PhD (Science) Taylor’s University

Research in the School of Biosciences encompasses four broad themes and is supported by a core group of researchers in bioactive compounds (Drug Discovery & Development Team):

Infectious Diseases

• The rich biodiversity of Malaysia enables the discovery of novel compounds to fight infectious diseases. At Taylor’s University, the identified natural compounds will be examined for their bioactive properties as well as their mode of action. In addition to the antimicrobial research, the host-pathogen interaction research is focused to understand the disease manifestation in host cells.

Non-communicable Diseases

• Diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle and stress have contributed to greater incidences of heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes and cancer, among others. Available drugs for these diseases are often accompanied by undesirable side effects, not selective enough or simply too expensive. Hence, this cluster targets the discovery of novel lead compounds and to scientifically validate natural remedies for lifestyle-related chronic diseases.

Environmental Research

• Research conducted in this cluster focuses on bioremediation, taxonomic identification of marine flora and to facilitate the development of mechanisms or processes that are in compliance with environmental laws. It will target improvement in resources savings, waste disposal and resolve environmental stress issues. In addition, researchers in this cluster also provide consultation and training in environmental management systems.

Food Science and Nutrition

• The broader aim of research in this cluster is to study the fundamentals and applied aspects of new functional foods, medical foods and nutraceuticals as well as new technologies that facilitate the development of novel consumer products that enhance human health, food safety and functionality.

These areas are important because they address pertinent issues in human health and sustainability. Current work emphasises fundamental research activities that will allow a better understanding of cancer, infectious diseases and lifestyle diseases via the use of molecular and cellular biology techniques. This will be complemented with research in bioactive natural products, particularly for medicinal and nutraceutical uses to treat and prevent diseases. Ultimately, the main goal of this PhD programme is to improve human health and identify affordable alternative therapies. Environmental research will focus on developing mechanisms to save energy resources and use biological indicators to monitor and detect the source of microbial contaminants in our water and food systems.