- Overview
- Entry Requirements
- Partner Universities
- Fee Structure
- Scholarships
- FAQ
- Our Team
- Stories from the Blog
- Enquiries? Contact Us
- Apply Now
ABOUT THE PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY DEGREE
Pharmaceutical chemistry is a branch of chemistry that deals with drug design and synthesis, drug formulation as well as testing for drug efficacy and safety. As diseases evolve and new strains emerge, the global effort to discover new drugs that have high therapeutic properties but minimal side effects, never stops.
The IMU Pharmaceutical Chemistry Degree programme introduces students to all aspects of the pharmaceutical industry and allows them to work in various industries:
• Pharmaceutical industries – as members of research and development, production, quality control and sales and marketing teams.
• Chemical industries in the areas of oleochemical, polymer, food, biotechnology, cosmetics and toiletries – assuming active roles in research and development, quality control, sales and marketing activities.
• Government laboratories such as the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency, Chemistry Department, environmental protection unit and forensic science unit.
• Multinational drug companies – as coordinators of clinical trial studies.
The programme is structured on a multi-prong approach with a formal, informal and hidden curriculum that is implemented by experienced faculty. Students will undergo extensive training in laboratory skills, undertake problem-solving projects and participate in small group learning activities, final year research projects and an industrial attachment (4 months). Students will also be ready to face the workplace with communication and presentation skills, entrepreneurial skills and basic engineering principles.
IMU’s Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree is a 3-year programme, accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), United Kingdom, the world’s leading chemistry community and professional body committed to advancing excellence in chemical sciences.
CAREER PATHWAYS
To know about the career pathways for pharmaceutical chemists, see this infographic.
KEY FACTS
Degree
Commencement
Total Duration
Download Brochure
This pharmaceutical chemistry degree from IMU is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), UK. Membership with this society will improve the visibility and recognition of the IMU pharmaceutical chemistry degree and improve the students’ chances to go for higher education and obtain employment overseas.
This accreditation also gives IMU academic staff free membership to RSC for a year. Staff will be eligible to apply for international research funds, discounts in the registration fee for the international conferences and receive educational information from RSC which can be used in teaching and learning activities.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
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EXAMINATIONS
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REQUIREMENTS
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| A-Levels | CCD (including 1 science subject / Mathematics and minimum C in Chemistry) |
| STPM | CC (including Chemistry and 1 Science / Mathematics) |
| Australian Matriculation | 65% aggregate (not less than 60% in Chemistry) or TER / UAI / ENTER / ATAR 75 |
| NCEA Level 3 | 60% (not less than 60% in Chemistry) |
| Canadian Grade 12/13 | 70% aggregate in 6 subjects (not less than 70% in Chemistry) |
| Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) | B in 5 subjects (including Science / Mathematics and minimum B4 in Chemistry) |
| Australian University Foundation Programmes | 70% aggregate in 4 best subjects (not less than 60% in Chemistry) or TER / UAI / ENTER / ATAR 75 or GPA 2.00 |
| Indian Pre-University | Average of 70% (not less than 60% in Chemistry) |
| Ministry of Education Matriculation# | ABB/ cGPA 2.50 (2 subjects including Chemistry and 1 science subject / Mathematics) |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | 26 points (Chemistry and 1 science subject / Mathematics at the Higher level (HL) with score not less than 3 in Chemistry) |
| American High School Diploma with Advanced Placement (AP) | cGPA 2.70 Including Chemistry or Mathematics must be AP courses |
| IMU Foundation in Science | cGPA 2.00 or 50% (including Chemistry) |
| Other Foundation in Science # | cGPA 2.00 or 50% (including Chemistry) (Foundation in Biosciences, Foundation in Engineering, Foundation in Science) |
| Degree | BSc in related field: cGPA 2.00 |
| Diploma | Diploma in Science / Diploma in Microbiology – cGPA 2.00 with minimum cGPA 2.50 in 2 subjects including Chemistry and 1 science subject / MathematicsDiploma in related field – cGPA 2.00 |
# The duration of this programme must be a minimum of 1 year in the same accredited institution and foundation in other disciplines are accepted.
