MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY

Study Duration
Minimum 2 semesters (1 year)
Maximum 4 semesters (2 years)

Intake
Intake – 2 times a year (March & October)
*subjected to UKM academic calendar

Starting on Semester 2, 2024/2025 Academic Session

STPD6024 Research Methodology
This course provides guidance in planning, implementing and succeed in a scientific research. Students are introduced to the science philosophy and ethics necessary to be adopted by researchers. Students are given exposure to determine and manage risks in scientific research. Apart from that, issues and rules related to research such as intellectual property, copyright, plagiarism etc. will be discussed. Subsequently, students are guided to plan their research and prepare a research proposal. For this, students are trained with techniques in information search both manually and on-line, identifying issues and research objectives, planning research and experimental design within their period of study. Students are required to prepare their research proposal according to the format and making sure that it is free from plagiarism by introduction of plagiarism checker system. Students are given the opportunity to present their proposal in a seminar and defend them. Students will be evaluated based on written and oral presentation of the research proposal, and final examination.

STKK6523 Spectroscopy in Organic Chemistry
This course is introduced to strengthen the students’ knowledge and skill in structural determination and stereochemistry of organic compounds. The theory and application of modern spectroscopic methods for this particular aim will be discussed, including ultraviolet, infrared, one and two-dimensional NMR and mass spectrometry. In addition, a step-by-step approach in structural elucidation of organic compounds that involves abstraction and interpretation of ultraviolet, infrared, one and two-dimensional NMR and mass spectral data will be discussed in detail. Besides focusing on the structural elucidation exercises based on the spectroscopic data, hands-on application of the instrument will also be executed during one slot of practical work. The importance of spectroscopic and physical data in the stereochemical determination of organic compounds will also be covered.

STKK6713 Principles of Analytical Instrument Design
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of designing and utilizing analytical instruments for scientific research and industrial applications. This course covers fundamental concepts in instrument design, including detectors, sensors, and data acquisition systems, emphasizing the selection of measurement techniques, signal processing methods, and calibration procedures. Various analytical techniques, such as spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and electrochemical methods, are explored in terms of their instrument design implications. Students are exposed to instrument validation, quality control, and regulatory compliance, preparing them for careers in research, development, and quality assurance across scientific and industrial sectors. Overall, this course equips students with essential skills for designing, optimizing, and maintaining analytical instruments to meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.

STKK6722 Chemical Management System
This course emphasizes a comprehensive discussion of the components of the management of the chemical industry. These management components involve history, legislation, and practice procedures adopted in Malaysia. Among them are The Occupational Safety and Health Act (Act 514) and its Regulations, Environmental Quality Act (Act 127), ISO 1042 Laboratory Safety Practice Procedures, ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System, ISO 14000 Environmental Management System, Safety Management System and Occupational Health ISO 45001. This course also introduces continuous management system improvement procedures using the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) cycle model. This course also discusses hazard identification methods, risk assessment, and appropriate hazard control measures.

STKK6978 Dissertation I
This course intended to introduce students to the research environment in specialized fields in chemistry, namely organic chemistry, inorganic, analysis, physical, catalysis and polymer. The research project title will be given by lecturers whom the program coordinator has identified to guide the students during their study. Students need to understand in-depth the essence of the literature study for the title of the research project. The research project will be evaluated based on the literature review report, research proposal and presentation.

STKK6920 Dissertation II
Dissertation is a continuation of Research Project I, where students in this semester must produce a dissertation using data from the research project. Research conducted exposes students to approaches, techniques, observation and data analysis as well as research solutions. Research outcomes should be written according to the UKM style writing format (The UKM Style Guide). In addition, students are required to provide a full manuscript concerning the research project framework that has been carried out. Students are also required to attend research seminars under the university or outside parties. Assessment is based on dissertation writing, oral presentation and proof of seminar attendance. In addition, the monitoring of the development and the frequency of meeting with supervisors was also evaluated.

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field with minimum CGPA 2.75 or equivalent, from any institutions of higher learning recognized by the UKM Senate; or
• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field with minimum CGPA of 2.50 – 2.74 or equivalent, subject to rigorous internal assessment; or
• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field with CGPA < 2.50, with minimum of 5 years working experience or research project in relevant field. Proof of the working experience of a foreign candidate should be acknowledge by the embassy of the respective country;
• An international student shall obtain minimum results of either
  • TOEFL iBT score 46 or
  • IELTS band 5.5 or
  • PTE score 51 or
  • CEFR band B2 or
  • MUET band 4 or
  • Higher Education English Test (HEET) score 7 or
  • An international student who comes from a country where English is the official language, or who has obtained academic qualifications from any institution of higher learning that uses English as the medium of instruction may be exempted from the requirement for HEET / TOEFL / IELTS)
• Fulfill other requirements prescribed by the UKM Senate from time to time.

1. Chemist
2. Research Officer
3. Lecturer