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  7. Molecular Medicine (MSc)

ABOUT

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

MSc in Molecular Medicine

Conventional / Open & Distance Learning (ODL) Mode

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.

Key Facts

DEGREE

  • Molecular Medicine (Master of Science)
  • Additional Degree in MSc in Genomic Medicine from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)

Commencement

  • March and September
  • November (ODL)

total duration

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

Tuition Fees

  • All IMU alumni who are self-funding their postgraduate studies and meet the eligibility criteria will be eligible for a 15% bursary.

Mode of Delivery

  • Conventional / Open & Distance Learning (ODL)

About Open and Distance Learning (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 30 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 for 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.

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 30 years of dedicated focus in healthcare education.

IMU achieved the SETARA-2018/2019 Tier 6 status (Outstanding) under the Mature University category.

Renowned and Highly Experience Faculty

Students will be 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 for a PhD at IMU or elsewhere. Our collaboration with QMUL will ensure a smooth transfer from modules of study from the MSc in Molecular Medicine at IMU to the MSc in Genomic Medicine at QMUL.

 

The mode of learning at IMU would be via face to face and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) while the QMUL modules are via ODL. Additionally, the research project for the MSc in Genomic Medicine can be done at IMU or QMUL (joint supervision).

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.

Programme Structure

The IMU MSc Molecular Medicine programme consists of 2 semesters of coursework and a research project. 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 final semester will require to commit full time either at IMU or approved research institutes, and hospitals. The minimum completion duration for the programme is 12 months while maximum duration is 6 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.

 

Core modules are as follows

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Immunology and Infection
  • Molecular Basis of Diseases 1
  • Molecular Basis of Diseases 2
  • Research Methodology and Scientific Writing
  • Research Project
  • Bioinformatics

 

Selective modules are as follows

  • Laboratory Management
  • Stem Cell Technology and Therapeutics
  • Quality Management and Regulatory Systems
  • Computational Drug Discovery Techniques
  • Principles of Drug Discovery
  • Clinical Research and Good Clinical Practice Entrepreneurial Leadership

 

The curriculum is reviewed periodically and is subject to change.


For the Double Degree of MSc in Molecular Medicine (IMU) and MSc in Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), besides the modules of MMM, the student will be required to take another additional 7 modules (2 cores, 4 compulsory, 1 elective) to complete the MSc in Queen Mary University of London (QMUL).

 

Core Modules

  • Omics’ Techniques and Their Application to Genomic Medicine
  • Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data
  • Quality Assurance in Genomic Analysis

 

Compulsory Modules

  • Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics
  • Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer
  • Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment
  • Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare
  • Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease

 

Electives

  • Clinical Study Design
  • Economic Models and Human Genomics Professional and Research Skills

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 defend the project in Viva Voce and to produce a research dissertation. There are no end-of-semester examinations for all modules.

Assessment for the additional modules will be via in course assessments and end of course exam.

Entry Requirement

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’s Degree in the field or related fields or equivalent with minimum CGPA of 2.00 and not meeting CGPA of 2.50, can be accepted subject to a minimum of 5 years working experience in the relevant field and rigorous internal assessment.
For Malaysian Students

Not applicable

For International Students

  • IELTS : Band score 5.0; or
  • TOEFL (iBT) : Overall score of 42; or
  • Cambridge English : Advanced (CAE) : Overall score of 154; or
  • Cambridge English : Proficiency (CPE) : Overall score of 154; or
  • Cambridge Linguaskill : Overall score of 160; or
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) : Overall score of 47;

 

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.
For the Double Degree of MSc in Molecular Medicine(IMU) and MSc in Queen Mary University of London(QMUL) track

Students are required to achieve IELTS Band score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in the written component).

Note

Please note that achieving the minimum Entry and English requirements as stated does not guarantee you admission into any of IMU’s programmes.

