YOUR JOURNEY AS AN EXPERT IN TROPICAL SOIL SCIENCE STARTS HERE

MASTER IN TROPICAL SOIL SCIENCE

By coursework

2 Years | 4 Semesters | 42 Credit Hours
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Master in Tropical Soil Science Program Synopsis

Science & management of tropical soils

Tropical soils, such as those in Malaysia, are highly weathered, have an imbalance of nutrients, and are often heavily eroded due to high rainfall.

Therefore, countries with tropical soils need a highly skilled workforce in sustainable tropical soil management so that soil fertility can be protected, maintained, and improved to obtain high and sustainable crop yields.

Focusing on economic aspects

Master in Tropical Soil Science is a program specifically designed with a focus on the chemical, biological, physical, and fertility aspects of tropical soils, as well as on the methods of conservation, survey, and classification of tropical soils.

Emphasis is also given to the economic aspects of resources, precision agriculture, and agricultural biotechnology.

Lifelong career development

The goal of the Master in Tropical Soil Science program is to produce graduates with in-depth knowledge and are highly skilled in the field of sustainable tropical soil science that emphasizes on environmental, socio-cultural, and economic aspects.

Graduates will also be efficient in tropical soil management and research and are able to apply lifelong learning skills in their career development, either in the public or private sector.

Entry Requirements

1

Those with working experience

For graduates who have at least 3 years of work experience, they must have a Bachelor’s Degree with a GPA of at least 2.25.
2

Those who are fresh graduates

For graduates who have just completed their studies, they must have a Bachelor’s Degree with GPA of at least 3.00.
3

English language qualification

For overseas students who have graduated from a university whose medium of instruction is not English, they must pass the English language qualification level as set by the UPM School of Graduate Studies.
4

Any other conditions by UPM

According to the general and specific conditions set by the UPM Senate.

Program Structure

How will this program be conducted?

Courses will be conducted conventionally (in-class lectures, tutorials, practical session in laboratory).

Field visits will be made to sites around Malaysia and neighbouring countries to learn the various types of soils and their management.

English will be the medium of instruction for all courses.

First Semester

Economics of Agricultural Development And Policy (EPT5501, 3 Credits)

This course covers various economic theories and development policies in agriculture and the experiences of developing countries like Malaysia. Agricultural development in developed countries and current issues related to the development and the formulations of agricultural policies are discussed.

Research Methodology and Statistics in Soil Science (SST5100, 3 Credits)

This course covers the research methodology and the use of statistics in the field of soil science. Also included are the preparation of research proposals, sampling methods, experimental design, analysis and interpretation of statistical data, and the use of statistical software.

Soil Survey and Land Evaluation (SST5203, 3 Credits)

This course covers basic soil properties for profile description, soil survey methods and use of GIS, preparation of soil maps, classification of soils,  principles and procedures of land evaluation for agriculture, forestry, engineering  and recreational development.

Tropical Soil Fertility (SST5605, 3 Credit)

This course focuses on the fertility of tropical soils for crop production and the management of soils to achieve sustainable agriculture. Emphasis is also given on methods of soil fertility evaluation and fertilizer use in tropical soils.

Second Semester

Tropical Pedology (SST5202, 3 Credits)

This course covers the properties, factors and processes of soil formation, classification systems, management and conservation of soils in the tropics.

Soil And Water Conservation (SST5301, 3 Credits)

This course encompasses aspects of management, laws and economics of land conservation. Preservation of biodiversity, natural hazards and climatic changes are discussed.

Soil Testing and Plant Analyses (SST5403, 3 Credits)

This course covers methods of soil and plants analyses, the use of standard solutions, sampling techniques, analyses and interpretation of data for fertilization of annual and plantation crops.

Elective Course (3 Credits)

Third Semester

Soil-Plant-Microbe Interactions (SST5501, 3 Credits)

This course covers the biological features and biochemical processes involved in soil-plant-microbe interactions, symbiotic and non-symbiotic relationships, biological N2-fixation, mycorrhizal symbiosis, plant pathogens and biological control and the influence of these interactions on soil fertility, bioremediation and environmental management.

Tropical Soils Project (SST5902, 3 Credits)

This course covers critical literature review, data collection and analysis, interpretation of results, discussion and conclusion of project in the field of soil classification, fertility, chemistry, physics, biology, contamination and pollution of tropical soils.

Elective Course (3 Credits)

Fourth Semester

Tropical Land Project (SST5902, 3 Credits)

This course covers critical literature review, data collection and analysis, interpretation of results, discussion and conclusion of projects in the field of soil classification, fertility, chemistry, physics, biology, contamination and pollution of tropical soils.

Elective Course (6 Credits)

Elective Course

Sustainable Agriculture Development (PRT5006, 3 Credit)

This course emphasizes holistic approaches to relate the functional factors of agro-ecosystem towards sustainable agriculture development. Contributions and impact of environment, technology, policy, economic and social factors, and evaluation of the sustainability of agriculture development are discussed.

