Diploma in Pharmaceutical Sciences
(R22)
The Pharmaceutical Sciences is an interdisciplinary
field which covers the diverse aspects of
pharmaceuticals. It seeks to achieve a better
understanding and control of the factors influencing
clinical response to drug therapy.
Students will be equipped with a pharmaceutical science foundation. They will be introduced to the discipline of pharmacy, from drug discovery and development, the science of compounding and dispensing drugs, regulatory approval to pharmacy practice. They will also have a good understanding of the applications of supply chain management in the pharmaceutical industry.
The Diploma in Pharmaceutical Sciences programme provides students with a broad foundation in the pharmaceutical sciences to support the pharmacy and pharmaceutical industries. The programme is designed to allow graduates to pursue career paths in hospital and community pharmacies, healthcare institutions, regulatory affairs within clinical research organisations, alternative medicine and other pharmaceutical sectors.
Students will be trained in various disciplines of study such as chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, compounding and dispensing. Opportunities for engagement in experiential learning will allow students to build knowledge in problem solving and integrate knowledge in the life sciences, chemistry and the pharmaceutical sciences. This unique platform for learning prepares our graduates for diverse careers and further education opportunities.
During the 3-year programme, students will be given the opportunity through attachment placements, to develop skills in clinical pharmacy, medication review and patient counselling, and gain an appreciation of the role of pharmacists in healthcare teams. Students who are interested in regulatory affairs, alternative medicine and industrial pharmacy may pursue attachment placements at clinical research organisations, nutraceutical, health supplement and pharmaceutical based industries.
Pharmacy Practice
The modules offered will prepare students with the clinical skills and attitudes required to deliver effective patient care within the healthcare sector, sound knowledge to compound extemporaneous preparations, practical dispensing skills, and an understanding of healthcare systems. In addition, students will learn to effectively communicate with the public, patients and members of the healthcare team through hands-on experience in clinical and retail pharmacy settings.
Exposure to daily collaborative problem solving and teamwork provides students with the skills necessary to handle situations and tackle problems in the dynamic pharmacy environment. With the current shortage of qualified pharmacy technicians and assistants in the healthcare industry, students completing this course will be able to find employment in the pharmacy industry sector.
Industrial Pharmacy
This option provides students with a grounding in the practice and application of current Good Manufacturing Practice in the pharmaceutical industry. Students will also learn about different aspects of industrial pharmacy, be provided with opportunities to gain relevant industry experience through attachment placements, and be well-versed in the applications of analytical instrumentation and formulation techniques commonly employed in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
With the increase in demand for new, effective and safe medicines, the pharmaceutical industry is estimated to grow, resulting in employment opportunities for graduates trained in the pharmaceutical sciences with a focus in industrial pharmacy. Furthermore, the advantage of exposure to daily problem solving will enable our graduates to contribute even more effectively in the pharmaceutical industry.
Graduates may pursue career paths in pharmacy practice sectors such as retail, community and hospital pharmacies. They will be able to support the pharmacists as pharmacy executives, assistants or technicians in purchasing, distribution, inventory management, dispensing and counselling on the use of medications by patients. Job opportunities are also available in research and development laboratories, clinical research organisations, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, sales and marketing industries.
Graduates will find career opportunities in:
- Retail Pharmacies
- Hospital Pharmacies
- Polyclinic Pharmacies
- Clinical Research Organisations
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Health Promotion and Regulatory Agencies
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Drug Discovery, Biomedical and Formulation Research Laboratories
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Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Logistics, Sales and Marketing
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Nutraceutical and Functional Food Industries
Graduates can pursue further studies at universities, both locally and overseas, in the pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy, chemistry, biological sciences and other disciplines.
Well-known overseas universities such as University of Queensland, Monash University, University of Dublin (Trinity College), University of London (School of Pharmacy), University of Reading, Curtin University, Griffith University and University of Kentucky (USA) recognise the Diploma in Pharmaceutical Sciences certificate. Some of these institutions will grant exemptions for some of their three- and four-year degree courses.
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