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Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry
KPT/JPT(R3/442/6/0003)01/2028 | MQA/A8229
Commencement
Feb, Apr, Jul & Sep
Degree/Duration
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (IMU):
3 years
Degree from Partner Universities:
3 – 5 years
Lead the Way in Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Welcome to a journey of lifelong discovery, we present you to the best of two unique worlds to unlock the possibilities of pharmaceutical sciences and applied chemistry. Be in the frontline of medical breakthroughs through our first-of-its-kind degree.
Our holistic curriculum provides rigorous study in data analytics, pharmaceutical engineering, and biotechnology that equips graduates to make a difference within Malaysia and beyond.
Why Study Pharmaceutical Chemistry at IMU?
01
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-2018/19 Tier 6 status (Outstanding) under the Mature University category.
02
BUILD YOUR FUTURE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
As IMU offers the widest range of healthcare programmes, our students are fully immersed in a vibrant community of students and practitioners from a variety of healthcare fields. This allows for the development of strong friendship amongst peers that will be the foundation of an extensive healthcare professional network upon graduation.
03
CURRICULUM BENCHMARKED to INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
IMU’s Pharmaceutical Chemistry curriculum has been developed to meet high international standards and is accepted by University of Sydney for credit exemption in their 2-year Master of Pharmacy programme and credit transfer to University of Dundee. The IMU Pharmaceutical Chemistry programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), United Kingdom, the world’s leading chemistry community and professional body, which advances excellence in the chemical sciences.
04
FIRST MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY OFFERING this UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME
IMU is the first university in Malaysia that provides a complete and specialised undergraduate training in pharmaceutical chemistry. The programme is accredited by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and recognised by Institut Kimia Malaysia (IKM). Graduates of this programme is eligible to register as a Chemist with IKM.
05
BETTER PREPARATION to BECOME CHEMISTS in THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY and OTHER RELATED INDUSTRIES
With exposure to industrial attachment for 16 weeks, students will gain valuable industrial experience and develop their professional network, giving the graduates an advantage in their careers.
Entry Requirements
Pre-University Examination
Requirements
| Examinations | | | Requirements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-Levels | CCD (including 1 Science subject / Mathematics and minimum C in Chemistry) |
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| STPM | CC (including Chemistry and 1 Science subject / Mathematics) |
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| Australian Matriculation |
ATAR 75 (minimum 60% in Chemistry) |
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| NCEA Level 3 | 60% aggregate (minimum 60% in Chemistry) |
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| Canadian Grade 12/13 |
70% aggregate in 6 subjects (minimum 70% in Chemistry) |
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| Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) |
B in 5 subjects (including 1 Science subject / Mathematics and minimum B4 in Chemistry) |
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| Australian University Foundation Programmes |
70% aggregate in 4 best subjects (minimum 60% in Chemistry) |
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| Indian Pre-University | Average of 70% (minimum 60% in Chemistry) |
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| Ministry of Education Matriculation # |
cGPA 2.50 (including Chemistry and 1 Science subject) |
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| International Baccalaureate (IB) |
26 points (Chemistry and 1 Science subject / Mathematics at the Higher Level (HL) with minimum 3 points in Chemistry) |
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| American High School Diploma with Advanced Placement (AP) |
cGPA 2.70 (Including Chemistry or Mathematics must be AP courses) |
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| Foundation Studies # |
IMU Foundation in Science or equivalent cGPA 2.00 or 50% (including Chemistry) |
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| Degree | BSc in related field: cGPA 2.00 |
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| Diploma | | | Diploma in Science / Diploma in Microbiology – Overall cGPA 2.00 (with a cGPA 2.50 in 2 subjects including Chemistry and 1 Science subject / Mathematics) Diploma in related field – cGPA 2.00 |
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# The duration of this programme must be a minimum of 1 year in the same accredited institution and foundation in other disciplines are accepted.
