The future of health sciences
TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY is redefining the future of healthcare education with its Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences (Honours) programme.
The three-year programme blends science, technology and flexibility, bringing together four specialisations – Genetics, Embryology, Neuroscience, and Nutrition – within a single, integrated curriculum.
Designed to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the programme equips students with advanced scientific knowledge, hands-on grasp of emerging innovations in biomedical science and real-world research exposure.
'Unlike traditional health sciences programmes that silo disciplines, this degree provides a holistic understanding of human development, health and disease,' said programme director Dr Lee Sau Har.
'It prepares students for future healthcare careers that are more personalised, genetics-informed and preventive in focus.'
Through the Genetics specialisation, students gain a comprehensive understanding of hereditary conditions and emerging genetic technologies.
Embryology explores the science of embryonic development and fast-growing reproductive technologies.
The Neuroscience specialisation dives into the complexities of the brain, including neural pathways, behavioural connections and neurological disorders.
Nutrition focuses on the vital relationship between diet, metabolic health and disease prevention.
Collectively, these pathways nurture graduates who are research-driven and primed to make meaningful contributions across clinical, laboratory, and public health sectors.
Industry-driven learning
'Since its launch, the programme has forged strong industry partnerships to enhance students' learning through real-world exposure, internships and research,' said Dr Lee.
Through expert-led industry panels and project-based learning, students are mentored by professionals and exposed to real-world scenarios, fostering industry awareness and boosting job readiness.
In Genetics, partnerships with AGTC Genomics and Cancer Research Malaysia offer students hands-on experience with genomic technologies and opportunities to engage in student-driven research projects.
The Embryology specialisation benefits from the partnership with LabIVF (M) Sdn Bhd, offering hands-on training for students.
Meanwhile, the collaboration with Alpha IVF & Women's Specialists enhances teaching and research through industry-driven initiatives, joint seminars and workshops.
The Neuroscience specialisation is strengthened by the expertise of Ultra Technology Engineering, which contributes to the curriculum and hands-on learning in Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) labs.
The Nutrition pathway is enriched through workshops and assignments guided by partners such as Bionutricia Holding Sdn Bhd, offering insights into nutraceutical development.
Dr Lee noted that guest lectures and workshops are also integral to the programme.
She cited a workshop by Ultra Technology Engineering, where students were introduced to the BCI unit, explored its operational mechanics, and how to interpret the data it generates.
'It provided students with valuable real-world exposure to current technologies and their applications in the field,' she observed.
In the Community Nutrition module, a workshop conducted by the Institute for Public Health Malaysia offered rare insight into localised public health strategies and nutritional challenges across Malaysia's diverse communities.
Students also benefit from immersive learning experiences, such as exploring the human brain through Taylor's VORTEX XR lab, which incorporates augmented, virtual, and mixed reality technologies
What sets this programme apart is its integration of advanced technologies – from Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) gene editing and BCI to wearable health sensors.
'On campus, students learn in modern laboratories and in the Virtual Online Future Technology and Extended Reality (VORTEX XR) Lab, where immersive technology enhances hands-on learning across specialisations,' said Dr Lee.
Customisable learning
The programme's flexibility and global exposure allow students to customise their studies to their goals. Through a wide range of elective modules, complementary minors, and tailored final-year projects, students can personalise their learning experience, explore niche fields and address real-world health issues through practical, meaningful solutions.
'Currently, the school has established research mobility partnerships with universities in Thailand, the Philippines, China and the United Kingdom (UK), offering students the chance to engage in short-term research attachments, collaborative projects and enriching academic exchanges,' explained Dr Lee.
For those looking to study further abroad, transfer options are available to partner universities in the UK, Australia and New Zealand after Year 1.
Collaborations with industry leaders bring learning to life through internships, hands-on projects and expert-led workshops.
These experiences broaden students' global perspectives and prepare them for diverse careers – from genetic engineer and in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) laboratory coordinator to nutri-preneur – reflecting the programme's versatility and relevance.
Applications are now open for the September 2025 intake. Prospective students can take advantage of an inaugural bursary – making this the perfect time to launch a career in applied health sciences.
Head to Taylor's Open Days on Aug 9-10 and Aug 16-17. Additionally, take part in the exclusive Discovery Day for the programme on Aug 22. Click here to find out more.
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