The fast changing of job market requires our university graduates to be fast learners and with strong adapting capability, as well as readiness to move across disciplines and industries. We believe that the ability to learn and catch-up with new development is the skill required for graduates to remain relevant in the labour market. Thus, our programmes are designed in such a way to equip our science graduates with a wider range of skills – technical, analytical and interpersonal skills. Our main principle is career of science graduates is not only confined to laboratory, and these diverse skills will bring greater flexibility and help in developing career resilience of our graduates. This is evidenced by numerous successful career development cases demonstrated by our graduates in the various fields in both public and private sector.
For instance, in our BSc in Science and Technology Studies, students are required to take courses in two broad disciplines: (a) natural sciences and technological applications in mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and geology, and (b) socio-economic and cultural discourses on S&T, e.g. S&T policy, logic and critical thinking, philosophy of science, sustainable development, scientific communication, religion, and professional ethics. Through such combination of courses, students are expected to develop the following skills:
- Scientific knowledge and laboratory skills – competent in dealing with scientific arguments and skilled in laboratory techniques and procedures.
- Analytical and problem solving skills – capable in analysing the core S&T issues and provide practical solutions to rectify the issues.
- Governance and action planning skills – skilful in identifying priorities and suggesting strategic action plans to the holistic and inclusive development of S&T.
- Coordination and mediating skills – capable to conduct an effective dialogue between stakeholders with distinctive background (e.g. science, philosophy, ethics, religion, governance, economy, etc.) and appreciate their critical contributions.
- Communication and organisational skills – proficient in deliver a complex S&T ideas to public and able to organise information from multiple sources to form sound decision.
With these critical skills, possible career prospects for STS graduates from this department, among others, are:
- Science Officer – to apply scientific knowledge and management skills to support the design and operation of scientific research, and dissemination of research outcomes in research institutions and companies.
- Public Policy Analyst – to critically and analytically examine the outcomes of S&T programmes and policies, and provide ideas to the review and formulation of sound public policy.
- Administration and Diplomatic Officer (or PTD Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik) – to participate and contribute in nation’s development in all aspects of public administration, societal infrastructure development, economy and industrial development.
- Product Development Consultant – to apply innovation and entrepreneurial knowledge in designing business plan for new product development and provide strategic input into new features for existing products including branding.
- Science journalist – to apply an effective science communication skills in conveying scientific news to all levels of community.
- Social Program Executive – to design and lead programmes that aimed to determine, analyse and provide possible solution to social problems.
- Academician and Researcher – to teach, research and provide supervision services in both academic and research programmes related to STS.
