03 August 2012 | last updated at 12:51AM By Mahaizura Abdul Malik | johor@nst.com.my 0 comments

A faculty staff (left) shows FPREE deputy dean Issham Ismail an equipment to be used in the nuclear engineering course. Pic by Mahaizura AbdMalik

JOHOR BARU: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is introducing a nuclear engineering degree programme, the first such programme in Malaysia, in September, in an effort to produce professionals in the field.

UTM's Faculty of Petroleum and Renewable Energy Engineering (FPREE) dean Prof Dr Ariffin Samsuri said the course had been approved by the Higher Education Ministry.

"The course is offered to meet current needs. It is expected that by 2020, the country would need additional energy sources," he said at a press conference recently.

"Nuclear energy is widely used in the fields of genetic engineering, agriculture and manufacturing. It is seen as an alternative source of energy and one of the cheapest to produce.

"Even though nuclear energy is one of the cleanest sources, there are issues regarding its safety. The new programme will focus on the safety aspects, including its effects on the environment. The programme also meets the standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency," he said.

Ariffin said the first group of students for the four-year course will comprise 30 local students.

He said those who are interested to apply must have a Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia, matriculation or diploma holders with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 3.0.

"Students will undergo a 12-week training according to the Malaysian Engineering Accreditation Council requirements at the Atomic Energy Licensing Board in Dengkil, Selangor," "We hope the programme will produce nuclear engineers who will serve in Malaysia and abroad," he said.

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UTM offers nuclear engineering degree

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