Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Applied Science
Academic Session 2012/2013
USM Vision
Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow
USM Mission
USM is a pioneering, transdisciplinary research intensive university
that empowers future talent and enables the bottom billions
to transform their socio-economic well being
i
STUDENT'S PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name
Current Address
Permanent Address
E-mail Address
School
Programme of Study
ii
CONTENTS
SECTION A
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
VISION AND MISSION i
STUDENTS PERSONAL INFORMATION ii
CONTENT iii
ACADEMIC CALENDAR iv
1.0 BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE
1.1 General Information 1
1.2 Areas of Specialization 1
1.3 Programme Structure 2
1.4 Courses Offering 2
* Core Courses 2
* Minor Courses 2
* Elective Courses 3
* Optional Courses 3
* Audit Courses 3
1.5 Course Codes 4
1.6 Classification of year equivalent 4
1.7 Graduation Requirements 4
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ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2012/2013 SESSION
[ 10 SEPTEMBER 2012 8 SEPTEMBER 2013 (52 WEEKS ]
FOR ALL PRGRAMMES [EXCEPT IN THE MEDICAL AND DENTAL SCIENCES PROGRAMMES
New Student Registration = 1 2 September 2012
Orientation Week = 3-9 September 2012
WEEK SEMESTER ACTIVITY DATE
1 Monday, 10/09/12 - Friday, 14/09/12
2 Monday, 17/09/12 - Friday, 21/09/12
3 Duration of Monday, 24/09/11 - Friday, 28/09/12
4 SEMESTER I Teaching and Monday, 01/10/12 - Friday, 05/10/12
5 Learning Monday, 08/10/12 - Friday, 12/10/12
6 Monday, 15/10/12 - Friday, 19/10/12
7 Monday, 22/10/12 - Friday, 26/10/12
8 Monday, 29/10/12 - Friday, 024/11/12
9 Monday, 05/11/12 Friday, 09/11/12
10 Mid Semester Break Saturday, 10/11/12 - Sunday,18/11/12
11 Monday, 19/11/12 Friday, 23/11/12
12 Duration of Monday, 26/11/12 - Friday, 30/11/12
13 Teaching and Monday, 03/12/12 - Friday, 07/12/12
14 SEMESTER I Learning Monday, 10/12/11 - Friday, 14/12/12
15 Monday, 17/12/12 Friday, 21/12/12
16 Revision Week Saturday, 22/12/12 Monday,01/01/13
17 Wednesday, 02/01/13 - Saturday,05/01/13
18 Examinations Monday, 07/01/13 - Saturday, 12/01/13
19 Monday, 14/01/13 - Friday, 18/01/13
20 - 23 INTER-SEMESTER BREAK I & II Saturday, 19/01/13 - Sunday, 17/02/13
24 Monday, 18/02/13 - Friday, 22/02/13
25 Monday, 25/02/13 - Friday, 01/03/13
Duration of
26 SEMESTER II Monday, 04/03/13 - Friday, 08/03/13
Teaching and
27 Monday, 11/03/13 - Friday, 15/03/13
Learning
28 Monday, 18/03/13 - Friday, 22/03/13
29 Monday, 25/03/13 Friday, 29/03/13
30 Monday, 01/04/13 Friday, 05/04/13
31 Mid Semester Break Saturday, 06/04/13 - Sunday, 14/04/13
32 Monday,15/04/13 - Friday 19/04/13
33 Monday, 22/04/13 - Friday, 26/04/13
Duration of
34 SEMESTER II Monday, 29/04/13 - Friday, 03/05/13
Teaching and
35 Monday, 06/05/13 - Friday, 10/05/13
Learning
36 Monday, 13/05/13 - Friday, 17/05/13
37 Monday, 20/05/13 - Friday, 24/05/13
38 Monday, 27/05/13 - Friday, 31/05/13
39 Revision Week Saturday, 01/06/13 - Sunday, 09/06/13
40 Monday, 10/06/13 - Friday, 14/06/13
41 Examinations Monday, 17/06/13 - Friday, 21/06/13
42 Monday, 24/06/13 - Friday, 28/06/13
Inter-Academic Session Break/
43-52 Saturday, 29/06/13 - Sunday, 08/09/13
Industrial Training/ KSCP
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1.0 BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE
The Bachelor of Applied Science programme with Honours is offered by the School of
Pure Sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics) to increase the intake of
Applied Science students as well as to instill the aspects of Applied Science in the offered
courses.
In line with the governments aspiration and emphasis to expand heavy industries and the
transfer of technology, a strong training in all fields of applied science and industrial
technology is needed. Due to increasing demand, a Bachelor of Applied Science
programme is offered by the School of Pure Sciences to produce graduates who are
capable of carrying out research and development works in industries. All efforts are
carried out to fulfil and to provide manpower needs at the degree level in all fields of
applied science and industrial technology.
1
1.3 Proramme Structure
Students from the School of Physics, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and
Mathematical Sciences can choose a Major-Minor or a Major-Elective specialization
programs. Both specialization programs require a minimum total of 105 credit units for
graduation, to be accumulated in the duration of 6 10 semesters. The units requirement
is divided into several parts as follows:
Students are required to register for the undergraduate courses in two semesters, that is
Semester 1 and Semester 2. Courses are offered and examined in the same semester.
Courses offered are categorized into three levels, viz levels 100, 200 and 300, suitable to
the requirements of a three-year study program.
Courses offered according to the needs of the degree program structure of the Pure
Science Schools are grouped as Basic course, Core course, Minor/Elective course,
University/Optional course and Audit course.
Core Courses
Core course is a compulsory course package which aims at giving a deeper understanding
of an area of specialization /major. Students need to accumulate 70 units of the core
courses which have been identified by each School.
Minor Courses
Students are allowed to take a Minor (16 units) in any of the area of Minors offered by the
University. In addition, students are required to take 4 units from the Elective courses to
corroborate the Major component. Examples of Minor packages include Management,
Computer Sciences, English Language and Journalism. Please refer to the Minor
Program Guide Book for a complete list and further details.
2
Elective Courses
Students who do not choose a Minor area are required to take Elective courses. In this
case, students need to accumulate no less than 20 units from other courses which are
acknowledged by the School.
Optional Courses
Optional Courses are courses chosen by students from among those that are outside their
program of study. For Science students, an Optional course is a course that is outside
those that are offered by the Pure Science Schools.
The main objective of an Optional Course is as a substitute course for students who do
not take Cocurriculum courses, and Skill/Analysis courses.
Audit Courses
In principle, the university allows students to register for any courses on an audit basis for
the purpose of enhancing the students knowledge in specific fields during the duration of
their study. However, the units of any such audit courses will not be taken into
consideration for graduation purposes.
[a] Students can register for courses on an audit basis for the purpose of augmenting
his/her knowledge in specific fields. Registration for the said course must be done
within the course registration week.
[b] Only students of active status are allowed to register for courses on an audit basis.
[c] Courses registered for on an audit basis are designated as code Y courses. This
designation will be indicated on the relevant academic transcript. A space at the
bottom of the academic transcript will be reserved for listing the courses registered
for on an audit basis.
[d] Courses registered for on an audit basis will not be taken into consideration in
determining the minimum and maximum units of courses registered for.
[e] Students must fulfil all course requirements. Students who register for courses on
an audit basis, are not obligated to sit for any examinations pertaining to that
course. A grade R will be awarded irrespective as to whether the student had or
had not sat for the examination.
3
1.5 Course Codes
Every course offered in USM is given a code in the form XYZ klm/n where
X -
represent each school of sciences as follows:
[a] Fulfil the minimum required residential requirements during the course of
studies.
[b] Fulfil all the credit requirements of the course and required units for each
component [Core, Elective, Option and University Courses].
[c] Obtain a CGPA of 2.00 and above for Core Components.
[d] Obtain a CGPA of 2.00 and above for the programme.
[c] Achieve a minimum grade C or a grade point of 2.00 for Bahasa Malaysia,
English Language, Islamic and Asian Civilization and Ethnic Relations course.
[d] Achieve a minimum grade C or a grade point of 2.00 for certain courses [if
required]
4
2.0 ACADEMIC SYSTEM AND GENERAL INFORMATION
Further enquiries about course registration activities for the first degree and
diploma can be made at any time at the office of the Student Data &
Records Section.
i) E-Daftar (E-Registration)
5
Under E-Daftar, students can register any courses offered by USM,
except co-curriculum courses. Registration of Co-curriculum courses is
still placed under the administration of the Director of the Centre for
Co-Curriculum Programme at the Main Campus or the Coordinator of
the Co-Curriculum Programme at the Engineering Campus and the
Coordinator of the Co-Curriculum Programme at the Health Campus.
Official period for OCR normally starts on the first day of the semester
(without the penalty charge of RM50.00). After this official period, the
registration will be considered late. (The penalty of RM50.00 will be
imposed if no reasonable excuse is given.) During the non-penalty
period, OCR will be conducted at each school. After Week Six, all
registration, including adding and dropping courses will be
administered by the Examination & Graduation Section Office
(Academic Management Division, Registry).
6
2.1.3 The Frequency of Course Registration in One Academic Session
ii) Long semester break (about one month after the final examination of
Semester 2)
- Once per year
- Applicable for relevant students only.
ii) The number of maximum and minimum units that can be registered in
every semester are stated as below:
7
iii) Type of course codes during registration:-
Grade and number of units obtain from these courses are not considered
for graduation
v) Students are not allowed to register and to repeat any course that has
achieved a grade 'C' and above.
8
2.1.6 Registration of Language and Co-Curriculum Courses
However, if any problem occurs, registration for language courses can still be
carried out / updated during the official period of OCR at the office of the
School of Language, Literacies & Translation.
All approval / registration / dropping / adding of the language courses are under
the responsibility and administration of the School of Language, Literacies &
Translation.
Any problems related to the registration of language courses can be made to the
School of Language, Literacies & Translation. The contact details are as follow:
General Office : 04-6534542 for Main
Malay Language Programme Chairperson : 04-6533974 Campus
English Language Programme Chairperson : 04-6533406 students
Foreign Language Programme Chairperson : 04-6533396
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2.1.7 Registration of Audit Course (Y code)
Late course registration or addition is not allowed after the official period of
the OCR ends without any reasonable excuses. General information on this
matter is as follows:
i) Late course registration and addition are only allowed in the first to
the third week with the approval of the Dean. Students will be fined
RM50.00 if the reasons given are not reasonable.
ii) Application to add a course after the third week will not be
considered, except for the special cases approved by the University.
For this purpose, students must meet the requirements set by the University
as follows: -
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ii) Students who wish to drop a language course must obtain the signature
and stamp of the Dean of the School of Language, Literacies and
Translation, as well as the signature and stamp of the Dean of their
respective schools.
iii) Students who wish to drop the Co-Curriculum courses must obtain the
approval of the Centre for Co-Curriculum Programme and the signature
and stamp of the Dean of their respective schools.
iv) The option for dropping courses cannot be misused. Lecturers have the
right not to certify the course that the student wish to drop if the student
is not serious, such as the record of attendance at lectures, tutorials and
practical is unsatisfactory, as well as poor performance in course work.
The student will be denied to sit for the examination and will be given
grade 'X' and is not allowed to repeat the course during the period of
Courses during the Long Vacation (KSCP).
Course registration confirmation slip that has been printed / obtained after
registering the course should be checked carefully to ensure no errors,
especially the code type of the registered course codes. Any data errors for
course registration must be corrected immediately whether during the period
of E-Daftar (for student with active status only) or during the period of OCR
at the Schools.
Personal and academic information for each student can be checked through
the Campus Online portal (campusonline.usm.my).
Students are advised to always check all the information displayed on this
website.
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- Application / notification for correction of the examination/results data
should be reported to the office of the Examination and Graduation
Section.
Each School will appoint an Academic Advisor for each student. Academic
Advisors are comprised of academic staff (lecturers). Normally,
confirmation from Academic Advisors will be made known to every student
during the first semester in the first year of their studies.
Academic Advisors will advice the students under their responsibility on the
academic-related matters. Among the important advice for the student is the
registration planning for certain courses in each semester during the study
period. Before registering the course, students are advised to consult and
discuss with their Academic Advisor to determine the courses to be
registered in a semester.
Final year students are advised to consult their respective academic advisors
before registering via E-Daftar to ensure they fulfil the graduation
requirements. Students under the Probation status (P1/P2) should obtain the
approval from the Academic Advisor before they register for courses in a
semester through OCR at the School and they are not allowed to register
through E-Daftar.
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b) Contact
Units registered and passed are known as credits. To graduate, students must
accumulate the total number of credits stipulated for the program concerned.
Examination would be held at the end of every semester. Students have to sit for
the examination of the courses they have registered. Students are required to
settle all due fees and fulfil the standing requirements for
lectures/tutorials/practical and other requirements before being allowed to sit for
the examination of courses they registered. Course evaluation will be based on
the two components of coursework and final examinations. Coursework
evaluation includes tests, essays, projects, assignments and participation in
tutorials.
Duration of Examination
Students will be barred from sitting the final examination if they do not satisfy
the course requirements, such as absence from lectures and tutorials for at least
70%, and have not completed/fulfilled the required components of coursework.
Students will also be barred from sitting the final examination if they have not
settled the academic fees. A grade 'X' would be awarded for a course in which a
student is barred. Students will not be allowed repeating the course during
Course during the Long Vacation (KSCP).
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Grade Point Average System
Alphabetic
A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F
Grade
Grade
4.00 3.67 3.33 3.00 2.67 2.33 2.00 1.67 1.33 1.00 0.67 0
Points
Students awarded with grade 'C-' and below for a particular course would
be given a chance to improve their grades by repeating the course during the
KSCP (See below) or normal semester. Students awarded with grade 'C' and
above for a particular course will not be allowed to repeat the course whether
during KSCP or normal semester.
n
Ui Mi
Grade Point Average = i=1
__________
n
Ui
i=1
where
n = Number of courses taken
Ui = Course units for course i
Mi = Grade point for course i
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Example of calculation for GPA and CGPA:
From the above examples, the CGPA is calculated as the total grade
point accumulated for all the registered courses and divided by the total number
of the registered units.
15
Courses During the Long Vacation (Kursus Semasa Cuti Panjang) (KSCP)
KSCP is offered to students who have taken a course earlier and obtained
a grade of 'C-', 'D+', 'D', 'D-', 'F' and 'DK' only. Students who have obtained 'X'
or 'F*' grade are not allowed to take the course during KSCP.
However, this opportunity is only given to students who are taking courses that
they have attempted before and achieved a grade as stipulated above, provided
that the course is being offered. Priority is given to the final year students.
Usually, formal lectures are not held, and teaching is via tutorials.
b) Marks/grades for coursework are taken from the highest marks/the best
grades obtained in a particular course in the normal semester before KSCP.
The final overall grade is determined as follows:
c) GPA calculation involves the LATEST grades (obtained in KSCP) and also
involves courses taken in the second semester and those repeated in KSCP.
If the GPA during KSCP as calculated above is 2.00 or better, the
academic status will be active, even though the academic status for the
second semester was on probation status. However, if the GPA for KSCP
(as calculated above) is 1.99 or below, the academic status will remain as
probation status for the second semester.
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d) Graduating students (those who have fulfilled the graduation requirements)
in the second semester are not allowed to register for KSCP.
Academic Status
Active Status: Any student who achieves a GPA of 2.00 and above for any
examination in a semester will be recognised as ACTIVE and be allowed to
pursue his/her studies for the following semester.
Probation Status: A probation status is given to any student who achieves a GPA
of 1.99 and below. A student who is under probation status for three consecutive
semesters (P1, P2, FO) will not be allowed to pursue his/her studies at the
university. On the other hand, if the CGPA is 2.00 and above, the student
concerned will be allowed to pursue his/her studies and will be maintained at P2
status.
The University Examination Council has the right to terminate any student's
studies due to certain reasons (a student who has not registered for the courses,
has not attended examination without valid reasons), as well as medical reasons
can be disqualified from pursuing his/her studies.
Examination Result
17
Full result (grade) can be enquired through the Tele-academic line: (600-83-
7899), Campus Online Portal and short message service (SMS) will be released
and announced after the University Examination Council meeting and is usually
two weeks after the provisional results are released.
The official semester results (SEMGRED) will be issued to students during the
second week of the following semester.
Unit exemption is defined as the total number of units given to students who are
pursuing their studies in USM that are exempted from the graduation
requirements. Students only need to accumulate the remaining units for
graduating purpose. Only passes or course grades accumulated or acquired in
USM will be included in the calculation of the Cumulative Grade Point Average
(CGPA) for graduation purpose.
ii) Courses for unit exemption may be combined (in two or more
combinations) in order to obtain exemption of one course at degree
level. However if the School would like to approve only one course at
the diploma level for unit exemption of one course at degree level, the
course at diploma level must be equivalent to the degree course and has
the same or more units.
iii) Courses taken during employment (in service) for diploma holders
cannot be considered for unit exemption.
iv) The minimum achievement at diploma level that can be considered for
unit exemption is at least 'C' grade or 2.0 or equivalent.
18
vi) In order to obtain unit exemption for industrial training, a student must
have work experience continuously for at least two years in the area. If
the student has undergone industrial training during the diploma level
study, a student must have work experience for at least one year. The
students are also required to produce the report on the level and type of
work performed. Industrial training unit exemption cannot be
considered for semester exemption as the industrial training is carried
out during the long vacation in USM.
vii) Unit exemption for university and option courses can only be given for
courses such as Bahasa Malaysia (LKM400), English Language,
Islamic and Asian Civilisations and as well as co-curriculum.
i) Courses taken in the previous IPT are equivalent (at least 50% of the
course must be the same) with courses offered in USM.
iii) The total maximum unit exemption allowed should not exceed one third
of the total unit requirement for graduation.
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Total Number of Exempted Semesters
Any student who would like to apply for exemption unit is required to complete
the Unit Exemption Form which can be obtained at the counter of Admission and
Enrolments Unit or the respective schools.
The form must to be approved by the Dean/Deputy Dean of the School prior to
the submission to the Admission and Enrolments Unit for consideration.
USM full-time Bachelor Degree level students who would like to attend specific
Bachelor Degree level courses at other IPTA.
USM full-time diploma level students who would like to attend specific diploma
level courses at other IPTA.
Conditions
i) Credit transfer can only be considered for credits obtained from other
courses in other IPTA that are equivalent (at least 50% of the content
are the same) with the courses offered by the programme.
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ii) Courses that can be transferred are only courses that have the same
number of units or more. For equivalent courses but with less number
of units, credit transfers can be approved by combining a few courses.
Credits transferred are the same as the course units as offered in USM.
Average grade of the combined course will be taken into account in
CGPA calculation.
ii) The transferred credits are credits obtained from courses at other IPTA.
No course equivalence condition is required.
c) Minor Courses
i) For credit transfer of minor courses, the School should adhere to either
conditions (a) or (b), and take into account of the programme
requirement.
d) The total maximum units transferred should not exceed one third of the total
number of units for the programme.
e) Credit exemption from other IPTA can be considered only once for each
IPTA.
g) Students who have applied and approved for credit transfer are not allowed
to cancel the approval after the examination result is obtained.
h) Students are required to register courses at other IPTA with not less than the
total minimum units as well as not exceeding the maximum units as
stipulated in their programme of study. However, for specific cases (e.g.
students on extended semester and only require a few units for graduation),
the Dean may approve such students to register less than the minimum and
the semester will not be counted in the residential requirement. In this case,
the CGPA calculation will be carried out as in KSCP.
i) USM students attending courses at other IPTA and if failed in any courses
are allowed to resit the examination if there is such provision in that IPTA.
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j) If the method of calculation of examination marks in the other IPTA is not
the same as in USM, a grade conversion method will be carried out
according to the existing scales.
k) USM students who have registered courses at other IPTA and decided to
return to study in USM, must adhere to the existing course registration
conditions in USM.
USM students who would like to attend courses/credit transfer at other IPTAs
should apply using Unit Exemption Form.
The application form should be submitted for the Dean's approval for the
programme of study within three months before the application is submitted to
other IPTA for consideration.
Being a student of the University Sains Malaysia requires a firm adherence to the
basic values, integrity, purpose and meaning of a university education. The most
essential values in academia are rooted on the principles of truth seeking in
knowledge and honesty with regards to the intellectual property of oneself and of
others. Thus, students must bear the responsibility of maintaining these
principles in all work done in their academic endeavour.
(a) Cheating
22
Tampering with marked/graded work after it has been returned, then
resubmitting it for remarking/regrading.
Allowing others to do the research, writing, programming, or other
types of assignment.
Submitting identical or similar work in more than one course without
consulting or prior permission from the lecturers involved.
Below is an excerpt from the University and University College Act 1971,
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Discipline of Students, Rule 1999 regarding conduct
during examination (Part II, Provision 8):
8. No student can-
(a) take any form of books, worksheets, documents, pictures or any
other materials, other than those authorised by the examiner, into or
out of any examination room, or receive any form of books,
worksheets, documents, pictures or any other materials from
outsiders when in examination room. Students can receive any form
of books, worksheets, documents, pictures or any other materials
recommended by the examiner or the Board of Examiners, and
authorized by the Vice-Chancellor
(b) write, or have somebody else to write, any information or to draw
diagrams which can be related to the examination taken by the
student, on any parts of the body, or on the clothings worn by the
student.
(c) contact with other students during an examination through any form
of communication, or
(d) cheat or try to cheat or act in any way that can be interpreted as
cheating.
(b) Plagiarism
23
Giving incorrect information about the source of reference.
Not acknowledging collaborators in an assignment, paper, project or
research.
Below is an excerpt from the University and University College Act 1971,
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Discipline of Students, Rule 1999 regarding
prohibition against plagiarism (Part II, Provision 6):
6. (1) A student shall not plagiarise any idea, writing, data or invention
belonging to another person.
24
or field work findings or data obtained through library
research, whether published or unpublished, and incorporate
those data as part of his/her academic research without giving
due acknowledgement to the actual source;
(e) uses research data obtained through collaborative work with
some other person, whether or not that other person is a staff
member or a student of the University, as part of another
distinct personal academic research of his/her, or for a
publication In his/her own name as sole author, without
obtaining the consent of his/her co-researchers prior to
embarking on his/her personal research or prior to publishing
the data;
(f) transcribes the ideas or creations of others kept in whatever
form, whether written, printed or available in electronic form,
or in slide form, or in whatever form of teaching or research
apparatus, or in any other form, and claims whether directly or
indirectly that he/she is the creator of that idea or creation;
(g) translates the writing or creation of another person from one
language to another whether or not wholly or partly, and
subsequently presents the translation in whatever form or
manner as his/her own writing or creation; or
(h) extracts ideas from another person's writing or creation and
makes certain modifications without due reference to the
original source and rearranges them in such a way that it
appears as if he/she is the creator of those ideas.
(c) Fabrication
25
(d) Collusion
The School does not differentiate between those who commit an act of
academic dishonesty with those who knowingly allow or help others in
performing those acts. Some examples of collusion include:
If the violation is deemed serious by the lecturer, the matter will be brought
to the attention of the University Disciplinary Authority where appropriate
action will be taken. If a student is caught in an examination, the University
26
Examination Board will pursue the matter according to the university's
procedure. The consequence then may range from a warning, fine not
exceeding RM200, exclusion from any specific part or parts of the
University for a specified period, suspension from being a student of the
University for a specified period, or expulsion from the University
(University and University College Act 1971, Universiti Sains Malaysia,
Discipline of Students, Rule 1999).
Below is an excerpt from the University and University College Act 1971,
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Discipline of Students, Rule 1999 regarding
Disciplinary Punishment (Part II, Provision 48):
Disciplinary punishment
48. A student who commits a disciplinary offense under these Rules and
found guilty of the offense can be punished according to any one or any
two or more of the following appropriate actions;
(a) warning;
(b) fine not more than two hundred ringgit;
(c) banned from entering any or certain premises of the University for
a specified period;
(d) suspended from being a student of the University for a specified
period;
(e) dismissed from the University
(a) As a co-operation and mutual assistance mechanism for dealing with stress,
psychosocial problems and many more in order to reinforce the well-being
of the USM community.
(b) To inculcate the spirit of unity and the concept of helping one another by
appointing a well-trained mentor as a social agent who promotes caring
society for USM
(c) To produce more volunteers to assist those who need help
(d) To prevent damages in any psychosocial aspects before they reach a critical
stage.
For more information, please visit www.usm.my/mentor
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2.7 Student Exchange Programme
Studies abroad are planned beforehand with the Dean or Deputy Dean of
the respective School, and with the International Office. Credits earned at
an associate university are transferable as a part of credit accumulation for
graduation.
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3.0 UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS
2 English Language 4
3 Local Students 6
Islamic and Asian Civilisations (TITAS) (2 Units)
Ethnic Relations (2 Units)
Core Entrepreneurship* (2 Units)
International Students
Malaysian Studies (4 Units)
Option/Bahasa Malaysia/English Language (2 Units)
Total 15 22
* Students from Schools which have a similar course as this are exempted from
following this course. The units should be replaced by an option course.
** Students from the School of Education are required to choose a uniformed body co-
curriculum package. Students from the School of Medical Sciences and School of
Dentistry are required to register two (2) units of Co-Curriculum course in year Two.
Students from the School of Health Sciences are required to register one (1) unit of
Co-Curriculum course.
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All Malaysian students must take LKM400 and pass with the minimum of grade
C in order to graduate.
Entry requirements for Bahasa Malaysia are as follows:
Note: To obtain credit units for Bahasa Malaysia courses, a minimum grade
of C is required.
Students may obtain advice from the School of Languages, Literacies
and Translation if they have different Bahasa Malaysia qualification
from the above.
All international students in this category are required to take the following
courses:
International students in this category are required to take and pass three
Intensive Malay Language courses before they commence their Bachelors
degree programmes.
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The Bahasa Malaysia graduation requirement for this category of students is as
follows:
Note: Students must pass with a minimum grade of C for type U courses.
All Bachelors degree students must take 4 units of English Language courses in
fulfillment of the University requirement for graduation.
31
Note:
Students are required to accumulate four (4) units of English for graduation.
