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PHARMACEUTICAL
CHEMISTRY
Reverse White

2013
PHARMACEUTICAL
CHEMISTRY
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 the body. 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.

Through this course, 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 sector as well as for a postgraduate study in
a relevant field.
Dr Srinivasan Ramamurthy
Lecturer and Programme Coordinator
BPharm (TN Med), MPharm, PhD (TN Med)
01 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.

02 WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME?

The IMU 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.

03 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 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 IMUs BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Chemistry

KEY
will be given credit exemption* for the first semester modules of
the Master of Pharmacy programme at the University of Sydney
(USYD). The full-time Master of Pharmacy programme in USYD is 2

FACTS
years and 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.
DEGREE TOTAL DURATION
Bachelor of Science 3 years
(Hons) Pharmaceutical
Chemistry (IMU) COMMENCEMENT
July and September
04 WHO ARE THE TEACHING STAFF?
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.

05 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.

06 ARE THERE ANY INDUSTRIAL PLACEMENTS?

Students will undergo industrial training in pharmaceutical or chemical industries
during this programme. This industrial placement can be undertaken either locally
or overseas.

The BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Chemistry programme

provides significant hands-on practical training to students
in a variety of analytical techniques that will prepare them
for careers in chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology
industries.
07 WHAT ARE THE SEMESTER CONTENTS?

Basic Mathematics Advanced Medicinal Chemistry

SEMESTER 1

SEMESTER 5
Biological Science Introduction to Business
Communication Skills Management
General Chemistry Pharmaceutical Biotechnology I
Human Biology Polymer Chemistry
Genetics Pharmaceutics IV
Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry I Selective
Statistics Synthetic Organic Chemistry
English Pharmacognosy

Ethics in Science Heterocyclic Chemistry

SEMESTER 2

SEMESTER 6
General Pharmacology Pharmaceutical Analysis III
Laboratory Safety Pharmaceutical Biotechnology II
Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry II Pharmaceutical Engineering II
Pharmaceutics I Pharmacokinetics
Physical Pharmacy Project
Physical Chemistry Toxicology

Drug Metabolism Industrial attachment

SEMESTER 3

SHORT SEMESTER

General Microbiology
Introduction to Bioinformatics
Natural Products in Medicine
Pharmaceutical Analysis I
Pharmaceutics II
Environmental Chemistry
The curriculum is reviewed periodically
and is subject to change.

Industrial Microbiology
SEMESTER 4

Inorganic Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry
Pharmaceutical Analysis II
Pharmaceutics III
Pharmaceutical Engineering I

The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has recently introduced Mata Pelajaran Pengajian Umum
(MPU) modules to replace the Mata Pelajaran Wajib (MPW)/MQA modules. All students must pass
these modules (MPU U1, U2, U3 and U4) in order to graduate.

08 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 IMU.

The Pharmaceutical Chemistry students are trained in the

essential skills for careers in the pharmaceutical industry,
including the principles of drug activities, approaches to drug
design, synthesis and formulations.
09 WHO WILL AWARD THE DEGREE?
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree is awarded by IMU.

CAREER PATHS FOR PHARMCEUTICAL

CHEMISTS IN MALAYSIA
Basic Degree

POSTGRADUATE
DEGREE
MSc/PhD ~
teaching INDUSTRY
and / or research - Invention &
discovery
- Manufacturing &
quality assurance
GOVERNMENT
- Quality assurance
& enforcement

10 WHAT SORT OF JOBS/CAREERS CAN BE UNDERTAKEN

WITH THIS DEGREE?
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.
Besides, graduates can undertake postgraduate degrees in related
disciplines.

11 WHEN DO I APPLY FOR A PLACE IN IMU?

You can apply as soon as you have your forecast or actual results.

Pharmaceutical chemists are involved in the synthesis,

separation, identification and quantification of chemicals/
drugs from natural and synthetic origins. They also develop
and validate analytical methods for the quantification of drug
compounds in formulations and various biological matrices.
OUR PARTNER UNIVERSITY
AUSTRALIA
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is Australias first University. Boasting
150 years of history and superb sandstone architecture,
3 years in IMU the University of Sydney is regularly ranked as one of
+ 2 years Australias and the worlds great universities. The University
at at University of Sydney offers the largest and most comprehensive
of Sydney grouping of health and medical education research in the
Total 5 years Asia Pacific region.
Website: sydney.edu.au

The Pharmaceutical Chemistry programme provides a

good understanding of the various types of drug delivery
systems. The programme includes an industrial attachment that
enables the students to gain real life industrial experience.

