MSc in Analytical & Pharmaceutical Chemistry

The objective of the programme is to produce highly competent pharmaceutical chemists who are equipped with the knowledge and analytical skills that are essential for contributing to the research and development of drug products, quality control of pharmaceuticals, management improvement processes and regulatory science.

Applicants are required to have obtained:

• A bachelor’s degree with minimum CGPA of 2.75 or equivalent, as accepted by the HEP Senate; or
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent with minimum CGPA of 2.50 and not meeting CGPA of 2.75, can be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment; or
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent not meeting CGPA of 2.50, can be accepted subject to a minimum of 5 years working experience in relevant field.

The MSc degree programme is an 18-month course of study at IMU which begins each year in March and September. The programme consists of two semesters of theory followed by a third semester in which the student is required to complete a research project. Each semester comprises 20 weeks. Classes (lectures, practical sessions, workshops, tutorials) will be held every Saturday of each week of the Semester. The minimum time of completion is 18 months, while the maximum time is 6 years.

Core courses include:

• Semester 1 – Spectroscopy I & II, Separation Techniques, Research Methodology and Writing Skills
• Semester 2 – Principles and Practices of Green Chemistry, Natural Products, Quality Management and Regulatory Systems, * Selectives
• Semester 3 – Research Projects (Research Project can only be undertaken upon completion of All Semester 1 modules)

* Selectives include Recent Development in Pharmaceutical Sciences; Drug Discovery, Design and Development; Pharmaceutical Microbiology; and Bench to Market.

Semester contents are available in the programme brochure [Download Brochure]

Teaching and learning methods vary in line with the objectives of the course modules. They include didactic lectures, workshops, tutorials, practical sessions and seminars.

Students are continuously assessed throughout the degree via project works, critical reviews, practical reports, assignments and oral presentations. There are no written examinations. To progress from one semester to the next, students must perform satisfactorily during each semester.

The teaching faculty reflects a wide range of backgrounds in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The faculty, comprising local and international lecturers with PhD qualification, have many years of academic and industry experience in various related field of specialisations that include pharmacy, pharmaceutical chemistry, polymer chemistry, natural products, inorganic chemistry, surfactant chemistry, oleochemistry, pharmaceutical technology, biotechnology, molecular biology, drug discovery, formulation and drug delivery, pharmacokinetics and pharmcognosy. All faculty are actively involved in research and much of their work has been published in ISI-indexed journals.

• The course is delivered over weekends for the convenience of working graduates. Regular working hours of students in employment would not be disrupted.
• The course is offered on a modular basis, allowing students to enrol in either Semester 1 or Semester 2 of each year.
• The course allows students to complete any single module and receive a Certificate of Attendance. This aspect provides employers with the opportunity to up-skill an employee in a specific area.
• IMU has established partnerships with the local pharmaceutical and chemical related industries.
• The course has been designed based on current industry needs and practices.