In order to obtain units in English Language courses, students have to pass with
a minimum grade of C.
Students with a Score 260 - 300 (Band 6) in MUET must accumulate the 4 units
of English from the courses in the post-advanced level
(LHP451/452/453/454/455/456/457/ 458/459*). They can also take foreign
language courses to replace their English language units but they must first
obtain a written consent from the Dean of the School of Languages, Literacies
and Translation.
(Please use the form that can be obtained from the School of Languages,
Literacies and Translation.)
[*The number of units for LHP457 is 4 and for LHP451, 452, 453, 454, 455,
456, 458 and 459 is 2.]
Students with a score of 179 and below in MUET are required to resit MUET to
improve their score to Band 4 or take LMT100 and pass with a minimum grade
of C.
(b) English Language Courses (Compulsory English Language Units)
The English Language courses offered as University courses are as follows:
32
5. LSP403/2 Business and Students from:
Communication School of Management
English School of Communication
6. LSP404/2 Technical and Students from:
Engineering School of Computer Sciences
English School of Housing, Building and
Planning
Schools of Engineering
7. LDN 101/2 English For Students from School of Health
Nursing I Sciences
8. LDN 201/2 English For Students from School of Health
Nursing II Sciences
33
provide an understanding and awareness in managing the complexity of ethnic
relations in Malaysia. At the end of this course, it is hoped that students will be
able to identify and apply the skills to issues associated with ethnic relations in
Malaysia.
The following course is compulsory to pass (with a minimum grade of C) for all
international students:
34
democracy will be considered, especially in light of current changes and
developments in Malaysian politics. The second part of the course focuses on
specific issues: ethnic relations, national unity and the national ideology;
35
Armed Uniformed/Seni Silat Cekak Co-Curriculum Package
(6 Units) (3 years)
All students are encouraged to follow the co-curriculum courses and are
given a maximum total of 6 units for Community Service, Culture,
Sports, Innovation & Initiatives and Leadership (Students from the
School of Medical Sciences and School of Dentistry are required to
register for two (2) units of Co-Curriculum course in Year Two).
(Students from the School of Health Sciences must take at least one of
the co-curriculum courses while those from the School of Education
must take the uniformed co-curriculum package [excluding Seni Silat
Cekak]). Students who do not enroll for any co-curriculum courses or
who enroll for only a portion of the 3 units need to replace these units
with skill/option courses. The co-curriculum, skill and option courses
offered are as follows:
36
Packaged
(Students are required to complete all levels)
Khidmat Masyarakat Jazz Band Karate Taekwondo
(Community Service) (3 Years) (3 Semesters) (3 Semesters)
(2 Years)
WKM101/1 WCC108/1 WSC108/1 WSC115/1
WKM201/1 WCC208/1 WSC208/1 WSC215/1
WCC308/1 WSC308/1 WSC315/1
Non-Packaged (1 Semester)
Culture Sports
WCC103/1 - Catan (Painting) WSC105/1 - Bola Tampar (Volley
Ball)
WCC105/1 - Gamelan WSC106/1 - Golf
WCC107/1 - Guitar WSC110/1 - Memanah (Archery)
WCC109/1 - Koir (Choir) WSC111/1 - Ping Pong
(Table Tennis)
WCC110/1 - Kraftangan WSC112/1 - Renang (Swimming)
(Handcrafting)
WCC115/1 - Tarian Moden WSC113/1 - Aerobik (Aerobic)
(Modern Dance)
WCC116/1 - Tarian Tradisional WSC114/1 - Skuasy (Squash)
(Traditional Dance)
WCC117/1 - Teater Moden WSC116/1 - Tenis (Tennis)
(Modern Theatre)
WCC118/1 - Wayang Kulit Melayu WSC119/1 - Badminton
(Malay Shadow Play)
WCC119/1 - Senaman Qigong Asas WSC122/1 - Selaman SCUBA
(Basic Qigong Exercise) (SCUBA Diving)
WCC219 Senaman Qigong WSC123/1 - Kriket (Cricket)
Pertengahan (Intermediate
Qigong Exercise)
WCC124/1 Kompang Berlagu WCC124/1 Sepak Takraw
WCC122/1 - Seni Memasak WSC 125/1 Futsal
(Culinary Art)
WCC127/1 Kesenian Muzik WSC 126/1 Bola Jaring (Netball)
Nasyid (Nasyid Musical
Art)
37
Innovation & Initiative Leadership (Kepimpinan)
WCC120/1 - Canting Batik (Batik WSC 127/1 Pengurusan Acara 1
Painting) (Event Management 1)
WCC121/1 - Seni Khat WSC 227/1 Pengurusan Acara 2
(Calligraphic Art) (Event Management 2)
WCC125/1 Seni Wau Tradisional
(Traditional Kite Art)
WCC128 Seni Sulaman & Manik
Labuci (Embroidery &
Beads Sequins Art)
WCC 130 Seni Fotografi SLR
Digital (Digital SLR
Photography Art)
38
(v) Foreign Language Courses
39
SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL
SCIENCES
40
SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL SCIENCES
VISION
MISSION
OBJECTIVES
41
INTRODUCTION
The School of Chemical Sciences (SCS), established in 1969, is one of the pioneering
Schools of USM. With an academic staff of more than 30 and over 50 supporting staff,
the School has been entrusted to provide professional training in chemistry to meet the
demands of the industries and society.
The programme is designed not only to produce graduates with a solid knowledge of
Chemistry but also to equip them with attributes so that they can adapt readily to a
dynamic and rapidly developing working environment. The academic programme
[Bachelor of Science with Honours, B.Sc. (Hons) and Bachelor of Applied Science
B.App.Sc.(Hons)] from the School of Chemical Sciences, USM is planned to produce
graduates who are knowledgeable, highly skilled and well-mannered and possess
excellent work ethics suited for the requirements of the industrial and public sector.
In line with this aspiration, the School of Chemical Sciences has designed courses in such
a manner that they can be modified and adjusted from time to time to suit the requirement
of an unpredictable future. The School follows a system of studies which is liberal and
multi-disciplinary in nature.
PROGRAMMES OFFERED
These programmes which are recognised by the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry (Institut
Kimia Malaysia) also include 8 weeks of industrial training with industrial partners,
commercial and research laboratories. Students are also encouraged to register for the
final year research project (which covers 2 semesters) during their final year.
The postgraduate programmes offered, either by research mode leading to M.Sc. and
Ph.D. or mixed-mode M.Sc. (Chemical Instrumentation), have managed to attract fellow
Malaysian and many foreign nationals.
SPECIALISATION
The School has given priority in creating a healthy research environment with a total of
over 200 postgraduate students engaging in various areas of research including natural
products, organic synthesis, nanoscience, electrochemistry, liquid crystals,
organometallics, environmental chemistry, materials chemistry and chemical education.
Many of our academic staff have been well endowed with research grants and funding
from government bodies and industries to support these research activities.
42
MAIN ADMINISTRATIVE STAF
DEAN
Assoc Prof. Afidah Abdul Rahim Prof. Norita Mohamed Prof. Mohd Jain Noordin Mohd Kassim
(Academic & Student Development) (Research & Postgraduates Studies) ( Industrial Linkages/ Training and Alumni)
PROGRAMME MANAGER
Assoc Prof. Rohana Adnan Prof. Sulaiman Ab. Ghani Assoc. Prof. Wan Saime Prof. Farook Adam
(Pure Science Programme) (Applied Science Programme) Wan Ngah (MUPA, Research Equipment
(Teaching & Learning for & Information Technology)
Level 100)
43
ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
TELEPHONE
ADMINISTRATION E-MAIL
EXTENSION
Dean wakcm@usm.my
Prof. Wan Ahmad Kamil Mahmood 3262/3685 dean_chem@usm.my
Deputy Dean
(Industrial Linkages/Training and
Alumni 4023 mjain@usm.my
Prof. Mohd Jain Noordin Mohd Kassim
PROGRAMME MANAGER
Assistant Registrar
Ms. Sheilawanis Binti Abdul Karim 3541 anisab@.usm.my
44
ACADEMIC STAFF
TELEPHONE
PROFESSOR EXTENSION E-MAIL
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Abdussalam Salhin Mohamed Ali, Dr. 3562 abdussalam@usm.my
(Contract Lecturer)
Afidah Abdul Rahim, Dr. 3913 afidah@usm.my
Hasnah Osman, Dr. 3558 ohasnah@usm.my
Mas Rosemal Hakim Mas Haris, Dr. 3563 mas1@usm.my
Mohamad Nasir Mohamad Ibrahim, Dr. 3554 mnm@usm.my
Rohana Adnan, Dr. 3549 r_adnan@usm.my
Seng Chye Eng, Dr. 3546 ceseng@usm.my
Wan Saime Wan Ngah, Dr. 3569 wsaime@usm.my
SENIOR LECTURER
Amat Ngilmi Ahmad Sujari, Dr. 3637 angilmi@usm.my
Che Su Endud, Pn. 4032 chesu@usm.my
Melati Khairuddean, Dr. 3560 melati@usm.my
Noor Hana Hanif Abu Bakar, Dr. 4025 hana_hanif@usm.my
Ng Eng Poh, Dr. 4021 epng@usm.my
Rosenani S.M. Anwarul Haque, Dr. 3578 rosenani@usm.my
Oo Chuan Wei, Dr. 3680 oocw@usm.my
Yam Wan Sinn, Dr. 3558 wansinn@usm.my
45
LECTURER TELEPHONE E-MAIL
EXTENSION
Lee Hooi Ling, Dr. 3547 limgk@usm.my
Lim Gin Keat, Dr. 3547 limgk@usm.my
Yeoh Kar Kheng, Dr. 5179 kkyeoh@usm.my
RESEARCH OFFICER
Che Sofiah Saidin 3549 csofiah@usm.my
Kirupanithi A/P Pooranavelu 3680 kirupa@usm.my
Manoharan Veeran 3566 vmano@usm.my
Nordin Mohamed 3559 nordin@usm.my
Rabiah Bee Abdul Carrim 3561 rabiah@usm.my
Siti Mariam Suja 3548 smariam@usm.my
SCIENCE OFFICER
MUPA Lab
Saripah Azizah Mansor 3577 saripahazizah@usm.my
46
TELEPHONE
SENIOR LAB ASSISTANT E-MAIL
EXTENSION
Organic Chemistry Section
Chow Cheng Por 3571 cpchow@usm.my
Chemicals Store
Mohamad Noor Abd Aziz 3570 monaz@usm.my
Abd Rahman Othman 3570 abdulrahmano@usm.my
Deans Stenographer
Rohaina Shaik Jamaludin 3262 rohaina@usm.my
Administrative Assistant
Yeoh Chooi Ling 3973 chooiling@usm.my
47
LABORATORY EQUIPMENTS SERVICES
48
GENERAL INFORMATION
Career
The School of Chemical Sciences was established in 1969 and has produced quality
graduates who possess experience and skills in line with the programmes offered. The
School is staffed with experienced lecturers and equipped with modern instruments in
both the teaching and research laboratories. As such, the graduates can pursue careers in
public and private companies such as the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), the
Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), the Forestry
Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and the Chemistry Department. Graduates can also
work in marketing companies such as Perkin Elmer, Mecomb, Interscience etc. In
addition, there are opportunities for graduates to serve as chemists and engineers in the
electronics industry, such as Intel, Dynacraft, and Solectron. Graduates can also venture
into other fields or pursue MSc. or PhD degrees in the School.
All graduates of the School of Chemical Sciences automatically become members of the
Chemistry Alumni. It is hoped that participation in activities organised by the Chemistry
Alumni or the Alumni of the School of Chemical Sciences will foster better relationship
and cooperation among members and also with the School for the benefits of all. It is
hoped that nostalgia and love towards the alma mater can be brought back through the
Chemistry Alumni.
All graduates of the School of Chemical Sciences can update their information or register
as members by using the on-line form via htpp://www.usm.my/chem./alumni. htm
(d) USM Gold Medal Award (awarded by Tun Dato Seri Dr. Lim Chong Eu)
For the best final year student in the Bachelor of Science.
(e) USM Gold Medal Award (awarded by Nestle Products Sdn. Bhd.)
For the best final year student in the Bachelor of Applied Science.
49
(f) USM Gold Medal Award (awarded by Chemical Company of Malaysia
Bhd.)
For the best final year student in the field of Chemistry.
(h) Deans Certificate will be awarded to any student in the School of Chemical
Sciences who has achieved academic excellence. The certificate will be awarded
every semester.
Students in the School of Chemical Sciences are encouraged not only to pursue academic
excellence but also to be active in extra-curricular and self-development activities. This is
made possible through Persatuan Sains Kimia which functions to safeguard the students
welfare and also provide a platform for them to cultivate their interests in various fields.
Higher Education
Students who are interested to pursue higher degrees can choose any of the following
programmes:
(a) Full or part-time programme leading to degrees in Master of Science and Doctor
of Philosophy by research.
(b) Full or part-time mixed mode programme (a combination of course work and
research) leading to a Master of Science degree.
50
Facilities
The School is equipped with teaching and research laboratories as well as modern
equipment to ensure high quality teaching. Existing analytical and characterisation
instruments include NMR 300 and 400 MHz, ICP-MS, GC/MS, DSC-TGA and GPC,
CHN Analyser, various types of HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV, IR, AAS and fluorescence
spectrophotometers, electroanalytical system, Guoy balance, porosimeter, sintering
equipment, electroplating apparatus and other supporting equipment. The School is also
equipped with Electronics and Glass-Blowing Workshops as well as other related
instruments.
The expertise and facilities available in the School of Chemical Sciences are always
tapped by the industries and government agencies to help in solving problems faced by
them. In line with the desire to improve the consultancy services offered by the School,
the School of Chemical Sciences has taken a proactive step by setting up an Analytical
Services Unit (MUPA) to offer more effective services for the industrial sector.
51
COURSE STRUCTURE
Second year students are encouraged to apply for undergoing Industrial Training
(KIE 360/0) at the end of second year subjected to the conditions imposed by the
School. Students will be graded either PASS (P) or FAIL (F) after fulfilling all
the requirements.
Students are encouraged to register for KUE 309/6 Chemistry Project during
their final year of studies. This involves conducting research work for two
semesters and submitting a thesis based on the specified conditions and format
for evaluation.
For students who do not register for the final year project, they can fulfill the 6
units requirement by registering for other courses offered by the School.
(iv) Assessment
(i) examination
(ii) course work
The assessment will cover knowledge, applications, analytical and writing skills.
Skills which are not be assessed through examinations will be assessed through
course work in the form of assignments or practical work.
52
Weightage for the examination and course work components are as follows:-
Examination 70 %
Coursework 30 %
Examination 60 %
Coursework 15 %
Practical report 25 %
Practical report 70 %
Test 30 %
53
LIST OF COURSES OFFERED
54
(iii) Elective Courses
Select 16 units (to fullfill the elective component).* Prerequisites
KIE 232/3 Colloids and Surface Science
KIE 355/3 Industrial Colourants
KIE 356/3 Food and Palm Oil Chemistry
KIE 358/3 Current Topics in Industrial Chemistry
KUE 309/6 Chemistry Project
*Additional units to fulfill the elective component must be taken from Pure
Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry courses.
55
Select 7 units from Analytical Chemistry Elective Components
( To fulfill 70 units core courses)
(ii) Compulsory (4 units)
MAA 161/4 Statistics for Science Students (compulsory for students who choose
minor or elective)
* All the courses offered are subjected to changes when the need arises.
56
SUGGESTION FOR THE REGISTRATION OF COURSES
(a) INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY : MAJOR / ELECTIVE
SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2
COMPONENT
COURSE CODE CREDIT HOUR COURSE CODE CREDIT HOUR
University Compulsory Course U 2 U 2
WUS 2 HTU223 2
Basic/Core Course KAT141 3 KFT131 3
KTT111 3 KOT121 3
KUT101 / KUT102 2 KUT102 / KUT101 2
MAA101 4 ZCA101 4
Elective Course MAA161 4
Total Credit Hour 16 20
SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2
COMPONENT
COURSE CODE CREDIT HOUR COURSE CODE CREDIT HOUR
University Compulsory Course SHE 101 2 U 2
Basic/Core Course KIT253 3 KAT241 3
KIT257 3 KIT252 3
KOT222 3 KIT254 2
KTT212 3 KIT355 / KIT357 2
MAT181 4 KUT205 2
ZCT104 3
KIE360 0
Elective Course ELECTIVE 3
Total Credit Hour 18 20
COMPONENT SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2
COURSE CODE CREDIT HOUR COURSE CODE CREDIT HOUR
University Compulsory Course U 3
Basic/Core Course KIT356 4 KAT341 3
KIT355 / KIT357 2 KUE309 / KIE356 3
KUE309 / KIE355 3
Elective Course ELECTIVE 4 KIE358 3
ELECTIVE 6
Total Credit Hour 16 15
1 Distribution of credit for each semester (12-19 Credit)
2 > 20 credit, approval from Dean is required
57
(b) INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY : MAJOR / MINOR
SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2
COMPONENT
COURSE CODE CREDIT HOUR COURSE CODE CREDIT HOUR
University Compulsory Course U 2 U 2
WUS101 2 HTU223 2
Basic/Core Course KAT141 3 KFT131 3
KTT111 3 KOT121 3
KUT101 / KUT102 2 KUT102 / KUT101 2
MAA101 4 ZCA101 4
Minor Course MAA161 / MINOR 4
Total Credit Hour 16 20
SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2
COMPONENT
COURSE CODE CREDIT HOUR COURSE CODE CREDIT HOUR
University Compulsory Course SHE101 2 U 3
Basic/Core Course KIT253 3 KAT241 3
KIT257 3 KIT252 3
KOT222 3 KIT254 2
KTT212 3 ZCT104 3
KUT205 2
KIE360 0
Minor Course MINOR 4 MINOR 4
Total Credit Hour 18 20
SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2
COMPONENT
COURSE CODE CREDIT HOUR COURSE CODE CREDIT HOUR
University Compulsory Course U 2
Basic/Core Course KIT356 4 KAT341 3
KIT355 / KIT357 2 KIT355 / KIT357 2
MAT181 4 KUE309 / KIE356 3
KUE309 / KIE355 3
Minor Course MINOR 4 MINOR 4
Total Credit Hour 17 14
58
(c) ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY : MAJOR / ELECTIVE
59
(d) ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY : MAJOR / MINOR
60
Upon completion of this programme, students will be able to :
61
SYNOPSIS OF COURSES
Learning Outcomes
1. G.D. Christian, Analytical Chemistry, 6th Edition, John Wiley & Sons (2004).
2. D.A. Skoog, D.M., West F.J. Holler and S.R.Crouch, 7th Edition, Analytical
Chemistry: An Introduction Saunders College Publishing (2000).
Properties of gases and liquids: gas laws, van der Waals equation, kinetic theory of gases,
principle of the corresponding states, Maxwell-Boltzman distribution, effusion, diffusion,
viscosity, thermal conductivity, conduction and mobility.
62
4. Demonstrate the ability to apply equations to discuss and solve problems on gas
properties, chemical kinetics and thermodynamics.
1. I.N. Levine, Physical Chemistry, 6th Edition, McGraw Hill International Ed. (2009).
2. R.J. Silbey, R.A. Alberty and M.G. Bawendi, Physical Chemistry, 4th Edition, John
Wiley & Sons (2005).
3. P.W. Atkins and J.de. Paula Physical Chemistry, 8th Edition, Oxford University
Press (2007).
Learning Outcomes
This course will introduce topics in basic chemistry such as stoichiometry, atomic
structure, nuclear chemistry, periodic table, chemical bonding and properties of matter.
63
Learning Outcomes
1. J.E. Brady, F. Senese and N.D. Jespersen, Chemistry, 5th Edition, John Wiley and
Sons (2009).
2. K.W. Whitten, R.E. Davis, M.L. Peck and G.G. Stanley, General Chemistry, 7th
Edition, Brooks /Cole - Thomson Learning (2004).
3. S.S. Martin, Chemistry - The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change, 5th Edition,
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc (2009).
4. R. Chang, Chemistry, 8th Edition, McGraw-Hill (2005)
The experiments were extracted from the book: J.H. Nelson and K.C. Kemp, Laboratory
Experiments for Chemistry: The Central Science, 11th Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall
(2009).
Learning Outcomes
The experiments were extracted from the book: J.H. Nelson and K.C. Kemp, Laboratory
Experiments for Chemistry: The Central Science, 11th Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall
(2009).
64
Learning Outcomes
KAE 248/2 Advanced Practical : Analytical Chemistry KAT 242(c), KAT 241(c)
Practical applications of analytical techniques in areas such as forensic sciences, food and
adulteration of milk, cooking oil and drinks, toxic materials, toxic metals.
Learning Outcomes
References
Learning Outcomes
Students are able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding in the basic principles of atomic and molecular
spectroscopic methods, separation methods and electrochemical methods.
2. Describe and discuss the instrumentation and techniques of the various analytical
methods.
3. Discuss the applications of the various methods for the analyses of samples.
65
Text Book and References
1. G.D. Christian, Analytical Chemistry, 6th Edition, John Wiley & Son (2004).
2. D.A. Skoog, F.J. Holler and S.R. Crouch, Principles of Instrumental Analysis, 6th
Edition, Thomson Brooks/Cole (2007).
Learning Outcomes
1. G.D. Christian, Analytical Chemistry, 6th Edition, John Wiley & Sons (2004).
2. D.A. Skoog, F.J. Holler and S.R. Crouch, Principles of Instrumental Analysis (6th
Edition, Thomson Brooks/Cole (2007).
Learning Outcomes
66
KAT 244/3 Separation Methods KAT 141(s)
Learning Outcomes
1. G.D. Christian, Analytical Chemistry, 6th Edition, John Wiley & Sons (2004).
2. D.A. Skoog, F.J. Holler and S.R. Crouch, Principles of Instrumental Analysis, 6th
Edition, Thomson Brooks/Cole (2007).
First, Second and Third laws of Thermodynamics, work, heat and energy, enthalpy
change, heat capacity, adiabatic expansion, entropy, Gibbs and Helmholtz energies,
chemical potential, fugacity, open system and composition change.
Learning Outcomes
Students are able to:
1. Apply the first, second and third laws of thermodynamics to solve problems in
physical chemistry.
2. Describe the partial molar quantities of a mixture.
3. Use appropriate equations to calculate the chemical potential.
4. Use the Debye-Huckel equation to calculate the thermodynamic equilibrium constant.
5. Relate the thermodynamic principles to electrochemical cells including the derivation
of the Nernst equation.
67
Text Book and References
1. A.J. Silbey, R.A. Alberty and M.G. Bawendi, Physical Chemistry, 4th Edition, John
Wiley & Sons (2005).
2. P.W. Atkins, Physical Chemistry, 6th Edition, Oxford University Press (2001).
3. I.N. Levine, Physical Chemistry, 5th Edition, McGraw-Hill International Ed. (2002).
4. J. Laider, J.H. Meiser and B.C. Sanctuary, Physical Chemistry, 4th Edition,
Houghton Mifflin Co. (2003).
Colloid state, interface and surface, adsorption, surface tension and dispersion. Kinetic
properties, rate of settlement, Brownian motion and diffusion.
Structure and stability of various types of colloids. Surfactant and micelles. The
Industrial importance of colloids.
Surface tension and surface forces. Porous and non-porous adsorbents. Type of pores
and isotherms. Physical adsorption and the characterisation of porous and non-porous
adsorbents. Thermodynamics of adsorption: correlation, analysis and predicition of
adsorption equilibria. Role of porosity in Industrial applications: micropore diffusion in
zeolites, carbon molecular sieves.
Surface Analysis: Morphology, chemical composition, elemental distribution, crystal
structure and surface defects. Basic principles and instrumentation of the following
techniques: Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM and Electron diffraction), X-ray
microanalysis (EPMA, ESCA and EDX), Auger spectrometry (AES), secondary ion mass
spectrometry (SIMS) and atomic force microscope (AFM).
Learning Outcomes
68
KIT 252/3 Unit Operations
Unit conversion.
Material balance: flowsheet prototype of chemical process; general balance equation,
technique in material balance, various unit balances, chemical reactions, stoichiometry,
extent of reactions, recycles.
Energy balance: energy balance equations for closed systems, approximation of enthalpy
changes and applications, heat capacity, reactive systems, enthalpy, balance equations and
energy balance techniques.
Liquid flow: type of liquids, compressible and incompressible. Newtonian and non-
Newtonian, flow region, laminar flow and turbulent, Reynolds number, boundary layer,
balance equation for materials and energy, momentum equations, flow in pipes.
Heat transfer: mechanism, shell and tube heat exchangers, basic equations, general
coefficient of heat transfer.
Separation process, characteristic of separation, phase equilibrium, binary distillation.
Some examples of unit operations equipment.
Learning Outcomes
69
First Law Thermodynamics: First law equation. Internal energy. Enthalpy. Heat
Capacity. First law analysis for control volume and applications.
1. R.E. Sonntag and G.J. Van Wylen, Introduction to Thermodynamics, 5th Edition,
John Wiley & Sons (1998).
70
Polymer characterisation: Molar mass and viscosity; determination techniques. Physical
and mechanical behaviour of polymer: Glass transition temperature; melting behaviour;
mechanical behaviour; yields criteria; equipments and techniques of determination.
Learning Outcomes
71
Composites: General requirements for composite; Types of composites; Form of matrices
and reinforcement phases; Concrete and hybrid composites; Benefits and application of
composite materials
Learning Outcomes
1. Mohd Jain Noordin Mohd Kassim, Printed lecture notes KIT 257- Materials
Chemistry.
2. W.D. Callister, Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction , 7th Edition,
John Wiley & Sons (2006).
3. D.R. Askeland and P.P. Phule, The Science and Engineering of Materials, 5th
Edition, Brooks/Cole-Thomson (2006).
72
reactions and acidity. Introduction to carbonyl chemistry: organometallic reagents,
nucleophilic acyl substitution and the use of protecting groups.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
73
Text Book and References
1. C.E. Housecroft and A.G. Sharpe, Inorganic Chemistry, 2nd Edition, Pearson
Education Limited (2005).
