The IMU School of Pharmacy is pleased to announce the implementation of the Global Exposure Programme to support our Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) (BPharm) students to gain Elective posting or research experience overseas. The Global Exposure Fund is made available to BPharm students joining the programme in 2021 onwards. This fund is used to fully or partially support direct costs related to Semester 6 elective posting or the conduct of Semester 7 research projects in destinations overseas. This initiative will allow students to experience different educational systems and practices, providing them with a competitive edge in their career advancement and employability in the future. In the previous cohorts, IMU BPharm students conducted elective posting or research projects in Australia, France, Japan, Taiwan, Croatia, India and Indonesia.
The global exposure programme plays a crucial role in shaping the future of pharmacy students by providing them with the opportunity to carry out research in overseas settings. Conducting research abroad allows pharmacy students to expand their knowledge, gain exposure to cutting-edge advancements in the field, and develop a global perspective. By collaborating with renowned experts and institutions in different countries, students can enhance their research skills, broaden their understanding of healthcare practices, and contribute to the advancement of pharmaceutical knowledge. In addition, the experience of conducting research in overseas settings fosters personal growth, independence, and adaptability, equipping students with invaluable skills that are highly sought after in today’s globalised healthcare landscape.
The IMU BPharm programme stands out for its unique feature of dedicating a semester, Semester 7 specifically for students to conducting their research projects, whether locally or overseas. This distinctive aspect of the programme offers students the opportunity to delve into a research topic of their choice and make meaningful contributions to the field of pharmacy. One notable aspect is the provision of research funding, which enables students to carry out their projects effectively by covering direct costs associated with their research activities. Additionally, students benefit from the guidance and mentorship of experienced lecturers who supervise their research projects. The research component equips students with essential skills such as research proposal writing and obtaining ethical approval, which are crucial for conducting ethical and rigorous research. At the culmination of the research, students have the opportunity to showcase their findings through presentations to lecturers and peers, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing.
The IMU BPharm programme offers students a remarkable opportunity to conduct their research projects abroad, reflecting the programme’s commitment to fostering a global perspective. The university has established numerous partnerships with esteemed research groups in partner universities worldwide, creating avenues for students to secure research projects in renowned institutions.
Australia, in particular, has emerged as a popular destination for students to conduct their research. Below are some of the students past experience in carrying out their research projects in the partner universities.
Queensland University of Technology
Laura Soon Cheau Ling and Phui Qi Ng carried out their research project focused on assessing the anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity potential of a Chinese traditional herb Artemisia vulgaris in a nano-formulation.
More on the students’ experience: https://www.imu.edu.my/imunews/imu-final-year-pharmacy-students-conduct-research-at-australian-premier-university/
University of Tasmania
Joycelin Tan Zhu Xin and Loh Hui Lin had the opportunity to complete their research semester at Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Australia. Their project was focused on a natural product, Asperuloside (ASP), an extract from the leaves of Coprosoma quadrifida, which is believed to demonstrate anti-obesity properties.
More on the students’ experience: https://www.imu.edu.my/imunews/memorable-and-valuable-learning-experience-in-australia/
University of Newcastle and University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Yinghan Chan, Sin Wi Ng, David Ong Cherk Yong and Sanggetha Raja Saker conducted their research projects on assessing the potentials of celastrol and quercetin loaded liquid crystalline nanoparticles in the treatment of asthma.
More on the students’ experience: https://www.imu.edu.my/imunews/valuable-insight-working-world-class-laboratories-reputable-medical-researchers/
University of Newcastle and University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Jin-Ying Wong and Zhao Yin Ng worked on a research project focusing on nano-formulations containing Curcumin in the treatment of asthma and cancer.
More on the students’ experience: https://www.imu.edu.my/imunews/imu-final-year-pharmacy-students-conduct-research-at-two-australian-premier-universities/
This comprehensive research experience enhances students’ research skills, critical thinking abilities, and prepares them for future endeavors in academia or the pharmaceutical industry.
Overall, global exposure programme for pharmacy students to carry out research overseas provide a transformative learning experience that enhances their academic and professional development. This international research experience also enhances their cultural understanding and adaptability, preparing them to thrive in a globalised pharmacy landscape.
