Molecular Medicine (MSc)

MSc in Molecular Medicine

Conventional / Open & Distance Learning (ODL) Mode

What is Molecular Medicine? Basically, it is the specialised development of medical treatment through the fundamentals of cell, biological pathways and genome.

Advances in Molecular Medicine have facilitated major breakthroughs in disease diagnoses, management and treatment. Today, doctors are able to offer tailored cancer therapy with the improved understanding of human genome and gene pathways. Further advances in metabolomics and bioinformatics tools enable scientists and clinicians to predict drug response and improve treatment outcomes.

In Malaysia, there is growing demand for Molecular Medicine specialists especially with government’s initiatives to support the biotechnology sector with the establishment of Bio-Nexus company incentives.

The IMU Master of Science in Molecular Medicine programme is designed to cater for medical or basic sciences graduates seeking advanced training in cellular and molecular biology, genetics as well as drug development and treatment.

The curriculum provides equal emphasis on knowledge (coursework) and skills (research) with interactive lectures, case studies and discussion. Problem-based learning methods are used to stimulate analytical thinking. Students are required to propose research plans that will be put into action during the final semester. Similarly, students will have the opportunity to design laboratory management policy and product commercialization plans through the selective modules offered under the programme.

One unique feature of the programme is the flexible delivery of the coursework with classes held on weekends or online. Students also have the opportunity to conduct their research project in a related industry or their own workplace.

This Programme is Now Available in ODL Mode

Open and distance learning (ODL) provides working professionals an alternative to conventional programmes at universities, giving them the opportunity to earn a university degree without interrupting their career while providing flexibility and convenience for the student in their studies. Not sure if this is the programme for you? Try out our free trial lesson today!

FREE TRIAL LESSON

KEY FACTS

Degree

Molecular Medicine (Master of Science)
MSc in Molecular Medicine (IMU) & MSc in Genomic Medicine (QMUL) – Double Degree

Commencement

March and September

Total Duration

Full time : 1 – 2 years
Part-time: 2 – 6 years

Mode of Delivery

Conventional / Open & Distance Learning (ODL)

Tuition Fees

All IMU alumni who are self-funding their postgraduate studies and meet the eligibility criteria will be eligible for a 25% bursary.

Download Brochure

Programme
Bursaries for Postgraduate Studies

ABOUT ODL

What is ODL?

Open and distance learning provides working professionals an alternative to conventional programmes at universities, giving them the opportunity to earn a university degree without interrupting their career. As Malaysia’s first and most established private medical and health sciences university with 27 years of dedicated focus in healthcare education, IMU offers a few postgraduate programmes via this learning mode with students having the opportunity to benefit from all the teaching and support that the University has to offer.

Benefits of ODL

Designed especially for students with employment, family or other commitments, this mode of learning provides flexibility and convenience for the student to schedule their studies around these obligations and around their lifestyle – allowing a student to plan and pace their own learning at a time and learning environment that is most suitable for the student. It also saves students from spending time travelling to the university, the costs of travelling to the university and the costs of staying near the university.

Teaching Methods

Teaching methods include a series of annotated lectures supplemented by videos. For each subject taken, students will be part of a student online community. Students will also be assigned a mentor who will be available to answer any questions and provide feedback on their progress.

Students will be assessed fully online via the in-course assessment assignments and end of module assessment assignment so they don’t need to be at the University to sit your exams. They will the receive their grades and feedback online.

In order to do this, students will be required to have a desktop/laptop, internet connection, a headset and webcam to participate in online tutorials and other group activities, access to standard office software – such as Microsoft Word and Excel, plus any standard browser, such as Chrome, Edge or Firefox and Skype for certain online sessions.

Your Commitment

Time will be an ODL student’s most important commitment – understanding, working through and reflecting on all teaching materials. The hours spent per week on their studies for the duration of the programme depends on module taken.

Support from University

ODL students are fully registered student of the University with all of the support and services available to them, the same as the on-campus students. Technical support will also be provided if students have difficulty in accessing the e-learning platform.

Not sure if this is the programme for you? Try out our free trial lesson today!