2. P.W. Shriver, C.H. Atkins and C.H. Langford, Coordination Chemistry, Oxford
University Press pages 192-226 and pages 434-494 (1990).
3. F.A. Cotton and G. Wilkinson, Basic Inorganic Chemistry, John Wiley (1976).
4. F.A. Cotton, G.C. Wilkinson, A. Murillo and M. Bochmann, Advanced Inorganic
Chemistry, 6th. Edition, John Wiley (1999).
5. F.A. Cotton, G. Wilkinson, and P.L.Gaus, Basic Inorganic Chemistry, 3rd Edition,
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (1995)
Learning Outcomes
References
74
1. Demonstrate competence when conducting and applying various separation
techniques
2. Deduce the structures of simple organic compounds from their chemical and physical
characteristics and IR and NMR spectra.
3. Perform various multi-step small scale syntheses including purification of the end
products.
4. Write reports clearly and appropriately for all the experimental reactions conducted.
5. Display safe laboratory practices.
1. J.A. Landgrebe, Theory and Practice in the Organic Laboratory, Cole Publishing
Company (1993).
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
75
References
Learning Outcomes
Students are able to:
1. Demonstrate competence in appropriate laboratory techniques.
2. Interpret data from laboratory observation and measurement.
3. Display safe laboratory practices.
4. Apply chemistry principles to solve problems in the practical area.
5. Write reports clearly, concisely and appropriately.
References
Practical Manual KAT 340
Water pollution: Hydrological cycle; causes and effects of man-made pollution; oxygen-
sag in river pollution; monitoring of pollution strength; treatment processes.
Air pollution: Origins of air pollutants; basic chemistry of the formation of combustion-
generated pollutants; basic chemistry of the formation of combustion-generated
pollutants; analytical methods and monitoring of atmospheric pollutants; atmospheric
chemistry; atmospheric dispersion, control of emissions to the atmosphere.
Learning Outcomes
Students are able to:
1. Comprehend the basic concepts of pollution, sustainable development and guidelines
and to predict the fate of pollutants in aquatic environments.
2. Comprehend and discuss the aquatic chemistry of water pollutants and their impact
on aquatic ecology and environment.
3. Apply the analytical process of monitoring environmental pollutants.
4. Describe the meteorology and chemistry of air pollutants.
5. Construct the model of concentration of air pollutants via a simple Gaussian model.
The principles of electrochemistry, signal generation, double layer, polarization and over
voltage. The potentiometric methods: Principles of ion selective electrodes (ISE) and
analyses of H, Na, K, Ca and F ions. The solid state type ISE.
Voltammetric methods: Principles of polarography (Hg electrode) and analyses of metals
and non-metals. Principles of amperometry (C and Pt electrodes) and analyses of
complexes and organics.
Learning Outcomes
77
KIT 355/2 Unit Operations Practical KIT 252(c)
Laboratory experiments on the basic theory and practice of unit operations. Fluid flow,
rheology, mixing process, conduction and radiation, process of evaporation, absorption,
distillation, extraction, humidification, drying and filtration.
Learning Outcomes
Reference
Practical Manual KIT 355.
Water and treatment: Source of water. Water quality, distillation and treatmenrts. Waste
water trearment environment. Uses of water in Industries.
Industrial gases: Gas component in air. Separation of gas component through liquefaction
and distillation. Uses of Industrial gases.
Nitrogen based Industries: Production and utilisation of ammonia, urea, nitric acid and
nitrate derivation. Nitrogen fertilizer.
Sulfur and sulphuric acid: Sulfur extraction and production of sulphuric acid by Contact
Process. Applications.
78
Fine and special chemicals: Defination and classification. Inorganic pigments and their
usefullness. Production of several inorganic pigments. Boron and lithium compounds and
other metallic salts.
1. R.N. Shreve and J.A. Brink, Chemical Process Industries, 4th. Edition, McGraw-Hill
(1977).
2. R. Thompson Eds, The Modern Inorganic Chemicals Industry (Special Publication,
No.3) Chemical Society (1977)
3. K. Welsermel and W.J. Arpe, Industrial Organic Chemistry, Springer Verlag (1993).
4. H.A. Wittcoff and B.G. Reuben, Industrial Organic Chemistry in Perspective (Vol. 1
& Vol. 2 Wiley (1980).
5. R. Chener, Survey of Industrial Chemistry, VCH (1992).
Industrial related practical: Preparation and application of dyes, wood analysis, metal
extraction and electroplating, metal corrosion, food chemistry, ceramics and polymers.
79
Learning Outcomes
Students are able to:
1. Relate chemical principles in laboratory experimental work.
2. Demonstrate skills in several chemical techniques related to industrial processes.
3. Display good laboratory practices.
4. Interpret and evaluate data obtained from laboratory measurements.
5. Analyse and present reports in clearly written forms.
Reference
Practical Manual KIT 357.
Basic concepts of colour: Electromagnetic spectrum and visible light; colour vision and
colour perception; colour specifications; colour measurement; absorption and reflectance
of light by colorants; fluorescence in organic molecules; colour mixing; colour matching
and colour difference.
Chemistry and application of synthetic dyes: Direct; acid; basic; disperse; vat; mordant;
metal-complex; sulfur; azoic; reactive; mechanism of interactions with textile fibres.
Pigments: Organic and inorganic pigments; application methods.
Functional colorants: Dyes for special applications (LCD, laser, solar cell);
chemichromisme.
Learning Outcomes
80
KIE 356/4 Food and Palm Oil Chemistry
Oil and fats: Type; composition, physical and chemical properties, quality control,
stability, oxidation and anti-oxidant, processing and technology edible oils.
Flavours: Analysis and identification, structures and organoleptic quality, production of
typical flavor substances (vanilin, saccharin etc).
Food additives: Role of acids, bases, salt, chelating agents, antimicrobes and types of
sweeteners. Stabilisers and texturisers.
Structures and composition of palm oil. Chemical properties and non-fatty components.
Physical properties of palm oil. Technology of palm oil. Research trends in chemistry
and technology of palm oil. Practical experiments on quality controls of palm oil.
Learning Outcomes
1. Food Chemistry, 2nd Edition, Edited by Owen R. Fennma Marcel Dekker, Inc.
(1985).
2. L.W. Aurang and A. E. Woods, Food Chemistry, AVI (1973).
3. W. Heimann, Fundamentals of Food Chemistry, AVI (1980).
4. I.D. Gerard, Introductory Food Chemistry, AVI (1976).
5. F.A. Lee, Basic Food Chemistry, AVI (1975).
6. N.N. Potter, Food Science, 3rd Edition, Kluwer Academic Publishing (1978).
7. PORIM Palm Oil Research Bulletin
8. PORIM Palm Oil Technical Bulletin.
81
KIE 358/3 Current Topics in Industrial Chemistry
This course will discuss several topics or current issues in Industrial chemistry.
It will cover the following areas.
The duration of Industrial Training in between 8-10 weeks at the local Industries
identified by the school. At the end of the training, students must submit a report and
present a seminar at the school.
Learning Outcomes
82
Index of Courses
83
SCHOOL OF PHYSICS
84
SCHOOL OF PHYSICS
INTRODUCTION
The School of Physics which occupies Building G06, G06A and G05 was one of the three
Schools that was set up when the University was established in the year 1969. The main
objective of the School of Physics is to produce Physics and Applied Physics graduates
who are high achievers and possess knowledge suitable to national needs. To achieve this
objective, the School of Physics has provided facilities for the study of Physics and its
related disciplines.
Pure Physics
Applied Physics
Engineering Physics
Medical Physics
Geophysics
VISION
MISSION
85
MAIN ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
86
ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
ADMINISTRATION E-MAIL/TELEPHONE
Programme Chairman
87
ADMINISTRATION E-MAIL/TELEPHONE
ACADEMIC
TELEPHONE
PROFESSOR E-MAIL
EXTENSION
Abd Aziz Tajuddin B.C.N, Dr. 5001/3090/3983 draat@usm.my
Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal, Dr. 3295/3669 ashukri@usm.my
Fun Hoong Kun, Prof. 3652 hkfun@usm.my
Haslan Abu Hassan, Dr. 2742/3666 haslan@usm.my
Kamarulazizi Ibrahim, Dr. 5113 kamarul@usm.my
Mohamad Suhaimi Jaafar, Dr. 3200/3814/3667 msj@usm.my
Mat Johar Abdullah, Dr. 3679 matjohar@usm.my
Md. Roslan Hashim, Dr. 5102 roslan@usm.my
Mohd. Nawawi Mohd. Nordin, Dr. 5311/5106/3665 mnawawi@usm.my
Mohd. Zubir Mat Jafri, Dr. 2473/5125 mjafri@usm.my
Rosy Teh Chooi Gim, Dr. 3678 rosyteh@usm.my
Zainuriah Hassan, Dr. 3673 zai@usm.my
TELEPHONE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR E-MAIL
EXTENSION
Abdul Halim Abdul Aziz, Dr. 2476/2039 abdul@usm.my
Abdul Razak Ibrahim, Dr. 3673 arazaki@usm.my
Azlan Abdul Aziz, Dr. 5103/5305/4849 lan@usm.my
Chong Hon Yew, Dr. 3665 hychong@usm.my
Fauziah Sulaiman, Dr. 5105 fauziahsulaiman@usm.my
88
TELEPHONE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR E-MAIL
EXTENSION
Khiruddin Abdullah, Dr. 2477 khirudd@usm.my
Hassan Mohamed Baioumy, Dr. 5315 hbaioumy@usm.my
Lim Hwee San, Dr. 5107/3663 hslim@usm.my
Lim Siew Choo, Dr. 3438 sclim@usm.my
Mutharasu Devarajan, Dr. 3041 mutharasu@usm.my
Nasirun Mohd. Saleh, Mr. 2115/3676/3715/2480 nasirun@usm.my
Ong Lye Hock, Dr. 3698 onglh@usm.my
Sivamany Kandaiya, Dr. 3670 sivamany@usm.my
Sohail Aziz Khan, Dr. 4178 sakhanphysics@usm.my
TELEPHONE
SENIOR LECTURER E-MAIL
EXTENSION
Adilah Shariff, Dr. 3049 adilah@usm.my
Azhar Abdul Rahman, Dr. 5104/3655 arazhar@usm.my
Azlan Baharin, Dr. 5319 azlanbaharin@usm.my
Eid Mahmoud Eid Abdel_Munem, Dr. 2176 eid@usm.my
Iskandarshah2002@yah
Iskandar Shahrim Mustafa, Mr. 5318
oo.com
Md. Noordin Abu Bakar, Dr. 3676 mnordin@usm.my
Naser Mahmoud Ahmed, Dr. 5302 naser@usm.my
Ng Sha Shiong, Dr. 3041 shashiong@usm.my
Nurhayati Abdullah, Dr. 2475 nurhaya@usm.my
Norhaslinda Mohamed Tahrin, Dr. 2477/2038 haslinda@usm.my
Norzaini Zainal, Dr. 5327 norzaini@usm.my
Quah Ching Kheng, Dr. 3438 ckquah@usm.my
Ramzun Maizan Ramli, Dr. 3667 ramzun@usm.my
Rosli Saad, Dr. 3675 rosli@usm.my
Shahrom Mahmud, Dr. 3643 shahromx@usm.my
Syed Mustafizur Rahman, Dr. 5313 smrahman@usm.my
Wong Chow Jeng, Mr. 3679 wongcj@usm.my
Wong Khai Ming, Dr. 3679 kmwong@usm.my
Yam Fong Kwong, Dr. 3667 yamfk@usm.my
Yoon Tiem Leong, Dr. 3674 tlyoon@usm.my
TELEPHONE
LECTURER E-MAIL
EXTENSION
Yasmin Md Radzi, Mrs. 3668 yasminradzi@usm.my
Yuniarti Ulfa, Mrs. 3674 yuniartiulfa@usm.my
89
TELEPHONE
RESEARCH OFFICER E-MAIL
EXTENSION
Azwa Tan, Mrs. 4179 azwa@usm.my
Ben Kamarrudin Merican, Mr. 5320 benkamar@usm.my
Ibrahim Mustapha, Mr. 3653 mibrahim@usm.my
Mohd Anas Ahmad, Mr. 3671/3599 anasahmad@usm.my
Siti Khadijah Mohd Bakhori, Ms. 5322/3599 skmb@usm.my
Yushamdan Yusof, Mr. 5307/3599 yushamdan@usm.my
Mohd Mustaqim Rosli, Mr. 5324 mustaqim@usm.my
ASSISTANT ENGINEER
Sallehuddin Zamzuri, Mr. 5331/5332 zsallehuddin@us,m.my
Samsudin Mohamad Said, Mr. 5333 samsudinms@usm.my
90
Industry and Community Advisory Panel (ICAP)
School of Physics has established an Industry and Community Advisory Panel (ICAP) for
the purpose of strengthening the relationship and communication with industries as a win-
win strategy for moving toward sustainability. The key role of ICAP is to
91
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE WITH HONOURS APPLIED PHYSICS
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
3. to provide human capital who are able to use logical and critical considerations
in their decision making and capable to gain, develop and administer sources of
knowledge.
4. to produce graduates who appreciate various culture and able to contribute and
lead effectively
4. present and defend applied physics ideas effectively in written and oral form.
8. become professional, responsible and ethical in work and in dealing with others.
92
BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE WITH HONOURS GEOPHYSICS
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
3. to provide human resources that are able to apply logical, critical and analytical
concepts/ideas/thinking to exploit, develop and manage the knowledge-based
resources.
4. work in a team.
93
BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE WITH HONOURS ENGINEERING
PHYSICS
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
3. to provide human capital who are able to use logical and critical considerations
in their decision making and capable to gain, develop and administer sources of
knowledge.
4. to produce graduates who appreciate various culture and able to contribute and
lead effectively
4. work in a team.
94
BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE WITH HONOURS MEDICAL PHYSICS
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
3. to provide human capital who are able to use logical and critical considerations
in their decision making and capable to gain, develop and administer sources of
knowledge.
4. to produce graduates who appreciate various culture and able to contribute and
lead effectively
6. ability to apply logical reasoning and critical thinking in scientific matters and
issues.
95
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF
APPLIED SCIENCE WITH HONOURS APPLIED PHYSICS, GEOPHYSICS,
ENGINEERING PHYSICS AND MEDICAL PHYSICS (THREE YEAR)
A student must attain a minimum of 2.0 CGPA ('C' average) for the whole programme
and combined basic and core component.
As regards to the basic and core courses, if failed, a student is allowed to replace a
maximum of 8 units of the courses failed with courses of at least similar level offered
under the Degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours Programme of Study in Physics.
Core Courses
96
Elective Course
Students must select 20 units, at least 16 units from the group of courses below and the
remaining units from either the Science or Applied Science programmes. Students are
encouraged to take MAT181/4 Programming for Science Application.
97
Electives
Select at least 16 units from the group of elective courses plus 4 units from other
Sciences :
1. Astronomy
2. Chemistry
3. Mathematics
4. Computer Science
5. Management
6. Islamic Studies
7. English Language
Students must pass 16 units from the Minor area of specialisation. Please refer to the
School concerned to obtain further information.
Student must also pass 4 units of elective courses selected from any group of electives
listed in Elective Courses above.
Core Courses
98
ZCT 104/3 Physics IV (Modern Physics)
ZGT 161/3 Geology I
ZGT 162/3 Geology II
ZGT 190/2 Geology Practical
ZCT 191/2 Physics Practical I
ZCT 210/4 Complex Analysis and Differential Equations
ZCT 211/2 Vector Analysis
ZGT 264/2 Geophysical Data Analysis
ZGT 265/3 Meteorology I
ZGT 266/3 Solid Earth Geophysics I
ZGT 267/3 Solid Earth Geophysics II
ZGT 268/3 Exploration Geophysics I
ZGT 269/3 Exploration Geophysics II
ZGT 270/3 Meteorology II
ZGT 272/3 Introduction to Oceanography
ZGT 295/4 Geophysics Practical
ZGT 374/3 Remote Sensing
ZGT 395/6 Geophysics Project
Total: 70 units (22 courses)
Elective Courses
Students must select 20 units, at least 16 units from the group of courses below and the
remaining units from either the Science or Applied Science programmes. Students are
encouraged to take MAT181/4 Programming for Science Application.
Industrial Training
Industrial training which is optional is encouraged and the training is usually in the long
vacation after Year II.
99
Progress Schedule for Course Registration of Bachelor of Applied Science with
Honours Degree Programme Geophysics
I ZCA 101/4 ZCA 102/4 ZCA 110/4 ZGT 161/3 ZCT 191/2 17
1
II ZCT 103/3 ZCT 104/3 ZGT 162/3 ZGT 190/2 11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I ZCT 210/4 ZCT 211/2 ZGT 265/3+ ZGT 266/3 ZGT 268/3 17
2 ZGT 295/4@
II ZGT 264/2 ZGT 267/3 ZGT 269/3 ZGT 270/3+ --- ---/4* 17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I ZGT 272/3 ZGE ---/3* ZGE ---/3* ZGE ---/2* 14
3 ZGT 395/6@
II ZGT 374/3 ZGT ---/3* ZGE ---/3* ZGE ---/2* 14
90
Electives
31
100
Students must pass 16 units from the Minor area of specialisation followed. Refer to the
School concerned for further information.
Students must pass 4 units of one Elective course selected from group of the Elective
courses from the above list.
Core Courses
101
Elective Courses
Students must select 20 units, at least 16 units from the group of courses below and the
remaining units from either the Science or Applied Science programmes. Students are
encouraged to take MAT181/4 Programming for Science Application.
Industrial Training
Industrial training which is optional is encouraged and the training is usually during the
long vacation after Year II.
102
Electives
1. Astronomy
2. Chemistry
3. Mathematics
4. Computer Science
5. Management
6. Islamic Studies
7. English Language
Students must pass 16 units from the Minor area of specialisation followed. Refer to the
School concerned for further information.
Students must pass 4 units of Elective courses selected from any group of Elective
courses listed above.
103
Programme Stucture for Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours Degree
Programme Medical Physics
Core Courses
104
Electives Courses
Students must select 20 units, at least 16 units from the group of courses below and the
remaining units from either the Science or Applied Science programmes. Students are
encouraged to take MAT181/4 Programming for Science Application.
Industrial Training
Industrial training which is optional is encouraged and the training is usually during the
long vacation after Year II.
I ZCT 206/3 ZCT 210/4 ZCT 211/2 ZCT 212/2 ZCT 213/2 ZCT 293/2 15
2
II ZCT 205/3 ZCT 207/2 ZMT 231/4 --- ---/4* ZMT 298/2 15
105
Electives
* Other Science Electives (4 units) that are offered in Semester II can be chosen from the
following courses:
1. Astronomy
2. Chemistry
3. Mathematics
4. Computer Science
5. Management
6. Islamic Studies
7. English Language
Students must pass 16 units from the Minor area of specialisation followed. Refer to the
School concern for further information.
Students must pass 4 units of Elective courses selected from any group of Elective
courses listed above.
106
LIST OF COURSES OFFERED FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF
APPLIED SCIENCE WITH HONOURS PROGRAMME APPLIED PHYSICS,
GEOPHYSICS, ENGINEERING PHYSICS AND MEDICAL PHYSICS
Semester I
Level of Course Code/ Prerequisite
Course Title
100 ZCA 101/4 Physics I (Mechanics) -
ZCA 102/4 Physics II (Electricity and Magnetism) -
ZCA 110/4 Calculus and Linear Algebra -
ZCE 111/4 Computational Physics -
ZGT 161/3 Geology I (C) ZCA101/4
ZCT 191/2 Physics Practical I -
300 ZCE 305/3 Atomic and Nuclear Physics (S) ZCT 205/3
ZCT 307/3 Solid State Physics I (C) ZCT 207/2
ZKT 321/3 The Engineer in Society -
ZKE 322/3 Electronic and Photonic Materials II (S) ZKT 222/3
ZKE 323/3 Electronic and Photonic Devices and (S) ZCT 106/3
Systems (S) ZCT 213/2
ZKE 327/3 Solid State Lighting I (C) ZCT307/3
ZCE 331/4 Radiation Biophysics (P) ZCT 104/3
ZME 336/4 Medical Instrumentations (S) ZCT 106/3
ZME 338/4 Physics of Medical Imaging (S) ZCT 106/3
ZCE 351/3 X-Ray Analysis (C) ZCT 307/3
ZGE 360/3 Synoptic Meteorology (S) ZGT 270/3
ZGE 371/3 Potential Field Interpretation (S) ZGT 269/3
ZGT 374/3 Remote Sensing (P) ZCA 102/4
(S) ZCT 103/3
107
ZGE 375/2 Engineering and Environmental (S) ZGT 268/3
Geophysics
ZAE 376/4 Astronomy Principles and Practices (S) ZGE 277/4
ZAE 385/4 Applied Spectroscopy (S) ZAT 283/3
ZAT 386/4 Physics of Semiconductors Devices (S) ZCT 106/3
(C) ZCT 307/3
ZCT 390/6 Pure Physics Project (two semesters) (S) ZCT 294/2
ZAT 394/6 Applied Physics Project and Seminar (P) ZCT 293/2
(two semesters)
ZMT 397/6 Medical Physics Project (S) MAT 181/4
(two semesters) (S) MAT 181/4
(S) ZMT 298/2
ZGT 395/6 Geophysics Project (two semesters) (S) ZGT 295/4
ZKT 396/6 Engineering Physics Project (S) ZKT 296/2
(two semesters)
Semester II
108
ZGT 269/3 Exploration Geophysics II (C) ZGT 267/3
ZGT 270/3 Meteorology II (C) ZGT 264/2
(S) ZGT 265/3
ZCE 275/4 Introduction to Astronomy -
ZAT 281/4 Introduction to Microprocessors (P) ZCT 206/3
ZAT 283/3 Instrumentation (S) ZCT 293/2
(C)ZCT 206/3
ZCT 294/2 Physics Practical IV (S) ZCT 293/2
ZGT 295/4 Geophysics Practical (two semesters) (S) ZGT 190/2
ZKT 296/2 Photonics Lab (S) ZCT 293/2
ZMT 298/2 Medical Physics Practical (S) ZCT 293/2
109
PHYSICS COURSES AS BASIC, CORE, ELECTIVE, OPTION AND AUDIT FOR
STUDENTS WHO DO NOT MAJOR IN PHYSICS
Courses offered by the School of Physics can be followed as Basic, Core, Elective,
Option and Audit courses by students who do not major in Physics if basically they have
fulfilled the prerequisite of the courses selected.
CONTENT-OVERLAP COURSES
Regarding courses concerned from other Schools, please refer to your Academic Adviser.
There are five prizes in the field of Physics that can be won by students in each academic
session:
Honourable Dato Professor Chatar Singh Gold Medal is awarded to the best graduate
in the field of Physics.
Ranjeet Singh Memorial Gold Medal is awarded to the best graduate in the field of
Geophysics.
Tan Kok Hin Book Prize is awarded to the best graduate of the Degree of Bachelor of
Applied Science with Honours in the field of Applied Physics.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Gold Medal is awarded to the best graduate of the Degree of
Bachelor in the field of Engineering Physics sponsored by Prof. Lim Koon Ong.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Gold Medal is awarded to the best graduate of the Degree of
Bachelor in the field of Medical Physics sponsored by Staff School of Physics.
Other than the prizes stated above, the Universiti Sains Malaysia Gold Medal is
awarded to the best graduate of the Degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours.
The Educational Award (Gold Medal, Certificate, RM1000) given by the Council of
Rulers is awarded to a Malay and a Non-Malay who is the best in all fields in each
University.
The Chancellors Gold Medal for the Universiti Sains Malaysia Best All-Round
Student is awarded to the graduate who has achieved distinction academic results and
possess a record of active involvement in extra-curricular activities.
110
The Deans List is awarded to physics students who have achieved a certain level of
excellence in their academic performance. The Deans List is awarded every semester.
The Staff and Student Committee was formed in the School to strengthen the relationship
between students and staff. The Chairman of this Committee is the Deputy Dean. This
Committee meets from time to time and it functions as an open forum to discuss matters
concerning academic, welfare and non-academic activities. The student representatives to
this Committee are elected by Physics students at the beginning of each academic session.
The Students Optional Training Programme was formed to strengthen the relationship
between the University and the private and public sectors and provide exposure to
working-life for students. Students in the second year are qualified to apply to serve as
trainees with various employers for six to eight weeks during the long vacation of the
academic session. During this period, it is the hope that they will observe the research
and management opportunities in the industrial, business and public sectors, and note the
problems and work situations, and study the opportunities to implement theories of
science. After completion of training, the students would be required to submit to the
University a report regarding their experiences.
This system was made available to assist students overcome problems especially with
regards to academic matters. Students will be guided so that they will be able to face
academic challenges independently.
The objective of this scheme is to create students awareness at the international level by
allowing them to register for one semester at a chosen university abroad.
FACILITIES
111
SYNOPSES OF BASIC COURSES PHYSICS
Learning Outcomes:
2. study and solve simple problems related to basic principles of mechanics and
fundamental laws of physics
3. analyze problems and search alternative solution for solving simple problems
Ref. Books: 1. Serway, R.A. & Jewett, J.W. Principles of Physics (7th Ed.)
Brooks/Cole, 2008
Coulombs law, electric intensity. Gausss law, electric flux. Electric potential and
electric intensity of point charges, dipole and charge distributions. Capacitance,
dielectrics, stored energy. Electric current, resistance, Ohms law, Kirchhoffs law.
Microscopic view of current. D.C. RC circuit. Magnetic fields, Amperes law, Biot-
Savart law. Faradays law. Lenzs law. Inductance, stored energy, D.C. LR circuit. A.C.
current, electric power, RCL circuit. Force on current and moving charge. Lorentz
equation, Halls effect.
112
Learning Outcomes:
1. explain the basic fundamental physical laws and principles of electricity and
magnetism which govern and give meaning to our universe
4. display basic physical principles and analyze the procedural knowledge to arrive at
a solution for some desired unknown, when presented with problem situations
Calculus:
Sets, real numbers, rational and complex numbers. Functions and graphs. Sequences and
series, convergence tests, function limits and properties of limit, continuity, and the mean
value theorem.