English Language Requirement
| MUET | Band score of 3 |
| IELTS | Overall band score of 5.5* Those who opt for overseas option must achieve an overall band score of 7.0. |
| TOEFL | Overall score of 183 (CBT)/ 65 (iBT) |
| Cambridge English : Advanced (CAE) | Overall score of 160* (for International students only) |
| Cambridge English : Proficiency (CPE) | Overall score of 180* (for International students only) |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) | Overall score of 42* (for International students only) |
PARTNER UNIVERSITIES
As an assurance of a total commitment towards quality education in pharmaceutical chemistry, the IMU maintains its relationship with many partner universities in Australia.
Australia
* Graduates from the IMU’s BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Chemistry will be given credit exemption for the first semester modules of the Master of Pharmacy programme at the University of Sydney (USYD).
APPLICATION & REGISTRATION FEES
| Malaysian Student (RM) | International Student (RM) | |
| Application Fees | 150 | 500 |
| Registration Fee | 850 | 2,000 |
| Refundable Caution Deposit | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Tuition Fees | 111,000 | 117,300 |
- 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.
- As stipulated by Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, international students will have to pay Student Visa Application fee of RM1,000 and Medical Health Check fee of RM250 and Visa endorsement fee (depending on nationality) upon registration.
- International students will also be required to pay Student Visa Renewal Administrative fee of RM140/year and Medical Health. Check fee of RM250/year.
- Students must adhere to the “Policy on Payment of Fees”.
- All students are required to pay Student Association Fees of RM40 per semester.
FEE STRUCTURE
MALAYSIAN STUDENT
| PROGRAMME | TOTAL DURATION (YEARS) | AT INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY (IMU) | AT PARTNER UNIVERSITY (PU) | GRAND TOTAL (RM) | ||||||
| YEARS | TOTAL SEMESTERS | TUITION FEE | ESTIMATED TUITION FEES AT PARTNER UNIVERSITY | |||||||
| PER SEMESTER | TOTAL | YEARS | SEMESTERS | TUITION FEE PER YEAR * | TOTAL ($) | |||||
| Bachelor of Science (Hons) Pharmaceutical Chemistry (IMU) | 3 | 3 | 6 | 18,500 | 111,000 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Credit Transfer to University of Sydney Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) |
5 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 4 | A$49,000 | A$98,000 | 406,568 | ||
| Credit transfer to Curtin University Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) |
5 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 4 | A$42,850 | A$85,700 | 369,471 | ||
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
| PROGRAMME | TOTAL DURATION (YEARS) | AT INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY (IMU) | AT PARTNER UNIVERSITY (PU) | GRAND TOTAL (RM) | ||||||
| YEARS | TOTAL SEMESTERS | TUITION FEE | ESTIMATED TUITION FEES AT PARTNER UNIVERSITY | |||||||
| PER SEMESTER | TOTAL | YEARS | SEMESTERS | TUITION FEE PER YEAR * | TOTAL ($) | |||||
| Bachelor of Science (Hons) Pharmaceutical Chemistry (IMU) | 3 | 3 | 6 | 19,550 | 117,300 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Credit Transfer to University of Sydney Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) |
5 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 4 | A$479,000 | A$98,000 | 412,868 | ||
| Credit transfer to Curtin University Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) |
5 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 4 | A$42,850 | A$85,700 | 375,771 | ||
- * Current estimates only
- Based on exchange rates: A$1 ≈ RM3.016
- Tuition and ancillary fees at Partner Universities overseas are subject to annual increases.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The International Medical University (IMU) has introduced a new scholarship programme for 2015. Scholarships will now be available for most IMU programmes. There will be two types of scholarships available:
1. Full Tuition Fee (100%) for full duration of programme
2. Partial Tuition Fee (50%) for full duration of programme
Scholarships application will be strictly by invitation only upon submission of admission application to a specific programme at IMU.
