Find Out What you will Study in the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) Degree at UCSI University
- The 4-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) at UCSI University is a full time course that is recognised by the Malaysian Pharmacy Board and accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)
- Intakes for the course is in September of each year at its Kuala Lumpur campus
In UCSI University, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences has an established track record of training pharmacists and scientists since year 2000. The Faculty offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with emphasis on serving the community. It has collaborations with hospitals, community pharmacies, pharmaceutical and other manufacturing industries. The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences conducts the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) degree plus the Master in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (mixed mode) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Pharmaceutical Sciences. The Faculty boasts dedicated academic staff, cutting-edge teaching and research facilities with seven fully equipped teaching laboratories and a research laboratory.
Fully accredited by the Pharmacy Board Malaysia, UCSI University’s Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) is well-known among industry practitioners and employers. Hands-on approach and student-centred, the programme is designed to encourage students to become independent learners who are capable of undertaking and understanding challenges in the use of medicine and in healthcare. The programme is geared towards the patient as the major focus for the application of knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences. There are four main areas within the programme: Physiology and Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice. This programme will equip you with the scientific, clinical and professional knowledge as well as strong communication skills to positively impact the healthcare system.
All you need to Know about Studying the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) Degree Programme at UCSI University
UCSI University’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences offered a recognised Pharmacy degree and postgraduate programme since year 2000. Today, the Faculty boasts dedicated academic staff, cutting-edge teaching and research facilities with seven fully equipped labs and specialised research lab.
The four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) degree programme offers an enriching experience where students learn under the tutelage of the University’s dedicated teaching staff. At UCSI University, academics are active in research and the dissemination of knowledge is enhanced by innovative teaching methods.
Malaysia is rapidly advancing in various areas of pharmacy, including pharmaceutical biology, pharmaceutical technology, pharmaceutical chemistry and clinical pharmacy to name a few. The early part of the B.Pham (Hons) curriculum focuses students on the fundamental knowledge in pharmacy as the foundation for later years. The curriculum is unique in that it starts off with integrated courses where four main disciplines are being taught for each body system studied.
Students appreciate this mode of learning as it enhances their understanding. This will serve as a strong foundation later as they practice as pharmacists. Students in the programme will be going through various attachments to enhance their knowledge and skills in pharmacy. These external attachments train students creative and critical thinking, in addition to the research skills needed for their career.
The courses in the programme are arranged into four main disciplines within the Faculty as listed.
- Physiology & Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology
- Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Practice
UCSI University’s Pharmacy curriculum emphasises training of professional, competent and competitive pharmacy graduates by focusing on academic ability, research skills and soft skills, while also highlighting communication, team work, critical thinking, innovative thinking, entrepreneurship and leadership.
Education Pathway
To go into the Pharmacy degree after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels, students need to go for either a Pre-U course like A-Levels or AUSMAT, or the Foundation in Science at UCSI University. For UCSI University, students can either go for the Foundation in Science or their internationally recognised A-Levels. Upon completion, these students are given preference into UCSI’s medical or pharmacy programmes where the seats are limited.
For detailed requirements to enter UCSI’s Pharmacy degree course, click here
About the Pharmacy Programme at UCSI University
Leow En Qi and Sin Jie, graduated from Pharmacy
Professional Recognition of the Pharmacy Degree at UCSI University
The Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) programme is recognised by Malaysian Pharmacy Board (MPB).
Programme Details
The duration of the programme is 4 years.
In each year there are two long-semesters consisting of 14 weeks of instruction with 2 weeks of examinations. The long-semesters start in January and July.
In addition, students also undertake a research and development project in their final year.
The number of contact hours per course per week depends on the credit and teaching methodology of each course. Each credit is approximately equivalent to 1 hour of class, or 2 hours of labs per week.
Interviews
Academically qualified candidates would be required to attend an interview for admission. The outcome of the interview will determine a candidate’s successful admission into the programme.
Assessments
UCSI University School of Pharmacy assesses its students based on the main objective of training competent pharmacists. The ethics, communication, knowledge, analytical and critical thinking skills are incorporated into its assessments. The assessment methods include various assignments, practical & visitation reports, oral presentations, research project viva, patient counseling, tutorials, problem based sessions and finally the examinations.
Intakes for the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) programme at UCSI University
There is only one intake a year, which is in August.