113
Matrices and Determinants:
Learning Outcomes:
Text Books: 1. George B. Thomas, Maurice D. Weir, Joel Hass and Frank R.
Giordano, Thomas Calculus, (11th Edition) Addison-Wesley
Publishing (2005)
Ref. Books: 1. Howard Anton, Irl Bivens, and Stephen Davis, Calculus, (7th
Edition) John Wiley and Sons (2002)
114
SYNOPSES OF CORE COURSES PHYSICS
Equation of motion for simple harmonic motion, damped oscillator, forced oscillator.
Logarithmic decrement, relaxation time, resonance and Q factor.
Coupled oscillations. Transverse waves and longitudinal waves. The wave equation and
its solutions. Reflection and transmission of waves at boundaries. Stationary waves.
Superposition of waves. Phase velocity and group velocity. Dispersion of waves.
Learning Outcomes:
2. explain the basic concepts of simple harmonic motion, forced oscillator, longitudinal
and transverse waves, nature of electromagnetic waves, interference of light,
diffraction pattern and polarization
Ref. Books: 1. Serway, R.A. & Jewett, J.W. Physics for Scientists and Engineers
with Modern Physics (6th Ed.), Thomson, 2006.
2. Pain, H.J. The Physics of Vibration and Waves (6th. Ed.), John
Wiley & Sons, 2005.
115
ZCT 104/3 Physics IV (Modern Physics)
Learning Outcomes:
1. describe the basic ideas in special theory of relativity and quantum theory
2. explain the conceptual differences between classical physics and modern physics in
framing the law of physics
Ref. Books: 1. Concepts of Modern Physics, 6th ed. By Athur Beiser, McGraw-
Hill (2002).
2. Modern Physics, 2nd ed., by Kenneth Krane, John Wiley & Sons
(1995)
116
Learning Outcomes:
1. explain the characteristics and operation of components and devices, principles and
theory, and apply them to solve electronic circuits
2. show the ability to design simple electronic circuits with the basic electronic
knowledge to solve an operation or problem
3. display the mature learning skills to study more advanced courses in electronic plus
relating it for application in the industry
Ref. Books: 1. Smith R.J. & Dorf R.C. Circuits Devices and Systems ( 5th
ed. ) John Wiley & Sons ( 1992 )
Learning Outcomes:
117
Ref. Books: 1. Ellis, John G., 1978 Safety and Laboratory Practice, Macmillan, UK.
Learning Outcomes:
Ref. Books: 1. Ellis, John G., 1978 Safety and Laboratory Practice, Macmillan,
UK.
118
and expectation values. Stationary state. Eigen function and Eigen value. Particle in a
box. Harmonic oscillator. Barrier penetration. Central field problem. Hydrogen atom.
Learning Outcomes:
5. Yap Ber Chin dan Kang Chin Seng, JIF 414 Modul 1 dan Modul
2 Pengenalan Ilmu Kuantum Mekanik, Terbitan Pertama PPLK,
1986, Unit Percetakan Pusat Universiti Sains Malaysia.
119
and substracter. Design of sequential logic systems: state diagram, truth table, and timing
diagram. Extension from exited table, circuit design from truth table and timing diagram.
Examples of logic circuit applications: memory system, ROM, RAM, memory decoding,
and basic architecture of microprocessor system.
This course exposes students to practical experiences on various experiments to enhance
theories such as: Experiments on logic gates, flip-flop, arithmetic unit, design of registers
and counters.
Prerequisite: (S) ZCT 106/3 Electronics I
Learning Outcomes:
2. explain and analyze the logic circuit, Karnaugh map, combinational logic functions
flip-flop, timer,counter shift register
Ref. Books: 1. Thomas L. Flyod Digital Fundamentals (8th. Ed.), Printice Hall,
International Edition, 2003.
Learning Outcomes:
120
2. explain macroscopic thermodynamical phenomena in proper and clear statistical
mechanics terms
3. list the procedural knowledge to arrive at a solution for different simple systems
Text Books: 1. Mandl, F. Statistical Physics (2nd Ed.), John Wiley, 1988.
Complex Integration: Cauchy integral theorem. Cauchy integral formula. Zeroes and
singularities. Laurent series. Residue theorem.
Differential Equations: Ordinary linear differential equations of first order and methods
of solutions. Ordinary linear differential equations of second order homogeneons and
non-homogeneous equations and methods of solution.
Learning Outcomes:
3. display the skills of solving any normal first order and linear second order differential
equations
121
Text Book: 1. Kreyszig, E. Advanced Engineering Mathematics (8th Ed.), John
Wiley, 1999.
Ref. Books: 1. Arfken, G.B. and Weber H.J., Mathematical Methods for
Physicists (4th. Ed.), Academic Press, 2000.
Vector algebra; definitions, addditon, subtraction of vectors, dot products and cross
products of vectors, scalar and vector fields, geometric representation, algebraic
representation, transformation; unit vectors.
Vector integration; line, surface and volume integrals. Gauss Theorem. Stokes Theorem.
Learning Outcomes:
1. reproduce the basic vector concepts and further understand main operations of
vector calculus and geometric quantities in curvilinear coordinates and its usage in
other subjects related to vector
2. show a sound knowledge and understanding of differentiation and line, surface and
volume integrals, perform calculation using gradient, divergence and curl operator as
well as Stokess, divergence and Greens theorems
122
3. relate the vector framework learned for the understanding and study of the advanced
engineering, physics and mathematics
Ref. Books: 1. Arfken, G.B. and Weber H.J., Mathematical Methods for
Physicists (4th. Ed.), Academic Press, 2000.
Simple thermodynamic systems, equation of state, work, heat, first law, internal energy,
results of first law, ideal gas. Carnot cycle and heat engine.
Second law of thermodynamics, result from second law, entropy, irreversible process.
Combination of first and second laws, T-S diagram and thermodynamic relationships.
Maxwell equation, Clausius- Clapeyron equation and Tds equation.
Learning Outcomes:
1. explain the principles of thermodynamics and show how they apply to an arbitrary
system
3. list the procedural knowledge to arrive at a solution for different problem situations
Ref. Books: 1. Zemansky, M.W. & Dittman, R.H. Heat & Thermodynamics,
McGraw-Hill, 1997.
123
3. Carter, A.H. , Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics,
Prentica Hall, 2001.
Prerequisite: (P) ZCT 103/3 Physics III (Vibration, Waves and Optics)
Learning Outcomes:
3. solve problems related to polarized light, optical activity, dispersion and diffraction
of light
Ref. Books: 1. Pedrotti, F.L., Pedrotti, L.S., Introduction to Optics (2nd Ed.),
Prentice Hall, 1993
124
Fourier Analysis: expansion of functions in terms of sine and cosine, properties, physical
examples.
Learning Outcomes:
1. show the understanding of the two integral transforms i.e. Fourier and Laplace
transforms
2. identify the Bessel, Legendre and associated Legendre functions as the solutions of
the Bessel, Legendre and associated Legendre equations, respectively
3. solve heat, wave and Laplace equations (finite case only) using the separation of
variables technique, including expressing the solution in terms of Fourier series
Learning Outcomes:
125
ZCT 304 /3 Electricity and Magnetism
Revision of vector analysis, vector calculus, basic theorems, curvilinear coordinates, and
Dirac-delta function. The Coulomb Law. Electric fields, E. Divergence of E. The
GaussLaw. Curl of E. Gradient of E and electrical potential, V. Electrical dipoles. The
Poissons and Laplaces equations. Electrostatics field in dielectric medium. The Gauss
law for dielectric. Displacement vectors. Polarization. Electric susceptibility and
dielectric constant. Electrical boundary conditions. Electrical potential energy for
dielectric medium.
Learning Outcomes:
Ref. Books: 1. Reitz, J.R., Milford, F.J. & Christy R.W. Foundations of
Electromagnetic Theory (4th Ed.), Addison-Wesley Publishing
Co., 1992
126
ZCT 307/3 Solid State Physics I
Crystal structure types, crystal diffraction, reciprocal lattice, Brillion zone, lattice
vibrations, dispersion curves for phonons, specific heat models of Debye and Einstein,
free electron theory of metals, electrical conductivity, heat capacity of electron gas, band
theory of solids, Kronig-Penney model, holes, effective mass. Empty lattice
approximation.
Semiconductor intrinsic and extrinsic, carrier density, impurity conductivity, Hall effect.
Learning Outcomes:
2. display an understanding how the properties of a crystal are related to its structure
Text Books: 1. Kittel, C. Introduction to Solid State Physics (8th Ed,), John
Wiley & Sons, 2005.
127
SYNOPSES OF CORE COURSES APPLIED PHYSICS
Laboratory: Data Input and output, delay subroutine, ADC, DAC. Seven segments or
LCD display interface. Controller: DC motor, IR sensor, motor speed, and temperature
sensor. Signal generation and transmittance via optical fibres.
Prequisite: (P) ZCT 206/3 Electronics I
Learning Outcomes:
128
ZAT 283/3 Instrumentation
Learning Outcomes:
1. describe the key elements of instrumentation control process system that include
measurement, comparison, control and actuation
129
ZAT 386/4 Physics of Semiconductor Devices
Energy band, density of states, intrinsic semiconductor, Electrons and holes conduction,
extrinsic semiconductor, impurities, impurity level, Fermi level, carrier concentration,
Hall effect; impurity motion; minority carrier life time, recombination process, diffusion
length; semiconductor surface, semiconductor-metal contact, semiconductor insulator
contact; Ge, Si and III-IV compound; p-n junction devices inclusive of Zener diode,
tunnel diod, varactor, variator; single junction transistor; Field effect transistor inclusive
of junction FET and metal oxide semiconductor FET (MOSFET), silicon controlled
switch (SCS), Shockly diode and phototransistor; solar cell and semiconductor laser.
Learning Outcomes:
2. identify, explain, track and understand the design and integration of semiconductor
devices
130
Learning Outcomes:
1. describe and relate all processes used in semiconductor wafer and device fabrication
to the physics concepts of these processes
2. fabricate a device and explain its parameters, starting from bare silicon wafers, all
processing steps from beginning to end and wafer characterization during the process
3. demonstrate the completed devices and create a report based on results obtained
4. understand and participate in the role rotation as group leader and group member in
laboratory work
Basic
Introduction. One dimensional band structure. Energy band gap. Motions of an electron in
a band structure. Band structure in two dimensions. Semiconductor crystal structure.
Alloy semiconductors band structure. Point defects in semiconductor crystals.
Metal-Semiconductor Interface
Introduction. Schottky barrier. Ohmic contact. Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (MOS)
structures.
Heterostructures
General characteristics of heterostructures. Growth of heterostructures. Band engineering.
Quantum wells and barriers. Conduction band characteristics. Doped heterostructures.
Stressed layers.
131
Optical Properties of Quantum Wells
Golden Rule. Optical absorption. Absorption between bands. Absorption in a quantum
well. Transition between bands in a quantum well. Transition between subbands in a
quantum well.
Learning Outcomes:
2. solve and identify simple quantum well problems and conclude the results for
different wells
3. appreciate the role of electron trapping in creating electrons with two dimensional
behaviour
4. use Fermis Golden Rule to explain optical absorption for quantum wells of various
shapes
6. Hook, J.R. and Hall, H.E., Solid State Physics, John Wiley and
Sons (1991).
132
SYNOPSES OF ELECTIVE COURSES APPLIED PHYSICS
A course which involves projects and seminars. The use of computers would be
encouraged where possible.
Learning Outcomes:
3. participate and report knowledge derived from scientific seminars and industrial
visits
Introduction.
Prerequisite: -
Learning Outcomes:
1. define the properties, structures and uses of engineering materials and also evaluate
the impact of material selection, material performance of a structure or mechanism
due to the relationship between macroscopic properties and microscopic causes
2. draw unit cells for crystal structures, describe crystalline planes using Miller indices
and compute density
133
3. describe types of point defects and dislocation defects in crystalline solids and able
to distinguish between steady state and non-steady state diffusion in solids and apply
Ficks laws to solve simple diffusion problems
Learning Outcomes:
3. explain how astronomical measurements are carried out and perform simple
calculations
134
ZAE 384/4 Laser and Its Applications
1. explain the properties of laser beam and its uses for different applications and infer
the impact of laser selection and laser performance due to the quality and design of
the resonator
2. draw the structure of optical cavity and the laser action processing
3. describe the types of lasers according to the active medium and appreciate the
requirements for safety
4. explain the nature of light, mechanism of emission, population density as well as the
quantum of laser emission
135
Electronic spectroscopy, atomic spectroscopy, diatomic and polyatomic molecules
spectroscopy.
Photoelectron spectroscopy: experimental methods, interpretation of spectra, X-ray
photoelectron for a gas, X-ray photoelectron for a solid.
Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray ransformer spectroscopy.
Learning Outcomes:
Introduction. Visual testing. Pressure and leak testing. Liquid penetrant inspection.
Thermal methods.
Learning Outcomes:
1. present detailed information about NDT methods and be able to decide, select, use
and interpret NDT methods for inspection and evaluation of engineering materials
2. define the calibration standards, explain scope and limitation of NDT methods and
select appropriate equipment for a given problem specifications
136
3. solve problems related to x-ray, ultrasonics, Eddy current methods of NDT, and
interpret and report the results obtained ( ransformer analysis)
137
ZCE 341/4 Energy Studies
Renewable energy and types of renewable energy. Sources of renewable energy. Energy
from solar. Introduction to bioenergy. Biomass as fuel. Types of biomass. Conversion
proses: direct combustion, gasification, fermentation and pyrolysis. Main product of each
conversion process: heat, bio-gas, alcohol and bio-oil.
Production evolution and solar energy availability. Types of solar power technology.
Principles of solar cell operation. Material and response of silicon solar cell. Sunlight
concentration. Solar cells array. Array protection and failure sensor. Power
conditioning. Energy storage and connection to grid. Photovoltaic power economy.
Understanding wind power. How does wind machine work. Production of wind power.
Introduction to geothermal power. Types of geothermal source, electricity generation
from geothermal power. Understanding hydro power. How does hydro power work.
Advantage and disadvantage of hydro power . Reading.
Learning Outcomes:
1. identify the alternative sources of renewable energy and explain the need for
renewable energy
2. explain the main processes for power generation and be able to use relevant and clear
scientific terms
4.. explain and discuss about energy efficiency from renewable energy. Analyse and
solve problems related to renewable energy
138
ZCE 351/3 X-ray Analysis
Physics of X-ray, generation and properties of X-ray, detectors, X-ray diffraction, powder
methods and single crystal methods, X-ray fluorescence, interpretation and quantitative
analysis, spectrometer EDX, X-ray micro-analysis with electron microscope.
Learning Outcomes:
1. relate how the structure of a molecule is derived through the x-ray crystallography
method
2. apply and analyse the X-ray fluoroscence and the powder methods
Ref. Books: 1. Jenkins, R. & Vries, L.D. Practical X-Ray Spectrometry (2nd
Ed.), Macmillan, London, 1970.
139
SYNOPSES OF ELECTIVE COURSES NON BASIC APPLIED PHYSICS
Learning Outcomes:
Ref. Books: 1. Bronson Gary J. (2006) A First Book of C++: From Here to
There, 3rd edition, Course Technology, Thomson Learning,
Australia.
140
SYNOPSES OF CORE COURSES GEOPHYSICS
Introduction to geology, basic principles and concepts. Origin of the earth. Internal
structure of the earth from seismology. Introduction to principles of isostasy. Crustal and
isostatic structure of continental margins, mountain ranges, oceanic ridges, plateau uplifts
(hot spots). Introduction to continental drift, plate tectonics, sea-floor spreading, passive
margins, subduction zones and active margins, extensional sedimentary basins
(McKenzie mechanism).
Learning Outcomes:
2. explain the theory of continental drift, tectonic plate and rocks deformation
4. justify the concept of geological time scale and describe the fossil generation
141
Hydrology: Darcys law, aquifers, groundwater, artesian wells. Ore deposits: magmatic
differentiation, hydrothermal, sedimentary, supergene, lateritic, alluvial. Petroleum
geology: formation and migration of petroleum; structural and stratigraphic traps.
Geology of Malaysia: general, structural and economic geology.
Learning Outcomes:
Ref. Book: 1. Monroe, J. S., Wicander, R. & Hazlett, R. Physical Geology, (6th
Edition) Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2007.
Experiments in geology.
Learning Outcomes:
142
ZGT 264/2 Geophysical Data Analysis
Learning Outcomes:
1. explain the basic concepts related to mathematical operators used in geophysical data
analysis
Ref. Books: 1. Stearns, S.D. Digital Signal Analysis, Prentice Hall, 1990.
143
Learning Outcomes:
2. apply and identify the meteorology phenomena such as air temperature and seasons
3. explain and analyse the weather data and the weather maps
Earthquakes, what and where. Properties of elastic wave propagation. Knotts and
Zoeppritzs equations. Seismic waves at distances of 0-10o, 10-103o, > 103o. Travel
time tables and the IASPEI 91 velocity model. Recording systems, instrument frequency
properties and seismometry. Strong motion analysis.
Structure and composition of the crust, mantle and core: crust, Mohorovicic discontinuity,
mantle, transition zone and core. Earth rheology: effect of stress, mantle viscosity, shock
wave experiments. Thermal history of the earth: submarine and terrestrial heat flow,
temperature distribution. Geochronology: radioactivity, age determination methods such
as the Rb-Sr, K-Ar, U, Th-Pb, Pb and Carbon-14 methods.
144
Learning Outcomes:
1. explain the basic concepts related to the earthquakes and earth interior
Ref. Books: 1. Bullen, K.E. & Bolt, B.A. An Introduction to the Theory of
Seismology (4th Ed.), Cambridge University Press, 1985.
3. Jacobs, J.A. Deep Interior of the Earth, Chapman & Hall, 1992.
The earth and the solar system, Keplers laws, sunspots, solar flares, prominences,
photosphere, ransformer i, corona. Fundamentals of potential field theory. Rotation,
gravity field and shape of the earth. Principles of isostasy. Earth tides. Geomagnetism,
secular and diurnal variations, dynamo theory, paleomagnetism, rock magnetism.
Learning Outcomes:
1. explain the basic aspects related to the earth and the solar system
145
ZGT 268/3 Exploration Geophysics I
Learning Outcomes:
1. explain the basic aspects related to the seismic methods in exploration geophysics
Theory and practice of potential field methods for geophysical exploration, including the
gravity method, the magnetic method and electrical methods. For each method details
covered include a description of equipment used, field procedures, nature of data
acquired, methods of data processing and interpretation and applications.
Learning Outcomes:
1. explain the basic aspects related to the potential field methods in exploration
geophysics
3. classify the field procedure and interpretation techniques in potential field methods
146
Ref. Books: 1. Dobrin, M.B. & Savit, C.H. Introduction to Geophysical
Prospecting (4th Ed.), McGraw-Hill, 1988.
Air motion: Coriolis force, gravity effect, pressure gradient, friction, equations of motion,
scale analysis. Horizontal flow: geostrophic, thermal, gradient winds, continuity
equation. Weather and climate, weather modification, boundary layer. Air pollution
meteorology, ozone layer, air-sea interaction. Introduction to numerical ransfor.
Lightning and biometeorology. Meteorological instrumentation and data acquisition
techniques. Weather systems, climatological variability due to winds.
Learning Outcomes:
2. analyse and identify the meteorological features such as air masses, tornadoes and
hurricanes
147
Text Book: 1. Steven Ackerman, John A. Knox, Meteorology: Understanding
the Atmosphere, Brooks Cole; 2 edition (March 8, 2006).
Shape of ocean basins, continental margins, morphology of the ocean floor. Temperature,
salinity and density distributions in oceans. Light and sound in sea water. Composition
of sea water, chemical and biological reactions in sea water. Air-sea interaction, heat and
water cycles. Causes of instability in oceans. Ocean circulation, current measurement.
Causes of currents; pressure gradient, Coriolis forces, geostrophic flow, wind-driven
circulation. Waves and tides. Marine biology.
Learning Outcomes:
148
Ref. Books: 1. Thurman H.V. & Trujilo A.P. Essential of Oceanography (7th
Ed.), Prentice Hall, 2002.
Learning Outcomes:
149
Remote applications in meteorology: weather analysis and forecasting, remote sensing of
the atmosphere. Global climatology, atmospheric moisture distribution, synoptic
climatology of weather systems, water in the environment, hydrometeorology, surface
hydrology, hydrogeology and oceanography. Remote sensing of soils and landforms by
photography. Applications in geological mapping, resource exploration, hydrology, water
pollution, etc.
Learning Outcomes:
1. explain the basic concepts used in remote sensing related to spectral regions and data
acquisition techniques
2. apply remote sensing techniques to retrieve information from remotely sensed data
Ref. Books: 1. Lillesand, T.M., Kiefer, R.W., and Chapman, J.W., Remote
Sensing and Image Interpretation (Fifth Edition), John Wiley &
Sons., 2004.
150
Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes:
1. understand, evaluate and appreciate the structure and beauty of the universe
Instroduction to surface weather charts, the plotting meteorological codes. Air mass:
features, classification, modification. Features of the frontal system, its structure and
theory (classical Bergeron theory and current theory). Horizontal advection theory and
the continuity equation. Non-frontal low pressure systems e.g. typhoons and tornadoes.
General features of the anticyclone: warm and cold anticyclones. Development of the
cyclonic system, shearing and curvature for cyclonic and anticyclonic flow. Divergence,
convergence and vertical motion. Relative vorticity, potential vorticity and absolute
151
vorticity and their relation to divergence and convergence. Features of long waves:
structure and theory. Observations and analysis at the surface and upper levels. Weather
forcasting: numerical modeling.
Learning Outcomes:
3. justify and analyse the model used for the weather forecasting
Depositional environments; sedimentary facies. Facies models: alluvial fan, fluvial plain,
sandy desert, lake, coast, delta, glacier, terrigenous shelf, carbonate shelf, continental
slope, continental rise, basin plain, subducting plate margin, oceanic ridge and oceanic
basin. Stratigraphic framework and structural styles in petroleum exploration. Basin
analysis.
Learning Outcomes:
152
Ref. Books: 1. Einsele, G. Sedimentary Basins: Evolution, Facies and Sediment
Budget, Springer-Verlag, 1992.
Introduction; radiation processes in the tropics (the input and energy received at the
earths surface).
Circulation in the tropics, the ITCZ, trade-wind inversion, cumulus convection. Tropical
disturbances, their structures and theories according to different regions: the tropical
cyclone, warm low pressure, squalls, tornado, Hadley circulation, the easterly waves.
Equatorial atmospheric features: equatorial waves, Kelvin waves, mixed Rossby-gravity
waves. Analysis of synoptic charts in the tropics (streamlines, isotach and satellite
images). Tropical scalar analysis (continuity equation). Theory: barotropic instability,
barotropic-baroclinic instability, instability of the first, second kinds, CISK, parcel and
slice methods. The flow features, structure of the monsoon waves. Interaction and
variability of the monsoon and its relationship with the higher latitudes (north and south).
Disturbances over peninsular Malaysia. Short and long range forecasting (statistics and
numerical ransfor).
Learning Outcomes:
3. justify and analyse the model used for the short and long range forecasting
153
ZGE 371/3 Potential Field Interpretation
Learning Outcomes:
2. explain the interpretation techniques of potential field methods using two and three
dimesion
Basic mathematics for Fourier Transform. Aliasing and phase considerations. Operations
in the time domain and frequency domain. Preprocessing. Main processing sequence.
Velocity analysis. Factors that influence velocity. NMO. Dipping cases. DMO.
Velocity spectrum.
Deconvolution. Convolution model. Inverse filtering. Minimum phase. Optimum-
Wiener filters. Predictive deconvolution. Migration in space and time: Kirchhoff, finite-
difference and frequency-wavenumber. Introduction to partial migration before stack.
154
Land and sea acquisition geometry. 3-D seismic data processing. Radon transform and
tau-p processing. Hilbert transform and complex trace analysis. AVO.
Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes:
1. explain the geophysics theory and concept related to the engineering and
environment, including their ethics
155
3. classify the geophysical field procedure and interpretation techniques related to the
engineering and environment
Sources of sediments, grain size, grain size analysis and environmental interpretation of
grain size. Properties of fluid flow, sediment movement, sediment transport rate.
Bedforms and internal structures. Origin and morphology of ocean basins and margins.
Beach, salt marsh and estuarine sedimentation. Sources, composition and types of deep-
sea sediments. Patterns of deep-sea sedimentation. Effects of sea-level changes. Nature
of hydrothermal circulation. Resources from the ocean floor.
Learning Outcomes:
3. explain patterns of deep-sea sediment and resources from the ocean floor
Ref. Books: 1. The Open University, The Ocean Basins: Their Structure and
Evolution, Pergamon Press, 1989.
156
SYNOPSES OF CORE COURSES ENGINEERING PHYSICS
The aim of this course is to give students on opportunity to experience the process of
carrying out a design project. It will thus enable them to appreciate that design involves
ransformer parameters which will effect the design solution. The topics to be covered
include:
Learning Outcomes:
157
4. Lewis, W.P., Samuel A.E. Fundamentals of engineering design,
Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1989.
Growth of conducting single crystal material. Thin films growth methods, sputtering, sol-
gel, laser ablation, growth of single crystal epitaxial film and multilayers: LPE, VPE,
MOCVD, MBE methods.
Characterization of thin film and bulk material: electrical, diffraction, optical, ion beam
microscopy, imaging.
Type of junctions. Materials for light emitting diodes. Materials for lasers. Materials for
photodetector. Materials for solar cell. Photorefractive materials and holography storage.
Photoconductor
Learning Outcomes:
Ref. Books: 1. Streetman, B., Banerjee, S., Solid State Electronic Devices, 6th
Ed. Prentice Hall, 2005.
158
5. Kasap, S. O., Optoelectronics and Photonics Principles and
Practices, Prentice Hall, 2001
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be introduced to the various basic processes commonly found in machine
and electronic workshops. They will be allowed to work on some of these processes.