CCD
including
- 1 Science subject / Mathematics and
- minimum C in Chemistry
cGPA 2.70
including Chemistry or Mathematics must be AP courses
ATAR 75
minimum 60% in Chemistry
70% aggregate in 4 best subjects
- minimum 60% in Chemistry
70% aggregate in 6 subjects
minimum 70% in Chemistry
BSc in related field
cGPA 2.00
Diploma in Science / Diploma in Microbiology
- Overall cGPA 2.00 (with a cGPA 2.50 in 2 subjects including Chemistry and 1 Science subject / Mathematics)
- Diploma in related field – cGPA 2.00
IMU Foundation in Science or equivalent
cGPA 2.00 or 50% (including Chemistry)
Average of 70%
minimum 60% in Chemistry
26 points
- Chemistry and
- 1 Science subject / Mathematics at the Higher Level (HL) with minimum 3 points in Chemistry
cGPA 2.50
including
- Chemistry and
- 1 Science subject
60% aggregate
minimum 60% in Chemistry
CC
including
- Chemistry and
- 1 Science subject / Mathematics
B in 5 subjects
including
-
- 1 Science subject / Mathematics and
- minimum B4 in Chemistry
English Language Examination
Requirements
| Examinations | | | Requirements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUET** | Band score of 3; or (For Malaysian students) |
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| IELTS** | Overall band score of 5.5; or | ||||||||
| TOEFL iBT** | Overall score of 46; or | ||||||||
| Cambridge English : Advanced (CAE)** |
Overall score of 162; or | ||||||||
| Cambridge English : Proficiency (CPE)** |
Overall score of 162; or | ||||||||
| Cambridge Linguaskill** |
Overall score of 160; or | ||||||||
| Pearson Test of English (PTE)** |
Overall score of 51; or | ||||||||
| Credit Transfer | | | IELTS Overall band score of 7.0 | ||||||
Overall band score of 162
Overall band score of 162
Overall band score of 160
IELTS Overall band score of 7.0
Overall band score of 5.5
Band score of 3
(For Malaysian students)
Overall band score of 51
Overall band score of 46
The following categories of students* are exempted from the English requirements:
Students who graduated from other institutions where the curriculum is delivered in English Language for example:
Advanced Levels / Australian Matriculation / Australian University Foundation Year / Canadian Matriculation / International Baccalaureate / Foundation in Science / Other Pre-University Programmes from Local Higher Education Institutions
*ONLY applicable to those who are completing the entire degree at IMU, Malaysia.
**Applicable to IMU local degree only.
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.
Programme Structure
- Curriculum is reviewed periodically and subject to change.
- MPU modules are compulsory, imposed by the Ministry of Higher Education under the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555).
- Every student must pass all modules as a prerequisite for the awarding of the degree.
Fee Structure
| Fee | Malaysian Student (RM) | International Student (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | 150 | 500 |
| Registration Fee | 850 | 2,000 |
| Refundable Caution Deposit | 1,000 | 1,000 |
- Application fee is payable upon submission of application
- Registration fee and refundable caution deposit are payable upon acceptance of the offer letter issued by the IMU Admissions Office
- As stipulated by the Malaysian Ministry of Education, international students are required to pay Student Visa Administration fee of RM3,000 AND personal bond (depending on nationality) upon registration
- International students will also be required to pay Student Visa Renewal fee every year
- All students are required to pay Student Association Fee of RM40 per semester which will be subject to annual increase
- All fees are subject to currency exchanges rates and exclusive of levy and bridging fees (if any)
- Application fee and Registration fee is non refundable
- All students who are applying for the National Higher Education Fund (NHEF) loans are required to pay their semester fees in FULL by the due date stated in the invoice
| Malaysian Student Tuition Fees |
International Student Tuition Fees |