FREE TRIAL LESSON

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The IMU MSc Molecular Medicine programme consists of 2 semesters of coursework followed by a research project in the third semester. New semesters commence in March and September each year. Students are given options to conduct the programme under “Conventional” or “Open and Distance Learning” mode. For the former, all coursework classes are conducted on weekends while some activities will be conducted online. For the latter (ODL) however, all classes will be carried out using IMU online teaching and learning platform. Students that undertake the research project in the ﬁ nal semester will require to commit full time either at IMU or approved research institutes, and hospitals. The minimum completion duration for the programme is 18 months while maximum duration is 4 years. A student must complete a minimum of 40 credits (15 credits from core coursework modules, 5 from selective coursework modules and 20 from research project) to graduate. Teaching and learning activities comprise both conventional and online learning approaches that integrated into lectures, case studies, workshops, seminars, presentations, assignments, discussions and tutorials. There are no laboratory practical in each coursework module, except in the research project.

For Open Distance Learning

All modules are conducted online. Students have the option of completing their research project on campus at IMU or at their workplace.

ASSESSMENT

In course assessment throughout the programme is conducted via written reports (case study report, critical reviews, assignments, CAL reports, scientiﬁc writing and etc) and oral presentations. For Research Project Module, students are expected to defense the project in Viva Voce and to produce a research dissertation. There are no end-of-semester examinations for all modules.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

B. ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants are required to have obtained:

A Bachelor Degree in related discipline with a minimum cGPA of 2.75 or equivalent,
as accepted by the University’s Senate; or
A Bachelor Degree in related discipline with a minimum cGPA of 2.50, but not meeting cGPA 2.75, can be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment; or
A Bachelor Degree in related discipline not meeting cGPA of 2.50, can be accepted subject to a minimum of 5 years working experience in relevant field.

For Malaysian Students
Not applicable

For International Students

IELTS : Band score 5.0; or
TOEFL (PBT) : Overall score of 410-413; or
TOEFL (iBT) : Overall score of 34; or
Cambridge English : Advanced (CAE) : Overall score of 160; or
Cambridge English : Proficiency (CPE) : Overall score of 180; or
Pearson Test of English (PTE) : Overall score of 36;

The following categories of students are exempted from the above requirements:

International students from countries in which English is the first language.
International students who graduated from any Malaysian or other institutions where the curriculum is delivered in English.

APPLICATION & REGISTRATION FEES

	Malaysian Student (RM)	International Student (RM)
Application Fees	150	500
Registration Fee	1,100	3,400
Refundable Caution Deposit	2,000	2,000
Student Association Fee per Semester	40	40
Tuition Fees (Conventional Mode)	40,000	53,650
Tuition Fees (ODL Mode)*	32,000	32,000
Double Degree: RM40,000 + GBO10000.00 (approximately RM52,110)

All IMU alumni who are self-funding their postgraduate studies and meet the eligibility criteria will be eligible for a 25% bursary.
Application fee is payable upon submission of application.
Registration fee and refundable caution deposit is payable upon acceptance of the offer letter issued by the IMU Admissions Office.
Students must adhere to the “Policy on Payment of Fees“.
For information on Student Visa Application fee, please check the “Visas & Immigration“

FEE STRUCTURE

MALAYSIAN STUDENT

ُSEMESTER	TOTAL (RM)
Semester 1	10,000
Semester 2	10,000
Semester 3	20,000
Grand Total	40,000

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

ُSEMESTER	TOTAL (RM)
Semester 1	13,600
Semester 2	13,300
Semester 3	26,750
Grand Total	53,650

OUR TEAM

Faculty Members

Dr Ho Ket Li

Dr Ho Ket Li is currently the Programme Director for Master in Molecular Medicine. He received his PhD in Biotherapeutics from University Putra Malaysia. His research interest is in cancer immunology, cancer immunotherapy and tumour microenvironment. Dr Ho has received multiple internal and external grants from 2012 – 2019. Currently, Dr Ho’s research focuses on studying the relationship between pancreatic cancer cell, pancreatic stellate cells and immune cells in tumour microenvironment.

