Master of Science In Crop Protection

For international students, candidates are required to have TOEFL results at least 550 or IELTS at least Band 5.5.

Applicants must have a Bachelor's Degree with Honors CGPA 3.0 and above or equivalent in the relevant field.

Applicants with a Bachelor's Degree of CGPA 2.7 to 2.99 may be considered if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

A. Having relevant work experience; or

B. Produce publications in related fields; or

C. is a recipient of a scholarship; or

D. is a graduate of the University of Malaya; or

E. is a government servants

Applicants with a Bachelor's Degree of CGPA 2.5 to 2.69 may be considered if they meet at least two of the criteria in (1) (A) to (E) above

SQG7001 Research Methodology in Crop Protection

Emphasis will be on the design of experiment and analysis of variance in agricultural research. Experimental designs covered will include randomized, stratified, nested factorial, Latin squares, full or fractional factorial. Data used as examples might be from parametric and non-parametric one-sample, two-sample or multi-sample experiments. Multivariate statistical methods, including regression models repeated measures and multivariate ANOVA, discriminant analysis, cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and exploratory factor analysis, , will be addressed. Concerns regarding the establishment of validity, reliability and replicability of data will also be discussed. Students will be exposed to a common statistical package.

Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment:           60%
Final Examination:                      40%

Medium of Instruction:
English

Transferable Skills:
Capability of using statistic application package

Humanity Skill:
CS7, CTPS7, LL3

References:

1. Montgomery, D.C. 2013. Design and Analysis of Experiments. 8th Edition, John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
2. Christensen, L.B., Johnson, R.B. and Turner, L.A. 2013. Research Methods, Design, and Analysis. 12th Edition. Pearson Education Limited.
3. Lattin, J. Jr., Carroll, D. and Green, P.E. 2003. Analyzing Multivariate Data. Pacific Grove: Brooks/Cole Thomson Learning Inc.

SQG7002 Research Project

Student will conduct a research project based on topics related to crop protection. The art of conducting literature review, and scientific proposal writing will be exposed.  Development of research questions, application of suitable experimental design, execution of proposed work, collection and data analysis and results interpretation will be explained. Techniques of designing a scientific poster and preparing an oral presentation will be introduced. The elements of writing that are important to develop the clarity and precision required of effective scientific communication will be emphasized.

Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment:           100%

Medium of Instruction:
English

Transferable Skills:

1. Ability to perform research activity
2. Ability to present research findings in a poster form
3. Ability to present research findings using oral presentation

Humanity Skill:
CS8, CTPS7, LL3

References:

1. Turabian, K.L. and Booth, W.C. 2013. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 8th Edition. University of Chicago Press.
2. Hofmann, A. 2013. Scientific Writing and Communication: Papers, Proposals, and Presentations. 2nd Edition. Oxford University Press.

SQG7003 Applied Weed Science

Students will be attached with industry key players in agriculture. This will give the students the opportunity to gain experience from crop protection related industry. Students will adopt the knowledge learned from the courses to real life application in industry.

 

Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment:           100%

Medium of Instruction:
English

Transferable Skills:
Experience with industry

Humanity Skill:
TS5, LL3, EM3, LS4

References:
Not applicable

SQG7004 Applied Weed Science

Discussion on the principles of weed biology, economic importance, control and herbicide usage and selectivity will be carried out. Herbicide classification, mode of action, application, handling and storage will also be discussed. Rationalization of herbicide applications, regulations and economic aspects will be emphasized. Planning, design and implementation of long-term sustainable weed management programs will be introduced. Analysis of traditional and new technologies for weed management based on their impact on agriculture, society and the environment will also be addressed.

Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment:           60%
Final Examination:                       40%

Medium of Instruction:
English

Transferable Skills:
1. Identify herbicide groups and its application.
2. Practical use of herbicides.

Humanity Skill:
TS5, CTPS6, EM3

References:

1. Zimdahl RL. 2013. Fundamentals of Weed Science. 4^th ed. Academic Press. London.
2. Booth BD, Murphy SD, Swanton CJ. 2010. Invasive Plant Ecology in Natural and Agricultural Systems. CABI publishing. USA.
3. Ross MA & Lembi CA. 2009. Applied Weed Science: Including the Ecology and Management of Invasive Plants. 3rd ed. Pearson Prentice Hall. London.

