title: Connecting learners: The role of biotechnology programme in preparing students for the industry.
abstract: The recent growth of biotechnology requires a wide range of expertise within the industry. Education is the primary platform for students to gain information and knowledge on biotechnology. In Malaysia where biotechnology is relatively new, education programs and courses must be tailored to meet the demands of the industry. A combination of theoretical knowledge as well as practical and industrial training is essential to ensure graduates are prepared for their career in the fields of biotechnology. Results from this study show that university students lack literacy on biotechnology information and access to facilities provided by the universities. This may be a significant contributing factor to the lack of knowledge and information amongst graduates. Furthermore comparative analysis on the biotechnology program in Malaysian universities with that of other countries show the need to restructure the program by offering more specialized courses as well as soft skills and business subjects. This is to meet the demands of the related professionals as well as the various branches that exist in the biotechnology industry.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biological Sciences, Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, University of Malaya, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Nadiah
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mohd Saruan
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biological Sciences, Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, University of Malaya, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Avinash
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sagran
authors.affiliation: Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Malaya, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Kamal Solhaimi
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Fadzil
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biological Sciences, Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, University of Malaya, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Zuliana
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Razali
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biological Sciences, Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, University of Malaya, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ow Phui San
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biological Sciences, Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, University of Malaya, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Chandran
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Somasundram
mesh_terms: D001709:Biotechnology / Q000193:education*; D032882:Comprehension; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry / Q000193:education*; D007858:Learning; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D011361:Professional Competence; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: biotechnology education; biotechnology industry; course outline; student access