National Land Policies (SST5001, 3 Credits)

This course encompasses land policies and laws in Malaysia and their relationships with land development. Land policies include land ownership, tenure, use and disposal and those related to forestry, agriculture, environment and physical plan are discussed.

Agricultural Climatology (SST5308, 3 Credits)

This course covers the characteristics of macro- and microclimate components as well as their impact on crop growth and yield, the impact of human activities on the climate, and the predicted impact of climate change on agriculture.

Soil Mineralogy and Chemistry (SST5404, 3 Credits)

This course encompasses the identification, formation, and chemical and physical properties of different types of clay minerals and their effects on soil properties. Chemical processes in soils that affect soil fertility, quality and the environment are also emphasized.

Land Use Planning and Management (SST5602, 3 Credits)

This course covers the various processes of sustainable land use development, the management of different land development systems and the effects of land use on socio-economy and the environment. Current issues related to land conservation, planning and development are discussed.

Land Management for Plantation Crops (SST5603, 3 Credits)

This course covers the concepts and principles of land clearing for plantation crops. Management of land clearing, soil conservation and soil fertility for achieving sustainable agriculture and methods for soil fertility evaluation, problem soils and remediation are discussed.

Carbon Management in Tropical Soils (SST5606, 3 Credits)

This course encompasses the importance of soil carbon in the carbon cycle, sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation, and management methods in conservation of carbon in tropical soils.

Land Contamination and Pollution (SST5801, 3 Credits)

This course encompasses topics on the effects of industrialization, urbanization and agricultural activities on environmental degradation; waste generation, treatment and disposal; environmental regulations, risks assessment and standards of air and water quality; and the management (treatment and utilization) of waste.

Agrobiotechnology Applications (TKP5104, 3 Credit)

This course covers the historical background, current applications and future directions of agricultural biotechnology, and the applications of various techniques, including in-vitro technology, recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering, molecular marker techniques and green technology in agricultural development.

Principles And Applications of Precision Agriculture (TKP5401, 3 Credit)

This course covers the underlying principles and application of precision agriculture on selected annual and perennial crops. The economic and environmental impact of precision agriculture is highlighted.

Tuition Fees

Fee includes cost for local and overseas field trips.

MALAYSIAN STUDENTS

  • First Semester RM8,850
  • Second Semester RM8,600
  • Third Semester RM6,725
  • Fourth Semester RM6,725

View Fee Structure

Semester Basic Fee Credit Fee Total Fees
First Semester RM1,350 RM7,500 RM8,850
Second Semester RM1,100 RM7,500 RM8,600
Third Semester RM1,100 RM5,625 RM6,725
Fourth Semester RM1,100 RM5,625 RM6,725
Total Tuition Fees RM30,900

Total Tuition Fees

RM30,900

Register online at the School of Graduate Studies website

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

  • First Semester RM10,800
  • Second Semester RM10,550
  • Third Semester RM8,450
  • Fourth Semester RM8,450

View Fee Structure

Semester Basic Fee Credit Fee Total Fees
First Semester RM2,400 RM8,400 RM10,800
Second Semester RM2,150 RM8,400 RM10,550
Third Semester RM2,150 RM6,300 RM8,450
Fourth Semester RM2,150 RM6,300 RM8,450
Total Tuition Fees RM38,250

Total Tuition Fees

RM38,250

Register online at the School of Graduate Studies website

For More Information, Please Contact

We are here to help.

    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Christopher Teh Boon Sung

    Head Department of Land Management

    Faculty of Agriculture
    Email: chris@upm.edu.my
    Phone: +603-9769 4925

    Dr. Muhammad Firdaus Sulaiman

    Coordinator, Tropical Soil Science Master’s program

    Faculty of Agriculture
    Email: muhdfirdaus@upm.edu.my
    Phone: +603-9769 4121

    Dr. Syaharudin Zaibon

    Committee, Tropical Soil Science Master’s program

    Faculty of Agriculture
    Email: syaharudin@upm.edu.my
    Phone: +603-9769 4867

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is this program about?

    It is a Master by coursework program that aims to produce graduates who are highly knowledgeable and skilled in the field of tropical soil science and management of tropical soils.

    Who is the program for?

    This program is for professionals in the fields of agriculture, forestry, land development and conservation who wish to expand their knowledge and elevate their credentials. Fresh graduates are also welcome to join.

    What are the highlights of this program?

    Series of visits will be made to local and international locations (Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Thailand) to learn the diversity, properties, and management of various tropical soils.

    How much will this program cost?

    Fees for the whole program will be RM30,900 for Malaysians and RM38,250 for non-Malaysians. The fee includes the cost for local and overseas field trips.

    How will this program be conducted?

    Courses will be conducted conventionally (in-class lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions in the laboratory). Field visits will be made to sites around Malaysia and neighbouring countries to learn about the various types of soils and their management. English will be the medium of instruction for all courses.

    Who can I contact for more information?

    Dr. Muhammad Firdaus Sulaiman

    Coordinator, Tropical Soil Science Master’s program
    Faculty of Agriculture
    Email: muhdfirdaus@upm.edu.my
    Phone: +603-9769 4121