BACHELOR IN BIOINFORMATICS (HONOURS)

About the Course

Bioinformatics is an exciting field that combines biology, computer science, and information technology to study and understand life. It helps scientists manage and analyze large amounts of biological data, such as DNA sequences, to make new discoveries. Through bioinformatics, we can improve medicine, agriculture, environmental protection, and genetic research, making it one of the most important fields for the future.

This field allows researchers to find connections between genes and diseases, create new medicines, and protect biodiversity. Students will learn how to use computers and data analysis tools to solve biological problems. The program builds strong knowledge in biology, data science, and computational skills, preparing students to think critically and apply what they learn to real-world challenges.

Students also have opportunities to grow beyond the classroom through the Global Mobility Program (GMP), Global Internship Program (GIP), and Global Leadership Program (GLP). These programs allow students to study abroad, gain international work experience, and develop leadership and communication skills. With these experiences, bioinformatics students are ready to make a difference — in science, in society, and in the world.

Duration
3 years

Credit Hours
120 Credit Hours

Courses Offered

This program combines biological sciences with computing, offering a robust and industry-relevant curriculum, including:

Year One
Fundamental Health Informatics
Bioinformatics I
Applied Chemistry
Microbiology
Genomics and Proteomics
Introduction to Information Technology
Cell and Tissue Biology
Introduction to Programming

Year Two
Sequence Structure Analysis
Bioinformatics II
Molecular Biology
Java Programming
Data Structure and Algorithm
System Biology
Database
Bioinformatics Data Processing

Year Three
Biodiversity
Bioinformatics Project
Industrial Training

Career Prospects

Graduates in bioinformatics are in high demand across both public and private sectors. Career paths include:

• Bioinformatics Software Engineer
• Bioinformatics Research Scientist
• Computational Biologist
• Genome and Protein Analysis Scientist
• Pharmaceutical Drug Designer
• Software Engineer / IT Engineer
• Pharmacogenetics Scientist
• Biostatistician

Entry Requirements

i. Pass STPM or equivalent with at least Grade C (NGMP 2.0) in 2 subjects and credit in Additional Mathematics subject in SPM or Grade C (CGPA 2.0) STMP; OR

ii. Pass STAM (Jayyid rank) and credit in Additional Mathematics subject at SPM level; OR

iii. Pass Matriculation / Foundation / Foundation with at least CGPA 2.0 and credit in Additional Mathematics subject at SPM level; OR

iv. Pass UEC with at least Grade B in 5 subjects including Additional Mathematics; OR

v. Diploma in Computer Science or Software Engineering or Information Technology or Information Systems or equivalent with at least CGPA of 2.50 and credit in additional Mathematics subjects at SPM level. Candidates with CGPA below 2.50 but above 2.00 with credit in Additional Mathematics subject at SPM level may be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment process; OR

vi. Diploma in Science and Technology with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 may be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment process and credit courses in Additional Mathematics subjects at SPM level; OR

vii. Minimum Pass in 3 subjects at A-Level (GCE); OR

viii. Minimum score of 65-70% for The South Australian (SAM); OR

ix. Minimum score of 80% for Canadian Pre-University Program (CPU); OR

x. Diploma from PTPL / MSU or Certificate / Diploma in Polytechnic of IPTA or IPTA which has been accredited and other qualifications from other institutions which have been approved by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia and have accredited from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA); OR

xi. Other equivalent qualifications.

NOTE:
Candidates without credit in Additional Mathematics at SPM level or their equivalent will be accepted if this diploma program has subjects in Mathematics equivalent to Additional Mathematics at SPM level.

International students are required to achieve a minimum score of 5.0 in IELTS OR Band 3 in MUET OR its equivalent.

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university