Doctor of Philosophy in Biology

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biology aims to produce graduates equipped with necessary critical thinking skills, lifelong learners, and all attributes which will add to the national and global requirements of biology. The graduates will become experts and competent scientists who are able to synthesise and apply knowledge via innovative scientific research, problem solving and implementing creative solutions in academic and industrial research in life sciences, allied and interdisciplinary areas. 

Specifically, the programme equips graduates with strong foundation in science and advanced research skills that will enable graduates to critically think, apply and synthesise the concepts in the field of biology. Besides, it trains students to utilise scientific methods in solving problems while adhering to professional, moral and ethical principles in science. It also develops graduates to become effective communicators who are able to work independently as well as in multidisciplinary teams and display strong cognitive skills (i.e., analysis, synthesis and creativity) in advanced scientific research. Lastly, it produces graduates who are lifelong learners with effective leadership, entrepreneurial and information management skills.

The school has an experienced and dedicated team of academicians and researchers to mentor candidates along research journey. Research monitoring and guidance will be conducted in an exclusive, one-to-one manner and supervisors will be on hand to support candidates throughout the duration of the programme. The students will also be exposed to research activities like workshop, symposium or conference organised by the school or in partnership with other schools or institutions. Prior to enrolment, prospective candidates will have to consult Sunway’s qualified and experienced supervisors to ascertain the area of research.

Intakes
Rolling Intake
Duration
3 Years (full-time)
4 Years (part-time)
Career Prospects
  • Entrepreneur
  • Academician
  • Postdoctoral/Research scientist/Research fellow in specific fields
  • Research and development
  • Field Application Specialist
  • Senior researcher
  • Senior product specialist
  • Medical scientific liaison
  • Research Manager
  • Sales/Marketing manager
  • Quality control/Health and safety agencies
  • Senior laboratory manager
  • Scientific/Medical writer
  • Scientific journal manager/editor
  • Scientific policy
  • Biology/healthcare influencer
Estimated Total Course Fee
  • RM59,980
    for Malaysian students
  • USD14,330
    for international students
International students must pay their fees in RM equivalent. The USD here is just an indicative/estimation and subject to the prevalent exchange rate

Programme Structure

Modules

Research Methodology
Research Ethics and Biological Safety
Research Thesis

Thesis

The PhD is awarded based on the successful completion of a thesis. The thesis should demonstrate proficiency, criticality and mastery in the subject or chosen area of research.

Areas of Research

The School and Department of Biological Sciences has a dedicated team of academicians and researchers who are able to supervise in the following  areas of research interests, but not limited to:

Allergy and immunology
Bioinformatics
Cancer Biology
Cell Biology
Ecology and conservation
Infectious diseases
Molecular biology and genetics
Molecular biochemistry
Molecular pharmacology and therapeutics
Neurobiology and neurodegenerative diseases
Image
Student studying

Entry Requirements

Master’s Degree

A Master’s degree in biological sciences discipline or related fields that is accepted by University Senate.

Other Qualifications

Any other qualifications will be considered on a case-to-case basis and subject to the approval and acceptance by the University Senate.

English Language Requirements

Any of the following

  • IELTS 6.0 or equivalent
  • TOEFL 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 80 (internet-based)
  • PTE Academic 50 overall (minimum 46 in each skill)

For International/Malaysian applicants
English is the medium of instruction of previous degree for candidates from universities in non-English speaking countries outside Malaysia.

Application Procedure

Initial enquiries should be made to the Programme Administrator (Ms. Natalina) at @email. If the potential student is eligible for the PhD, they will then meet with the Programme Leader to discuss their area of research interest and potential research supervisors. For those who have identified the potential supervisors, kindly check with the Programme Administrator about the eligibility to pursue PhD.

Applicants will be required to submit the following documents:

  1. Sunway Postgraduate Application Form
  2. Research Statement - The statement should briefly describe the research question(s) that the applicant has discussed with his/her future MSc/PhD supervisor.
  3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  4. Scholarship Application Form (if any)
  5. One (1) Passport-sized photographs (Passport size photos must be in white background and the measurement must be 3.5cm x 5.0 cm)
  6. Reference Letters 
  7. In addition, the following true copies of documents must be certified:
    • Copy of Passport (all pages including blank pages - for international students) / Identity Card (NRIC) - for Malaysian students)
    • English Language qualification (IELTS/TOEFL/Others) - for International Student
    • Academic qualifications/results (certificates and complete transcripts) (Degree/Master Degree/Others)

Statement of Research Interest

The research statement/proposal should have 1,000 words (excluding references) and covers the following structure:

  1. An appropriate title for the research project (designated supervisor if known)
  2. Introduction (justification of the study or research gap)
  3. Problem statement
  4. Research Question(s)
  5. Research objective(s)
  6. Literature review
  7. Research methodology
  8. Proposed research schedule
  9. List of references

     

    Apply Now

Contact Information

Programme Leader
Dr. Wu Yuan Seng
Email: @email

Associate Dean (Research and Postgraduate Studies)
Prof. Dr. Long Chiau Ming
Email: @email 

Head (Department of Biological Sciences)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kavita Reginald
Email: @email   

Assistant Manager (Research)
Nur Amalina
Email: @email 

Programme Administrator       
Natalina Malar Aseervadam 
Email: @email 

General Enquiries
@email

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarship Available

Eligibility Criteria for Bursary or Scholarship

Bursary

Programme: Master by Research and PhD  
Mode of study: Full-time  
Financial Support:


  • Master by Research: 30% tuition fee waiver 
  • PhD: 50% tuition fee waiver 

Award Criteria: Sunway graduates who are meeting the entry requirement for the Master by Research or PhD programmes


Scholarship

Programme: Master by Research and PhD  
Mode of study: Full-time  
Financial Support:

  • Master by Research: 60% tuition fee waiver 
  • PhD: 100% tuition fee waiver 

Award Criteria: Sunway graduates who are meeting the entry requirement for the Master by Research or PhD programmes. CGPA >= 3.5 or Merit (or equivalent)


Studentship


Programme: Master by Research and PhD  
Mode of study: Full-time  
Financial Support:

  • Master by Research: Not eligible
  • PhD: 100% tuition fee waiver including registration and resource fees. Cost of living allowance of RM3,000 per month for 36 months

Award Criteria: Sunway graduates who are meeting the entry requirement for the PhD programmes.  
CGPA >= 3.5 or Merit (or equivalent). One (1) published journal article indexed in WOS/Scopus as first or corresponding author. Eligible applicants will be interviewed, and Studentship awards will be given on a competitive basis

*Bursary is only offered to Sunway graduates from Sunway Education Group higher education institutions.  
**Scholarship is open to Sunway and non-Sunway graduates

 

For more information about the scholarships and financial aid, please visit the SEG Scholarships website.

I Love SU art installation

Ask a question

If you’d like to know more about studying at Sunway University, we’d love to hear from you.

Submit an enquiry

We’ll find the answer and email you back.

Ask us now

Call one of our course specialists

Monday to Friday: 9am - 5:30pm MYT

Call +6 (03) 7491 8622