

• Health care industries

• Life science product development

• Medical Research

• Pharmaceutical provider

• Quality assurance laboratories

• Research and development

• Scientific consumable and equipment supplier

• Sensory science

• Waste treatment/management