Elements of safety will be emphasized. Students will also be introduced to the basics of
technical drawing and they will be given opportunities to practice independent design and
analysis. As such students will be required to build simple physical models/products
based on sound engineering principles.
Learning Outcomes:
159
ZKT 321/3 The Engineer in Society
Code of ethics and professionalism of the engineer themes of ethics, views of ethical
conduct, meaning of responsibility, ethical dilemma, code of ethics, corporate social
responsibility,
Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes:
160
SYNOPSES OF ELECTIVE COURSES ENGINEERING PHYSICS
Ferroelectrics:
Basic ideas. Displacive ferroelectrics. Relaxor ferroelectrics. Landau theory of
displacive transitions. Susceptibility divergence. Materials design of perovskite ceramics
for specific applications. Properties of PZT family. Applications of bulk type
ferroelectrics; capacitors, pyroelectric detectors, strain sensors and actuators, nonlinear
optic crystals.
Applications of ferroelectrics thin film; capacitors, DRAM elements in Ics.
Processing routes and integration with IC technology.
Liquid crystals:
Basic definitions. Nematic ordering, definition of direction.
Alignment of direction by electric and magnetic fields and by pinning at surfaces. Free
energy in direction of divergence and curl. Electric field alignment and Frederiks
transitions. Optical anisotropy. Rotation of optical polarization in pure twist cell. Chiral
molecules and cholesteric ordering. Pitch of cholesteric spiral and variation with
temperature. Smectic ordering. SmA, SmC and SmC*.
Simple applications in display devices. Twisted nematic display cell and operation.
Dipole switching of SmC* cells and possible applications.
Learning Outcomes:
2. sketch the structure of ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials and the structure of
liquid crystals display
161
Ref. Books: 1. Setter and E.L. Colla (ed.), Ferroelectric Ceramics, N.
Birkhauser, 1993.
Electronic devices: Zener diode, tunnel diode, FET, MOSFET, UJT, SCR. LASCR,
Programmable logic controller (PLC).
Source and detectors: Lamps, LEDs, lasers, PMT, photodiodes, phototransistors, infrared
and microwave sources and detectors.
Electro-optic devices: Modulators (magneto-optic and acousto-optic), optical switches,
liquid crystal display and TV, CCD, integrated optics.
Optical instruments: Microscopes, interferometer, radiometer, cameras spectrometers.
Learning Outcomes:
4. perform calculations that involve electronic and photonic devices and systems
performance
162
Ref. Books: 1. T.L. Floyd, Electronic Devices, 5th Ed. Prentice Hall, 1999.
Video output technique. TV line format. Text display. Dot matrix display. Segment
display. LED. Vacume fluorescence display (VFD). Electroluminescience display.
Colour CRT. Monochrome CRT. Plasma display. Display resolution.
Lyquid crystal devices: physics and applications. Electro-optical effect used in liquid
crystal displays (LCD). Multiplexing capability and optical memory of liquid crystal
cells and basic properties for applications in high information contentscreens. Supertwist
liquid crystal screens, active matrix addressing LCD, ferroelectric LCD.
Plasma fluycies, Polymer disflay
Electron beam storage. Bubble and charge coupled memories. Cassettes. Semiconductor
storage. Electromagnetic storage. Optical tape storage. Optical disc storage. Quantum
storage. Data storages: Hard disk, floppy disk, CD and DVD.
Learning Outcomes:
163
2 Display Technologies II by Fang-Chen Luo (Editor), et al.
Hardcover (June 1998). Society of Photo-optical
Instrumentation Engineers.
History of the optical fibre. Electromagnetic wave in optical fibre and optical fibre
material. Total internal reflection. Acceptance angle and cone. Characteristics of optical
fibre; numerical aperture, mode, V-number, attenuation, dispersion, and bandwidth.
Choosing of Wavelength. A variety of different fibre and their advantages; single mode,
multimode, step index, graded index, and other profiles.
Optical fibre design and fabrication. Preform fabrication; MCVD, PCVD, OVD, and
VAD. Fibre drawing system and manufacturing of various optical cables. Advantageous
and disadvantageous of plastic optical fibre (POF). Characteristics and fabrication of rare
earth doped optical fibre. Principles and operation of wave guide, interferometer,
coupler, modulator, splicer, switch, and some optical sensors. Characteristics and
fabrication of rare earth doped optical fabre. Polarization maintorining fibres.
Fundamental of optical communication. Wave guides and wave guide devices. Wave
division multiplexing (WDM). Transmitters in optical communication: LED and laser
diode, Fabry-Perot laser, and distributed feedback laser diode. Reciever for optical
signals. Theory and operation of optical connectors. Optical connection and launching
losses. Structure and operation of optical modulator such as LiNbO3 and Mach-Zehnder
interferometer. Theory and operation of optical amplifier: semiconductor and rare earth
doped optical amplifier.
164
Optical communication system and architecture; transmitter, receiver, modulator,
amplifier, repeaters, optical fibre medium, multiplexing, and demultiplex. Fiber optic
system design and ransformer ing. Information transmission: Modulation methods
(AM, FM, PCM) multiplexing methods (TDM,FDM, WDM), data rate, noise ratio,
bandwidth, bit error, repeaters, analysis of optical power budget, and system rise time.
Optical communication networks system.
Learning Outcomes:
Digital image and signal processing system; processors, digitizer, digital computer,
storage, display, scanner.
Sampling and quantization; image geometry, frequency domain, image and signal
transformations: Fourier transform, discrete Fourier transform, 2-D Fourier transform,
Laplace transform, convolution, fast Fourier transform, Walsh transorm, discrete cosine
transform, Hotelly transform and Hough transform.
165
Signal detection in frequency domain, power spectrum, filters. Encoding, different pulse
code modulation.
Industrial vision system; automated visual inspection, process control and assembly
application. Holografhy
Prerequisite: -
Learning Outcomes:
1. explain all basic principles in digital signal and image processing and display
including acquisition, processing and enhancement
Solid State Lighting I will cover a brief introduction to semiconductor material systems
and growth techniques used for producing light emitting diodes (LEDs). The basic of
structures, properties and operation as well as other applications of LEDs will be taught.
166
Learning Outcomes :
Ref. Books: 1. Light Emitting Diodes, 2nd Edition, by E.F Schubert, Cambridge
University Press, 2006.
To understand the electrical and optical properties of light emitting diodes and to study
how it could be modified for use in solid state lighting applications. Students will learn
the principles of calorimetry, photometry and color rendering as well as the thermal
resistances across the junctions in LEDs.
Learning Outcomes :
1. identify the LEDS type and in depth understanding of LEDs electrical and optical
properties.
167
Ref. Books : 1. Light Emitting Diodes, 2nd Edition, by E. F. Schubert,
Cambridge University Press, 2006.
History of radio astronomy. The radio universe. Cosmic microwave background (CMB).
Radio telescopes. Radio interferometry. Image systhesis. Active radio stars. Active
radio galaxies.
Learning Outcomes
168
SYNOPSIS OF CORE COURSES MEDICAL PHYSICS
Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes:
3. explain the 10 human systems, its associated organs and the functions of the organs
4. understand and explain the functions of each system in order to maintain the
balancing of the activity in the human body
Ref. Books: 1. F H. Martini and E.F Bartholomew Benjamin/Cummings,
Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology, 4th edition (2006),
169
ZCE 331/4 Radiation Biophysics
Learning Outcomes:
X-ray tube and generators. X-ray spectrum. Interaction of X-rays in human body.
Scattering radiation. Film-screen radiography. Fluoroscopy, tomography, mammography.
Digital radiography. Quality control and testing of radiographic X-ray machine. Film
image quality: contrast, resolution. MTF. Radiation hazards associated with diagnostic
radiology. Current developments in diagnostic radiology.
170
Learning Outcomes:
1. understand and distinguish the basic concepts between conventional and digital
radiography
5. understand and explain the factors and parameters associated with film image quality
as well as quality control and testing of radiographic X-ray machine
Ref. Books: 1. P.P. Dedy & B Beaton Physics of Diagnostic Radiology 2nd
.ed., IOP 1999.
171
Learning Outcomes:
3. explain the dose distribution and analyze the scattered radiation in radiotherapy
Ref. Book: 1. F.M. Khan, The Physics of Radiation Therapy 3rd . edition
(2003).
A course of two semesters duration inclusive of project and seminar. Where applicable,
the use of computers is employed in the project embarked.
Learning Outcomes:
172
SYNOPSES OF ELECTIVE COURSES MEDICAL PHYSICS
X-ray tube and generators. CT scanners. Gamma cameras, collimator design, crystal
selection, photomultiplier drift. Interface circuit. Multi-detector system and rotational
gamma camera. Instrumentation in magnetic resonance imaging. Ultrasound source and
detector. Characteristics of piezoelectric materials. Single element transducer design and
field characteristics. Medical lasers: types, properties and medical applications. Optical
microscopy and electron microscopy. Computers in medicine.
Learning Outcomes:
1. explain the X-ray tube structure, describe the fundamentals of X-ray generator and
discuss about X-ray production and detection
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ZME 338/4 Physics of Medical Imaging
Photography process, solid state detector and CCD. Signal/noise and sensitivity.
Calibration, horizontal field and splitting technique. Digitizer and plate scanner.
Hardware for image processing, software techniques, histogram, convolution, fringe
upgrading, Fourier techniques and slit synthesis. Discrete, 2-D, and fast. Fourier
transformer. Laplace, Hough, Walsh and Hotelly transforms and their applications.
Information acquired from imaging such as data acquired in CI., MRI, angiography,
infrared and ultrasound imagings.
Learning Outcomes:
3. explain the process of image acquisition, enhancement, storage, format, and display
4. discuss the principles of image processing and its applications in medical imaging
equipments systems
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SYNOPSES OF UNIVERSITY COURSE
Learning Outcomes:
Ref. Books: 1. Bronson Gary J. (2006) A First Book of C++: From Here to
There, 3rd edition, Course Technology, Thomson Learning,
Australia.
Energy and related concepts, history of energy use, sources of energy, energy units and
quality of energy.
World energy consumption. Consumption of fossil fuels and its effect on the environment.
Use of hydropower, nuclear, wind, geothermal, solar and ocean energy as well as biomass
and their effects on the environment.
Energy situation in Malaysia and her energy policy. Efficient use of energy. Modeling.
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Learning Outcomes:
1. distinguish and explain the types of energy and differentiate between fossil energy
and renewable energy
4. explain and analyze energy efficiency and discuss the current development of energy
usage in Malaysia
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INDEX OF COURSES (APPLIED)
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Non Destructive Testing ZAE388/4 136
Optical Fiber Technology and Optical ZKE325/4 164
Communications
Optics ZCT213/2 124
Photonics Lab ZKT296/2 159
Physics I (Mechanics) ZCA101/4 112
Physics II (Electricity and Magnetism) ZCA102/4 112
Physics III (Vibrations, Waves and Optics) ZCT103/3 115
Physics IV (Modern Physics) ZCT104/3 116
Physics of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine ZMT335/3 171
Physics of Diagnostic Radiology ZMT334/3 170
Physics of Medical Imaging ZME338/4 174
Physics of Semiconductors Devices ZAT386/4 130
Physics Practical I ZCT191/2 117
Physics Practical II ZCT192/2 118
Physics Practical III ZCT293/2 125
Physics Practical IV ZCT294/2
Potential Field Interpretation ZGE371/3 154
Practical Training ZKT297/3 159
Pure Physics Project ZCT390/6
Quantum Mechanics ZCT205/3 118
Radiation Biophysics ZCE331/4 170
Remote Sensing ZGT374/3 149
Seismic Data Processing ZGE373/3 154
Semiconductor Fabrication Processes ZAT387/4 130
Signal and Image Processing ZKE326/4 135
Solid Earth Geophysics I ZGT266/3 144
Solid Earth Geophysics II ZGT267/3 145
Solid State Lighting I ZKE327/3 166
Solid State Lighting II ZKE328/3 167
Solid State Physics I ZCT307/3 127
Solid State Physics II ZCT317/3
Statistical Mechanics ZCT207/2 120
Structure of The Universe ZGE277/4 151
Synoptic Meteorology ZGE360/3 151
The Engineer in Society ZKT321/3 160
Thermodynamics ZCT212/2 123
Tropical Meteorology and Forecasting ZGE364/3 153
Vector Analysis ZCT211/2 122
X-Ray Analysis ZCE351/3 139
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SCHOOL OF
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
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SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
INTRODUCTION
Students graduating from the School of Biological Sciences will be equipped with the
following knowledge:
The knowledge acquired by the students of Biological Sciences will enable them to make
wise decisions with respect to the current global environmental issues such as pollution,
environmental deterioration, biodiversity loss, deforestation, global warming and climate
change. In addition, the students also develop innovative skills and are able to generate
and test new ideas. Students with this essential knowledge will excel in any career path
that they choose. The School of Biological Sciences is proud to produce students who can
think in a holistic manner to ensure a sustainable tomorrow.
Vision
Centre of excellence for education and research in the field of biological sciences.
Mission
1. To provide quality and innovative teaching and learning for its entire degree
program.
2. To achieve research excellence.
3. To establish and enhance the collaboration with industries for education input
and research.
4. To serve the society and country by providing the latest knowledge and
technology.
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ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Dean
Deputy Dean
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amir Hamzah Prof. Dr. Siti Azizah Mohd Nor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Latiffah
Ahmad Ghazali (Post-Graduate Studies & Zakaria
(Academic & Student Research) (Industry & Community
Development) Network)
Programme Chairman
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yahya Mat Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Ramli Dr. Sreeramanan a/l
Arip Mohd Yahya Subramaniam
(Microbiology) (Biotechnology) (Agrobiology)
Prof. Dr. Ng Wing Keong Dr. Zary Shariman Yahaya Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shahrul
(Aquatic and Environmental (Biology and Management Anuar Mohd Sah
Biology) of Vectors and Parasites) (Plant and Animal Biology)
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Principal Assistant Registrar Senior Assistant Registrar
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ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Dean
PROFESSOR DR. ABU HASSAN AHMAD
Programme Chairman
Agrobiology
DR. SREERAMANAN A/L SUBRAMANIAM
Biotechnology
ASSOC. PROFFESOR DR. AHMAD RAMLI MOHD YAHYA
Microbiology
ASSOC. PROFESSOR DR. YAHYA MAT ARIP
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ACADEMIC STAFF
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
SENIOR LECTURER
184
Foong Swee Yeok 3511 foong_sy@yahoo.com
Khairun Yahya 3509/8852750 khairun@usm.my
Khaironizam Md. Zain 3531 khaironizam@usm.my
Hamdan bin Ahmad 3048 hamdana@usm.my
Mansor Mat Isa 3524 drmansor@usm.my
Mahadi Mohammad 5912 mahadi@usm.my
Mohamed Hifni Mohd. Baharuddin 3510 mhifniusm@yahoo.com
Nik Ahmad Irwan Izzaudin Nik Him 5127 nikirwan@usm.my
Nik Fadzly Nik Rosely 5127 nfadzly@usm.my
Nurul Salmi Abdul Latip 3510 salmi@usm.my
Rahmad Zakaria 3524 rahmadz@gmail.com
Rashidah Abdul Rahim 2450/4006 rshidah@usm.my
Sreeramanan Subramaniam 3528 sreeramanan@usm.my
Suhaila Abd. Hamid 2381 ahsuhaila@usm.my
Suriyati Mohamad 4006 suri@usm.my
Wan Fatma Zuharah Wan Musthapa 4153 wfatma@usm.my
Zary Shariman Yahaya 4001 zary@usm.my
LECTURER
Chew Bee Lynn 5926 bee_lynn@hotmail.com
Hasnuri Mat Hassan 5929 hasnurie@yahoo.com
Research Officer
SCIENCE OFFICERS
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CHIEF SENIOR ASSISTANT
SCIENCE OFFICER
ASSISTANT SCIENCE
OFFICER
CHIEF LABORATORY
ASSISTANT
SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT
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General Information
Career
The School of Biological Sciences is located at the main campus of Universiti Sains
Malaysia (USM), Penang. It is one of the three pioneering schools to be set up when
USM was established in 1969. Ever since then, it has grown rapidly to become an
outstanding research-intensive school, which now boasts the largest number of post-
graduate students in the university. Because of the presence of a large population of
graduate students, the undergraduates are naturally inspired to continue with postgraduate
studies. Every year, a significant number of undergraduates continue to pursue their
Masters and PhD. Those that choose to pursue their careers elsewhere are usually
recruited by pesticide and pest management industries, aquaculture industries, food
industries, electronics industries, biotechnology industries and medical devises industries.
In addition, various governmental and semi-governmental organizations and R&D centers
also hire a significant number of the graduates. These include Forest Research Institute of
Malaysia (FRIM), Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA), Malaysian Palm Oil
Board (MPOB), Institute for Medical Research (IMR) and many more.
Alumni
The graduates of the School of Biological Sciences are automatically entered to become
members of the growing family of USMs alumni, which to date amounting to some
100,000 members! Its mission is to mobilise resources and advance the USM alumni as
an innovative fraternity which nurtures its members and rallies its stakeholders to
contribute to the university and to society. For further details, please visit:
http://alo.usm.my/
The graduating students from the School of Biological Sciences are considered for a
number of awards at both the university and the school levels. These awards are available
to outstanding students:
1. Cancellors Gold Medal Award - awarded to the best final year student in all fields.
2. Royal Education Award - awarded to the best student in all fields, by the Majlis
Raja-Raja Melayu.
3. USM Gold Medal Award, awarded to the best female final year student in all
fields., by Persatuan Wanita USM
4. USM Gold Medal Award, awarded to the best Bachelor of Science (Honours)
degree final year student, given by Tun Dato Seri Dr. Lim Chong Eu.
5. USM Gold Medal Award, awarded to the best Bachelor of Applied Science
(Honours) degree final year student, by Nestle Products Sdn. Bhd.
6. USM Gold Medal Award, awarded in memory of Professor E. Balasingham is to
the best final year student in the field of Biology.
7. USM Book Prize, awarded by Datuk Abdul Rahman Yaakub is to the best Bachelor
of Science (Honours) degree final year student.
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In addition, at each semester, the students who achieved academic excellence will also be
awarded the Deans Certificate.
Bio Society (BioSoc) is a platform for students to interact with one another, as well as
with the academic, administrative and supporting staff. Led by the undergraduates, the
society is advised by a faculty member and the Dean. BioSoc regularly organizes
academic, non-academic, recreation and student development programmes that are
essential in creating versatile students and individuals. As a result of these initiatives, the
School of Biological Sciences Alumni Society was created to gather and reunite as
many former students and staff of the school. Bio Society motto Inspire Your Life is
timely as it is also involved with the community and schools through awareness
programmes on the potentials of biology as well as addressing the issues of sustainable
development.
Higher Education
A large number of students from the School of Biological Sciences pursue higher degrees
with us. We offer both full and part-time programmes leading to degrees of the Master of
Science and Doctor of Philosophy by research.
The school reaches out to the local and international communities via active research and
academic collaborations. Locally, the School of Biological Sciences has very close
relationships with FRIM, Forest Department, Department of Agriculture, FELDA,
Fisheries Department, MACRES and SIRIM. Internationally, the school has student and
staff exchange programmes with world-class research institutions such as Universite
Henri Poincare (France), RIKEN (Japan), Purdue University (USA), Mississippi State
University (USA), University of Georgia (USA) and Kyoto University (Japan).
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Facilities
In addition, the Electron Microcopy Unit has also been providing services to the
manufacturing industries in this region for the last 20 years particularly for Failure
Analysis, Quality Control, and R & D investigations. The facilities provided by the unit
include Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy
(SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Microanalysis (EDX), Light Microscopy (LM) and
Image Analysis (IA). The school has recently acquired an EF-TEM (Zeiss-Libra120) with
EELS, ESI and electron diffraction accessories.
Under the Applied Biology Programme, undergraduates may specialize in one of the
fields listed below:
Agrobiology
Aquatic Biology
Biotechnology
Environmental Biology
Biology and Management of Vectors and Parasites
CURRICULUM
The Core Courses component is made up of courses of level 100, 200 and 300. They
include the Basic Core courses (Teras Asas), the Compulsory Core courses (Teras
Wajib), the Required Core courses (Teras Perlu) and the Elective Core courses (Teras
Pilihan). Courses in the Basic Core and Compulsory Core groups are compulsory Level
100 courses where students must attain passing Grades. Level 200 and 300 courses are
courses from Required Core, Elective Core and Electives for a chosen specialization.
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(i) YEAR I CORE COURSES (30 Units)
Level 100 core courses are offered by the various Science Schools, e.g. School of
Physics, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Mathematical Sciences. All
undergraduates of the School of Biological Sciences must enrol and attain passing grades
for these courses. Students must obtain a total of 30 units. The courses are as follows:
Required Core courses are those courses offered at Levels 200 and 300 that have been
identified according to each specialisation program namely Agrobiology, Aquatic
Biology, Environmental Biology, Biotechnology and Biology and Management of
Vectors and Parasites. Students must enrol in all the Required core courses that are
listed in their respective field of specialisation.
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(B) FINAL YEAR PROJECT
All final year Biology students are given the option to register for a final year project of 8
units which spans over 2 semesters. At the end of the second semester, a thesis based on
the existing regulations and format must be submitted for examination.
Before a student is allowed to register for the final year project in their respective field of
specialisation, the student must have achieved these minimum cumulative unit
requirement.
Students who do not register for a final year project must substitute the 8 units with BOE
300/2 Special Topics in Biology (which carries 2 units), while the remaining 6 units are
fulfilled by taking courses in biological sciences that are suitable to his/her field of
specialisation and approved by the programme.
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FIELD OF SPECIALISATION: AGROBIOLOGY
Objective
The Agrobiology programme encompasses the use of modern biological techniques in the
agricultural output system. The main objective of this programme is to explore various
approaches in the agriculture system to ensure optimum and economical plant health and
yield. Students learn basic entomology and the role of insects in agricultural systems, and
an introduction to plant pathology centered on an understanding of plant diseases, disease
mechanisms and pathogen interactions. Students are also equipped with basic knowledge
in insect pest management strategies to gain an insight to the development of plant disease
control methods and management strategies. The ultimate goal of the program is to be
able to handle problems related to plant productivity in the development of agriculture
based industry in the country.
192
Course Code Course Title Semester Course
Prerequisite
BMT 302/3 Environmental Microbiology II BMT 202/3 (S)
BMT 204/3 (S)
BST 202/3 Soil Science and Environment I BOI 102/3 (S)
BVT 313/4 Medical and Veterinary Parasitology I BVT 211/3 (S)
BZT 311/3 Biology of Vertebrate Pest Animals I BOI 101/3 (S)
Elective (4/20 Units)
Any biology course that supports the Agrobiology component.
Objectives
The main objective of the aquatic biology specialisation is to expose students to the basic
principles of aquatic science. With the basic knowledge acquired in this thrust area,
students can then utilise it in applied fields. Students will be exposed to the structures and
functions of aquatic flora and fauna. They will also be exposed to basic ecological
aspects of various ecosystems and economics of management, utilization and
conservation of aquatic resources. The use of aquatic resources in agriculture and
fisheries together with culture techniques will also be discussed. Upon successful
completion of the programme, students are expected to have grasped the necessary
knowledge and skills to manage the utilization of aquatic resources together with the
proper use of aquatic resources for agricultural production. Students should then also be
able to carry out research in the field of aquatic sciences.
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BAT 300/8 Project in Aquatic Biology I & II
BOE 300/2 Special Topics in Biology I or II
BAT 311/3 Management of Aquatic II BAT 213/4 (S)
Ecosystems
BAT 302/3 Fisheries Management II BAT 205/3 (S)
BAT 313/4 Aquaculture I BOI 102/3 (S)
BST 201/3 Environmental Pollution I BOI 102/3 (S)
Elective (4/20 Units)
Any biology course that supports the Aquatic Biology component.
Objectives
194
BST 312/3 Conservation Ecology and I BST 204/3 (S)
Natural Resources
BST 313/3 Ecology and Management of I BOI 102/3 (S)
Weeds BOI 105/2 (S)
Elective Core: [12 Units]
BAT 201/3 Limnology I BOI 102/3 (S)
BAT 202/3 Oceanography I BOI 102/3 (S)
BAT 311/3 Management of Aquatic II BAT 213/3 (S)
Ecosystems
BBT 302/3 Economic Botany I BOI 101/3 (S)
Elective (4/20 Units)
Any biology course that supports the Environmental Biology component.
Objectives
The programme offered, aims to develop in the students a sound understanding of cellular
biology involving microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology and some
chemical engineering principles.
The programme begins with core courses in the sciences especially biology, to build a
strong foundation, which is then followed by an introduction to the various techniques
employed in the biotechnology industry and several key aspects of microbiology. This is
followed by several advanced topics of biotechnology that cover animal and plant cell
culture, chemical engineering principles, bioinformatics and an in-deepth treatment of
genetic engineering.
195
Course Code Course Title Semester Course
Prerequisite
Required Core: Level 200 [24 Units]
BTT 202/3 Techniques In Biotechnology I* & II BOI 103/4 (S)
BMT 202/3 Mycology I BOI 101/3 (S)
BMT 203/3 Microbial Genetics II BOI 104/3 (S)
BMT 204/3 Bacteriology I BOI 101/3 (S)
BMT 205/3 Immunology II BOI 103/3 (S)
BMT 206/3 Physiology and Nutrition of II BOI 103/3 (S)
Microbes
BMT 217/3 Virology I BOI 101/3 (S)
BBT 301/3 Plant Genetics I BOI 104/3 (S)
Required Core: Level 300 [20 Units]
BTT 300/8 Project In Biotechnology I & II
BOE 300/2 Special Topics in Biology I or II
BTT 301/3 Tissue Culture Technology I BMT 205/3 (S)
BTT 302/3 Fermentation Technology II BMT 206/3 (S)
BTT 303/3 Biochemical Engineering II BMT 206/3 (S),
BTT 202/3 (S)
BTT 304/3 Genetic Engineering I BMT 203/3 (S)
Elective (4/20 Units)
Any biology course that supports the Biotechnology component.
