Study Applied and Pure Sciences in Malaysia

The world we see nowadays is built by human’s knowledge in science. Without science, there would be no great inventions and you would not be reading this article from your computer or your phone screen.

Science is one of the subjects that we have been learning since we were young. In kindergarten, we learn about things around us like animals, plants and other living things.

In primary school, we learn about electricity, the habits of animal, photosynthesis and other basic knowledges of science. In secondary school, we learn deeper into the three branches of science which are Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

The world we see nowadays is built by human’s knowledge in science. Without science, there would be no great inventions and you would not be reading this article from your computer or your phone screen.

Since you are reading this, I believe that you would like to join great scientists like Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton and Galileo Galilei who made great inventions. Let’s jump into the topic and see how you can become one of them.

What are Applied and Pure Sciences?

Applied Science is used to develop practical application by applying existing scientific knowledge and is more related to engineering and technology. Applied Sciences are often performed outside a laboratory.

Here are some examples of Applied Sciences:

• Nanotechnology

• Forensic

• Environmental Science

• Kinematics

• Medical Science

• Computer Science

Pure Science focuses on theories and predictions to understand the world of nature and to explain phenomenon in the natural world. It is also known as ‘Basic Science’ or ‘Natural Science’ which includes Chemistry, Biology and Physics. Pure Sciences are often performed in a laboratory and it does not matter how the theories can be applied.

Some specialisations in Pure Science include:

Chemistry

• Chemist
• Biochemist
• Geochemist

Biology

• Botanist
• Anatomist
• Zoologist

Physics

• Physicist
• Astronomer
• Meteorologist
• Mathematician

Am I qualified to study Applied and Pure Science in Malaysia?

The entry requirement for studying Applied and Pure Science in Malaysia varies depending on the level of study, programme and institution applied but the general entry requirements are as below:

How long will I study this programme?

The duration of programme offered in Malaysia varies for different level of studies and institutions. Generally, the average duration of study for each level is:

How much does it cost to study Applied and Pure Science in Malaysia?

The cost of studying Applied and Pure Science in Malaysia can be a huge difference between public and private institutions. The costs of study for different level of studies are:

What are the career opportunities for Applied and Pure Science?

Applied and Pure Sciences have a wide career prospect in Malaysia. For a Pure Science graduate, they can work for roles such as scientists, researchers or academicians whereas an Applied Science graduate can apply their knowledge on practical jobs. We have listed out some jobs for Applied and Pure Science graduates and their average pay per year according to PayScale for your reference.

Where can I study Applied and Pure Science in Malaysia?

There are many private and public institutions offering Applied and Pure Science in Malaysia. These are a few public and private institutions in Malaysia where you can study Applied and Pure Science:

1. University of Malaya (UM)

The Faculty of Science is among the oldest and most accomplished faculties in the university with 4 departments:

• Department of Chemistry
• Department of Mathematics
• Department of Zoology and
• Department of Botany

The faculty also manages its very own online scientific journal, the “Malaysian Journal of Science”.  The Faculty of Science of University Malaya has offered a list of varied undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

2. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Duration: 4 years

Estimated cost: RM 7,520

The Faculty of Science and Technology of UKM began with the establishment of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 1970. It is one of the largest faculties in UKM offering 17 undergraduate programmes that include more than 20 fields of Applied and Pure Science through five schools. The faculty has acquired more than RM 20 million external research grants to support their research activities as well as providing student amenities in their researches.

3. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Duration: 3-4 years

Estimated cost: RM 13,200 to RM 17,600

The Faculty of Science, which was first established as the Division of Basic Sciences in 1972, has been through several restructuring processes, and now consists of four departments: Department of Biology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Mathematics and Department of Physics.

The faculty offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to train their graduates to be qualified scientists in their chosen fields. The Faculty of Science offers two programmes;

·  Bachelor of Science (Honours)

·  Bachelor of Science with education (Honours)

The Faculty of Science UPM also offers outbound mobility programmes to several foreign universities like Kyushu Institute of Technology (Japan), Universiti Negeri Yogyakarta (Indonesia), Universitas Brawijaya (Indonesia) and University of Bologna (Italy).

4. Sunway University

Duration: 3 years

Estimated cost: RM 23,000 to RM 40,000

The School of Science and Technology of Sunway University engaged in active research in support of the University’s ambitions. The close links with Lancaster University provides opportunities for students to get a Lancaster University degree in addition to a Sunway University degree.

Currently, the faculty comprises three Academic Departments and four Research Centres and offers several Science programmes.

5. Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

Duration: 3-4 years

Estimated cost: RM 40,000 to RM 50,000

The Faculty of Science UTAR was set up as an expansion to the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology in mid-August 2009 and is made up of five departments, namely Department of Agricultural and Food Science, Department of Biological Science, Department of Biomedical Science, Department of Chemical Science and Department of Physical and Mathematical Science.

To produce qualified, skilful, knowledgeable and well-informed scientists, the faculty is currently offering 10 science programmes.

Beside the institution listed above, there are other universities and colleges in Malaysia offering courses in Applied and Pure Sciences. If you would like to find more about the courses offered by other universities and colleges and their details, check this out!