The list of partner universities is subject to change.

Learn from our experienced lecturers...
Prof Michael John Rathbone BSc (Hons) (Leic), PhD (Aston)
Prof Michael J Rathbone is the Professor and Dean of the School of Pharmacy, IMU. He has over 10 years teaching
experience in academic institutions in New Zealand and Australia and over 14 years experience in the pharmaceutical
industry in his role of Director of Research at InterAg, New Zealand, where he spearheaded their modified release drug
delivery research and directed their national and global collaborative research activities. Prof Rathbone has invented
many novel drug delivery systems, several of which have been commercialised. His research interests are in the area
of systemic drug delivery via mucosal sites, the development of modified release drug delivery systems and controlled
release veterinary drug delivery. He has published numerous scientific and professional papers, review articles, book
chapters and scientific abstracts and is the co-inventor of numerous patents. He has co-edited eight Special Theme Issues
of the journal, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews and seven books on modified release drug delivery. Prof Rathbone is
an Editor of the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics and serves on the Editorial Board of several
prestigious journals including Journal of Controlled Release, Journal of Pharmacy and BioAllied Sciences and Drug
Delivery and Translational Research. He received the Controlled Release Society Distinguished Service Award in 2007 and
was inducted as a Fellow of the Controlled Release Society in 2009.

Dr Srinivasan Ramamurthy BPharm (TN Med), MPharm, PhD (TN Med)

Dr Srinivasan Ramamurthy is a Programme Coordinator for BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Chemistry programme. He holds a
PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and his professional career includes 5 years in academia and 4 years in phamaceutical
industry. His teaching and research activities are in the areas of natural product chemistry and pharmaceutical analysis.
His research interest focuses on bioanalytical method development and validation, herbal drug standardisation and
education. He has published several research papers in peer reviewed journals and presented papers in conferences of
national and international repute and has also filed a process patent out of his research. He is the co-investigator of
Exploratory Research Grant Scheme (ERGS) project funded by Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia. He has successfully
supervised several undergraduate students in their research.

Dr Lee Choy Sin BSc (Hons) (UM), PhD (UM)

Dr Lee Choy Sin is currently a lecturer for Pharmaceutical Chemistry Programme. She holds an honours degree in
Applied Chemistry and PhD in Oleo and Polymer Chemistry. Dr Lee Choy Sin is also actively involved in research. Her
research interest areas include synthesis of bioactive compounds and polymer material from natural and renewable
resources such as vegetable oil, biomass and other sustainable and eco-friendly materials. She won the much
coveted Science and Technology Research Grant MOSTI awarded by the Malaysia Toray Science Foundation in
2011. Dr Lee Choy Sin is the principal investigator for an Exploratory Research Grant Scheme 2012 project, funded
by Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). She also has collaborative research projects with other Universities and
research institutions and has been supervising postgraduate students for their research projects. She has published
in international scientific journals and presented research papers at international conferences.

Dr Ivan Yap Kok Seng Diploma (Chemistry), BSc (Hons), (Pharmaceutical Sciences) (Greenwich), PhD (Lond)
Dr Ivan Yap graduated with his first degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2001 from University of Greenwich (UK)
and subsequently PhD in Chemistry from Imperial College London (UK) in 2005. He remained at Imperial College
London as Research Associate until 2010. He is the recipient of various awards such as Overseas Research Scholarship
(2002 2005), E de Barry Barnett Prize (Chemical Sciences) for Outstanding Achievement (2001) and the British
Scholarship Scheme (1998). He is a member of international societies namely the Royal Society of Chemistry, British
Society for Parasitology and National Autistic Society (UK). His teaching and research area encompasses application of
metabonomics in population health, parasitology and cancer. He is the principal and co-investigators of research projects
funded by Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. He published extensively
in international peer reviewed journals and is a reviewer for the scientific journal Biomarkers. He also successfully
supervised and co-supervised several postgraduate and undergraduate students in their research.
Hear what our students say...
Dinez Kumar
Graduate of IMU Pharmaceutical Chemistry programme currently working in the
pharmaceutical sector

Pharmaceutical Chemistry programme has equipped me with all

the knowledge and skills for the career that I am in now. The
curriculum is concrete and substantial to train a versatile future
pharmaceutical chemist. I was exposed to various hands-
on practical techniques such as titration, spectroscopy and
chromatography analysis. The industrial attachment has provided
me the opportunity to experience the real working environment.
IMU also emphasised on team work through various problem-
based learning and presentation sessions. These have developed
my critical thinking and communication skills.