Estimated Tuition Fees at Partner University |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science (Hons) in | 6 semesters, 3 years | 6 semesters, 3 years | – | |||
| Pharmaceutical Chemistry (IMU) | RM22,300 per semester, | RM23,500 per semester, | – | |||
| Total Duration: 3 years | RM44,600 per year | RM47,000 per year | ||||
| Credit Transfer to | 2 semesters, 1 years | 2 semesters, 1 years | 4 semesters, 2 years | |||
| University of Dundee | RM22,300 per semester, | RM23,500 per semester, | GBP 27,400 | |||
| (Undergraduate Degree) | RM44,600 per year | RM47,000 per year | ||||
| Total Duration: 3* years | ||||||
| Credit Transfer to | 2 semesters, 1 years | 2 semesters, 1 years | 6 semesters, 3 years | |||
| University of Dundee | RM22,300 per semester, | RM23,500 per semester, | (2 years BSc + 1 year MSc) | |||
| (Postgraduate) |
RM44,600 per year | RM47,000 per year | GBP 27,400 (BSc) | |||
| Total Duration: 4* years | GBP 27,900 (MScBMS) | |||||
| GBP 23,000 (MScBMSw) | ||||||
| GBP 29,805 (MSc by Research) | ||||||
| Credit Transfer to | 6 semesters, 3 years | 6 semesters, 3 years | 4 semesters, 2 years | |||
| The University of Sydney | RM22,300 per semester, | RM23,500 per semester, | AUD 58,800 | |||
| Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) |
RM44,600 per year | RM47,000 per year | ||||
| Total Duration: 5 years | ||||||
| Credit Transfer to | 3 semesters, 1.5 years | 3 semesters, 1.5 years | 3 semesters, 1.5 years | |||
| University of Otago | RM22,300 per semester, | RM23,500 per semester, | NZD 41,962 | |||
| Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science | RM44,600 per year | RM47,000 per year | ||||
| Total Duration: 3 years | ||||||
| Credit Transfer to | 4 semesters, 2 years | 4 semesters, 2 years | 4 semesters, 2 years | |||
| University of Strathclyde | RM22,300 per semester, | RM23,500 per semester, | GBP 23,630 | |||
| (Undergraduate Degree) |
RM44,600 per year | RM47,000 per year | ||||
| Total Duration: 4 years | ||||||
| Credit Transfer to | 4 semesters, 2 years | 4 semesters, 2 years | 7 semesters, 3 years | |||
| University of Strathclyde | RM22,300 per semester, | RM23,500 per semester, | (2 years BSc + 1 year MSc) | |||
| (Postgraduate) |
RM44,600 per year | RM47,000 per year | GBP 23,630 (BSc) | |||
| Total Duration: 5 years | GBP 27,800 (MSc) | |||||
| Credit Transfer to | 4 semesters, 2 years | 4 semesters, 2 years | 6 semesters, 3 years | |||
| University of Strathclyde | RM22,300 per semester, | RM23,500 per semester, | GBP 27,800 | |||
| (Integrated Masters degree) |
RM44,600 per year | RM47,000 per year | ||||
| Total Duration: 5 years | ||||||
- *It is compulsory to complete the one-year IMU Foundation in Science prior to embarking on this pathway. Fees for Foundation in Science is RM30,900.
Meet Our Partner Universities
Our Industrial Partners
The curriculum structure is constantly updated to meet the ever-changing industries’ needs and includes research-led teaching to deliver evidence-based knowledge and practice in the industry. Students will have the opportunity to undergo industrial training in the related sectors in their final semester. They will also be able to collaborate with industry or/and researcher in realted project in their final year.
Hear from Our Students and Alumni
Within the course, I was able to build a strong foundational understanding of Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Analysis and Physical/Inorganic/Organic Chemistry modules that enable me to utilise in the working environment today. The theoretical and practical exposure on both pharmaceutical and chemistry during my degree assisted me to understand my task even better.
Chm Annie Grace Pravena Peter
Alumna
I think that the Pharmaceutical Chemistry programme lays the perfect foundation for probably any career line you wish to pursue in the field of pharmaceuticals, be it as a pharmacist, a chemist or a sales representative. While being primarily a chemistry-based degree, it still provided glimpses, sometimes very elaborate, on the multifaceted pharmaceutical industry.
