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Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Hons) (IMU)
Duration 3 years
Intake July


Pharmaceutical chemistry is an interdisciplinary science that deals with drug design and synthesis, drug formulation and testing, as well as the delivery of drugs in patients. In view of the increase in the occurrence of existing and new diseases, continuous work in the discovery of new drugs that have high therapeutic efficacies but minimal side effects is necessary. Pharmaceutical chemists play a significant role in this global effort in drug discovery and also in drug development.

The IMU Pharmaceutical Chemistry programme introduces students to all aspects of the pharmaceutical industry, with a strong emphasis on the detailed understanding of the physical and chemical properties of chemical compounds as well as their reactions. Students are trained in the application of modern information and scientific technologies in drug development, safety and efficacy studies. Elements of team work, communication and lifelong learning skills are incorporated into the curriculum throughout the programme in order to prepare graduates who are versatile and adaptive in the future places of employment, which are not only limited to the pharmaceutical industry.

Why choose this particular programme?
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.

What is the structure of the programme?
The BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Chemistry is completed in three years (6 semesters), and is undertaken entirely at IMU, Malaysia. The curriculum begins with foundation sciences in the early phase, and extends to the applied knowledge and skills associated with drug development activities in the later phase. Industrial attachment and research are essential components of the training in this programme.

What are the aims and key features of the programme?
  • 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 preparing professional-style research reports such as dissertation and giving oral presentation.
  • 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.
  • Free elective that enables students to further develop interests of their choice.
  • Broad career options for the graduates. Besides the pharmaceutical industry, the graduates can find employment opportunities in the oleochemical, palm oil, food, biotechnology, cosmetics and toiletries industries. They can also work as clinical trial coordinators or continue to pursue postgraduate training in related disciplines.
 
What are the semester contents?
Semester 1
  • Basic Mathematics
  • Biological Science
  • Communication Skills
  • General Chemistry
  • Human Biology
  • Genetics
  • Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry I
  • Statistics
  • English
 Semester 2
  • Ethics in Science
  • General Pharmacology
  • Laboratory Safety
  • Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry II
  • Pharmaceutics I
  • Physical Pharmacy
  • Bahasa Kebangsaan A/B
  • Pengajian Malaysia
Semester 3
  • Drug Metabolism
  • General Microbiology
  • Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • Natural Products in Medicine
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Analysis I
  • Pharmaceutics II
  • Pengajian Islam / Pendidikan Moral
  • Elective
 Semester 4
  • Complementary Medicine
  • Industrial Microbiology
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Pharmaceutical Analysis II
  • Pharmaceutics III
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Industrial Training
Semester 5
  • Advanced Medicinal Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Introduction to Business Management
  • Pharmaceutical Biotechnology I
  • Pharmaceutical Engineering I
  • Pharmaceutics IV
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Selectives
  • Synthetic Organic Chemistry
 Semester 6
  • Heterocyclic Chemistry
  • Pharmaceutical Analysis III
  • Pharmaceutical Biotechnology II
  • Pharmaceutical Engineering II
  • Pharmacokinetics
  • Project
  • Selectives
  • Toxicology

What are the teaching-learning approaches used?
In addition to didactic large group teaching sessions (plenaries), the programme is also delivered through small group teaching sessions (practicals, workshops, computer-aided learning, internet tutorial exercise, tutorials, visits, discussions, seminars, presentations (oral/poster), problem-based learning, video sessions). Students will undertake an industrial attachment in Semester 4 and a research project in Semester 6.

How will I be assessed?
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.

Are there any industrial placements?
Students will undergo industrial training in pharmaceutical or chemical industries in Semester 4. This industrial placement can be undertaken either locally or overseas.

What is the medium of instruction?
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 the IMU.

Who will award the degree?
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree is awarded by IMU.