 

SQG7005 Applied Entomology

Insect classification and the field of applied entomology will be discussed. Importance, biology and ecology of insects will be introduced. Population dynamics and factors affecting the insect population will be discussed. The classification, biology and ecology of economic importance insects, in particular the agricultural insects will be discussed in depth. The remainder of the course is devoted to specific applied entomology topics with an emphasis on insect pest management such as the usage of various methods to control insect pest i.e. biological, chemical, cultural, interference, mechanical, physical and integrated pest management (IPM).

Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment:           60%
Final Examination:                       40%

Medium of Instruction:
English

Transferable Skills:
1. Capability to identify insect pest.
2. Capability to apply insect pest management methods.

Humanity Skill:
CTPS6, EM3

References:

1. Pedigo, L. P. and Rice, M. E. 2014. Entomology and Pest Management. 6th Edition. Waveland Press.
2. Dharam, P.A. 2014. Integrated Pest Management, Current Concept & Ecological Perspective. Elsevier.
3. Van Emden, H. 2013. Handbook of Agricultural Entomology. Wiley-Blackwell.
4. Marcelo, L.L and S. Soloneski. 2012. Intergrated Pest Management and Pest control-Current and Future Tactics. InTech.

SQG7006 Tropical Crop Disease

The identification and causes of tropical crop diseases will be introduced. The biotic and abiotic factors that affect crop development and/or cause crop diseases will be discussed. The principles of crop pathology and integrated disease management, which are the foundations of crop disease control will be emphasized. Integration of cultural, biological, chemical methods and crop disease resistance will be discussed.

Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment:           60%
Final Examination:                       40%

Medium of Instruction:
English

Transferable Skills:

1. Capability to identify crop disease.
2. Capability to apply crop disease management methods.

Humanity Skill:
TS5, CTPS6, EM3

References:

1. Agrios GN. 2005. Plant Pathology. 5th ed. Academic Press.
2. Chaube HS & Singh US. 1989. Plant Disease Management Principles and Practices. CRC Press.
3. Fry WE. 1982. Principles of Plant Disease Management. Academic Press.
4. Tennant P & Fermant G. 2016. Virus Diseases of Tropical and Subtropical Crops. CABI.
5. Ownley BH & Trigiano RN. 2016. Plant Pathology Concepts and Laboratory Exercises. 3rd ed. CRC Press.
6. Kumar S. 2015. Diseases of Horticultural Crops: Identification and Management. NIPA.

SQG7007 Pesticide Management and Application

The metabolism of pesticides degradation by weeds, fungi, insects and other organism will be discussed. Pesticide formulation and application that commonly practiced throughout the world to manage pest problems in plants and animals will also be discussed. Resistance in target pest species via natural selection also discussed. Toxic action of various chemicals and their modes of actions including specificity, selectivity and resistance development of pesticides will be emphasized. Adverse effects of pesticides into our environment and non-target organisms will also be discussed.

Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment:           60%
Final Examination:                       40%

Medium of Instruction:
English

Transferable Skills:
Apply suitable pesticide to control pests.

Humanity Skill:
CTPS7, TS5, EM3

References:

1. Roberts, S., Kehrer M.J.P., and Klotz L-O, 2015. Studies on Experimental Toxicology and Pharmacology.Oxidative Stress in Applied Basic Research and Clinical Practice.Humana Press.
2. Hodgson E., 2012. Pesticide Biotransformation and Disposition. Academic Press.
3. Goebel H., Gorbach S., Knauf W., Rimpau R. H., Huttenbach H., 2012. Properties, Effects, Residues, and Analytics of the insecticide Endosulfan. Springer Science & Business Media.

SQG7008 Industrial Crops

Production of industrial crops and its importance in the economy of Malaysia and Asia are discussed. Based on these crops, from the seed level, cultivation, management until processing stage to industry will be explained. Diseases and pests of industrial crops with its maintenance will properly explain. Crop yields will be assessed in line with current technology use. History related to the past and current technology will be debated.

Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment:           60%
Final Examination:                       40%

Medium of Instruction:
English

Transferable Skills:
Apply productive methods of industrial crops

Humanity Skill:
CS8, CTPS7, EM3

References:

1. R.D. Hill. 2013. Agriculture in the Malaysia Region. NUS Press.
2. Bharat P. Singh, 2010. Industrial Crops and Uses. Cab International.
3. Alice Kurian, Peter K. V. 2007. Commercial Crops Technology. New India Publishing.
4. V.L. Chopra, K.V. Peter. 2005. Handbook of Industrial Crops. Food Products Press.
    

SQG7009 Horticultural Crops

The types and classifications of horticulture crops (food crops, ornamental, vegetable and nursery) in Malaysia and Asia are described. Overview of breeding, growth and development, mineral nutrition, crop production, post-harvest physiology and interrelationships with the environment are discussed. Environmental farm planning in solving problems of soil conservation, nutrient management, pest management and waste management will be explained.

Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment:           60%
Final Examination:                       40%

Medium of Instruction:
English

Transferable Skills:
Apply the productive way of cultivation and production of horticultural crops in Malaysia and Asia

Humanity Skill:
CTPS7, LS4

References:

1. Ummed Singh, C.S. Praharaj, S.S. Singh, N.P. Singh. 2016. Biofortification of Food Crops. Springer.
2. Mohammed Wasim Siddiqui. 2015.Postharvest Biology and Technology of Horticultural Crops: Principles and Practices for Quality Maintenance. CRC Press.
3. Stefan Buczacki, Keith Harris. 2010. Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Garden Plants. HarperCollins UK.
4. T. Pradeepkumar. 2008. Management of Horticultural Crops. New India Publishing.

SQG7010 Tropical Crop Management

Various factors that affect crop productivity and profitability and how these factors can be managed will be discussed with special emphasis on advanced studies in crop production and environmental impact in tropical and subtropical agro-ecosystems. Advanced knowledge in production, processing and commercialization of crops, agro-ecosystems of farming as well as scientific disciplines dealing with biodiversity, genetic resources, protection and conservation of tropical and subtropical agro-ecosystems will also be emphasized.

Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment:           60%
Final Examination:                       40%

Medium of Instruction:
English

Transferable Skills:
Basic capability to manage crop field

Humanity Skill:
CTPS7, LS4

References:

1. Aiken C. 2015. Crop Management. ML Books International-IPS.
2. Walia US. 2015. Crop Management. SENTIFIC.
3. Wallander H. 2014. Soil. Springer.
4. Binkley D & Fisher R. 2013. Ecology and Management of Forest Soils. Wiley-Blackwell.
5. Connor DJ, Loomid RS & Cassman KG. 2011. Crop Ecology: Productivity and Management in Agricultural Systems.Cambridge University Press.
6. Abrol DP. 2014. Integrated Pest Management: Current Concepts and Ecological Perspective. Academic Press. US.

SQG7011 Crop Biosafety and Biosecurity

Crop biosecurity and biosafety principles particularly in relation to crop protection will be introduced. Growth and diversity of crop trade, the effects of climate change and the resultant spread of pests and diseases to biosecurity and biosafety will be highlighted. Issues in crop biosecurity policies and the economic risks assessment of invasive species will be discussed. Regulatory Plant Biosecurity aspects and the prevention of international movement of plant pests, diseases and weeds that negatively impact agriculture production and commerce will also be discussed.

Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment:           60%
Final Examination:                       40%

Medium of Instruction:
English

Transferable Skills:
Understand principles and applications of crop biosecurity and biosafety

Humanity Skill:
CTPS7, TS5, LS4

References:

1. Cook, D., Fraser, R., Wilby, A. (2017). Plant Biosecurity Policy Evaluation: The Economic Impacts of Pests and Diseases. World Scientific Europe Limited.
2. Gordh, G., McKirdy, S. (2014) The Handbook of Plant Biosecurity: Principles and Practices for the Identification, Containment and Control of Organisms that Threaten Agriculture and the Environment Globally. Springer.
3. Robinson A. P., Walshe T., Burgman M. A., Nunn, M. (2017) Invasive Species: Risk Assessment and Management. Cambridge University Press.
4. Ricroch A., Chopra S., Fleischer S. J. (2014). Plant Biotechnology: Experience and Future Prospects. Springer.
5. Abrol D. P. (2014) Integrated Pest Management: Current Concepts and Ecological Perspective. Academic Press. US.