Please refer to our Student Admissions Policy for more information

Application and Registration Fees

Fee Malaysian Student (RM) International Student (RM)
Application Fee 150 500
Registration Fee 1,100 3,400
Refundable Caution Deposit 2,000 2,000
Student Association Fee per Semester 40 40
  • All IMU alumni who are self-funding their postgraduate studies and meet the eligibility criteria will be eligible for a 15% 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

Fee Structure

Malaysian Student

Programme Study Mode No. of Credit Hour  Fee per Credit Hour (RM)  Total Fee (RM)
Master Conventional 20 1,100 22,000
Research Paper 20 1,100 22,000
Total Fee 44,000
Master Open & Distance Learning (ODL) 20 900 18,000
Research Paper 20 1,100 22,000
Total Fee 40,000
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) Pathway Additional tuition fees of approximately £10,000*

International Student

Programme Study Mode No. of Credit Hour  Fee per Credit Hour (RM)  Total Fee (RM)
Master Conventional 20 1,250 25,000
Research Paper 20 1,250 25,000
Total Fee 50,000
Master Open & Distance Learning (ODL) 20 900 18,000
Research Paper 20 1,100 22,000
Total Fee 40,000
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) Pathway Additional tuition fees of approximately £10,000*

Views from Our Community

Dr Jas Sandhu

Alumna, Molecular Medicine (IMU) & Genomics Medicine (Queen Mary University London, UK).

I feel incredibly grateful and proud to be an IMU alumni for the opportunity to participate in a joint research project as part of the double award Master programme in Molecular Medicine (IMU, M’sia) and Genomics Medicine (Queen Mary University London, UK). This journey is even more nostalgic as I am the pioneer and first graduate of the double Masters degree of Genomic Medicine from QUML, UK. Through this project, I have had the privilege of investigating whether genetic variants play a role in cardiac arrhythmia and excitability. This experience has allowed me to gain invaluable skills in analyzing gene structural variants, studying disease pathogenicity, and deriving phenotypes from available database resources related to individuals who have experienced cardiac arrhythmia and excitability. As a graduate with an MBBS degree, these skills have added tremendous value to my professional profile and inspired me to continue pursuing innovative research in the field of medicine , and also in my clinical practice.

Ali Qusay Khalid

Student, Master in Molecular Medicine

I chose to learn from the best. The journey has started after completing my Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences. A passion was developed, inside me, towards exploring the threat of Dengue Virus and the role to minimise it. After much consideration, I decided to take up MSc in Molecular Medicine at IMU due to its mixed-mode scheme that builds a firm basis for reputed research work under professional supervision. The programme offered a unique opportunity via Artificial Intelligence to design anti-Dengue models using the innovative Schrödinger Software. I was able to achieve my goal with distinction and deep understanding.

Rajesh Vivekanandan

Student, Master in Molecular Medicine

IMU MSc in Molecular Medicine focused on strengthening the basic knowledge about research methodology which helped in my career as a researcher. The programme is structured to introduce various impending research areas to find our personal interest in the vast field of medical research. The IMU faculty have multiple areas of expertise and are supportive in imparting their knowledge to us. I'm very thankful to my supervisor at IMU for introducing me to his collaborator at National University of Singapore for my research project which has enhanced my career prospects as a budding medical scientist.

Chin Seow Fong

Student, MSc in Molecular Medicine

MSc in Molecular Medicine (MMM) programme in IMU has exposed me greatly to a vast knowledge of diseases during my studies. The programme is designed for those who are interested to pursue academic or research in medicinal science. It encourages independent learning, self-exploring, team discussions, and given the liberty to work on your own topic of interest, provided if it’s relevant. It is also relatively convenient to access all the study material and lecture videos and notes since open distance learning (ODL) was implemented for the programme. Apart from the programme itself, there are various scientific research related workshops and seminars that were greatly benefit the students. Studying MMM in IMU greatly benefits me in terms of knowledge, discipline, and exposure.

Prof Ong Chin Eng

Professor and Lecturer, Master in Molecular Medicine

Our MSc in Molecular Medicine programme aims to provide a strong fundamental understanding through comprehensive student-centred learning activities and a practical, hands-on experience in research and entrepreneurial aspects of molecular medical field. Both the core and selective modules allow students to gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, application, and potential of molecular medicine. Faculty delivering the programme are research-active experts in their field, this means that students not only learn the essential theory but also the most up-to-date and current opinion in the relevant areas. Since its inception, the programme has provided excellent training for clinical and science graduates for successful careers in the life sciences industry, research, academia and medicine.

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.

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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!

A Word from the Programme Director

Dr-Liew-Yun-Khoon-2022

DR LIEW YUN KHOON

Senior Lecturer and Programme Director
PhD Medical Microbiology (UPM) , BSc (Hons) Microbio. (UPM)

“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.”

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