Subjects for the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) programme at UCSI University
Ka Jun, Pharmacy at UCSI University
Year 1
Semester 1
- General Chemistry for Pharmacy
- Introductory Physiology
- Microbiology for Pharmacy
- Basic Pharmacology and Immunopharmacology
- Professional Skills I (MPU – U2)
- Extra-curricular Learning Experience 1 (MPU – U4)
Semester 2
- Organic Chemistry
- Basic Medicinal Chemistry
- Biostatistics and Research Methods
- Professional Skills II
- Nervous System & Pharmacotherapy I
- Malaysian Studies (for international students only) (MPU – UI)
- Hubungan Etnik (for Malaysian students only) (MPU—U1 subjects)
Year 2
Semester 1
- Cardiovascular System, Blood & Pharmacotherapy
- Physicochemical Properties of Drugs and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
- Biochemistry for Pharmacy
- Antimicrobial Therapy I
- Pulmonary, Renal & Pharmacotherapy
- Extracurricular Learning Experience
Semester 2
- Antimicrobial Therapy II
- Endocrine System & Pharmacotherapy
- Extemporaneous Preparation in Pharmacy
- Gastrointestinal System & Pharmacotherapy
- Pharmacognosy
- Marketing for Pharmacy
- TITAS (for Malaysian students only) (MPU – UI)
- Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 3 (for international students only) (MPU – UI)
Year 3
Semester 1
- Pharmaceutical Analysis I
- Dosage Form Design I
- Basic Pharmacokinetics
- Evidence Based Medicine
- Nervous System & Pharmacotherapy II
- Introductory Clinical Pharmacy
- Extracurricular Learning Experience (MPU – UI)
Semester 2
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics
- Non-prescription Drugs
- Dosage Form Design II
- Biotechnology & Pharmacogenomics
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics
- Pharmaceutical Analysis II
Year 4
Semester 1
- Pharmacoepidemiology
- Pharmacotherapy I
- Undergraduate Research Project
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Hospital Pharmacy Practice
- Geriatric Pharmacy
- Advanced Drug Delivery
- Religions in Malaysia (MPU – U3)
Semester 2
- Pharmacotherapy II
- Clinical Clerkship
- Industrial Clerkship
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Pharmacy Management
- Industrial Management
- Drugs of Abuse and Society
General Courses (MPU) are compulsory for all students.
For Malaysian students:
- Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisations (Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban)
- Philosophy and Contemporary Issues (Falsafah dan Isu Semasa)
Career Opportunities
En Qi, Pharmacy student
Malaysia has a vision to increase the number of pharmacists for the country in recent years. In achieving this, it will enable the country to advance into its ability for dispensing separation. Dispensing separation is the provision where pharmacists are allowed the sole responsibilities in dispensing medicines with prescriptions from doctors. This system would benefit the public greatly with pharmacists screening and identifying drug-related problems in addition to provide important information on their drug therapy. It is believed that dispensing separation would expand the roles of pharmacists in the country.
With the increased awareness of the public in pharmacy, it is well acknowledged that there are three main career options of community pharmacy, industrial pharmacy and hospital & clinical pharmacy.
With the new developments in recent year all over the world, the public has been actively seeking the consultation of pharmacists in herbal medicines, traditional medicines and the other alternative medicine. Pharmacists in the ever changing world of drug therapy and advanced therapeutics would need to keep up to date with these developments. This is the reason for the emphasis of the UCSI University Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons.) curriculum on the importance of life long learning for the profession.
Student Achievements
LEE SHUO YU WORKED ON PARTICIPATORY GENOMIC TEST.
LEE SHUO YU | Bachelor Of Pharmacy (Hons)Pharmacogenomics research attachment at University of Chicago, working on participatory genomic test associated with CYP2D6 enzyme by Invader Panel Assay and TaqMan® Copy Number Variation, translation of genotype into phenotype and their correlations with clinically important drugs therapy.
EUGENE LOW YI MING ENHANCED HIS KNOWLEDGE IN PHARMACOGENOMICS.
EUGENE LOW YI MING | Bachelor Of Pharmacy (Hons)During his stay in Chicago, he was able to enhance his knowledge in pharmacogenomics. He conducted assays that detect Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) for important genes in DNA. His project was based on Open Array, which can detect huge amount of SNPs, up to 480 in a single run.
FOONG XI WEI WAS ABLE TO WORK TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AT NIHON PHARMACEUTICAL UNIVERSITY, JAPAN.
