Second Major in Pharmaceutical Science

Second Major in Pharmaceutical Science

Second Major in Pharmaceutical Science

Overview

Given the boom in the pharmaceutical industry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is heightened demand for manpower with pharmaceutical science expertise that could integrate diverse perspectives and trainings to adapt to this fast-growing sector. The Second Major in Pharmaceutical Science aims to train Integrators who could connect the dots of the bigger picture, drawing knowledge from the combination of primary and second majors, to address real-world issues in the pharmaceutical sector via an interdisciplinary approach.
 
Our Department’s unique strength of having multiple linkages with industrial players serves to narrow the gap between classroom and the pharmaceutical industry, and allow us to provide ample opportunities to help students become individuals with questioning minds via case studies and discussions that draws upon deep analytical and critical thinking skills, stretching students beyond the disciplinary boundaries.

The programme also emphasizes the learning of scientific communication as the key enabling tool to prepare students to be able and confident communicators via pedagogical activities including team-based problem-solving and group presentations on topics that are relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.

With this Second Major in Pharmaceutical Science, graduates will have an enhanced eligibility for entry into the diverse landscape of the pharmaceutical industries. Together with their primary majors from the sciences, social sciences or humanities, students will undergo a multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary learning journey with NUS, helping them to integrate their learning and to connect the dots towards solving real-world problems and become future-ready graduates.

Objectives

Students graduating with the Second Major in Pharmaceutical Science would be able to:

  • Integrate knowledge of pharmaceutical chemistry, biology, formulation science, technology and regulatory sciences towards addressing complex pharmaceutical problems.
  • Understand and navigate the intricacies of the functions across the entire process of drug development.
  • Develop critical thinking and cognitive skills in evaluating literature, organizing information and devising action plans applicable to the pharmaceutical industries.
  • Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms.
  • Engage in lifelong learning as a value and a way of life.
  • Value team-based approach and a global mindset when exploring solutions to problems.

Entry Requirements

Prospective undergraduates, with the following qualifications and pre-requisites, may apply for the Second Major in Pharmaceutical Science. Enrolment into this restricted Second Major programme is subject to approval.

Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level A very good pass in H2 Chemistry and
A very good pass in gateway course PHS1101 and
A very good GPA standing
International Baccalaureate A very good pass in HL Chemistry and
A very good pass in gateway course PHS1101 and
A very good GPA standing
National University of Singapore High School Diploma
 A very good pass in Chemistry and
A very good pass in gateway course PHS1101 and
A very good GPA standing
Polytechnic Diploma A very good pass in gateway course PHS1101 and
A very good GPA standing

The target applicants for this programme are academically strong individuals who are keen to pursue pharmaceutical science as a second major to develop specialized knowledge on top of their primary majors. Candidates reading Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy) (Honours), Primary Major in Pharmaceutical Science and Minor in Pharmaceutical Science are precluded from taking the Second Major in Pharmaceutical Science.

Application

Eligible students from Cohort AY2021/22 onwards may apply for the Second Major in Pharmaceutical Science during the application window via myEduRec for Restricted Second Major. The application will be opened every semester with effect from AY2021/22. The latest date for students to apply for the Second Major in Pharmaceutical Science is by the end of second semester of their studies in NUS.

Students interested in applying for the Second Major in Pharmaceutical Science should complete OR be in the midst of completing the pre-requisite gateway course PHS1101 The Billion-Dollar Pill – Bench to Bedside Drug Development in order to be considered.

Application Outcome

For Semester 1 application, the outcome of application for Restricted Second Major will be updated after Examination Results Release for Semester 1 and latest before the start of CourseReg Registration Round 2 of Semester 2. Students who are approved to admit into the Restricted Second Major programme can bid for the courses in CourseReg Registration Round 2 and 3.

For Semester 2 application, the outcome of application for Restricted Second Major will be updated after Examination Results Release for Semester 2 and latest before the start of CourseReg Registration Round 1 of Semester 1. Students who are approved to admit into the Restricted Second Major programme can bid for the courses in CourseReg Registration Round 1 to 3.

Programme Structure

Requirements Courses
(Non-Laboratory Based)		 Units
Level 1000 PHS1101 The Billion-Dollar Pill – Bench to Bedside Drug Development 4
Level 2000 PHS2101 Physiology for Pharmaceutical Science
PHS2102 Physicochemical and Biochemical Principles of Drug Action
PHS2103 Essentials of Pharmaceutical and Synthetic Chemistry
PHS2104 Macromolecules in Pharmaceutical Science
PHS2105 Principles of Pharmaceutical Formulations I		 20
Level 3000 Any two of the following:
• PHS3101 Principles of Pharmaceutical Formulations II
• PHS3102 Principles of Drug Design and Development
• LSM3211 Fundamental Pharmacology		 8
Level 4000 Any two of the following:
• PHS4101 Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics
• PHS4121 Regulation of Healthcare Products
• PHS4201 Microbiology for Pharmaceutical Science
• PR4204 Special Drug Delivery
• PR4207 Applied Pharmacokinetics and Toxicokinetics
• PHS4991 Exchange Enrichment Level 4000		 8
Total: 40 Units

The maximum period of candidature for students reading the Second Major in Pharmaceutical Science follows that of a single major under the student’s Primary Major programme.

Careers

Career Prospects

Students from this programme can expect to have career choices in pharmaceutical sales and marketing, regulatory affairs, quality management, pharmaceutical supply chain logistics, manufacturing operations and R&D in a number of well-established pharma companies locally.