These scholarships will be awarded to students demonstrating outstanding academic excellence, extra curriculum participation and leadership qualities. Scholarship application will be strictly by invitation only upon receiving an offer letter for admission into the specific programme at IMU.
Scholarships Available
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Programmes
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Intake
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Full Tuition Fee (100%)
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Partial Tuition Fee (50%)
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Application Closing Date
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| Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Feb | √ | √ | 9 Jan 2015 |
| Aug | 3 Jul 2015 | |||
| Sep | 21 Aug 2015 |
Pre-U Grades Required for Scholarship Eligibility
| Pre-U Qualification | A-LEVELS Grades |
CPU % |
STPM cGPA |
MOE Matrikulasi cGPA |
IB Points |
UEC Grades |
Australian Matriculation ATAR |
Approved FiS cGPA |
IMU FiS cGPA |
| Pharmaceutical Chemistry | ABB | 91 – 100 | 3.34 – 4.00 | 3.80 – 4.00 | 38 – 45 | B3 B3 A2 A2 A2 | 95 – 100 | 3.80 – 4.00 | 3.50 – 4.00 |
How to Apply
- Make an online application for the programme of your choice at www.imu.edu.my/slim-oaa.
- Upon successful application and meeting the scholarship’s eligibility requirements, student will be invited to apply for the scholarship via email.
Scholarship Details
- Scholarships will be awarded with bonding subject to the programme awarded.
- All scholarships will only cover the tuition fees and no allowance for living expenses, books and study-related equipment.
- The amount will be disbursed on a semester to semester basis
- Students are required to maintain the required minimum cGPA of 3.50 per semester in order to continue with the scholarship. Failing which, the scholarship may be discontinued with immediate effect.
- Students who withdraw (academic and non-academic reasons) without completing the programme will be required to repay the amount that has been disbursed for the financial award given.
- Repeat modules will not be covered and continuation of the financial award will be on a case by case basis.
- IMU Scholarship Committee may vary the selection requirements as and when it deems necessary.
Other Scholarships
For more information on other financial aid, please click here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Pharmaceutical chemistry contributes directly to the healthcare industry in ensuring that high quality pharmaceuticals are continued to be developed, produced and improved. Together with a team of scientists from a variety of disciplines as well as the healthcare professionals, the pharmaceutical chemists can make a difference to the lives of patients and the general health of the human mankind.
Semester contents are available in the programme brochure [Download Brochure]
- First programme in Malaysia that provides a complete and specialised training in pharmaceutical chemistry.
- Significant hands-on practical training, especially in volumetric and titrimetric techniques, instrumental techniques, basic synthetic chemistry techniques, spectroscopy and chromatography.
- Extensive training in pharmaceutical analysis, including method development and validation, pharmaceutical formulation and pharmaceutical technology.
- Exposure to research methodology and opportunity to conduct research, with training in preparation of professional-style research reports such as dissertation and oral presentations.
- Industrial attachment that enables students to gain valuable industrial experience and establish networking with the industry.
- Elective major modules that provide exposure to chemistry-related professions in industries other than the pharmaceutical industry.
- Broad career options for the graduates. Besides pharmaceutical industry, the graduates can find employment opportunities in the oleochemical, food, biotechnology, cosmetics and toiletries industries. They can also work as clinical trial coordinators or continue to pursue postgraduate training in related disciplines.
- Graduates from the IMU’s BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Chemistry will be given credit exemption* for the first semester modules of the Master of Pharmacy programme at the University of Sydney and University of Curtin. The full-time Master of Pharmacy programme is registrable for practice as a pharmacist in Australia and Singapore.**
*Must meet criteria.
**Refer to their respective websites for more information. This qualification is not registrable for practice as a pharmacist in Malaysia at the moment.