SQG7012 Molecular Techniques in Crop Protection

Molecular techniques used in crop disease and pest diagnosis as well as analysis of genes expression will be introduced. Potential of molecular biology, genetics and immunology for crop protection will be reviewed. Gene cloning for disease resistance, genetic manipulation and plant gene transformation also will be discussed. Lecture is divided into three parts: Introductions to pest and disease in crops as well as genetic mechanism; molecular techniques in crop protection; current topics and issues related to molecular approaches in crop protection.

Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment:           60%
Final Examination:                       40%

Medium of Instruction:
English

Transferable Skills:
Capable to apply current molecular techniques

Humanity Skill:
CTPS7, LL3, EM3

References:

1. Stewart CNJ. 2016. Plant Biotechnology and Genetics: Principles, Techniques, and Applications. Wiley.
2. Marshal G. 2013. Molecular Biology in Crop Protection. Springer.
3. Jain SM. 2009. Molecular Techniques in Crop Improvement. 2nd ed. Springer.

SQG7013 Pest Management in Organic Farming

Principles of organic crop protection comprising the philosophy and the importance in balancing biodiversity will be introduced. The various methods of control applied in organic farming for the major horticultural and agronomic crops will be discussed. Sustainable pest management in organic farming in particular on current applications and challenges in Malaysia agro-ecosystem will be emphasized. Issues on organic farming in Malaysia will be reviewed.

Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment:           60%
Final Examination:                       40%

Medium of Instruction:
English

Transferable Skills:
Apply organic crop protection

Humanity Skill:
CTPS7, TS5, EM3

References:

1. Vacente V & Kreiter S. 2017. Pest Management in Organic Farming. CABI.
2. Lichtfouse E. 2010. Organic Farming, Pest Control and Remediation of Soil Pollutants: 1 (Sustainable Agriculture Reviews). Springer.
3. Felsot AS & Racke KD. 2006. Crop Protection Products for Organic Agriculture. American Chemical Society.

SQG7014 Current Technologies in Crop Protection

The current technologies in crop pest management in the world and Malaysia will be introduced. The concept of precision agriculture that takes into account variations in an agricultural area accordance with local requirements will be discussed. Application of an early warning system (EWS) and decision support system (DSS) in agricultural activities, especially those involving crop protection will be discussed. Exposure to the use of latest hardware and software such as global positioning system (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), image processing applications and related technologies. Current issues related to the use of technology in crop protection especially in Malaysian context will be reviewed.

Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment:           60%
Final Examination:                       40%

Medium of Instruction:
English

Transferable Skills:
Capable of discussing the applications, impacts and roles of current technologies in crop protection

Humanity Skill:
CTPS7, TS5, EM3

References:

1. Zhang Q. 2016. Precision Agriculture Technology for Crop Farming. CRC Press.
2. Heege HJ. 2013. Precision in Crop Farming: Site Specific Concepts and Sensing Methods: Application and Results. Springer.
3. Manos B., Matsatsinis N., Paparrizos K., Papathanasiou J. 2010. Decision Support Systems in Agriculture, Food and the Environment: Trends, Applications and Advances. IGI Global.
4. Related articles and Journals.

SQG7015 Ethics in Crop Protection

This course will examine the economic, environmental, social, and ethical dimensions of crop protection as it is currently practiced in the world with emphasize on Malaysian agriculture. Sharing and discussion sessions on current and/or controversial ideas of crop protection and pest management by the instructor based on the current topics, news and suggested readings will be organized.

Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment:           60%
Final Examination:                       40%

Medium of Instruction:
English

Transferable Skills:
Having clear individual opinion on ethics in crop protection

Humanity Skill:
CS8, CTPS7, EM3

References:

1. Mitchell T. 2015. Ethics in Agriculture. Arcler Press LLC.
2. Newton L. 2013. Ethical Decision Making: Introduction to Cases and Concepts in Ethics. Springer.
3. Zimdahl RL. 2012. Agriculture's Ethical Horizon. Elsevier.
4. Seebauer EG & Barry RL. 2000. Fundamentals of Ethics for Scientists and Engineers. Oxford University Press.

AASC

Fee Structure