Malaysia, May - August 2018
Keele University has an exchange programme with the University of Sains Malaysia and all undergraduate students in Life Sciences have the option of conducting their research projects in a tropical setting at theUSM Penang campus.
The university
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.
It is among the oldest institute of higher learning (IHL) in Northern Malaysia. It has three campuses, a main campus on the island of Penang, a health campus in Kelantan, and an engineering campus in Nibong Tebal. Dubbed ‘The Pearl of the Orient’ by foreign traders in the distant past, Penang is an eclectic and interesting fusion of a variety of local cultures. Featuring old-fashioned allure, the island has a plethora of historical attractions sprinkled across its landscape and is best known for its authentic hawker fare which locals claim can’t be duplicated elsewhere. Georgetown, Penang’s capital, has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status largely due to its collection of 19th and early 20th-century architecture. The island offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities ranging from the ever-popular Gurney Drive to the historic Fort Cornwallis.