The programme is taught by a team of local and overseas trained full-time lecturers, many of them with extensive experience in various industries locally and abroad. Besides, guest lecturers from relevant industries are also invited to share with the students the latest industrial practices. The students will also be guided by industrial supervisors during the industrial attachment.
Students will be assessed through class tests, practicals, projects, workshops, written reports, logbooks, assignments, portfolios, presentations (oral/poster), dissertation, peer assessments and end-of-semester examinations.
Students will undergo industrial training in pharmaceutical or chemical industries during this programme. This industrial placement can be undertaken either locally or overseas.
Semester contents are available in the programme brochure [Download Brochure]
The medium of instruction is English. Students who come from a system of education in which the medium of instruction is not English are strongly recommended to improve their proficiency in English by making their own arrangements to attend additional English Language classes before entering IMU.
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree is awarded by IMU.
Pharmaceutical chemists can be employed in:
- Pharmaceutical industry, as members of Research and Development, production, quality control/quality assurance, sales and marketing teams.
- Chemical industries in the areas of oleochemicals, food, biotechnology, cosmetics and toiletries, assuming active roles in research and development, quality control/quality assurance, sales and marketing activities.
- Government laboratories such as the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau, Chemistry Department, environmental protection unit and forensic science unit.
- Multinational drug companies, as coordinators of clinical trial studies.
You can apply as soon as you have your forecast or actual results.
OUR TEAM
| Faculty Members | Research Interest | Teaching Experience |
| Ng Sook Han BSc (Universiti Putra Malaysia), MSc (Universiti Putra Malaysia), PhD (Universiti Putra Malaysia) |
Drug Delivery System, Colloid Chemistry, Nanocosmeceutical, Natural Product | Undergraduate (3 years) |
| Wong Lai Chun B.Sc (University of Malaysia, Malaysia), MRes (Northumbria University at Newcastle, UK), PhD (Northumbria University at Newcastle, UK), Post-doc (Northumbria University at Newcastle, UK) |
Drug discovery – Synthesis, Natural Products, Pharmaceutical Analysis | … |
| Cheong Kok Whye BSc (Universiti Putra Malaysia), MSc (Universiti Putra Malaysia), PhD (Universiti Putra Malaysia) |
Hydrocolloids and gums, Emulsion technology and formulations (both micro- and nanoemulsions), Structural biology, Enzyme technology | … |
| Cheong Siew Lee B.Pharm (National University of Singapore), PhD (National University of Singapore), Post Doc (Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Würzburg, Germany) |
Drug design and structural optimization of ligands targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), Application of computational approaches (molecular modeling) in drug design and discovery of new ligands targeting GPCRs, Integration of mutagenesis, pharmacological characterization and modeling approaches for elucidation of structure and function of GPCRs. | Undergraduate (2 years) |
| Sreenivasa Rao Sagineedu BPharm (Andhra University, India), MPharm (Andhra University, India), PhD (Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia) |
Drug Discovery and Development, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Natural Product Chemistry, Metabolomics | … |
| Lee Choy Sin BSc (Hons) in Applied Chemistry (University of Malaya), PhD (University of Malaya) |
Organic synthesis, Oleochemistry, Polymer chemistry, Analytical chemistry | Undergraduate (7 years) Postgraduate (2 years) |
| Chun Wai Mai BPharm (Hons), First Class (International Medical University, Malaysia), RPh (Malaysia Pharmacy Board, Malaysia), Good Clinical Practice Certificate (Ministry of Health, Malaysia), Research Fellow/ Visiting Researcher (University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom), Basic Teaching Licence (International Medical University, Malaysia), PhD (International Medical University, Malaysia), YPASM Research Fellow (British Antartic Survey, Cambridge, United Kingdom) |
Drug Discovery; Cancer; Infection, Immunology and Inflammation; Pharmaceutical Care and Education | … |