Marie Emilie Leiticia Hovah
Alumni
The Pharmaceutical Chemistry programme has equipped me with fundamental knowledge, practical skills as well as soft skills such as multi-tasking and stress management.
Rayce Lim
Alumni
I have been fortunate to be offered a position in the In-Licensing Department of Duopharma Innovation Sdn Bhd for my internship. After my internship, I managed to secure a working position in the Analytical Department of the same company, in which I have a great interest in.
Tan Ching Yee
Alumna
I was able to cope with my tasks at work and I believe one of the most important reasons is the basic knowledge that I learnt during my Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree. I am very grateful for the diversified modules in my degree programme which prepares me with wide knowledge to cater for more opportunities.
Zhang Yuxin
Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
- Verified copies of your academic qualifications
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- A copy of your MyKad or the identification page of your passport
- All the students are eligible to register with the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry (Institut Kimia Malaysia, IKM) to become a Registered Chemist, with the title of ChM. Institut Kimia Malaysia is a statutory professional organisation incorporated under the Chemists Act 1975 on 1 November 1977. The Chemists Act 1975 gave recognition to the professional practice of chemistry in Malaysia.Under the Chemists Act 1975, only registered chemists of Institut Kimia Malaysia (IKM) shall enjoy the following power and privileges:
- Practice or hold himself out as a registered chemists or as a person of any other like description.
- Advertise by any means or in any manner as being engaged in the practice as a registered chemist.
- Adopt, use, or exhibit the term “registered chemist” or its equivalent in any other language or any other term of like description in such circumstances as to indicate or to be likely to lead persons to refer that he is a registered chemist.
- Sign or certify any report or certificate of analysis intended for the public. Reference: https://ikm.org.my/about-ikm/power-and-privileges/
- IKM registered chemists is required in accredited laboratories as the approved signatory to certify reports of analysis. This makes you eligible to work in any industry that involves the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care, food and beverages, plant products, biotechnology, and consumer products.
- Many companies have the units of quality analysis and assurance. A chemist is competent to work in these units.
- Analytical instrument vendors require the application scientists whose main job is to explain the applications of these instruments. A chemist is competent to work in analytical instrument companies or analytical instrument suppliers as application chemist/application engineer/product specialist.
- The BSc. (Hons.) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry graduates do not require a provisional registration to work in any industry. The degree also allows you to work in any country. Nevertheless, having ‘registered chemist’ status would add value to your career.
- By becoming a member of the professional bodies such as the Royal Society of Chemistry and American Chemical Society, chemists will be able to connect with chemistry professionals from all over the world, access tools and resource to advance their career as well as find the opportunity stay at the forefront of their profession.
- Chemistry professional organisations also offer several professional designations/registers– each for a specific career stage or type; such professional recognitions include ‘Chartered Chemist ‘and ‘Qualified Person (QP) in Pharmaceutical Industry’.
- Chartered Chemist is one of the highest recognitions for chemist. It is awarded as recognition on their well-developed skills, knowledge, and professionalism within the chemical sciences. There are high standards of requirements and Professional Attributes for one to be awarded as a Chartered Chemist.
- Current scenario in the pharmaceutical/cosmetic/biotechnology/food product/plant products industries:
- Increasing awareness in development of green chemistry products and processes
- Growth in the development of generic drugs, cosmetics, biotechnology products, nutritional supplements, plant-based medicines
- Enhancing R&D capabilities to develop novel and higher value-added products locally in Malaysia and overseas
- Incentives to increase investments and collaborations between public and private corporations in biopharmaceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), herbal medicines, contract manufacturing and general drugs.
- Due to the slowdown of economy around the world, healthcare reforms in many countries have made generic drugs, biologics, biotechnology, and plant-based products their preferred choice. The demand for pharmaceutical chemists will remain high.
- As pharmaceutical chemistry graduates will be trained in all basic chemistry knowledge and skills, they can be employed in:
- Pharmaceutical, cosmetics and personal care, food and beverages, plant products, biotechnology, consumer products and chemical related industries as members of research and development, production, quality control, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and product specialist teams.