Lim Rui Yen

Graduate of IMU Pharmaceutical Chemistry programme

IMU has provided various hands-on practical under closed

supervision to the students. The strict rules and dress code
in IMU has taught students about professionalism. The
interpersonal skills and presentation skills are sharpened
by various teaching and learning activities such as seminar
and research project. The students also learn to be
creative and sociable by participating in various society
and organisation. This has prepared the students to the
competitive employment in their future career. All in all,
life in IMU has never been easy but it is all worthwhile
as the memories and experiences you can gain here will
definitely be a great part in your journey of life.

Tan Yann Jean

Graduate of IMU Pharmaceutical Chemistry programme

The programme provides an overall knowledge

beforehand followed by teaching and learning
activities that cultivate critical thinking and sharpen
the professional skills of the students. There were
a lot of hands on practical sessions. In addition,
we designed experiments with guidance from
the lecturer to stimulate our thinking. Useful and
interesting modules were covered such as Laboratory
Safety and Ethics in Science that allowed us to work
confidently as safety and ethical practice are the
priorities in our professional practice. Industrial
visits and attachment at pharmaceutical industry
were a great experience! It brought us to the real
world and provided us the opportunity to link
with the industry.

Tan Yee Yein

Second Year Pharmaceutical Chemistry student

With the help and support from a group of

well-trained lecturers and my classmates, my
interest towards the course grows despite
all the hardship.The career prospect of
this course attracts my interest as it has
a wide career scope and the demand for
pharmaceutical chemists has increased over
the past few years. Pharmaceutical chemists study the commercial
exploitation of microorganisms in food, beverage,
chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries.
This knowledge and expertise allows them to be involved in the
manufacturing and quality control of immunological products.
OUR FACILITIES
01 01) Students enjoy learning 02
at the Medical Museum
02) Hostel Accommodation
03) Conducting research in
the lab
04) Auditorium, where
lectures, talks,
graduation and other
important events are
held
05) Library is an important
learning resource for
students
06) A conducive learning
environment for
students
05
07) Having a meal at the
cafeteria
08) Caf in the Library
for library users to
wind-down in-between
classes and studies.
09) Another important
learning resource
for students, Medical
Museum

03 04 10) Working out at the

gymnasium
11) Relaxing and having a
fun time
12) Students using
computers as a learning
resource

09

06 07 08

10 11 12
ABOUT IMU
The International Medical University (IMU) is Malaysias first and most established private medical and
healthcare university with over 20 years of dedicated focus in healthcare education. The University is the
first university in Malaysia that offers conventional and complementary medicine, all under one roof.
Established in 1992, the University enjoys an international reputation, and provides a high standard of
education at undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional development level. IMUs
curriculum for its undergraduate programmes has been benchmarked to international standards and is
accepted by international partner universities for credit transfer into relevant programmes.
IMU pioneered the worlds first Partner Medical School programme, allowing a student to start their
education in Malaysia while completing and earning a degree at an international university. Over
the last two decades, IMU has grown from a medical college with 5 partner universities in 1992, to
an internationally recognised higher education institution with more than 30 renowned international
partner universities.
The main campus of IMU is located in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Since 1999, IMU has
established clinical schools in Seremban and Kuala Pilah (Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia) as well
as Batu Pahat and Kluang (scheduled to open in 2013) (Johor, Malaysia).
IMUs Learning Model is grounded on its core values, which fosters students development
into knowledgeable and competent healthcare professionals who are critical thinkers,
reflective and yet proactive. The aim is to create healthcare graduates that are committed
to lifelong learning and imbued with a sense of good citizenship, leadership and ethical
behaviour.
In its continual quest for academic excellence, moving into research was a natural progression
with medical and healthcare-related research, as well as medical education being areas of
key focus. IMUs research efforts are expected to be further enhanced now that the Institute
of Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI) has been launched in September 2012. IMU Clinical School, Batu Pahat
The university had a major breakthrough in 2010 with the start of its Healthcare Centres which
allowed IMUs staff and students to receive and treat patients. The Healthcare Centres,
which serve as a teaching site for IMU students, bring the disciplines of allopathic (Western)
medicine and those of complementary and alternative medicine together under one roof.
Today IMU is an integrated medical and healthcare institution, offering education, healthcare
and research in partnership with some of the worlds most respected individuals and
universities in the field of medicine and healthcare.

