Genetics

The Unit of Genetics and Molecular Biology currently has nine academic staff with Doctoral qualifications (PhD) from prestigious Institutes of Higher learning from around the world. In addition to running the undergraduate program (BSc) in Genetics, the faculty members are all actively engaged in research and publication and between them currently supervise over 80 graduate students at the MSc and PhD levels in various areas of genetics and molecular biology including:

1. Microbial genetics, metagenomics, diagnosis and control of microbial disease
2. Human genetic disease detection
3. Plant and animal population and quantitative genetics
4. Plant and animal molecular genetics, molecular improvement, transgenics and RNAi
5. Cytogenetics of humans, plants and animals
6. Molecular Forensics & DNA fingerprinting

To be a centre for education and research that expands knowledge in the Biological Sciences through development of the latest science and technology and produces high standard graduates that are professional, competent and well equipped to contribute to society. Together with the other programs offered by the Institute of Biological Sciences, to:

• contribute to development of the nation through high quality research work addressed to the needs of society and industry
• produce versatile, competitive and innovative graduates who are able explore and implement the latest technology and make efficient use of resources, towards the progress and well being of the country 
• to meet the needs of local and international industry for improved application of technology in order to increase country's productivity

The goals of the BSc Genetics are to:

1. Produce graduates which possess strong basic knowledge in Genetics and Molecular Biology to be applied to various fields and who can contribute to the development of the nation and to sustainable human and environmental development in an ethical and professional manner.
2. Produce graduates skilled in commonly used molecular biology techniques who are able to design and develop research in the field of genetics, molecular biology and related areas, for example biotechnology.
3. Produce graduates in Genetics and Molecular Biology that are highly qualified, broadminded, and posses the knowledge and skills required to join the life science and biotechnology industries, including agricultural, medical, fishery, industrial and pharmaceutical sectors, and are capable of developing and implementing various projects.
4. Produce graduates in the field of Genetics and Molecular Biology that are highly competitive for continued learning to an advanced degree level in the field of life sciences in institutions of higher learning worldwide.

ASSOC. PROF. DR. NG CHING CHING

BSc (UM), MSc, PhD (OSAKA)

Associate Professor
(Coordinator)

Institute of Biological Sciences 
Faculty of Science

03-79675872 (Office)
03-79675908 (Fax)
ccng@um.edu.my

Employment Opportunities

Graduates with a BSc degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology from the University of Malaya can look forward to high employability in positions related to the life sciences and in other fields including management and financial institutions, scientific journalism and public relations. A significant number of graduates from this program continue to graduate degrees (MSc and PhD) in the same field.