Prof Dr Victor Lim

Prof Victor K E Lim is currently the Pro-Vice Chancellor and Professor of Pathology at the Faculty of Medicine and Health, International Medical University in Kuala Lumpur. Before joining the International Medical University he was the Director of the Infectious Diseases Research Centre at the Institute for Medical Research and Professor of Microbiology at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. He was the President of the Western Pacific Society of Chemotherapy from 2004 – 2008, the Master of the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia from 2008 – 2011 and the President of the Malaysian Society for Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy from 1999 – 2003. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists, a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia, a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine of Singapore and a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences of Malaysia. He also held the position of Editor-in-Chief of the Malaysian Medical Journal from 1991 – 1998.

Dr Kenny Voon Gah Leong

Dr Kenny Voon Gah Leong is the senior lecturer at Department of Pathology, International Medical University. He found his interest in virology during his undergraduate study and continue to work on virology discipline related projects as in postgraduate’s studies. He was given the opportunity to complete part of his Ph.D. work in Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong, Australia. Continuing from his postgraduate research, he is currently focusing on the pathogenesis of the Pteropine Orthoreovirus and its genetic and biochemical characteristics in relation to mammalian and avian orthoreovirus. As he ventured into environmental research, he had isolated mimivirus from soils in Malaysia and continue to expand his research on Mimivirus from other soils specimens from different continent, including Antarctica.

Prof Leong Chee Onn

Prof Leong Chee Onn has conducted multi-year research focused on understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of cancer and drug target discovery. His studies have provided new insights into the diverse functions of this gene family in the development and spread of cancer. His discovery has contributed to the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics in targeting the refractory triple-negative breast cancers which led to the significant improvement of the outcome of the disease.

A/Prof Tan Eng Lai

A/Prof Dr Tan Eng Lai joined IMU in 2006. He graduated with a first degree in Biotechnology from Murdoch University, Australia. He later pursued a Masters degree in Biotechnology and subsequently a doctorate in Cancer Cell Biology from the University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. Dr Tan’s current research interest is in molecular charatacterisation cancer stem cells from nasopharyngeal carcinoma. He is also the current Associate Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies and the Secretary of the Research Management Committee in IMU.

A/Prof Gan Sook Yee

A/Prof Gan Sook Yee has completed her PhD in Algal Biotechnology in 2005 from University Malaya, Malaysia. Currently, she is the Head of Life Sciences Department under the School of Pharmacy at the International Medical University. Her main research interest is in the area of Algal Biotechnology (genetic engineering, algal transcriptomics and bioactives). She is also trained in molecular biology and has involved in gene expression studies and miRNA research in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. She is presently involved in the study of algal bioactives for neurodegenerative disorders.

A/Prof Nilesh Kumar

A/Prof Dr Nilesh Kumar Mitra is a senior teacher and researcher in the field of neurosciences, human anatomy and medical education. He is coordinating Nervous system module in School of Medicine, International Medical university and actively associated with evaluation of Masters in Neuroscience students of University Sains Malaysia, Health Campus. He has been teaching MBBS students since 1996. He has worked in seven universities across Africa, Middle East, India and Malaysia. He is actively associated with guiding research projects on neurotoxicology and application of stem cell in neurological disorders. As principal investigator he has secured approximately 50,000 USD and as co-investigator he has secured 24,000 USD in Malaysia. He has developed animal model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Multiple Sclerosis and tested effect of Mesenchymal Stem cells on animal model of Multiple Sclerosis. In pesticide associated research, his main contribution is assessment of neurotoxicity following cutaneous application of chlorpyrifos.

In Medical Education, his principal work is on application of computer-based formative assessment in helping the students in learning better anatomy and application item analysis in evaluation of quality of Anatomy test items. He has published 25 research articles in Indexed journals and received several national and international awards for his research.

Prof Dr Ong Chin Eng

Prof Ong obtained his PhD in 1998 from Flinders University, Australia. He is an expert in the area of pharmacology, drug metabolism, cytochrome P450, drug interaction, pharmacogenetics, analytical chromatography, enzyme kinetics, protein expression and purification as well as gene cloning.