* For Biotechnology students only.
Objectives
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Course Course Title Semester Course
Code Prerequisite
Required Core: Level 200 [11 Units]
BVT 211/3 Biology of Vectors and Parasites II BOI 101/3 (S)
BVT 212/2 Basic Parasitology Practicals II BOI 105/2 (S)
BGT 211/4 Entomology I BOI 101/3 (S)
BGT 212/2 Entomology Practical I BOI 105/2 (S)
Required Core: Level 300 [23 Units]
BVT 300/8 Project in Biology and Management of I & II
Vectors and Parasites
BOE 300/2 Special Topics in Biology I or II
BVT 311/4 Medical and Urban Entomology I BVT 211/3 (S),
BGT 211/4 (S)
BVT 312/2 Practicals on Vectors and Urban Pests I BGT 212/2 (S)
BVT 313/4 Medical and Veterinary Parasitology I BVT 211/3 (S)
BVT 314/2 Advanced Practicals in Parasitology II BVT 212/3 (S)
BGT 314/4 Insect Pest Management and Control II BVT 211/3 (S),
BGT 211/4 (S)
Elective Core: [10 Units]
BMT 205/3 Immunology II BOI 103/3 (S)
BOT 205/3 Microscopy and Histological Techniques II BOI 101/3 (S)
BOE 201/3 Biological Instrumentation I BOI 103/3 (S)
BST 203/3 Population and Community Ecology II BOI 102/3 (S)
BST 301/3 Environmental Management II BST 201/3 (S)
BZT 211/3 Invertebrate Zoology I BOI 101/3 (S)
BZT 212/3 Vertebrate Zoology I BOI 101/3 (S)
BZT 213/3 Animal Behaviour II BOI 101/3 (S)
BZT 211/3 (C)
BZT 212/3 (C)
BZT 214/3 Animal Physiology I BOI 103/3 (S)
BZT 311/3 Biology of Vertebrate Pest Animals I BZT 212/3 (C)
BOI 105/2 (S)
Elective (4/20 Unit)
Any biology course that supports the Biology and Management of Vectors and Parasites
component.
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Programme Outcomes
Knowledge
Acquire knowledge and understand the concepts of applied biology.
Apply knowledge to solve problems related to applied biology
Practical Skills
Plan and execute experiments according to scientific methods.
Use modern instrumentation and procedures as well as classical techniques, to design
and conduct experiments and to properly record the results of experiments.
Perform laboratory techniques safety, accurately and effectively.
Communication Skills
Express ideas in an informed and effective manner, articulate and develop a sustained
argument, both orally and in writing.
Interpret data and communicate the results to biologists and non-biologists.
198
Leadership Skills
Demonstrate the ability to lead/facilitate teams.
This course covers elements of biodiversity involving genes, species and ecosystem.
Emphasis will be on biological diversity including discussion on characteristics of various
biological groups. The students will also be exposed to the problems of loss of species,
habitat and ecosystem and the importance of biodiversity conservation as well as efforts
taken by the government in biodiversity conservation. Discussion will also include topics
on legislations and international agreements for the protection of biodiversity and will end
with some discussion on biodiversity hotspots.
Learning Outcomes
Have basic knowledge on the species diversity for plant, microorganisms and animals
related to the economic values, ecological importance and conservation.
Be equip with practical skills involve in the identification of a diversity of plants,
microbes and animals based on their distinguishing features.
Understand the basic concept in biodiversity and the need to preserve it.
Develop awareness about the rich biodiversity especially in the tropical rain forest.
Since specimens used in the lab are collected from the local environment either in its
preserved form or fresh forms, the students are expected to familiarize themselves
with the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Basic ecological concepts such as ecosystem, community, population will be taught. The
basic components, structures and processes occur in the ecosystem will be discussed.
Functional aspects of ecosystems including factors controlling distribution of organisms,
primary and secondary production and succession will also be discussed. Field work
techniques will be included. As ecology is mainly based on field experiences, therefore
students will be exposed to examples of field experiments where data gathering and
observation will be included.
Learning Outcomes
199
BOI 103/3: Cellular Biochemistry
This course discusses the cell in terms of its basic structure, organelles and their function.
It also includes building blocks of macromolecules such as amino acids, fatty acids and
monosaccharides. This leads to discussions on the structure and function of
macromolecules e.g. proteins, fats, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. The biochemical
processes that occur in the cell such as enzymes as catalysts, carbohydrate, fat and protein
metabolism, metabolic regulation and biosynthesis of macromolecules are also discussed.
At the end of this course, students should be able to differentiate between prokaryote and
eukaryote as well as name the organelles and their functions. In addition, students should
be able to identify the chemical characteristics all the major biological macromolecules
and describe their structures and functions.
Learning Outcomes
Differentiate between prokaryote and eukaryote as well as name the organelles and
their functions.
Identify the chemical characteristics of all the major biological macromelecules and
describe their structures and functions.
Describe the structure and mechanisms of enzymes.
Describe the mechanisms and regulation of the major metabolic pathways in a living
cell.
The aim of this course is to introduce the basic principles of genetics which has emerged
to be an important field in the understanding of various aspects of biology. This course
begins with discussions on the basic concepts of genetics from inheritance pattern
according to Mendels Law as well as non-Mendelian inheritance. Topics to be discussed
also include sex linkage, cytoplasmic and maternal inheritance, mapping and gene order
determination, mutation, types of mutants and their applications and gene action and its
interaction. Population genetics dealing with gene transmission through space and time
will be covered. The structure and function of DNA and RNA as genetic materials will
also be presented. This includes chromosome organisation, replisome and DNA
replication, gene expression and its regulation and RNA processing in eucaryotes.
Interesting discussion regarding gene regulation in procaryotes will also be done. This
course will also cover the basic concepts of genetic engineering and recombinant DNA
technology and their applications in industry, medicine and agriculture. Related ethical
and moral issues concerning modern genetics will be discussed.
200
Learning Outcomes
Predict the outcome of crosses and differentiate between Mendelian and non-
Mendelian inheritance, and also the extranuclear inheritance.
Show how DNA and RNA were proven to be the genetic materials and know the
composition and structures of DNA, RNA and chromosome organization.
Understand the concept of central dogma which encompasses replication,
transcription, translation and reverse transcription.
Know the processes of gene expression and gene regulations (lac and trp operons),
Know various types of mutation, their causes and effects on life.
Students will experience biodiversity principles and concepts in the field. Introduction to
biodiversity from species and ecosystem perspectives will be strengthened by hands-on
approach of these concepts.
Learning Outcomes
Familiarize field and laboratory research methods and get hands on used of scientific
equipments.
Organize field and laboratory research methods.
Familiarize with various field and laboratory procedures.
Gain knowledge and exposure on field and laboratory working conditions.
Students will learn basic practical methods and techniques in biochemistry and genetics.
Students will be introduced to basic practical principles and concepts as well as
familiarise themselves with the use of standard equipment in the field of biochemistry and
genetics. This can help consolidate their skills and expertise in both fields. Students will
also get opportunities to learn other relevant practical methods and techniques that can
assist them in their understanding of these fields.
Learning Outcomes
201
Determine the factors that affect enzyme activity.
Understand Mendelian genetics.
Construct genetic map.
Understand gene interaction and determine karyotype analysis.
Learning Outcomes
Understand on how to present data that are produced from their studies.
Appropriately select statistical procedure/s to analyse their data in order to make
conclusions on their studies.
Limnology is the study of fresh or saline waters contained within continental boundaries,
including lakes, ponds, reservoirs, streams, rivers, wetlands and estuaries. Limnology
includes standing and running water, both salt and fresh, as long as the body of water is
not oceanic. Brackish waters in estuaries also constitute important areas of limnological
investigation. Emphasis will be given on the characteristics of these inland water bodies,
the biotic community and the dynamic activities within this environment. Both the
physical and chemical aspects of these aquatic ecosystems will be discussed.
Learning Outcomes
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BAT 202/3: Oceanography
Learning Outcomes
Define various aspects of the oceans including its geology, chemical contents,
biology and biological processes as well as its physical features, including tides,
waves and currents.
Use various instruments associated with oceanographic research and be able to
conduct simple field studies.
Carry out some analysis particularly on water quality.
The course introduces marine and coastal ecosystems. This includes the sandy beaches,
rocky shores, coral reefs, mangroves, estuaries and the open sea. Emphasis will be given
on the processes and dynamics of these ecosystems. The relationship of these systems to
other relevant ecosystems will be studied. The economic importance of each ecosystem
will be discussed.
Learning Outcomes
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BAT 215/3: Ichthyology
This course will discuss various aspects of the biology, taxonomy, evolution and ecology
of fish. Emphasis will be given on aspects of adaptation for living in the aquatic habitat.
Such aspects including anatomy, and external morphology, physiology, respiratory and
circulatory systems, feeding and digestion, excretion and osmotic control, nerves and
sensory organs, muscle and movement, reproduction and development of larvae, and also
pattern of behaviour. The economic importance, zoogeography, ecology and life history
of a few species of fish will be highlighted.
Learning Outcomes
A final year research project that aims to expose students to research methods for solving
various scientific questions related to the Aquatic Biology sciences. At the end of this
course, students are able to carry out scientific research in aquatic biology and present
their research work in a written thesis and scientific oral presentations.
Learning Outcomes
Carry out proper and well planned scientific research and have the ability to solve
problems related to the Aquatic Sciences.
Acquire technical skills and knowledge in various research areas of Aquatic Biology.
Apply recent techniques and methodologies in the course of conducting research in
various areas of Aquatic Biology.
Learn professionalism and high ethics in the working environment.
Initiate creative and pro-active thinking, improve communication skills, learn to write
scientific reports and to correctly handle scientific data in research.
In this course students will be introduced to various types of aquatic pollution, their
causes and methods of pollution abatement and prevention. The types of pollution
discussed will include those by heavy metals, organic wastes, natural pollutions, and other
204
toxic wastes. The course also includes interactions and conservation of the aquatic
environment including the riparian, limnological, marine and coastal systems. Aspects of
integrated aquatic system management as well as case studies involving local examples
will be discussed.
Learning Outcomes
This course encompasses the freshwater (inland fishery and paddy field fishery) and
marine fishery (capture fishery) in Malaysia. The fisheries principles and methods used in
Malaysia will be discussed in relation to the sustainable exploitation of marine fishery
resources. The principle of ecosystem approach in fishery management is also
emphasized. The fishery law and administration for conservation and its management are
also discussed. The course also includes the fishery industries in term of fishery products,
models and marketing strategies.
Learning Outcomes
Distinguish between inland and marine capture fishery resources and type of gears
and methods used for exploitation.
Understand the effect of fish population size and catch to exploitation of fishery
resources.
Understand the concept and application of fish stock assessment for fisheries
management.
Interlink the fish population dynamics for fisheries management.
Understand and utilise laws and regulations on conservation and management of the
fishery resources.
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Learning Outcomes
This course looks into insects from 5 fundamental perspectives: structure and function,
insects and its environment, insects as a unit and its diversity, applied entomology, and
modern molecular approach. The subjects covered include: the integument system,
nervous systems, glands and muscles, breeding and development, sensory mechanisms,
movement and behaviour. Communication between insects and its biotic and abiotic
environment will also be discussed. In addition, students will be exposed to the methods
and principles of taxonomy and the evolution of the Insecta class. This course will also
discuss the advantages and disadvantages of insects, conservation of biodiversity, control
of insects, and molecular entomology.
Learning Outcomes
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BGT 212/2: Entomology Practical
Students will dissect various insects to see different structures of each system.
Classification and insect systematics will be the main topic of the course. Students are
required to initiate an insect collection with diversity at order and family levels. Field
trips will enhance the learning experience about insects in the natural environment.
Learning Outcomes
Are equipped with knowledge on insect morphology useful for identification of main
groups of insects in Malaysia.
Will be able to identify major groups of insects to families by sight as well as using
identification keys.
The course introduce students to the concept of disease as an interaction between the
pathogen and host under influence of environmental factors, definition of inoculum
potential, pathogenicity and virulence, mechanisms of pathogen attack and entry into host
tissue, mechanisms by which plants resist disease and the process of pathogenesis. Plant
pathogens such as fungi, virus, viroid, actinomycete, bacteria, mycoplasma and nematode
will be studied with emphasis to their life cycles and disease cycles, production, survival
and dispersal of inoculum.
Learning Outcomes
This course introduces students to research methods in plant pathology. It includes topics
such as preparation of media and nutrient solutions, sterilization and disinfection,
isolation and culture of pathogens, preservation and maintenance of plant pathogens,
collection and preservation of diseased specimens, principles of disease determination,
inoculation methods, research methodology in the plant house and the field, experimental
design, micrometry, photography and microphotography, plant disease diagnosis, library
research and writing for publication, principles and methods of disease assessment and
crop loss.
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Learning Outcomes
A final year research project aims to expose the students to research methods for solving
proposed problems. The results of the project will be presented in a seminar and a thesis
at the end of the year.
Learning Outcomes
This course discusses various principles of plant protection and control methods and their
effectiveness, including chemical controls, biological and cultural control, the use of
resistant cultivars and control through legislation. Integrated control and application of
biotechnology in plant pathology will also be discussed. This course will conclude with a
discussion on selected important diseases and pathogens in the tropics.
Learning Outcomes
Apply principles of plant protection and various control methods in integrated plant
disease management.
Apply biotechnology and molecular techniques in integrated plant disease
management.
Understand important plant diseases and pathogens in the tropics.
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Learning Outcomes
Equipt with knowledge on various plant disease control methods such as chemical
and biological methods.
Exposed to experiments on integrated plant disease management conducted in the
field.
Exposed to learning on disease control method in agriculture research station.
The course will focus on the insects of economic importance to agriculture, forestry and
stored products in Malaysia. The roles of insects on crop production, stored products and
quality of forest products will be discussed. Emphasis will be given on major insect pests.
Pests of cocoa, rice, coconut, oil palms, rubber, vegetables, fruits, sugar cane and coffee
will be studied. The ecological roles of insects in natural forest, agro forests and
plantation forests and forest products will be discussed. The unique ecosystem of stored
products and the roles of insect pests which cause the damage will be studied.
Learning Outcomes
This course explores the factors affecting insect population survivorship, and various
insect management strategies such as chemical, physical, biological, cultural, as well as
genetic, plant resistance and quarantine methods. In chemical control section, mode of
action of various insecticide groups, semiochemicals, insect growth regulators,
toxicology, physiology, formulation technology, resistance, pollution and
biomagnification due to insecticidal usage will be discussed. Integrations between various
control strategies against insect pests, and their suitability from economical, ecological
and safety aspects against non-target organisms will also be emphasised.
Learning Outcomes
Understand and appreciate various underlying ecological concepts behind insect pest
management and the importance of understanding the biological principles of the
targeted organisms when managing them.
Apply these principles into solving pest management issues.
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BST 201/3: Environmental Pollution
This course covers the origin of various types of pollutants that are found in the aquatic,
terrestrial and atmospheric environment. Noise pollution, solid wastes, radioactive wastes
and toxic and hazardous residues and their effects on the biota and man will be examined.
The course will conclude with a discussion on the principles and implementation of
pollution control and environmental monitoring. The main objective of this course is to
expose students on various issues pertaining to environmental pollution. Although global
issues will be discussed, emphasis will be on local problems. Discussions will involve
kinds of pollutants that are received by the aquatic and terrestrial environment as well as
air and noise pollution. Sources of various kinds of pollutants such as industrial
discharges, municipal wastes, radioactive and other hazardous wastes and their impacts
on human health & environment integrity will also be discussed. The course will end with
a look at the existing legislation as well as principle of control strategies and
environmental monitoring and to assess their effectiveness in protecting the environment.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the kinds of main pollutants, their sources and their effects on the
environment and living organisms.
Understand the existing legislation, particularly in Malaysia, that can be used to
overcome environmental pollution.
Understand the management and control efforts carried out by the Malaysian
Department of Environment and improvement suggestions.
The aim of this course is for students to understand the basic chemical, physical and
biological principles of soils. The students will be able to relate the principles of soil
science to ecological systems, agricultural production, world food needs, engineering uses
of soils and waste disposal. Soils are complex biogeochemical materials on which plants
may grow. The soils have the structural and biological properties that distinguish soils
from rocks and sediments. Soil supports dynamic ecological systems and provides plants
with support, water, nutrients and air. Soil can support all ecosystems on land including
large populations of microorganisms that recycle the materials of life, providing the entire
human population with food, fiber, water and building materials, and sites for
construction and waste disposal. Soil also plays an important role in carbon sequestration
and prevention of global warming. Understanding soil and managing it well is essential to
human welfare.
Learning Outcomes
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Have basic knowledge on soil functions as affected by the environment with special
emphasis on human population activities.
Identify the source of problems related to soils and how to draw potential steps to
remedy the situations.
Develop social skills, leadership abilities, communication skills and team work skills
through group laboratory practicums.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the basic and advance principles of population ecology and community
ecology.
Apply ecological knowledge in the environmental projects.
Understand the concept of species richness, species diversity and distribution.
Understand the community distribution and vegetation patterns.
This course provides an overview to tropical ecosystems and ecology. The main themes
revolve around key concepts and characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of
the tropics with emphasis on Malaysia. Approach to the topics begins with an introduction
to tropical environment and its high biodiversity followed by various ecosystems found in
Malaysia. The focus will be on the ecology, processes and interactions of biotic and
abiotic elements in tropical rain forest, mangrove, inland water bodies, marine and coral
reef ecosystems. Current and pressing issues on humankinds impact on these ecosystems
locally as well as globally will also be discussed with coverage on ecological principles
for their conservation. Fieldwork, with mini projects, is an important part of this course to
clarify ecological concepts.
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Learning Outcomes
A final year research project that aims to expose students to research methods for solving
a proposed research problem. At the end of this course, students will be able to carry out
scientific research in environmental biology and present their research work in written
thesis and oral presentations.
Learning Outcomes
Carry out proper and well planned scientific research and in solving environmental-
related problems.
Acquire skill and knowledge for future studies in environmental biology
related areas.
Apply current techniques and methods in the field of environmental biology.
Apply professionalism and high ethical standards in the working environment.
Initiate creative thinking, improve communication skills, learn report writing skills
and analyse scientific data in research.
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Learning Outcomes
The purpose of this course is to increase understanding about the ecology and
management of wildlife in tropical areas especially Malaysia. Other than ecological
aspects based on the whole ecosystem, dinamics and regulation of species and of
populations will be considered. This course will also consider management techniques for
wildlife in Malaysia. Field work is an important component that will expose students to
natural settings and techniques for field studies.
Learning Outcomes
The course will emphasize on basic conservation ecology on all species and natural
ecosystem of the world in general and focus will be given for Malaysia. Specific
examples will be discussed. Discussion on endangered species and ecosystems, including
factors involved in the process. Roles of natural conservation areas and national parks for
species and natural ecosystem conservation will also be discussed. Aspects on species or
ecosystem protection under conservation acts and regulations and conservation strategic
action plan at Malaysian and global levels will be discussed.
Learning Outcomes
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Understand the strategic action plan at Malaysian and global levels in term of the
sustainability of natural resources
Learning Outcomes
The course provides basic knowledge on various aspects of fungi. These include topics
such as fungal existence, habitat, and mode of life, general characteristics of fungi, its
origin and phylogeny, methods in fungal nomenclature and classification, specific features
and examples from various fungal groups. Other topics include the economic importance
of fungi such as alcohol fermentation and fungal application in industries, fungi as food
and mushroom cultures. Medically important fungi, fungi as food spoilage agent, spoilage
of timber products and plant pathogens will also be discussed.
Learning Outcomes
Distinguish the characteristics and basic structures of true fungi and fungal-like
organisms.
Differentiate among the microfungi, macrofungi, unicellular fungi and fungal-like
organisms.
Distinguish the phyla of true fungi and fungal-like organism.
Differentiate various fungi life-styles which related to their role in the ecosystem and
envionments.
Identify the economic importance of fungi in food industry, medicine, manufacturing
and as plant pathogens.
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BMT 203/3: Microbial Genetics
This course involves the discussion on bacterial and viral chromosomes; gene transfer in
bacteria such as transformation, transduction (general, specific and F-duction) and
conjugation (mating type, zygote forming kinetics, chromosome replication, F element,
HFr, chromosomal transfer and analysis); characteristics and importance of plasmids,
episome and transposon. Recombination (by general, specific sites, recombinant model,
DNA hybrids, exchange of genes); gene regulation (operon concept, lactose operon,
tryptophane operon, and attenuation); mutagenesis and mutant (mutagenesis agent, types
of mutants and in situ mutagenesis); bacteriophage as genetic system (transfection,
lysogeny and lysis cycle); fungal and yeast genetics.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the principles of operons and gene regulation using the bacteriophage, lactose
and tryptophan operons as examples.
The course will cover in depth discussion on bacteria in aspects of systematics of archaea
and Gram negative bacteria, Gram positive bacteria, abnormal bacteria and filament-like
Gram positive bacteria and morphologically complex bacteria. Bacterial and archaeal
systematics will cover classification, taxonomy, nomenclature, identification, phylogeny
and concept of species and numerical taxonomy. Students will also learn the base
composition of nucleic acid, hybridization and amino acid sequencing as other
approaches in the taxonomy. This particular aspect will enable examination of various
characteristics of bacteria and archaea to determine how these characteristics affect their
roles in the daily life of mankind.
Learning Outcomes
Relate the functions or importance of archaeal and bacterial fine structures to their
chemical constituents.
Strategize the enrichment, isolation and maintenance of some important archaea and
bacteria.
Describe the basis for characterization of archaea and bacteria.
Relate their characteristics to economic importance.
This course covers the principles and basic concepts of immunology. The areas to be
studied include the historical development and scope of immunology, natural immunity,
acquired immunity and the complement system, antigen and antibody, antigen and
antibody interaction, fundamentals of cellular immunity responses, hypersensitivity
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(allergy) immediate type and late type, graft immunity, autoimmunity and immunity
against cancer.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the basic concepts of immunology and apply the knowledge in infection
and protective immunity.
Understand the basic concepts of immune disorders.
Understand and apply the knowledge in immuno-diagnostic tests.
The course discusses the processes that take place in the development of microorganisms
such as growth, microbial cell cycle, effect of environmental factors on growth, growth
kinetics and energetics, transport model and types of transport in aerobes and anaerobes
and photosynthesis, energy transduction energy source and carbon framework,
autotrophy and heterotrophy, anaerobic, aerobic and photosynthetic pathways.
Identification of metabolic pathways, carbon equilibrium and redox in fermentation,
methylotrophy, microbial electron transport system, coupling of electron transport with
phosphorylation, adaptation of microorganisms in environment, biomolecules and its
regulation nucleic acid, protein, carbohydrates and lipids, synthesis and construction of
cell membrane and cell wall and enzyme and coenzyme regulation will be discussed.
Learning Outcomes
Describe and explain the process that take place in the development of
microorganism such as growth, growth kinetics and energetics, transport model and
types of transport in aerobes and anaerobes.
Describe, explain and analyze various metabolic pathways and its regulation.
Describe and explain the regulation of enzyme and coenzyme, nutrient stress and
stringent control.
Describe and explain the synthesis of biomolecules and its regulation.
Describe and explain global Control Network, genomics and proteomics tools in
bacterial physiology.
This course aims at the introduction and understanding of virology. Virus is a minute
entity that has a significant effect as it causes various diseases in microorganisms,
animals, plants and human. The cost implication in viral diseases is large. The problems
become more complicated because viral diseases cannot be cured. The strategies in
handling viral problems are different from other organisms.
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Learning Outcomes
Describe the basic concepts in general virology and its significant in medical,
agriculture and environment fields.
Understand the molecular aspects of virology.
Understand and appreciate the virus existence.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
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Explain various downstream processes and enrichment techniques.
Describe various purification techniques and chromatography principles.
In this course, the final year student is offered a research project that introduce the
students to research methods for solving a proposed problem. The results of the project
will be presented in a seminar and a thesis at the end of the academic year.
Learning Outcomes
This course will discuss current developments in the application of plant and animal cell
culture in biotechnology. Among the areas covered are: methods for culturing and
maintaining cell cultures; hybridisation and organogenesis (plants); cell cultures in plant
breeding; production of metabolites, monoclonal antibodies, hormones and interferons.
Learning Outcomes
Understand different plant tissue culture techniques for mass propagation of plantlets
and for germplasm conservation.
Establish plant cell suspension cultures for the production of secondary metabolites.
Execute plant modification technique for production of transgenic plants.
Understand the importance of aseptic techniques and to describe the reasons for the
use of cell cultures and the types of culture which may be used.
Produce and maintain healthy mammalian cell cultures.
The major topics covered in this course are organism selection, improvement and
preservation, coordination of microbial metabolism, substrate and inoculum preparation,
fermenter design and operation, industrial waste treatment, and biotransformations
involving free and immobilised cells/enzymes. The technology and kinetics of large scale
fermentations will also be discussed.
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Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Taking off from BTT 202/3: Techniques in Biotechnology, this course will
introduce the students to various techniques involved in genetic engineering such as
library construction, gene cloning, plant genetic transformation, bioinformatics and
heterologous protein over-expression. Students completing the course would have sound
footing in basic techniques to conduct research in molecular genetics with minimal high-
level supervision. Latest tools dealing with bioinformatics will be presented and practised.
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Learning Outcomes
Students will be exposed to the biological concepts encompassing parasites and vectors,
with emphasis on interactions (parasitism and symbiosis), life cycles, effects of parasites
on their hosts and the ecology of parasites and vectors. The course will be taught from a
global viewpoint, with emphasis on the ecology and biology of arthropod populations,
vertebrates, parasites and pathogens. Insect of medical importance and its involvement
with other animals in relation to disease epidemiology will be discussed. Vector insect
groups will be emphasized.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the basic biological concept of vectors and parasite diseases, treatment
using drug/anthelmintics, and preautions/hygienic steps for disease control.
Identify the life cycle end ecology of some arthropod vector as well as parasites and
pathogens.