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry graduates stand better chance in the pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals (supplements) and cosmeceuticals industries. These three industries have to be compliance to strict pharmaceutical requirements, like Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Pharmacopeia standards, drug monographs and other standards and guidelines. The Pharmaceutical Chemistry graduates have learnt and are familiar with these requirements.
- Contract Research Organisation as clinical research associates to administer and monitor clinical trials of new pharmaceuticals/medical devices.
- Government laboratories such as the Chemistry Department, environmental protection unit and forensic science unit.
- Careers in chemistry within areas such as law, policy, defence, public health, and the environment. For example, within law and policy, forensic chemist may be called upon to present forensic findings in court. Only the IKM registered chemist can validate the results of the chemical analysis, they can be called to present in court to validate the results.
- Careers in academic as chemistry teachers or lecturers in universities (after pursuing postgraduate degree) teaching pharmaceutical chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and related subjects.
- Set up own business or company related to pharmaceutical, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, or other pharmaceutical and chemical related fields
- In time of healthcare crisis, such as coronavirus pandemic, pharmaceutical chemistry knowledge plays essential roles in formulating therapeutic strategies, such as discovery of anti-viral drugs to speed up recovery, and to develop therapeutic remedies to prevent or minimise uncontrolled virus transmission. Pharmaceutical chemists will also work closely with other medical professionals to develop effective vaccines to save lives.
- The herbal industry has been identified as a new source of economic growth contributor for Malaysia since 2011. This is in tandem with higher demand for herbal products in the world markets. This emerging industry requires services from pharmaceutical chemists in product research & development as well as production and quality control of herbal drugs.
- The environmental impact of the pharmaceutical industry and its products has also been gaining attentions. To comply with government regulations, many industries have prioritised environmental research to have a better understanding of potential environmental impacts that might arise from the use of a new pharmaceutical, waste management, solvent-free and green synthesis paths.
- Unlike other health professional degree, Pharmaceutical Chemistry graduates can join the workforce immediately after graduation. There is no houseman ship or any provisional registration requirement. The graduate can easily secure a relevant job in Malaysia or other country, without the need to fulfil the complex licensing requirement.
Our Alumni: Journey Beyond Graduation
Our alumni today have embarked on diverse and promising career paths across various industries. They are a true testament to the versatility of their education, as they continue to excel in a wide range of professional healthcare fields.
Read Our Latest News & Stories
A Word From The Programme Director
The Pharmaceutical Chemistry programme at IMU University is meticulously designed to nurture highly proficient and job-ready graduates. It seamlessly integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring students are well-versed in the latest advancements in drug discovery, pharmaceutical analysis, drug formulation, and pharmacology. In the internship semester, students gain invaluable practical insights while actively engaging in educational activities to further enrich their learning experience. Consequently, graduates are work-ready to excel in various sectors, including pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and regulatory affairs, both locally and internationally. Additionally, the programme provides a solid foundation for postgraduate study in relevant fields, empowering students to continue their pursuit of knowledge and life-long learning.
Dr Then Yoon Yee
Senior Lecturer and Programme Director, Pharmaceutical Chemistry
BSc (Hons) (UPM), MSc (UPM), PhD (UPM)
A Word From The Programme Director
The Pharmaceutical Chemistry programme at IMU University is meticulously designed to nurture highly proficient and job-ready graduates. It seamlessly integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring students are well-versed in the latest advancements in drug discovery, pharmaceutical analysis, drug formulation, and pharmacology. In the internship semester, students gain invaluable practical insights while actively engaging in educational activities to further enrich their learning experience. Consequently, graduates are work-ready to excel in various sectors, including pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and regulatory affairs, both locally and internationally. Additionally, the programme provides a solid foundation for postgraduate study in relevant fields, empowering students to continue their pursuit of knowledge and life-long learning.
Dr Then Yoon Yee
Senior Lecturer and Programme Director, Pharmaceutical Chemistry
BSc (Hons) (UPM), MSc (UPM), PhD (UPM)
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