FOONG XI WEI | Bachelor Of Pharmacy (Hons)Awarded for Pharmaceutical Research Summer Programme in 2018 in Nihon Pharmaceutical University, Japan, attached to Division of Kampo Medicine, to extract berberine, limonin and obakunone from bark of Phellodendron amurense.
TAN DI ZHENG ANALYSED CONCENTRATIONS OF MELATONIN AND NOREPINERPHRINE IN BREAST MILK AND MAMMARY EPITHELIAL CELL.
TAN DI ZHENG | Bachelor Of Pharmacy (Hons)Awarded for Pharmaceutical Research Summer Program 2018 in Nihon Pharmaceutical University, Japan, attached to Division of Pharmacotherapy, to analyse concentrations of melatonin and norepinerphrine in breast milk and mammary epithelial cell by HPLC-ECD or LC/MS/MS.
CHO AN NIE STUDIED AND COMPARED ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISTICS BETWEEN FOUR DIFFERENT TYPE OF CINNAMOMUM.
CHO AN NIE | Bachelor Of Pharmacy (Hons)Awarded for Pharmaceutical Research Summer Program 2018 in Nihon Pharmaceutical University, Japan, attached to Division of Kampo Medicine, to study and compare the anatomical characteristics between Cinnamomum casia, Cinnamomum sielboldii Miesn, Cinnamomum vernum J. Presl and Cinnamon burmanii.
GROUP ACHIEVEMENTS AT TZU CHI HOSPITAL, TAIWAN.
CHEONG YEE FAN, ONG SZE LING, TEAH XIN LIN, JACQUELINE LIM WEI YI, YAU KAI WEN, LOW SHU FANG, FAM HWEI TENG, VIVIAN WONG SING PING, SALLY YEAN CHIA YI, KEE SIN YEE, LIM YEE HUI.| Bachelor Of Pharmacy (Hons)11 students from the Pharmaceutical Science Faculty had the opportunity to experience their clerkship at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Taiwan. Students were introduced to different kinds of oral and external use medications. They also joined in several discussions with the seniors to get updates on the in-patients’ sickness and progression. During their last week of the clerkship, they had the chance to experience as a practising pharmacist with patients.
YEAW LEE JOINED THE VANCOUVER SUMMER PROGRAMME. SHE GAINED A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE AND LEARNING.
ANG YEAW LEE | Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons)
- Enrolled in two courses in the University of British Columbia from 15 July to 25 August 2017: Discovery of New Medicines and Personalising Medicines with Genomics and Biotechnology.
- Evaluated through four exams, two presentations and participation during lectures.
It was an enriching experience for her both culturally and academically.
Pictured at the Biopharmaceutical Research Inc., Vancouver BC, Canada.
HOW FAR CAN PHARMACY TAKE YOU? HOW ABOUT: AROUND THE WORLD
ALVIN TEO KUO JING | Alumnus, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons)
- Currently pursuing his PhD in Public Health at the National University of Singapore. Completed his Master of Public Health at NUS in 2016.
- Member of Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders).
- Served on MSF missions in Doro Refugee Camp (South Sudan), Jebel al Akkrad (Syria), Donetsk (Ukraine), Islamabad (Pakistan) and many of the world’s most challenging war zones and pandemic-hit regions.
- A Kuok Foundation scholar during his time at UCSI.
Pictured after a successful MSF mission in South Sudan where he delivered pharmaceutical supplies to oppressed and displaced communities.
An alumna of High School Batu Pahat
XIU WEN ALWAYS WANTED TO MAKE AN IMPACT IN RESEACH. UCSI HELP HER DO SO BEFORE SHE EVEN GRADUATED.
P’NG XIU WEN | Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons)Research papers published in the Journal of Acute Disease, the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and R esearch, and the Journal of Applied Pharmacy before her graduation.
I have heard that there is getting less and less vacancy job for pharmacist in Malaysia. Is that true?
Not true, just less vacancies for the housemanship
I am an Indian presently working in India only as a Pharmacist in government dispensary since 2006. I have done 2years diploma in pharmacy from India. I am looking for a pharmacy job in Malaysia. I have around 14 years experience. Can you suggest me something regarding a pharmacist job in Malaysia.
We advise students on courses and universities. We are not a job placement company
My spm result is B in every subjects except Add maths. Am i still allowed to take pharmacy?
Yes, you can enter the Foundation in Science first as you need to Pass SPM with minimum 5B in Biology and Chemistry and Physic and Math (or Additional Math)