Dr Dinesh Kumar Chellappan

Dr Dinesh obtained his PhD from Manipal University, India. He is an expert in the area of diabetes research, natural products and molecules as well as pharmacology.

Dr Hazwanie Hashim

Dr Hazwanie joined Department of Life Science at Faculty of Pharmacy, International Medical University (IMU) in 2012 till present. She received her PhD. from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in 2012 based on her study title, “Integrated pharmacogenomics – metabolomics approaches in personalising medicine for colorectal cancer treated with 5-fluorouracil.” Integration of pharmacogenomics and metabolomics in personalising medicine intended to profile both the genetics and metabolomics markers that could be useful in the clinical monitoring of patients’ responses towards 5-FU and its disease. She and her research team has received international and local awards for their research findings. Her research interest is on the role of genome variations towards precision medicine in obesity and metabolic disorders. She is currently involved in supervising undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and appointed as examiner in internal and external research projects.

Dr Lim Lay Cheng

Dr Lim Lay Cheng obtained her Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI) in 2015. Her PhD research focused on the cancer proteomics with the aim to discover potential protein biomarkers for detection of colorectal cancer by employing multiple proteomics platforms. Her research interest is in cancer proteomics, mainly in biomarkers discovery, elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cancer, as well as searching for potential immunotherapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.

Dr Elaine Chan Wan Ling

Elaine Chan Wan Ling, PhD is currently a researcher at Institute of Research, Development and Innovations at International Medical University Malaysia. She completed her PhD at Monash University Malaysia in 2014. Her research interest is on pharmacognosy as well as understanding the role in disease and therapeutics of inflammasome. Her current research focuses on using gene trap metagenesis approach for the identification of NLRP inflammasome activation targets mediating beta amyloid-induced neuronal pyroptosis; the protective effects of neural stem cells against microglia-mediated neurotoxicity, etc. Over past years, she has successfully secured government-based research grants, published papers and presented at international conferences.

Prof Teng Cheong Lieng

Prof Teng Cheong Lieng is an expert in the area of evidence-based practice, primary care research and guideline implementation

Dr Mayuren Candasamy

Dr Mayuren Candasamy obtained his PhD from Vinayaka Missions University. His research interests include diabetes, cardiovascular pharmacology, bioactive molecules drug research, pharmacokinetic studies and drug interactions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the aim of the programme?

Molecular medicine has been recognised as a major focused area of contemporary medical research, and had facilitated recent breakthrough in disease diagnosis, management and treatments. For instance, it is now possible to elucidate multiple metabolites and toxin derived from drug based on interomics approach, design highly specific and individualised treatments through genomics screening, bioinformatics and chemoinformatics assessment and enhance bioavailbility of new drugs by making use of nano-delivery.

The MSc in Molecular Medicine is designed for science and medical graduates seeking advanced training in molecular and disease-oriented research. This programme aims to deliver an exceptional curriculum to equip students with skills that meet the highest demands and expectations of scientific rigour. The curriculum is innovative and draws
on the expertise of our world-renowned faculty who are also passionate researchers.

Core modules present the latest scientific developments in molecular medicine that are delivered through innovative andragogy. Students will appreciate the role of simple and complex molecules in human diseases and the ways in which systems biology, computational biology and chemical genetics have transformed research strategies and methodology in stem cell technology and therapeutics, drug design and development as well as medical and clinical research.

Upon completion, career paths are available as research scientists in academia, research institutes or industries worldwide. Graduates may also continue their education as PhD students at IMU or elsewhere.

What are the programme objectives?

The objective of the programme is to produce highly competent clinical and medical scientists as well as researchers and professionals in the health and life sciences who are well-equipped with up-to date knowledge and understanding of the advancement in molecular medicine.

What are the entry requirements?

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.

English language requirement:
All students are normally required to provide written evidence of their ability in the English Language in order to study in IMU. The standard English Proficiency requirements are usually overall band score of IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 550 (PBT) or 79 (IBT) or MUET band 4.

