Materia Medica Malaysiana

New pharmacy option at IMU

STUDENTS intent on pursuing pharmacy can now save costs as the International Medical University (IMU) is offering a degree programme that can be completed locally.

IMU's Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) is the first local pharmacy programme conducted entirely by a private institution to receive approval from the Higher Education Ministry.

Prof Peter Pook, dean of the school of pharmacy at IMU said: “We hope that the many students who missed the opportunity to pursue pharmacy at a public university would consider doing it at IMU.”

He added that tuition fees for the BPharm would be about RM100,000. “It is a cost effective programme as we are planning to charge RM13,000 per semester over eight semesters. The course can be completed entirely in Malaysia. The first intake is scheduled for July 21. IMU would be approaching the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) for approval of study loans.

“The BPharm is timely as there is a growing need for pharmacists to employ their unique knowledge and skills in direct patient care,” said Prof Pook. He added that the views of employers in the industry were taken into account in developing the outcome-based curriculum.

The Bachelor of Pharmacy programme is largely based on body systems and integrates the study of these systems in health and disease with the study of drug treatment.

Students will be systematically exposed to community, industrial and hospital pharmacy practice, culminating with extended clinical pharmacy attachments.

“A scientific ethos and rigour will be developed in the students as Semester 7 is devoted to research,” said Prof Pook. Core disciplines such as pharmacology, pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry and microbiology are integrated with the study of human body systems in health and disease, health education and promotion, dispensing skills and behavioural aspects of practice. IMU has offered a pharmacy twinning programme since 1996 with the University of Strathclyde in UK and 400 students have graduated so far.

The Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) programme conducted with Strathclyde has been very successful with a large proportion of each graduating class achieving upper Second Class Honours. In recent years, the Anthony Macmillan Prize, the top award for the graduating year, has gone to an IMU student.

Intake for the BPharm programme is limited to 75 students and the minimum entry requirement for STPM holders is “B+, B+, B+” in any three science subjects while A-Level holders would need to have `BBC' in any three science subjects. Matriculation holders would need a Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.0.

The programme is also open to students with Australian Matriculation/Canadian Grade 12/13/ UEC and other equivalent qualifications. Students who meet the entry requirements must undergo an interview. The closing date for applications is June 30. Interested applicants can call 03-8656 7272/73, fax: 03-8656 1018 or e-mail: enquiry@imu.edu.my