Bachelor of Science (Hons) Aquatic Science

Water covers more than 70% of the earth's surface, providing a habitat for millions of aquatic species and sustaining human life. Recognizing the need for responsible management of this invaluable resource, UCSI University's Aquatic Science programme addresses critical issues within the aquatic ecosystem while equipping students with the knowledge to develop sustainable solutions for a changing planet. Students begin by building a strong foundation in basic sciences, including analytical chemistry, microbiology, structural chemistry, and statistics, before advancing to specialized topics such as environmental monitoring, aquatic biodiversity, and aquatic pollution and toxicology.

In their final year, students can specialize in either Aquatic Health and Management or Seafood Processing and Safety, allowing them to tailor their expertise to industry needs. With a strong emphasis on research, the programme also provides opportunities to explore ecosystem-based management, sustainable aquaculture, and the impact of modernization on natural ecosystems, preparing graduates to make a meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability.

Any of these:

• UCSI Foundation in Science or Equivalent (Malaysia): Minimum CGPA 2.00

• National Matriculation: Minimum CGPA 2.80, inclusive of:

  • Chemistry

  • Biology

  • Physics/Mathematics

• STPM: Minimum CGPA 2.00, inclusive of Grade C in:

  • Chemistry

  • Biology

  • Physics/Mathematics

• UEC: Minimum Grade B in five (5) subjects, including:

  • Chemistry

  • Biology

  • Physics/Mathematics

• A-Levels: Minimum Grade D in any two (2) of these subjects:

  • Chemistry

  • Biology

  • Physics/Mathematics

• Australian High/Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12) – SAM/AUSMAT/SACE/TEE/NTCE/WACE: Minimum ATAR 60% or minimum 60% average in five (5) subjects, including:

  • Chemistry

  • Biology

  • Physics/Mathematics

• Canadian Grade 12 – CPU/CIMP: Minimum average of 60% in six (6) subjects, including:

  • Chemistry

  • Biology

  • Physics/Mathematics

• International Baccalaureate (IB): Minimum score of 26/42 from six (6) subjects, including:

  • Chemistry

  • Biology

  • Physics/Mathematics

• Diploma/Advanced Diploma in Related Field: Minimum CGPA 2.00, inclusive of:

  • Chemistry

  • Biology

  • Physics/Mathematics

• Other Qualifications Recognized by the Malaysian Government: Admission on a case-by-case basis

English Language Requirements

For Local Students:

• SPM English Language: B+
• CEFR: Low B1
• English Language 1119/O-Level English/IGCSE: Grade C
• UEC English Language: Grade A2
• MUET: Band 3

In the event that the English language requirements are not met: Applicants must take the Basic English and English Foundation for in-sessional academic enhancement concurrently with the programme.

For International Students:

• Cambridge Linguaskill: 154
• IELTS: Score of 5.0
• Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests: 154
• TOEFL IBT: 42
• Pearson Test of English: 47
• MUET: Band 3
• CEFR: Low B1

Year 1

• University Life
• Biology
• Chemistry 1
• Chemistry 2
• Microbiology
• Structural Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Fundamentals of Management
• Extra-curricular Learning Experience 1
• Co-Operative Placement 1

Year 2

• Religions in Malaysia/Business Law – Malaysian Perspective
• Aquatic Biodiversity and Taxonomy
• Current Topics in Aquatic Science
• Ecology and Sustainability
• Business Communication
• Aquaculture Operation and System
• Entrepreneurship for Applied Science
• Aquatic Pollution and Toxicology
• Statistics and its Applications
• Research Methodology, Safety and Ethics
• Extra-curricular Learning Experience 2
• Co-Operative Placement 2

MPU (select one)

• Malaysian Experiential Tourism
• Malaysian Ethnic Food
• Business Law – Malaysian Perspective

Year 3

Aquatic Health and Management

• Extra-curricular Learning Experience3
• Aquatic Science Research Project 1
• Conservation and Management of Aquatic Resources
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Recombinant Technology
• Aquatic Science Research Project 2
• Water and Wastewater Engineering
• Tools for Aquatic Resource Management
• Aquatic Diseases and Diagnostics
• Aquatic Science Research Project 3
• Co-Operative Placement 3

Free elective (select 2)

•  Strategic Management
•  Seafood Industry
•  Introduction to Internet Technologies
•  Operation Management (Choose either Aquatic Health and Management or Seafood Processing and Safety)

Seafood Processing and Safety

•  Extra-curricular Learning Experience 3
•  Aquatic Science Research Project 1
•  Halal and Food Legislation
•  Food Chemistry
•  Food Microbiology
•  Aquatic Science Research Project 2
•  Seafood Industry
•  Food Processing and Packaging
•  Food Safety and Quality Systems
•  Product Development and Sensory Evaluation
•  Aquatic Science Research Project 3
•  Co-Operative Placement 3

Free elective (select 2)

•  Strategic Management
•  Introductory Accounting
•  Internet in Practice
•  Operation Management

General Courses (MPU)

For Malaysian students:

1. Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisations (Penghayatan Etika and Peradaban)
2. Philosophy and Contemporary Issues (Falsafah dan Isu Semasa)

For foreign students:

1. Philosophy and Contemporary Issues
2. Communication in Bahasa Melayu 3 (Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 3)