IMU Clinical School, Seremban

IMU Bukit Jalil Campus

 PROGRAMMES AVAILABLE:

REASONS TO STUDY UNDERGRADUATE

PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY AT IMU

Medicine
KPT/JPS(KR10935)09/2014

Dentistry
KPT/JPS (A8358)10/2015
1. An Established Private Healthcare University
IMU is Malaysias first and most established private medical and healthcare university with Pharmacy
KPT/JPS(KR10605)4/2014,
over 20 years of dedicated focus in healthcare education. IMU achieved a Tier-5 rating in the KPT/JPS(R/727/7/0002)10/2015
SETARA ratings of Malaysian Universities and University-Colleges awarded by Malaysian Dietetics with Nutrition
Qualifications Agency (MQA). KPT/JPS(KA8176)03/2013

2. Build Your Future Healthcare Professional Network Nursing

KP/JPS(KR11196)04/2015
As IMU offers the widest range of healthcare programmes, our students are fully immersed in
Nursing Science
a vibrant community of students & practitioners from all healthcare fields. This allows for the
(for registered nurses)
development of strong friendship amongst peers that will be the foundation of an extensive KP/JPS(KA9377)01/2014
healthcare professional network upon graduation. Chiropractic
KPT/JPS(KA9294)08/2014
3. First Malaysian University Offering This Undergraduate Programme
IMU is the first university in Malaysia that provides a complete and specialised undergraduate Chinese Medicine
KP/JPS(KA10260)12/2015
training in Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
Biomedical Science
4. Curriculum Benchmarked to International Standards KPT/JPS(R/421/6/0011)12/2017
IMUs pharmaceutical chemistry curriculum has been developed to meet high international Medical Biotechnology
standards and is accepted by University of Sydney for credit exemption from first semester KPT/JPS(R/545/6/0014)09/2017

modules of their 2-year Master of Pharmacy programme. Pharmaceutical Chemistry

KPT/JPS(R/442/6/0003)01/2018
5. Better Preparation to become Pharmaceutical Chemists
Psychology
With exposure to industrial attachment for 8 weeks, students will gain valuable industrial KPT/JPS(R/311/6/0013)09/2017
experience and build their professional network, giving the graduates an advantage in their
careers. POSTGRADUATE
Public Health (MSc)
(Coursework & Research)
KP/JPS(KA10261)09/2015

Analytical Pharmaceutical
Chemistry (MSc)
KPT/JPS(N/442/7/0001)01/2017

Molecular Medicine (MSc)

KPT/JPS(N/421/7/0010)07/2017

Medical and Health Sciences

(MSc & PhD by research)
KPT/JPS(KR10618)6/2014,
SCAN FOR MORE KP/JPS(KR10625)01/2015

For more information on IMU,

visit our website: www.imu.edu.my
or email: start@imu.edu.my

Facebook @ www.facebook.com/
Twitter @ IMUMalaysia
InternationalMedicalUniversity

International Medical University Become the future

126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia of better healthcare
Tel: +60 3 2731 7272 Fax: +60 3 8656 1018
KP/JPS/5195/US/2, KP(JPS)/DFT/US/W03, KPT/JPS(KA8229)01/2013

The IMU has been certified with
MS ISO 9001:2000 for the provision of
tertiary education in medicine, pharmacy
and health sciences.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information given in thisbrochure but it is subject
to alteration without notice. The University reserves the right to alter or delete any of the information
included at any time and it shall not be bound by any errors or omissions and cannot accept liability in
respect thereof. Please consult the Department of Student Services and Marketing for the most up-to-date
information.
Published by the Marketing & Communications Department, IMU. 001/2013/03