Apply knowledge of vector an parasites to differentiate major types of diseases like
malaria, dengue fever, trypanosomiasis, etc
This course will give emphasis to protozoan animals and helminthes that cause diseases in
man and domestic animals. The taxonomy and morphology of protozoa in the intestine,
blood and other organs will be introduced. For helminthes, specimen to be studied will
include tapeworms, nematodes and trematodes.
Learning Outcomes
Identify some protozoan and helminthes that cause diseases in human and domestic
animals and demonstrate essential knowledge in taxonomy, morphology and
physiology of some protozoa and helminthes in animals.
Determine parasitic infection and use current knowledge, technique and skill to
identify parasites.
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Understand and adhere to professional parasitological practices and responsible to
the publics interest.
Verifies the impact of parasitological solutions in a global economic environmental
and societal context.
This course involves with students each doing a research as a final year research project
for two semesters. It aims to expose the final year students to research methodology
which are commonly use for solving a proposed problem. The results of the project will
be presented in a thesis and a viva voce at the end of the project.
Learning Outcomes
This course discusses the biology, behaviour, ecology and management of medically-
important insects (mosquitoes, house flies and biting flies) and urban insects
(cockroaches, termites, ants, bed bugs and stored product insects). Emphasis will be given
on Malaysian insect pest species and insect orders such as Diptera, Blattodea,
Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Anoplura, Mallophaga, Siphonaptera, Coleoptera and
Lepidoptera. The role of insect vectors in the transmission of tropical diseases (malaria,
filariasis, dengue, Japanese-B encephalitis, and others) will also be discussed. In
addition, students will also learn the philosophy of urban entomology and concepts of
human environment, biocoenoses and urban ecosystem.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the biology, behavior and management of medical and urban insect
pests.
Understand the role of insects in transmission of diseases, as well as diagnosis of
several diseases caused by insect vectors.
Understand the basic philosophy of urban pest management.
Use current technique in various ecosystems.
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Plan and design an integrated pest management programme against medical and
urban insect pests in a specific environment.
This course gives students an insight into various biological aspects and identification of
vectors such as mosquitoes, house flies and biting flies as well as urban pests such as
cockroaches, lice, fabric moths, domestic ants, wood-boring beetles, and biting hornets.
Emphasis is given on the habitats of these insects as well as control approaches that can
be under taken to overcome the breeding of such insects. Students are also exposed to
insect sampling and culture technigues and techniques for the bioefficacy evaluation of
insecticide products.
Learning Outcomes
Comprehend the basic biological concept and morphology of vector and urban pests.
Indentify the species, culture technique, life cycle and ecology on mosquitoes,
cockroaches, ants, termites, houseflies and rodents.
Apply knowledge of vectors and urban pests in controlling their abundance and
population dynamics.
Select techniques and comparison of household insecticide in controlling vectors and
urban pests.
This course will discuss important aspects of protozoa and helminths that infect man and
animals. Topics in this course will include epidemiology, diagnosis, pathological effects,
pathogenesis, chemotherapy, prevention and disease control. Emphasis will be given on
protozoan and helminthic diseases of man and domestic animals in Malaysia and Asia.
Zoonotic diseases will also be discussed.
Learning Outcomes
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BVT 314/2: Advanced Practicals in Parasitology
Learning Outcomes
This course involves the various aspects of plant growth and development such as water
and nutrients transportation, plant development, photorespiration, photosynthesis,
metabolism and nitrogen fixation, seed dormancy, germination, photoperiodism and
developmental regulatory systems. The role of plant physiology in some aspects of
biotechnology such as to improve crop yield, increase resistance of plants to herbicides
and pathogens, enhance vegetative propagation and production of secondary products will
be emphasized..
Learning Outcomes
Understand the concept of plant physiology and development from the perspectives
of biochemical and genetic processes.
Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals plant biochemistry and metabolism,
including photosynthesis process and roles of hormones in plant growth and
development.
Describe in detail plant morphological and physiological responses and adaptations
to variations in selected environmental variables, including those of extreme
environments.
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breeding systems will be introduced. Emphasis will also be given on the areas of
evolution and chromosome changes, gene mutation, linkage and gene mapping as well as
the application of recombinant DNA technology in plant. In addition the characteristics of
the three plant genomes will be discussed. Answering evolutionary and plant population
questions using numerous genetic / molecular approaches will be provided.
Learning Outcomes
This course will discuss the relationship between plants and man, the origins of
agriculture and the influence of plants on history, economy and culture of man. Important
plant groups from the economic point of view products and use will also be taught. These
will include aspects of plant diseases and their consideration concerning world problems
about plant usage, food source and the future of plants. Evolution of cereal plants such as
rice, maize and wheat; centre of origin and Vavilor's theory about economic plants are
included. Student will be introduced to plant genetic resources; namely erosion of plant
genetic resource variability and plant conservation. The green revolution and problems of
food sources will be discussed.
Learning Outcomes
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BOE 201/3: Biological Instrumentation
This course is intended to introduce students to the theoretical principles and use of
laboratory equipment. The course is divided into two parts, namely theory and practical,
emphasis being given to the practical aspects. Among the principles/techniques that will
be discussed are assay principles, extraction and purification and analysis such as
respirometer, manometer, kjeldahl, spectrophotometry, electroforesis and
chromatography. Emphasis will be given to the use of extractor equipment (centrifuge,
electrophoresis, chromatography, freeze drying) and analysis equipment (Kjeldahl, atomic
spectrophotometer, UV/Vis, flame photometer and pH, CO2 & O2 meters). This course is
geared for students that are interested in courses that involve the study and efficient use of
laboratory equipment in research.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, students should be able to understand the theoretical principles,
techniques and use of laboratory equipment such as Centrifuge, Spectrophotometer,
Electrophoresis, Freeze dryer, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), Gas
Chromatography, Flame photometer and other analysis equipments
This course is intended to increase and deepen students knowledge in their respective
fields of specialization. Student will be requested to conduct data mining on a relevant
topic through the use of library facilities and the internet. Subsequently, students will be
required to give a seminar and an essay on the topic which has been researched on.
Learning Outcomes
Use the internet and library in data mining in their relevant fields.
Improve on their soft skill namely in presenting their findings orally.
This course is aimed at introducing students to the basic principles and concepts of
microscopic and histological techniques. Basic principles and applications of light, dark-
field, phase contrast, fluorescence, confocal and electron microscopes will be taught
and demonstrated. Concepts such as resolution, contrast, numerical aperture, illumination,
and depth of field will also be taught. Students will be given the opportunity to study
techniques in fixation and preservation of specimens, staining and sectioning,
construction and use of the microtome, and the preparation of histological slides.
225
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
The course will discuss Hemichordata and Protochordata and their relationships with the
Vertebrates. Characters and success of various vertebrate (e.g. Agnatha, Placoderma,
Ostracoderm, Chondrichthyes, Osteichthyes, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals)
will be discussed with reference to vertebrate Paleontology and modern structure. The
main focus will be on adaptation, anatomy, structure, functional homology and life cycles.
Adaptive radiation and success shown by various groups of vertebrates will be presented
and compared with the present-day fauna.
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Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
This course centers on the mechanisms which underlie the functioning of the main
physiological systems in Vertebrates. Emphasis will be placed on the functional
characteristics of the respiratory, circulation, excretion, nervous and reproductive systems
and their control.
Learning Outcomes
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BZT 311/3: Biology of Vertebrate Pest Animals
This course will discuss on numerous factors which allow classes of vertebrates to live as
pest populations and various steps taken to control them, namely physical, chemical,
mechanical and biological controlling methods as well as reduction of their source of food
and regulatory control measures. Within the context of chemical control, aspects of
action, toxicity, physiology and pesticide technology as well as its effect on environment
and magnification will be discussed. Combinations of two or more methods of control to
manage vertebrate pests, and the best possible approach and its effects on the ecological,
environmental and economical aspects will also be discussed.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the factors which enable various group of vertebrates to survive as pest
animals.
Understand the importance of vertebrate pest in the urban, agricultural and secondary
growth areas.
Understand the different approach in the control of vertebrate pest.
Deliver effective scientific report and presentation.
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SCHOOL OF
MATHEMATICAL
SCIENCES
229
SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
(www.mat.usm.my/math)
INTRODUCTION
The Bachelor of Applied Science degree program in this School was introduced in the
1987/88 Academic Session. The program emphasizes the applications of mathematics
and gives emphasis to computing in the study of mathematical sciences. This is to
produce graduates who are capable of carrying out research and development works in
industries as well as in public and private agencies.
The above specializations were created in an effort to produce trained graduates in areas
of applied mathematical sciences to support the nations manpower need. The courses
have been structured to provide a specialized and solid applied mathematical sciences
education. The skills acquired provides a solid foundation for further development of
mathematical skills.
VISION
MISSION
230
BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE (APPLIED STATISTICS)
Programme Objectives
Graduates of Bachelor of Applied Science (Applied Statistics) will
(i) have a specialized and solid applied statistics education.
(ii) have a solid foundation for further development of mathematical skills.
(iii) possess professional attitudes, good ethics and leadership qualities.
(iv) have an educational experience that motivates them to pursue life-long learning.
(v) have a solid foundation to be enrolled in a university graduate programme or
employed.
Programme Objectives
Graduates of Bachelor of Applied Science (Operations Research) will
(i) have a specialized and solid operations research education.
(ii) have a solid foundation for further development of mathematical skills.
(iii) possess professional attitudes, good ethics and leadership qualities.
(iv) have an educational experience that motivates them to pursue life-long learning.
(v) have a solid foundation to be enrolled in a university graduate programme or
employed.
231
4. able to convey ideas and operations research knowledge clearly and effectively in
both written and oral form.
5. able to work collaboratively as part of a team.
6. able to pursue independent study and continuous personal and professional
development.
7. able to be a skilled and innovative leader.
8. professional, responsible and ethical.
Programme Objectives
Graduates of Bachelor of Applied Science (Mathematical Modelling) will
(i) have a specialized and solid mathematical modelling education.
(ii) have a solid foundation for further development of mathematical skills.
(iii) possess professional attitudes, good ethics and leadership qualities.
(iv) have an educational experience that motivates them to pursue life-long learning.
(v) have a solid foundation to be enrolled in a university graduate programme or
employed.
Programme Objectives
Graduates of Bachelor of Applied Science (Mathematics and Economics) will
(i) have a specialized and solid mathematics and economics education.
(ii) have a solid foundation for further development of mathematical and economics
skills.
(iii) possess professional attitudes, good ethics and leadership qualities.
(iv) have an educational experience that motivates them to pursue life-long learning.
(v) have a solid foundation to be enrolled in a university graduate programme or
employed.
232
Programme Learning Outcomes
At the end of the program, the student
1. understands how mathematical concepts and processes can be used to develop
economics and financial knowledge.
2. is competent in a variety of mathematical techniques to solve problems.
3. is able to identify, formulate, analyze and solve economic problems through the
integration of mathematical techniques .
4. is able to communicate ideas and knowledge in mathematics and economics clearly
and effectively in both written and oral form.
5. is able to work collaboratively as part of a team.
6. is able to pursue independent study and continuous personal and professional
development.
7. is able to be a skilled and innovative leader.
8. is professional, responsible and ethical.
9. is able to identify business and entrepreneurship opportunities.
233
MAIN ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
DEAN
DEPUTY DEANS
Assoc. Prof. Hailiza Kamarulhaili Professor Low Heng Chin Professor Jamaludin Md. Ali
(Academic and Student Development) (Industry & Community Network) (Graduate Studies and Research)
PROGRAM CHAIRPERSONS
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Tahir Ismail Assoc. Prof. Adam Baharum Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosmanjawati
Andrew Rajah Applied Science Applied Science Ahmad Abdul Majid Abd. Rahman
Science (Mathematics) (Mathematics and (Applied Statistics/Operations Applied Science Academic
Economics) Research) (Mathematical Modelling) Co-ordinator
ASSISTANT REGISTRARS
Mr. Ihsanul Anwar Shamsur Rahim Ms. Nor Farah Shaik Omar
Senior Assistant Registrar Assistant Registrar
234
ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
ADMINISTRATION
E-mail
DEAN
Professor Ahmad Izani Md. Ismail dean_mat@usm.my
PROGRAM CHAIRPERSONS
SCIENCE (MATHEMATICS)
Assoc. Prof. Andrew Rajah andy@cs.usm.my
(Acting (1/3/12-31/12/12): Dr. Hajar Sulaiman hajar@cs.usm.my
ACADEMIC CO-ORDINATOR
Dr. Rosmanjawati Abdul Rahman rosmanjawati@usm.my
ASSISTANT REGISTRAR
Ms. Nor Farah Shaik Omar nor_farah@usm.my
235
ACADEMIC STAFF
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
SENIOR LECTURER
236
Syakila Ahmad, Dr 4782 syakilaahmad@usm.my
Tan Guat Yew, Ms 3944 gytan@cs.usm.my
Teh Su Yean, Dr 4770 syteh@usm.my
Yahya Abu Hasan, Dr 4783 ahyahya@cs.usm.my
Yazariah Mohd Yatim, Dr 3384 yazariahmy@usm.my
Zalila Ali, Ms 4775 zalila@cs.usm.my
237
REQUIREMENT OF THE PROGRAM
92 (Mathematics : 50)
Core T
(Economics : 42)
University U 15-18
Total Number of Units 107-110
238
CORE COURSES
Applied Statistics
Operations Research
Compulsory (46 units)
239
Specialization Options (16 units)
Mathematical Modelling
Applied Statistics, Operations Research and Mathematical Modelling students are also
required to acquire 8 units from the following list:
240
Mathematics and Economics
241
Choose 2 from 5 of the following courses:
In order to fulfill this requirement, students of the School of Mathematical Sciences are
allowed to take any course outside the Schools of Mathematical Sciences, Chemical
Sciences, Biological Sciences and Physics. Students are encouraged to take English
language [LHP code], foreign languages, thinking techniques, history and philosophy of
science courses.
242
COURSE PREREQUISITE AND SEMESTER OF OFFERING
The prerequisites and semester of offering of the compulsory core and specialization
optional core courses and MAT 181/4 are as follows:
Semester
No. Code & Title of Courses Prerequisite
Offered
1. MAT 101/4 : Calculus - 1
2. MAT 111/4 : Linear Algebra - 1, 2
3. MAT 161/4 : Elementary Statistics - 1, 2
4. MAT 102/4 : Advanced Calculus MAT 101 (S) 2
5. MAT 122/4 : Differential Equations I MAT 101 (S) and 2
MAT 111 (S)
6. MAT 181/4 : Programming for - 1, 2
Scientific Applications
7. MAT 202/4 : Introductions to MAT 102 (S) 2
Analysis
8. MAT 203/4 : Vector Calculus MAT 102 (S) 1
244
Statistics specialization. The prerequisites of courses for the Economics component are as
follows:
245
SPECIALIZATION AND COMPULSORY CORE COURSES REGISTRATION
GUIDE
Year of
Semester 1 Units Semester 2 Units
Study
MAT 101 4 MAT 111 4
1 MAT 161 4 MAT 102 4
MAT 181 4 MSG 162 4
MAT 122 4
MAT 251 4
MSG 262* 4
2 MAT 263 4
MSG 265* 4
MSG 285 2
MSG 286 2
MAT 363 4 MSG 367* 4
3 MSG 366* 4 MSG 368* 4
MSG 391 6 MSG 391 6
Year of
Semester 1 Units Semester 2 Units
Study
MAT 101 4 MAT 111 4
1 MAT 161 4 MAT 102 4
MAT 181 4 MSG 162 4
4 MAT 122 4
MAT 251
4 MSG 252* 4
2 MAT 263
2 MSG 253* 4
MSG 285
MSG 286 2
MAT 363 4 MSG 355* 4
3 MSG 354* 4 MSG 356* 4
MSG 391 6 MSG 391 6
246
Mathematical Modelling Specialization
Year of
Semester 1 Units Semester 2 Units
Study
MAT 101 4 MAT 161 4
1 MAT 111 4 MAT 102 4
MAT 181 4 MAT 122 4
MAT 222 4 MSG 228 4
2 MAT 282 4 MSG 282 2
MSG 281 2 MSG 389 4
MAT 203 4 MAT 202 4
3 MSG 327 4 MSG 322 4
MSG 391 6 MSG 391 6
At the end of their third semester, students specializing in Mathematical Modelling will
be given the option of joining the B. App. Sc (Computer Modelling) program, subject to
the agreement of the Dean. In which case, the courses to be taken are as follows:
247
Mathematics and Economics Specialization
Students are required to check the list of courses offered at the beginning of each
academic session.
Year of
Semester 1 Units Semester 2 Units
Study
MAT 111 4
MAT 102 4
MAT 101 4
MSG 162 4
1 MAT 161 4
SEP 206 3
SKW 109 3
SEU 224b 3
SEU 227b 3
MAT 251 4
MAT 263 4 MAT 122 4
MSG 285 2 MSG 286 2
SEW 101 3 SEW 202 3
2 SEW 103 3 SEW 204 3
SEU 230b 3 SEP 304 3
SEU 231b 3 SEU 334 c 3
SEW 303 3 SEU 336 cE 3
SEU 339 cE 3
MAT 363 4 MSG 356a 4
MSG 391 6 MSG 367a 4
SEU 332c 3 MSG 391 6
3
SEU 335 cE 3 SEU 416d E 3
SEU 411d E 3 SEU 421d E 3
SEU 413d E 3 SEU 422d E 3
a
Optional Courses - Choose 1 from these courses.
b
- Choose 2 from these courses.
c
- Choose 2 from these courses.
d
Choose 2 from these courses
248
Mathematics minor students have to accumulate 16 units and it is compulsory for them to
take both MAA 101/4 and MAA 111/4 either as core or minor courses. Courses which
they have taken to fulfill the core requirements must be replaced by the above listed
courses. Please refer to the minor program guide book for further details.
SCHOOLS FACILITIES
Awards
Besides awards from the University, there are 3 other specific awards for mathematics
students:
1. Tan Sri Dato' Professor Sir Alexander Oppenheim Book Prize for the best first year
student.
2. Dato Abdul Razak Yusof Gold Medal Award to the best final year student in the
field of Mathematical Sciences.
3. Telesol Sdn. Bhd. Gold Medal Award to the best final year student in the field of
Applied Sciences (Mathematics).
The Dean Lists certificates are awarded every semester to each academically excellent
student who has obtained a GPA of at least 3.5 and accumulated at least 14 units.
The Deans Award will be conferred to a student who has excelled both academically and
in co-curriculum activities. Only one award is available for each year of study from each
program. A student of a CGPA of 3.7 and above in an academic session is qualified to be
considered for this award.
This society organizes various activities in order to promote Mathematics amongst USM
and secondary school students. Students of School of Mathematical Sciences are
encouraged to join this society.
Graduate Program
249
Industry Advisory Panels for School of Mathematical Sciences
1. Ms Michelle Leong
IT Program Manager & AP IT Vendor Manager
IT | Information Technology
Agilent Technologies Malaysia
FTZ, Bayan Lepas
11900 Penang
250
SYNOPSIS OF COURSES
Functions:
Concept of function.
x , [ x ] , rational functions, trigonometric functions.
Operations of functions (including composite functions).
Graph of functions.
Inverse functions (including inverse of trigonometric functions).
Limit:
Definition using , proof is emphasized using definition of limit.
sin x
One-sided limits, limit theorems, squeezing principle, lim , properties of
x 0 x
limits (uniqueness, preservation of order).
Continuity:
Concept of continuity, one-sided continuity, continuity on a closed interval.
Intermediate value theorem, extremum theorem, completeness axiom for R .
Derivatives:
Concept of derivative.
Differentiability and continuity, properties and rules of differentiation,chain rule.
Parametric representation for curves, implicit function and its derivatives.
Rolles theorem, mean value theorem.
Tests for monotonicity, concavity, local extremum.
Applications - curve sketching, rates of change and modelling problems.
Antiderivatives.
Riemann integral:
Upper and lower sums, integratibility, fundamental theorem of calculus, integral
as a limit of Riemann sums.
Exponential and logarithmic functions.
Techniques and applications of integration:
Various techniques of integration, arc length, area, volume and surface area of
revolution.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. know about functions and limits, and their connection with differentiation
and integration
2. find the derivative of functions using various rules of differentiation
3. evaluate integral of functions using various quadrature methods
4. prove, interpret and apply key theorems in differential and integral calculus
5. apply method in differential and integral calculus to problems in life and
physical sciences
251
Reference Books
1. Spivak, M. (1994). Calculus, 3rd edition. Publish or Perish, Inc.
2. Apostol, T.M. (1967). Calculus Vol I, 2nd edition. John Wiley & Sons.
3. Stewart, J. (2003). Calculus, 5th edition. Thomson Brooks/Cole.
Functions:
Domain, co-domain, range, 1-1 function, onto function.
x , [ x ] , rational functions, transcendental functions (including hyperbolic
functions).
Operations of functions (including composition of functions).
Graph of functions.
Inverse function.
Polar coordinates.
Limit:
Concept of limit and its basic properties.
Continuity:
Concept of continuous functions.
Intermediate value theorem and extremum theorem.
Differentiation:
Differentiability and continuity, rules of differentiation, chain rule.
Parametric representation for curves, implicit function and its derivative.
Rolles theorem, mean value theorem.
Applications - tangent, normal, maximum and minimum, curve sketching,
rates of change, differential, LHospitals rule, Newton Raphson method.
Antiderivative.
Integration:
Definite integral as a limit of Riemann sum, condition for integrability.
Fundamental theorem of calculus.
Exponential function and logarithmic function.
Techniques and applications of integration:
Various techniques of integration, arc length, area, volume and surface area of
revolution, centre of gravity, trapezoidal rule and applications in biology,
chemistry and economics.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. know about functions and limits, and their connection with differentiation
and integration
2. find the derivative of functions using various rules of differentiation
3. evaluate integral of functions using various quadrature methods
4. apply method in differential and integral calculus to problems in life and
physical sciences
252
Reference Books
1. Stewart, J. (2003). Calculus, 5th edition. Thomson Brooks/Cole.
2. Weir, M.D., Hass J. and Giordano F. R. (2005). Thomas Calculus, 11th
edition. Pearson Addison Wesley.
3. Berrosford, G.C. and Rocket, A.M. (2004). Applied Calculus, 3rd edition.
Houghton-Mifflin.
4. Tan, S. (2005). Applied Calculus for Managerial, Life and Social
Sciences, 6th edition. Thomson Brooks/Cole.
Vectors in R n :
Vector operations, position vectors, inner product, cross product, equations of
line and plane.
Matrices:
Matrix operations, row and column elementary operations, elementary matrix,
system of linear equations (solutions in the form of homogeneous solution and
particular solution), Gauss elimination process, inverse matrix.
Vector spaces in R n :
Linear independence, basis, dimension, subspace, R n as an inner product space,
Cauchy Schwartz inequality, Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization process.
Linear transformation T : R n R m :
Matrix representation of linear transformation with respect to an ordered basis,
proof of matrix properties in terms of linear transformation, row space, column
space, kernel and images, applications for least squares problems.
Eigen values, eigen vectors, diagonalization of matrices.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. use the elementary row operations to obtain solutions of systems of linear
equations
2. interrelate concepts of the vector space R n with the general vector space
3. apply concepts of inner product to find the orthonormal basis through Gram-
Schmidt process and least squares solutions
4. interrelate matrices with linear transformations
5. identify the concepts of diagonalizing a matrix.
Reference Books
1. Smith, L. (1998). Linear Algebra, 3rd edition. Springer-Verlag.
2. Halmos, P.R. (1974). Finite Dimensional Vector Space, 2nd edition.
Springer-Verlag.
3. Leon, S.J. (1990). Linear Algebra with Applications, 3rd edition. Macmillan.
253
4. MAA 111/4 Algebra for Science Students
Matrices:
Matrix operations, elementary row and column operations, elementary matrix,
echelon form, row reduced echelon, finding inverse of a matrix.
System of linear equations :
Homogeneous system and non-homogeneous system, Gauss elimination, Gauss-
Jordan elimination, solutions of linear system of equations with LU
decomposition.
Determinants:
Finding a determinant through a minor expansion, properties of determinant,
finding the inverse of a matrix using determinant, Cramers rule.
Vector space in R n :
Concept of linear independence, spanning sets and bases, dimensions.
Null space, column space and row space of a matrix.
Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization process.
Matrix diagonalization:
Eigen values and eigen vectors, Cayley-Hamilton theorem, methods of matrix
diagonalization.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. find solutions of linear systems effectively using the theory of matrices, and
develope a firm understanding of the solutions structure of linear systems
2. describe the key concepts of Euclidean vector space n and linear
transformations on n
3. link between the orthogonality concept with the least square method to solve
inconsistencies
4. solve many problems on matrix diagonalization.
Reference Books
1. Anton, H. (2005). Elementary Linear Algebra, 9th edition. John Wiley &
Sons.
2. Noble, B. and Daniel, J.W. (1988). Applied Linear Algebra, 3rd edition.
Prentice Hall.
3. Edward, C.H., Jr. and Penney, D.E. (1988). Elementary Linear Algebra,
Prentice-Hall.
4. Roman, S. (1985). An Introduction to Linear Algebra with Applications,
Saunders College Publication.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. identify different types of data and the appropriate way to manage each type
of data
2. describe data graphically and numerically and communicate their meanings
in general
3. identify the appropriate statistical methods to be used in making inferences
about one and two populations based on information from relevant samples
4. perform data analysis correctly and make appropriate decisions and
conclusions in solving problems
5. differentiate between situations that are suitable for the application of
parametric methods and non-parametric methods.
Reference Books
1. Freund, J. (2003). Modern Elementary Statistics, Prentice Hall.
2. Seber, G.A.F., Alan, J.L. (2003). Linear Regression Analysis, J. Wiley.
3. Freund, J.E. & Perles, B.M. (1999). Statistics: A First Course, Prentice
Hall.
