Internationalization of Higher Education is one of the targets of higher education performance derived from the performance agreement of the Department of Biology with the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. One of the international partners of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences that is included in the QS <200 Higher Education is Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) which is listed in the QS World University Rankings (WUR) at 136th place, and ranked 6th in the Asian University Rankings – South Eastern Asia.
On a working visit to the Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, UTM in Johor, Malaysia, three UB Lecturer Works (DOKAR) delegates led by Dr. Irfan Mustafa (Secretary of the Department of Biology), Dr. Mufidah Afiyanti (Head of the Undergraduate Biology Study Program) and Dr. Rodiyati Azrianingsih (Head of the Undergraduate Biology Study Program Curriculum) were welcomed by Dr. Mohd Firdaus Abdul Wahab (Assistant Dean – External and Global Engagement), Dr. Muhammad Helmi Nadri (Assistant Coordinator, PhD Bioscience programme), Dr. Siti Halimah Hasmoni (Assistant Coordinator, Bachelor of Science Biology programme), and Dr. Farah Hanis Juhari (Assistant Coordinator, Bachelor of Science Biotechnology programme).
This activity has resulted in the implementation of cooperation (Implementation of Agreement) in the form of student exchange plans, joint research and collaborative classes. The three activities are planned to be implemented in the even semester of 2024/2025. The determination of several courses that can be taken by exchange students and the exemption of tuition fees at UTM specifically for the first five registrants from UB have also been agreed upon.
Irfan Mustafa, PhD said that the Department of Biology UB, especially the Biology Undergraduate Program, is optimistic to continue to increase internationalization, one of which is by increasing collaboration with UTM partners.
Meanwhile, from UTM, Dr. Firdaus said that in terms of curriculum, many classes can be utilized for collaborative class activities and student exchange. The collaboration between the two departments can bring benefit to both parties.
In addition, joint supervision for students’ final research is also very promising considering the areas of expertise of lecturers from the Department of Biosciences UTM and the Department of Biology UB are very close. (*/UB PR/ Trans. Iir)