What is the structure of the programme?

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

What are the semester contents?

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

What are the teaching/learning approaches used?

Teaching and learning activities include lectures, case studies, workshops, seminars, presentation, assignments, discussions and tutorials.

How are the students assessed?

In course assessment throughout the programme via written reports (case study report, critical reviews, assignments, CAL reports, scientifi c writing and etc.) and oral presentations in all coursework modules. Research dissertation, presentations and viva voce are used to assess research project. There are no end-of-semester examinations for all modules.

Who are the teaching staff?

Teaching and learning activities comprise both conventional and blended learning approaches integrated into lectures, case studies, workshops, seminars, presentations, assignments, discussions and tutorials. There are no laboratory practical in each coursework module, except in the research project.

Why choose this programme?

The programme is delivered through insightful and innovative research-driven approach by our experienced and internationally acclaimed faculty who are enthusiastic about sharing their vast experiences in molecular medicine.
Every student will have the opportunity to spend a minimum of six months engaging in a research project in any one of the IMU research thrust areas, in particular, bioactive molecules, drug discovery and delivery, population health as well as cancer and stem cells.
We have close research collaboration with researchers from our partner universities. Students would have opportunities to conduct their research in one of our partner universities in the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand.
Research and teaching activities are supported by cutting edge facilities and well equipped modern research laboratories.
Students who are in full-time employment have the option of attending the course part-time due to the modular format of the programme. It may also be possible for them to conduct their respective research project at their workplace.

READ STORIES OF THE PROGRAMME

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APPLY NOW

Interested in applying for one of our programmes?

You will need to prepare the following documents for your application:

Verified copies of your academic qualifications
Evidence of English language proficiency
A copy of your MyKad or the identification page of your passport

These supporting documents needs to be attached electronically to your application. Please note that all of our programmes require payment of a non-refundable application fee after the application has been submitted. Application will only be processed once the payment for application fee has been made.

We wish you all the best with your application, and hope we will be welcoming you into one of our programmes soon!

Start the application process!

WHY STUDY MOLECULAR MEDICINE AT IMU

An Established Private Healthcare University

IMU is Malaysia’s first and most established private medical and healthcare university with over 26 years of dedicated focus in healthcare education. IMU achieved the SETARA-2017 Tier 6 status (Outstanding) under the Mature University category.

Renowned and Highly Experience Faculty

Students will be taught and supervised by staff who are experts in their field with well-established reputations nationally and internationally. The academic community of IMU pursues and achieves excellence in a wide range of research activities. Many of them present their findings in international conferences to keep up to date with the latest development in specialised areas. They also publish their findings in international peer-reviewed journals.

Flexible Learning Options

The programme adopts a credit-based modular curriculum structure that allow students to choose the number of modules to register each semester. In addition, the programme is offered in both conventional and ODL mode. Students could take up to four years to complete the entire programme, enabling full-time working adults the options to plan and fit their studies around their work, family and other commitments.

Innovative Curriculum

The curriculum of this programme is innovative, carefully planned and aligned to meet the demands and expectations of Molecular Medicine. This would offer great career advancement as a research scientist in academia, research institutes, clinical setting or industries worldwide. It would also pave the way pave the way for PhD study at IMU or elsewhere.

Research Partnerships

Students will benefit from the University’s research collaborations with various partner universities, as well as foreign and locals research institutions in areas such as cancer, bioactive molecules, nutrition, environmental health, stem cells etc.

Dr Ho Ket Li

“IMU MSc Molecular Medicine Programme is designed to cater for medical or basic sciences graduates seeking advance training in cellular and molecular biology, genetics, as well as drug development and treatment. The programme prepares students for career opportunities in medically focused biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries; and equips students with enhanced skills to carry out research at a higher degree in related fields. The coursework is conducted in a highly engaging and conducive environment to stimulate learning experience. Comprehensive practical training is also provided via hypothesis-driven and disease-oriented research project.”

DR HO KET LI
Lecturer & Programme Director
PhD (Biotherapeutic), Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)

Read about School of Postgraduate Studies and the Academic Members