255
6. MAA 161/4 Statistics for Science Students
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. have a clear understanding of the basic concepts of statistics such as
probability and random variables
2. differentiate between discrete and continuous random variables and use
them appropriately
3. make statistical inferences for population parameters based on sample
statistics
4. identify the appropriate parametric and non-parametric methods in making
statistical inferences.
Reference Books
1. Freund, J. (2003). Modern Elementary Statistics, Prentice Hall.
2. McClave & Sincich, T. (2006). Statistics, Prentice Hall.
3. Prem, S.M. (2005). Introductory Statistics, J. Wiley.
4. Freund, J.E. & Perles, B.M. (1999). Statistics: A First Course, Prentice
Hall.
256
7. MAT 102/4 Advanced Calculus
LHospitals rule.
Improper integrals.
Sequence and series of numbers:
Monotone convergence theorem for sequence.
Divergence and convergence of series, absolute and conditional convergence, n-
th term test, integral test, comparison test, ratio test, root test, alternating series
test (may include Raabe test).
Taylor polynomials, Taylor Series,
approximation of function by Taylors polynomial with remainder.
Power series, radius of convergence, interval of convergence, differentiation and
integration of power series term by term.
Function of several variables:
Limit and continuity.
Partial derivatives, directional derivatives, total differential, chain rule, partial
derivatives for implicit functions.
Maximum and minimum, Lagrange multiplier method.
Multiple integrals, iterated integrals, change of variables.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. know about sequences and series of real numbers, and their relationship
2. find series representation for certain basic functions
3. identify different type of improper integrals and determine their
convergence
4. know about functions of several variables and the concepts of limit,
continuity, derivative and integration of these functions
5. evaluate multiple integral of functions of several variables using the iterated
integral or/and transforming into other types of coordinates.
Reference Books
1. Spivak, M. (1994). Calculus, 3rd edition. Publish or Perish Inc.
2. Apostol, T.M. (1967). Calculus, Vol. I, 2nd edition. John Wiley & Sons.
3. Apostol, T.M. (1969). Calculus, Vol. II. John Wiley & Sons.
4. Stewart, J. (2003). Calculus, 5th edition. Thomson Brooks/Cole.
257
8. MAA 102/4 Calculus for Science Students II
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. determine the convergence of a sequence, series, power series and improper
integrals
2. select and use an appropriate test to determini the convergence of the series
3. find the partial derivatives using chain rule, directional derivatives and their
applications
4. evaluate a double integral in cartesian and polar coordinates apply the
methods in first order differential equation to problems in life and physical
sciences.
Reference Books
1. Stewart, J. (2003). Calculus, 5th edition. Thomson, Brooks/Cole.
2. Strauss, M.J., Bradley, G.L. and Smith, K.J. (2002). Calculus, 3rd edition.
Prentice-Hall.
3. Weir, M.D., Hass, J. and Giordano, F. R. (2005). Thomas Calculus, 11th
edition. Pearson Addison Wesley.
258
9. MAT 122/4 Differential Equations I
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. understand fundamental concepts and theory of differential equations (DE)
and able to apply DE procedures in routine and non-routine concepts
2. select and use appropriate DE strategies and techniques
3. demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate use of DE modeling
4. gain computational skills needed in understanding applied problems
5. have quantitative reasoning skills, conceptual understanding and are able to
effectively communicate in mathematics.
Reference Books
1. Edwards, C. H. & Penney, D. E., (2004). Differential Equations and
Boundary Value Problems: Computing and Modeling, 3rd edition. Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
2. Zill, D.G. & Cullen, M. R., (2005). Differential Equations with Boundary
Value Problems, 6th edition. Toronto:Thomson/Brooks/Cole.
3. Boyce, W.E. & DiPrima, R.C., (2005). Elementary Differential Equations &
Boundary Value Problems, 8th edition. Pacific Grove: John Wiley & Sons.
259
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. understand fundamental computer programming concepts and algorithm
development in problem solving
2. apply appropriate programming techniques/structures and strategies in
transforming the description of a problem into executable computer codes
3. solve problems in mathematics and scientific applications using a computer
programming language
4. develop programs using advanced programming structures (modular
programming, files manipulation, pointers) which add values to the
computer programs.
Reference Books
1. Norhashidah M. Ali and Tan Guat Yew, 2007, C++ Programming An
Introduction (Reprint 2008), Penerbit USM.
2. Bronson Gary J. (2006) A First Book of C++: From Here to There, 3rd
edition, Course Technology, Thomson Learning, Australia.
3. Cannon Scott (2001). Understanding Programming: An Introduction
Using C++, 2nd edition. Brooks Cole.
4. Malik D.S. (2002). C++ Programming: From Problem Analysis To
Program Design, Course Technology, Thomson Learning.
260
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. identify the different basic designs of an experiment
2. check for model assumptions
3. select and apply the appropriate statistical technique for an experimental
design
4. differentiate between a parametric test and a non-parametric test
5. analyze data for regression models.
Reference Books
1. Montgomery, D.C. (2000). Design and Analysis of Experiments, Wiley.
2. Ott, R.L. and Longnecker, M. (2001). An Introduction to Statistical
Methods and Data Analyis, 5th edition. Duxbury.
3. Seber, G.A.F. and Alan, J.L. (2003). Linear Regression Analysis, Wiley.
Real numbers:
Algebraic and order properties, infimum and supremum, completeness axiom,
the extended real number system.
Countability of sets.
Metric spaces:
Limit point, interior point, closed and open sets, compact sets,
Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem, Heine Borel theorem, Cantor set, connected set.
Sequence and series of numbers:
Convergent sequence, subsequence, Cauchy sequence, upper and lower limits,
absolutely convergent series, addition and multiplication of series,
rearrangements.
Continuity:
Limit of a function, continuous function, continuity and compactness, continuity
and connectedness, discontinuities, monotonic functions.
Sequence and series of functions:
Pointwise convergence and uniform convergence, interchange of limits,
equicontinuous families of functions, Stone-Weierstrass theorem.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. have a firm understanding of the real number system and its topological
properties
2. state mathematical definitions precisely, illustrate them with examples, and
use them in writing proofs
3. relate topics from calculus such as limit and continuity from a more
advanced view point
4. construct mathematical proof using mathematical logic.
261
Reference Books
1. Rudin, W. (1976). Principles of Mathematical Analysis, 3rd edition.
McGraw Hill.
2. Apostol, T.M. (1974). Mathematical Analysis, 2nd edition. Addison-Wesley.
3. Goldberg, R.R. (1976) Methods of Real Analysis, 2nd edition. John Wiley &
Sons.
Vectors:
Vector product, triple product, linearly independent vectors, analytic geometric
vector.
Vector function:
Curve, arc length, tangential vector, Frenets formula, curvature, torsion.
Differential:
Limit, continuity, partial differentiation, differential, directional differentiation,
tangent, chain rule, mean value theorem, Taylors theorem for function of
several variables, divergence, curl.
Inverse function theorem, implicit function theorem, global inverse,
curvilinear coordinates, and extreme values.
Integration:
Iterated integration, double integration, line integration, independent path,
Greens theorem, surface integration, divergence theorem, Stokes theorem,
change of variables in multiple integration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. evaluate scalar, vector and triple products and their uses in the description
of lines and planes
2. analyze the differential geometry of 3-dimensional curves
3. evaluate the gradient, divergence and curl of scalar and vector fields in
terms of artesian, cylindrical and spherical coordinates
4. evaluate line, surface and volume integrals
5. state and use Greens theorem in the plane, divergence theorem and Stokes
theorem.
Reference Books
1. Colley, S.J. (2005). Vector Calculus, 3rd edition. Pearson Prentice Hall.
2. Matthews, P.C. (1998). Vector Calculus, Springer-Verlag.
3. Marsden, J.E. and Tromba, A.J. (2003) Vector Calculus, W.H. Freeman
and Co.
262
14. MAT 222/4 Differential Equations II
Advanced theory on system of differential equations and its solutions: focus will
be given on methods for solving nonhomogeneous systems, autonomous system
and its stability.
Orthogonal function, Fourier series and the Sturm-Liuoville problem.
Partial differential equations: some introduction to partial differential equations
that are normally used to solve problems in mathematical physics and methods
for solving these equations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. solve problems involving linear system of equations, both homogeneous and
non-homogeneous
2. analyze the local stability of plane autonomous systems
3. interpret series expansion of functions based on infinite set of orthogonal
functions into the solution of Sturm-Liouville problem
4. solve partial differential equations using separation of variables
5. analyze solutions of boundary-value problems for different forms of
boundary and intial values.
Reference Books
1. Boyce, W.E. & DiPrima, R.C., (2005). Elementary Differential Equations &
Boundary Value Problems, 8th edition. Pacific Grove: John Wiley & Sons.
2. Andrews L.C., (1986). Elementary Partial Differential Equations with
Boundary Value Problem, Academic Press.
3. Zill, D.G. & Cullen, M.R., (2005). Differential Equations with Boundary
Value Problems, 6th edition. Toronto: Thomson/Brooks/Cole.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. formulate problem into a linear programming model
2. choose and use a suitable method to solve a problem
3. do the economic interpretation of the optimal solution and do the sensitivity
analysis.
263
Reference Books
1. Taha, H.A. (2007). Operations Research: An Introduction, 8th edition. New
Jersey: Prentice Hall.
2. Muhammad Jantan. Pengantar Penyelidikan Operasi, Siri Edisi Awal.
Pulau Pinang: Penerbit USM.
3. Norman, J. and Titchie, E. (1981). Problem Solving Exercise In OR,
Lancaster Lancord.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. define probability and prove basic theorems in probability
2. find the probability density function( p.d.f.) and distribution function (d.f.)
of any random variables (r.v.) and hence, obtain the mean, variance,
moment generating function and the kth. moment from this p.d.f. or d.f.
3. identify daily problem that can be solved in terms of r.v. and the properties
of its distribution
4. examine problems of joint and conditional p.d.f.s and d.fs and their
moments and determine the dependence between two r.vs
5. develop distributions of sample mean and variance from a normal
distribution and distribution of functions of two or more r.vs.
Reference Books
1. Hogg, R.V. and Craig, A.T. (1995). Introduction to Mathematical Statistics,
5th edition. Prectice Hall.
2. Hogg, R.V. and Tanis, E.A. (2001). Probability and Statistical Inference,
6th edition. Prectice Hall.
3. Ross, S. (2006). A First Course in Probability, 7th edition. Pearson Prentice
Hall.
264
17. MAT 282/4 Engineering Computation I
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. apply numerical methods to solve a given non-linear equation and state the
general conditions which guarantee the convergence of the methods
2. construct interpolating polynomials for a given set of data
3. state and analyze the formulas for error in polynomial interpolation
4. apply numerical integration and differentiation to find an approximate value
of an integral
5. construct and apply formulas to approximate specific derivatives of
functions by differentiating appropriate interpolating polynomials.
Reference Books
1. Fausett, L.V. (1999). Applied Numerical Analysis Using MATLAB,
Prentice-Hall.
2. Cheney, E.W. and Kincaid, D.R. (2004). Numerical Mathematics and
Computing, 5th edition. Thomson.
3. Schilling, R.A. and Harris, S.L. (2000). Applied Numerical Methods For
Engineers Using MATLAB, Thomson.
265
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. have a firm understanding of probability theory and statistical inference
2. find the distributions and joint distributions of random variables and random
vectors
3. derive point estimators and construct confidence intervals
4. conduct testing of hypotheses to verify claims.
Reference Books
1. Khatijah, S.A. (1995). Pengantar Teori Statistik, Penerbit USM.
2. Hogg, R.V., Craig, A.T. (1978). Introduction to Mathematical
Statistics, 4th edition. New York, Macmillan.
3. Miller, I. & Miller, M. (2004). Mathematical Statistics with Application,
7th edition. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Topics include:
(i) interpreting graphs
(ii) optimization
(iii) ordinary differential equations
(iv) data analysis
(v) difference equations
(vi) simulation.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. build a simple mathematical model from a verbal description or a tabular
data
2. demonstrate understanding of methods, skills and tools used in a variety of
models
3. interpret models and solutions (if appropriate) and draw inferences from
them
4. recognise and use the connections between mathematics and other
disciplines.
266
Reference Books
1. Frank, R. Giordano, Maurice, D. Weir, Williams P. (2003). Fox; A First
Course in Mathematical Modeling, 3rd edition. Brooks-Cole.
2. Frederick, R. Marotto (2005). Introduction to Mathematical Modeling using
Discrete Dynamical System: Brooks-Cole.
3. Beltrami, E. (2001). Mathematical Models for Society and Biology,
Academic Press.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. detect the similarities and differences between simplex and revised simplex
methods
2. apply the duality theory to any linear programming problem
3. use any of the techniques taught in this course to solve linear and integer
programming problems
4. formulate a goal programming problem and find its solution using suitable
methods.
Reference Books
1. Che Rohani Yaacob (2001). Pengaturcaraan Linear dan Integer, Penerbit
USM.
2. Taha, H.A. (1992). Operations Research An Introduction, New York:
Macmillan.
3. Winston, W.L. (1993). Operations Research Applications and Algorithms.
Belmont, California: Duxbury.
267
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. derive the performance measurement formulas of various queueing models
2. assess queueing systems using analytical methods and simulation
3. master the use of a computer simulation package
4. strengthen their mathematical and professional report writing ability.
Reference Books
1. Gross, D. & Harris, C.M. (1998) Fundamentals of Queuing Theory, 3rd
edition. John Wiley& Sons.
2. Chisman, J.A. (1992) Introduction to Simulation Using GPSS/PC. Prentice
Hall.
3. Taha H.A. (2003) Operation Research: An Introduction, 7th edition.
Prentice Hall.
Seven tools for statistical quality control: check sheet, histogram, Pareto
diagram, cause-and-effect diagram, stratification, scatter diagram and control
charts.
Statistical process control: control charts X R, X S , median-range, EWMA,
CUSUM, p, np, c and u. Specification limits. Process capability.
Acceptance sampling plans. Producer risk and consumer risk. Single sampling
plan. Double sampling plan. Operating characteristic curve of a sampling plan,
MIL-STD 105E and Dodge-Romig sampling plans.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. define and describe the concepts of quality, total quality management(TQM)
and quality control (QC)
2. apply both graphics and quantitative quality measurement and quality
analysis tools
3. analyze, interpret and solve quality-related problems
4. work as a team to solve quality related issues
5. communicate orally and in written form pertaining to quality.
Reference Books
1. Besterfield, D.H. (2004). Quality Control, 7th edition., New Jersey, U.S.A :
Pearson Prentice Hall.
2. Montgomery, D.C. (2005). Introduction to Statistical Quality Control, 5th
edition. U.S.A : John Wiley & Sons.
3. Oakland, J.S. (1996). Statistical Process Control, 3rd edition. Oxford, U.K.
Butterworth-Heinemann
268
23. MSG 265/4 Design and Analysis of Experiments
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. identify the different design of experiments and explain the procedures of
designing those experiments
2. perform the analysis of variance for the data obtained from different designs
3. interprete the results and write the conclusions for the different designs.
Reference Books
1. Montgomery, D.C. (2005). Design and Analysis of Experiments, 6th edition.
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
2. Berger, P.D. and Maurer, R.E. (2002). Experimental Design with
Applications in Management, Engineering and the Sciences. Duxbury
3. Snedecor, G.W. and Cochran, W.G. (1967). Statistical Methods, The Iowa
State University Press, Ames, Iowa.
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24. MSG 281/2 Modelling Laboratory I
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. use mathematical tools with competence
2. find information needed to solve a computerized problem
3. analyze a problem and determine if it could feasibly be solved with current
resources, design a solution and implement the solution.
4. Draw curves and solids using 3-D features in AUTOCAD and use shading
technique to render the models
Reference Books
1. Learning AutoCAD 2010, 111 McInnis Parkway, CA94903, USA.
2. Noor Atinah Ahmad, Yahya Abu Hasan, Zarita Zainuddin & Low Heng
Chin (2002). MATLAB: Pendekatan Penyelesaian Masalah Matematik. Mc
Graw Hill.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. understand and use Mathematica to perform numerical computations,
symbolic computations (manipulating formulas) and graphical
manipulations (create 2-D and 3-D graphs)
2. write simple Mathematica programs in procedural, rule-based and
functional-based styles to perform desirable tasks
3. create and document computational models for mathematical experiments
and explorations.
4. developed 3D models using 3DMAX and produce an animation video clip
with low end hardware and software
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Reference Books
1. Murdock, K.L. (2005) 3Ds Max 7, Wiley Publishing, Inc.
2. Giambrano, (1997). 3D Graphics and Animation: From star up to
standing out, New Riders Publishing.
3. Paul R. Wellin (2005) An Introduction to Programming with Mathematica,
3rd edition. Cambridge University Press.
4. Stephen Wolfram (2003).The Mathematica Book, 5th edition Wolfram
Media.
5. Springer-Verlag (2005). The Mathematica Guide Books, Vol I- IV, New
York.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. have the knowledge of geometric modelling and able to practice them
confidently
2. analyze and interpret the geometric properties of curves and surfaces in
mathematical representations
3. build and manipulate curves and surfaces using computers.
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Reference Books
1. Faux and Pratt (1980), Computational Geometry for Design and
Manufacture, Chichester, England: Halsted Press.
2. Mortenson (1997), Geometric Modelling, Wiley.
3. David Salamon (1999), Computer Graphics and Geometric Modeling,
Springer Verlag.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. apply statistical packages to the data set
2. relate the statistical reasoning from the results obtained
3. interpret results in simple case study.
Reference Books
1. Montgomery, D.C. (2000). Designand Analysis of Experiment, Wiley.
2. Conover, W.J. (1999). Practical Nonparametric Statistics. John Wiley.
3. Christensen, R. (1996). Analysis of Variance, Design and Regression,
Chapman & Hall.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. formulate and interpret outputs of the linear programming problems solved
by the specified softwares
2. use the OR softwares taught to solve LP problems
3. relate to and learn any future OR softwares using the help files and tutorials.
Reference Books
1. Linus Schrage (1997). Optimization Modeling with LINDO 5th edition.
Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.
2. Elaine Marmel (1999). Microsoft Project 2000 Bible, IDG Books
Worldwide.
3. Taha, H.A. (2003). Operations Research: An Introduction. 7th edition.
Prentice Hall.
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29. MSG 322/4 Fluid Mechanics
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. state the definition of a fluid and related concepts such as viscosity,
compressibility, laminar/turbulent flows
2. formulate the governing equations of fluid mechanics using a finite control
volume and an infinitesimally small fluid element model
3. distinguish different types of flows and apply the relevant equations to
compute quantities of interest.
Reference Books
1. Merle, C. Potter and David, C. Wiggert (2003). Mechanics of Fluid, 3rd
edition. Brooks/Cole.
2. Fox, R.W. and McDonald, A.T. (2004). Introduction to Fluid Mechanics,
5th edition. John Wiley.
3. Frank, M.W. Fluid Mechanics 5th edition. McGraw Hill.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. formulate and solve simple real life problems by ODE by analytical and
numerical methods such as RK2 and RK4
2. formulate and solve real life problem simulations by PDE using analytical
and numerical solution techniques such as FDM and FSM
3. design and implement efficient codes by FORTRAN, MATLAB and
MATHEMATICA to solve real life problem simulations
4. interpret and synthesize simulation results by means of WASP7 and in-
house simulation models I1Disp, E2DISP, TUNA, DEER.
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31. MSG 354/4 Network Flows
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. formulate/translate real life problems as network flow problems
2. comprehend the underlying theorems of network flow problems
3. use appropriate algorithms to solve network flow problems
4. perform economic interpretation of network flow solutions.
Reference Books
1. Ahuja, R.K, Magnanti,T.L & Orlin, J.B . Network Flows: Theory,
Algorithmn and Application. Prentice Hall.
2. Adli Mustafa (1991). Aliran Rangkaian, Pulau Pinang: Penerbit USM.
3. Taha, H.A. (2003). Operation Research: An Introduction, 7th edition. New
Jersey : Prentice Hall.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. explain clearly the basic issues in inventory management
2. identify a suitable model for a given inventory problem
3. use a suitable method for finding the optimum solution to a given inventory
problem
4. interprete the solution obtained from a given inventory problem.
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Reference Books
1. Johnson, L. and D. Montgomery (1974). Operations Research in
Production, Planning, Scheduling and Inventory Control. New York:
Wiley.
2. Love, S. (1979). Inventory Control, New York: MacGraw-Hill.
3. Taha, H.A. (2003). Operations Research: An Introduction. New Jersey :
Prentice Hall.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. recognise the differences between linear programming problems (LPs) and
non-linear programming problems (NLPs)
2. formulate the real problems to NLPs
3. solve NLPs using the appropriate techniques
4. interpret the solutions and making inferences from the results
5. use software packages to solve NLPs and interpret the software output.
Reference Books
1. Winston. W.L. and Venkataramanan, M. (2003). Introduction to
Mathematical Programming, 4th edition. Duxbury.
2. Taha, H.A. (2003). Operations Research: An Introduction, 7th edition New
Jersey: Prentice Hall.
3. Wismer, D.A. and Chattergy, R. (1978). Introduction to Nonlinear
Optimisation: A Problem Solving Approach, North-Holland: Elsevier.
4. Bazaraa, M.S., Sherali, H.D. and Shetty, C.M. (1993). Nonlinear
Programming: Theory and Algorithms, 2nd edition. New York, John Wiley.
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34. MSG 366/4 Multivariate Analysis
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. define and describe the ideas of multivariate data and techniques
2. apply both graphics and quantitative multivariate techniques to data analysis
3. analyze, interpret and solve multivariate problems
4. work as a team to solve multivariate problems
5. communicate orally and in written form pertaining to multivariate analysis.
Reference Books
1. Johnson, R.A. & Wichern, D.W. (2002). Applied Multivariate Statistical
Analysis, 5th edition. Prentice Hall International, New Jersey.
2. Hair, J.F., Anderson, R.E., Tatham, R.L. & Black, W.C. (1998).
Multivariate Data Analysis, 5th edition. Prentice Hall International, New
Jersey.
3. Manly, B.F.J. (1994). Multivariate Statistical Methods: A primer, 2nd
edition. Chapman & Hall, New York, USA.
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35. MSG 367/4 Time Series
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. fully understand and explain the fundamental time series concepts and
terminologies
2. select appropriate models for the given time series
3. critically differentiate time series elements such as non-stationary, seasonal
and heteroscedasticity
4. apply a group of time series models to any time series data using various
time series statistical packages such as Minitab, SPSS and EViews
5. produce a well-organized report which includes concise explanation of the
steps taken and interpreting results of time series analysis.
Reference Books
1. William W. S. Wei Univariate and Multivariate Methods.
2. John Gottman A Comprehensive Introduction for Social Scientists,
Cambridge University Press.
3. Chatfield, C. (1996). The Analysis of Time Series: An Introduction, hapman
& Hall.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. identify the design of sample survey
2. apply the sampling procedures for selecting the sample from the population
3. differentiate methods for estimating population parameters and the bounds
on the error of estimations
4. generate inferences about a population from the information contained in a
sample.
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Reference Books
1. Scheaffer, L.R, Mendenhall, W. and Ott, R.L. (1995) Elementary Survey
Sampling, Duxbury Advanced Series.
2. Cochran, W.G. (1977). Sampling Techiques, John Wiley. Sons.
3. Thompson, M.E. (1997). Theory of Sample Surveys, Chapman & Hall,
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. have the knowledge on the fundamental concepts and computational
algorithms of data structures for computer graphics
2. implement the computational algorithms and techniques of data structures
with a high level of confidence and proficiency
3. design, manipulate, combine and compare different types of data structures
used in computer graphics.
278
Reference Books
1. James D. Foley et al. (1993). Introduction to Computer Graphics, Addison-
wesley Publishing Company.
2. Donald Hearn and M. Pauline Baker (1986). Computer Graphics C.
Version, 2nd edition. Prentice-Hall.
3. Malik,D.S. Data Structures Using C++, (2003). Thomson Course
Technology.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. understand the fundamental concepts and standards in computer graphics
2. use graphics pipeline and appropriate transformations involved at each
stage of the pipeline
3. apply the right techniques in producing pictures through programming
4. produce 2-D animations.
279
Reference Books
1. Donald Hearn, M. Pauline Baker (2003). Computer Graphics with OpenGL,
3rd edition. Prentice Hall.
2. James, D. Foley et al. (1993). Introduction to Computer Graphics, Addison-
wesley Publishing Company.
3. Richard, S. Wright, Benjamin Lipchak. OpenGL SuperBible, 3rd edition.
Sams Publishing Company.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. have a firm understanding of the mathematical algorithms in computer
graphics, and the principles and theories of computer modelling
2. use mathematical and computational methods to describe and design curves
and surfaces
3. simulate and represent an object geometrically under a computer control.
Reference Books
1. Faux and Pratt (1980). Computational Geometry for Design and
Manufacture, Chichester, England: Halsted Press.
2. Mortenson (1997). Geometric Modelling, Wiley.
3. David Salamon (1999). Computer Graphics and Geometric Modeling,
Springer-Verlag.
280
Parabolic equations: FTCS and Crank Nicolson method. Consistency, stability
and convergence.
Hyperbolic equations: method of characteristics and finite difference methods
for the wave equation.
Elliptic equations: standard finite difference schemes for Poisson equation.
Solution of resulting systems of linear equation.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. recognize and solve IVP for ODE by analytical and numerical methods such
as RK2 and RK4
2. formulate and solve real life problem simulations such as lake and river
pollution by BVP for PDE
3. design and implement efficient codes FORTRAN to solve real life problem
simulations for ODE and PDE
4. interpret and synthesize simulation results.
Reference Books
1. Fausett, L.V. (1999). Applied Numerical Analysis Using MATLAB,
Prentice-Hall.
2. Cheney, E.W. and Kincaid, D.R. (2004). Numerical Mathematics and
Computing, 5th edition. Thomson.
3. Schilling, R.A. and Harris, S.L. (2000). Applied Numerical Methods For
Engineers Using MATLAB, Thomson.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are able to
1. carry out a research project
2. conduct a meaningful discussion on the various aspects related to the project
3. write a report and present their research findings.
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Index to Undergraduate Courses
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