| Murugesh Kandasamy B.Pharm (The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical university, India), M.Pharm (The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical university, India), PhD (Jadavpur University, India), Post Doc (Department of pharmaceutics, University of Mississippi, Oxford, USA) |
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, Drug discovery – DMPK, Allometry scaling – Human clearance and volume of distribution, Pharmaceutical Analysis | Undergraduate (1 year) Postgraduate (1 year) |
| Punniyakoti Veeraveedu Thanikachalam B.Pharm (The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical university, India), M.Pharm (Punjabi University, Patiala, India), PhD (Department of Clinical Pharmacology, NUPALS, Niigata, Japan), Post Doc (Department of Clinical Pharmacology, NUPALS, Niigata, Japan), Post Doc (WPI IFReC, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan), JSPS Post Doc (Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan) |
Hormonal and signal transduction pathways in cardiovascular diseases, Basic signaling, and molecular mechanism(s) that regulate cardiac remodeling in the failing heart, using a variety of experimental approaches ranging from cell culture, autoimmune to transgenic models and various therapeutic approaches for heart failure, Studies on molecular mechanisms of autoimmune diseases, with a special interest in the role of cytokines in disease, Role of mast cell in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders, Studies on inflammation in obesity-related disease, Incretin based therapy for type 2 diabetes, Role of AMPK and ER stress (protein misfolding) in metabolic diseases, Delivery therapeutics biomolecule (siRNA) for cardiac diseases | Undergraduate (3 years) |
| Keng Pei Sin BSc (Universiti Putra Malaysia), PhD (Universiti Putra Malaysia) |
Scale up reaction using bioreactor, Environmental chemistry – removal of chemicals using low cost material, Oleochemistry | … |
| Lee Siang Yin BSc (University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur), MSc (University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur), PhD (University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur) |
Polymer synthesis, Topical delivery, Rubber chemistry | … |
| Ramu Meesala B.Sc (Acharya Nagarjuna University, India), M.Sc (University of Hyderabad, India), PhD (University of Hyderabad, India), Post Doc (GlaxoSmithKline, RTP, NC, USA; Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia) |
Synthesis of Heterocycles, Organometallic Chemistry, Natural Product Synthesis | Undergraduate (6 months) |
| Keng Pei Sin BSc (Universiti Putra Malaysia), PhD (Universiti Putra Malaysia) |
… | … |
| Kaki Venkata Rao B.Pharm (Kakatiya University, India), M.S (National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), India), PhD (Panjab University – India) |
Design and synthesis New Chemical Entities (NCEs) for drug discovery research, Chemistry of drug degradation and Identification of degradation products using advanced analytical tools. | … |
READ STORIES OF THE PROGRAMME
Pharmaceutical Chemistry – IMU News
The Elements Revealed: IMU Built Largest 3D Periodic Table From Recycled Materials 5 Sep 2019Launch of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Week sees IMU in the Malaysia Book of Records with largest 3D periodic table made from recycled materials.
Internship Led to Employment at Research Based Pharmaceutical Company 16 Jul 2019Opportunity for a six- month internship as part of studying for a pharmaceutical chemistry degree at IMU.
Learning About “The Enchanting World of Pharmaceuticals” at IMU-Foon Yew Science Camp 10 Jul 2019A science camp at Foon Yew Independent High School, Kulai, Johor with hands-on activities and sharing sessions.
ENQUIRIES? CONTACT US
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!
WHY STUDY PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY AT IMU
An Established Private Healthcare University
Build Your Future Healthcare Professional Network
First Malaysian University Offering This Undergraduate Programme
Curriculum Benchmarked to International Standards
Better Preparation to Become Chemists in the Pharmaceutical Industry and Other Related Industries
“Through this programme, the students will receive a focused and specialised training on various pharmaceutical drug development techniques. The programme will prepare graduates to be well equipped with contemporary knowledge and skills that are prerequisite for a rewarding career in the pharmaceutical and other chemical industry sectors as well as for a postgraduate study in a relevant field.”
DR CHEONG KOK WHYE
Lecturer and Programme Director
School of Pharmacy
PhD (UPM), MSc (UPM), BSc (Hons) (UPM)
