Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
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Established as the second
university in the country in 1969, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was first
known as Universiti Pulau Pinang. In 1971, USM moved from its temporary
premises at the Malayan Teachers’ Training College, Bukit Gelugor to the
present 416.6 hectare site at Minden, approximately 9.7 km from Georgetown.
USM offers courses ranging from Natural Sciences, Applied Sciences, Medical
and Health Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences to Building Science and
Technology, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education.
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These are available at
undergraduate and postgraduate levels to approximately 30,000 students at
its 17 Academic Schools on the main campus in the island of Penang; 6
Schools at the Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal (approximately 50km from
the main campus); and 3 at the Health Campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan
(approximately 300km from the main campus).
USM also has 17 dedicated research centres for a wide range of
specialisations which include archaeology, medicine and dentistry, molecular
medicine, science and technology, Islamic development and management
studies, and policy research and international studies. It also provides
consultancy, testing, and advisory services to the industry under the ambit
of USAINS Holdings Sdn Bhd, the University’s commercial arm.
Since the beginning, USM has adopted the School system rather than the
traditional Faculty system to ensure that its students are multi-disciplined
from their exposure to other areas of study by other Schools. It also
encourages students to be active in extra-curricular activities given the
myriad of clubs and societies available.
As a Research Intensive University recognised by the Ministry of Higher
Education Malaysia (MOHE) in 2007, USM offers educational and research
opportunities to students and staff. In 2008, USM also became the first
university in the country to be selected by the Malaysian government to
participate in the Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX), a fast-track
programme that helps tertiary institutions achieve world-class status.
USM provides various services for
its students such as hostel accommodation, counseling/motivational guidance,
sport and recreational amenities like soccer fields, 8-lane synthetic
running track, an Astroturf hockey stadium and an Olympic-sized swimming
pool. Cultural events/activities are organised at the Cultural Hall to
foster closer ties among students. There are also various clubs and
societies that cater to a wide array of interests. These include the
Political Science Society, Computer Science Club, Indian Cultural Club,
Navigator Society, Astronomy Club, Debating & Public Speaking Club, and Mass
Communication Club to name a few.
Contact Information
Public Relations Office
Universiti Sains Malaysia
11800 USM
Pulau Pinang
Tel : +604 653 3888
Fax : +604 658 9666
Email (administration) : pro@usm.my
Getting there
It is served by Rapid Penang bus no 102, 301, 302, 303, 304, 308 and 401.
