This course allows you to carve out niche careers in academia, research, or in the biomedical (pharmaceutical) and healthcare sectors.

You will acquire competence in pharmaceutical science through practice-oriented training, collaborative training and internship programmes. This course also has a keen emphasis on nurturing character and life-long skills to prepare you for the dynamic global biomedical environment.

You begin by learning the foundational sciences to understand the biology and chemistry of health science. You will progress to learn the chemical drug actions, effects and uses. To fully appreciate the full spectrum of pharmaceutical activities, you will learn how drugs are discovered, manufactured under strict compliance to good manufacturing practices, marketed and dispensed according to prevailing regulatory requirements so as to ensure safety and efficacy for human consumption.

Minimum Entry Requirements

# Biology, Chemistry, Combined Science, Engineering Science, Physical Science, Physics, Science (Chemistry, Biology), Science (Physics, Biology), Science (Physics, Chemistry)

*Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)/Unified Examination Chinese (UEC) holders must have a minimum of grade 6 for the relevant English Language subject (e.g. Bahasa Inggeris).

See also the minimum entry requirements for:

• ITE Certificate Holders
• International Students

This is a new course to be offered in AY2009/2010. The cut-off point for this specialisation under the Diploma in Biomedical Science course varied between 12-15 points depending on the demand for the course and quality of first choice applicants. The cut-off point is to be used as a guide only as it may vary from year to year depending on the aggregate scores of students applying for the course. The cut-off point is the aggregate of the last student admitted to the course and is generated by the computer after it has allocated a course to all students who participated in the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE).

Your chances of qualifying for a place in a local university are good with a GPA of at least 3.5/4 or at least a 3 with CCA.

Most overseas universities provide at least one to two years exemption for relevant degree programmes such as:

• Pharmacy
• Pharmaceutical Science and Technology
• Biochemical Engineering
• Chemistry/Medicinal chemistry
• Biomedical Science
• Life Sciences ie, pharmacology, biochemistry etc.
• Medicine/ Dentistry

Click here for further education opportunities.

You could carve out niche careers as:

• Pharmacy technicians in hospitals/ polyclinics or retail pharmacies
  (Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in preparing & dispensing medications to patients)
• QA/ QC analysts in pharmaceutical manufacturing industries or research
• Assistant executives for regulatory affairs involving pharmaceutical and related legislations
• Sales and marketing executives for pharmaceutical products
• Process technologists in pharmaceuticals and bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing companies
• Entrepreneurs in the health and beauty business

• Pharmaceutical Science was first offered in 2001 as one of two specialised options under the Biomedical Science course. It is established in terms of faculty, facilities and curriculum.
• There is strong focus on science especially biology and chemistry. There is also emphasis on unit operations for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• There are varied approaches in teaching, learning and assessment to suit your aptitude.
• There is collaborative training with industries to expose you to the latest technologies and enhance your employability.

The annual intake is about 75 students.

Pharmaceutical Science focuses on the entire spectrum of the pharmaceutical industry and the healthcare industry. This includes pharmaceuticals R&D, manufacturing, QA / QC, sales & marketing and pharmacy practice.

Graduates would be versatile to contribute to the various sectors in the pharmaceutical value chain.

Yes, this course includes complementary medicine like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We also offer students the opportunity to work with traditional herbs and plants. TP conducts research projects and provides education in TCM.

You will:

• learn the fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology
• learn principles of drug discovery and the drug development process
• acquire skills in pharmaceutical analysis, with emphasis in:
  • Microbiological testing and controls
  • Chemical / biochemical / physical analysis of pharmaceuticals and dosage forms
• learn through collaborative training with hospital/polyclinic pharmacies about:
  • Good dispensing practice
  • Patient counselling skills on the use of medications, disease management and monitoring
• apply knowledge of pharmacotherapy in the treatment and management of common health ailments
• acquire knowledge in alternative and complementary medicine, ie Traditional Chinese medicine
• learn basic principles of chemical engineering and their applications in the unit operations commonly employed in the pharmaceutical industry (primary, secondary and biopharmaceutical manufacturing)
• adopt current good manufacturing practice that assures the safety and quality of manufactured pharmaceuticals
• acquire relevant research skills for application in healthcare industries and medical research through the Major Project, performing real-life industry projects
• acquire transferable skills and work ethics through various academic approaches and Student Internship Programme

Diploma specific subjects include:

• Introduction to Pharmacotherapeutics
• Pharmaceutical Legislation and Marketing
• Organic Chemistry 2
• Pharmaceutical Microbiology
• Principles of Instrumental Analysis
• Pharmaceutical Analysis
• Pharmaceutical Unit Operations
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology
• Current Good Manufacturing Practice

Unique Features

• Collaborative training with hospital/polyclinic pharmacies that focuses on interpersonal skills, quality control and quality assurance as well as safety mindset
• Collaborative training with industries to learn the latest technologies
• Training by practicing professionals and experienced academics
• Real-life industrial projects
• Business skills via electives conducted by School of Business, choose a career in sales & marketing or be an entrepreneur.
• Temasek Applied Science School’s focus on research and education in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Facilities

• Basic Science laboratories: Chemistry, Physiology, Microbiology
• Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory
• Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Facility
• Herb Gardens

“The physical environment is conducive for learning.”
“Teachers and mentors are helpful and approachable.”
“Lecturers are effective in their teaching.”
“Problem-based Learning taught us to manage time effectively and learn from fellow students by cross-teaching.”
“I learned problem-solving skills through Problem-based Learning. I also gained confidence as it taught me to be independent.”
“I enjoyed participating in the many fun and enriching co-curricular activities offered.”

“TP education laid strong foundation for the modules I am taking in the university”

Shirley Ng, student

“… well-trained & equipped with the necessary knowledge & skills.”
“… positive attitude to work and independent .”
“… problem solvers.”
“… good presentation skills.”

Employers who offer SIP placements for our students:

• Alexandra Hospital
• Aventis Pharma Mfg Pte Ltd
• Beacons Pharmaceuticals Pte Ltd
• Changi General Hospital
• Guardian Health and Beauty
• Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
• Institute of Material Research and Engineering
• Janssen Cilag
• KK Women's and Children's Hospital
• Lonza
• National Cancer Centre
• National Healthcare Group polyclinics
• Malaysia Chemist Pte Ltd
• Raffles Hospital
• Schering Plough Ltd
• Singapore General Hospital
• Sunward Pharmaceuticals Pte Ltd
• Tan Tock Seng Hospital
• Wyeth Nutritional (Singapore) Pte Ltd
• Zuellig Pharma Pte Ltd

Students also have opportunities to be attached overseas under the Overseas Student Internship Programme (OSIP).

“The students show positive work attitude, are willing to take on challenges and are fast learners. They show great potential in what they are doing”.

Ng Mok Shiang
Pharmacy Operations Manager
National Healthcare Group Pharmacy

Pharmaceutical Science has to do with learning about medications used to treat illnesses. So a fair aspect of the course would deal with chemistry. Having said that, we are aware that there are students who currently are in the specialisation option under the Diploma in Biomedical Science who do not have a GCE O level chemistry, even at the combined science level. In cases like these, students will struggle a little at the beginning but as long as they are keen, lecturers are always there to assist them. A passion for pharmaceutical science would be important.

Our Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science offers various subjects that will provide you with essential knowledge to prepare you as a pharmaceutical technologist. However, if you want to be a full-fledged pharmacist, you need to obtain a Degree in Pharmacy. The National University of Singapore and various universities in United Kingdom and Australia recognise our diploma as eligible entry requirements.