GENOMICS AND BIOINFORMATICS
Genomics is a comprehensive study of the total genetic makeup of individual organisms, exploring their genetic structure, functions, and evolutionary history. It also integrates the study of genetics with computing technology, which helps in building better comprehension of biological organisms and their processes. Meanwhile, bioinformatics employs an array of analytical methods and tools to effectively analyse, interpret, and gain insights from genomic data.
Genomics and bioinformatics are therefore instrumental in improving conservation and biodiversity, enhancing crops and food security, driving a revolutionary shift in healthcare and personalised medicine, and enabling biotechnology breakthroughs that lead to drug and vaccine discoveries.
YEAR 2 / LEVEL 2 UNITS
• Foundations of genetics
• Genomics and population genetics
• Two level 2 or 3 science units
• Four elective units.
YEAR 3 / LEVEL 3 UNITS
• Bioinformatics
• Research methods in bioinformatics and big data analysis
• Genomics and its applications
• Medical and forensic genetics
• Two level 2 or 3 science unit
• Two elective units.
CAREER OPTIONS
• Research scientist
• Science writer
• Software developer
• Patent officer
• Forensic scientist
• Data analyst
• Bioinformatician
• Biotechnologist
• Bioconservationist.
MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
Medicinal chemistry is an exciting field characterised by rapid progress involving the design, development, and research of the biological activities and properties of drugs. The field is driven by the desire to discover potent chemical compounds, primarily from a diverse array of natural products found in plants and microorganisms.
This major provides comprehensive learning in organic chemistry, synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and pharmaceutical science. The curriculum focuses on the design and development of bio-active molecules and chemical synthesis of compounds, facilitating the discovery and development of new drugs and therapeutic agents for clinical use. The emphasis of this major is on the significance of understanding chemical structures and their interactions in biological systems. You will acquire hands-on experience with the latest research advances and the use of instrumentation. Applications in medicinal chemistry align with Malaysia’ s National Key Economic Area in healthcare, which encompasses three sectors: pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, medical technology, and health services.
YEAR 2 / LEVEL 2 UNITS
• Inorganic and organic chemistry
• Spectroscopy and analytical chemistry
• Physiology of human body systems or Physiology of human health
• One level 2 or 3 science unit
• Four elective units.
YEAR 3 / LEVEL 3 UNITS
• Medicinal chemistry
• Advanced organic chemistry
• Principles of pharmacology
• Two level 2 or 3 science unit
• One level 3 science unit
• Two elective units.
CAREER OPTIONS
• Analytical or biomedical chemist
• Biotechnologist
• Drug development chemist
• Industrial chemist
• Molecular design chemist
• Occupational hygienist
• Pharmaceutical and product manufacturer
• Risk-management consultant.
TROPICAL ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY
Tropical environments are the most ecologically diverse environments on our planet. They include rainforests, mangroves, wetlands, peat swamps, freshwater and marine environments, among others. This program adopts an effective and environmentally friendly approach to promote conservation and sustainability, to mitigate environmental degradation and climate change.
Combining expertise in biodiversity, water quality management, wetland conservation, climate change mitigation, evolutionary ecology, and microbial ecology, Monash University Malaysia offers a unique advantage for studying tropical environmental biology.
This major offers specialised training in tropical environmental biology, focusing particularly on techniques and field skills essential for studying the environment, ecosystems and biodiversity. You will explore a diverse range of topics, including environmental science, tropical ecology, terrestrial and aquatic tropical biology, tropical environmental management, and the conservation of bioresources.
Through engaging field trips, informative lectures, and hands-on research projects, you will develop an appreciation for tropical environments. You will also gain a comprehensive understanding of various tropical ecosystems in the region. Your keen understanding and appreciation for the environment will help make a positive change to improve the environment for all life on earth.
YEAR 2 / LEVEL 2 UNITS
• Introduction to ecological applications
• Global conservation and biodiversity
• Crop science
• One level 2 or 3 science unit
• Four elective units.
YEAR 3 / LEVEL 3 UNITS
• Tropical environmental management
• Tropical terrestrial biology
• Tropical aquatic biology
• Two level 2 or 3 science unit
• One level 3 science unit
• Two elective units.
CAREER OPTIONS
• Environmental scientist
• Ecotourism operator
• Policy advisor
• Land use planner
• Marine biologist
• Museum scientist
• Natural resource manager
• Waste and resources consultant
• Water quality consultant.
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