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Course Overview

Medicines affect our quality of life. We take aspirin for headaches or apply topical antibiotics on wounds. With the continual expansion of the healthcare industry and more multinational pharmaceutical companies making Singapore their global manufacturing base, exciting career opportunities abound in this sector!

 

Be equipped with knowledge and skills related to drug action on diseases, medicine legislation, and patient counselling to be a pharmacy technician in hospitals and retail pharmacies. You'll also acquire skills in pharmaceutical analysis and current good manufacturing practices to work in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

 

In Year 3, choose your specialisation in Pharmacy Practice, Pharmaceuticals & Biologics Manufacturing or Technical Sales & Marketing to undergo work-based training in these areas and apply your skills in the related fields during the six-month internship programme. Our broad-based training will equip you with in-demand and transferable skills for careers in various allied health professions, including opportunities beyond the pharmaceutical science industries.

 

Embark on a meaningful and rewarding career where you can play a part in safeguarding health by making quality drugs and imparting knowledge on the safe use of medicines.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for admission, applicants must obtain 26 points or better for the net ELR2B2 aggregate score (i.e. English Language, 2 relevant subjects and best 2 other subjects, including CCA Bonus Points) and meet the minimum entry requirements of this course. CCA cannot be used to meet the minimum entry requirements.

Subject
Grade

English Language (EL1)*

1-7

Mathematics (E or A)

1-6

Any one of the following subjects

  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Food & Nutrition / Nutrition & Food Science
  • Physics
  • Science (Chemistry , Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Chemistry)
1-6
2024 Planned Intake
70
Net ELR2B2 aggregate range (2024 JAE)
6 - 10

* 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).

Admissions Exercises

Coursework

What You'll Learn

You will begin your journey by building a strong broad-based foundation through core subjects ranging from microbiology, cell biology, mathematics to conservation, nutrition and workplace safety.

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
AMB1005 Basic Microbiology

This subject investigates the important fundamentals of microbiology and its relevance to the food, biomedical and biotechnology industries. It covers the types of microorganisms, their cultivation and growth as well as their control.

4
AMT1004 Cell Biology & Biochemistry

This subject introduces the biology of cells and the structure-function relationship of cells, cellular membranes and organelles. It covers basic concepts of organic chemistry and the structure-property relationship of essential biomolecules. Basic laboratory skills involving the study of cell structures with the use of cell staining and microscopy techniques, as well as basic biochemical analysis will also be introduced.

5
AMA1009 Digitalisation in Applied Science

This subject covers the basic concept of data analytics as well as the processes of data cleaning, processing and visualisation of data in the contexts of applied science. Basic coding and fundamental computational thinking constructs such as variables, data type and logic will also be addressed.

2
APH1004 Laboratory & Workplace Safety

This subject covers an introduction to Good Laboratory Practice, and the identification and classification of biological, chemical, physical and ergonomic hazards at the workplace and laboratories. It also involves the conduct of risk assessment, risk controls and monitoring as well as communication of these risks to all persons involved in compliance with the Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations.

3
AMA1003 Mathematics for Applied Science

This subject covers algebra, differentiation, integration and their applications in applied science contexts.

3
ANT1005 Nutrition & Health

This subject examines the relationship between food, nutrition and health. It provides an introduction to macro- and micro- nutrients in relation to the well-being of the human body. It covers food sources of these nutrients and their interrelationships as well as the use of basic nutritional tools like My Healthy Plate, food composition tables and online nutritional databases for basic nutritional analysis.

3
ACH1009 Principles of Inorganic & Physical Chemistry 1

This subject covers the basic theory and practical knowledge of inorganic and physical chemistry. Topics include fundamentals of chemistry, atomic structure and chemical bonding, stoichiometry and equilibria concepts of a chemical reaction.

4
AMA1004 Statistics for Applied Science

This subject provides you with the basic statistical techniques that are essential for your course of study. Topics covered include basic probability and distributions, basic statistics, sampling distribution, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance and chi-square testing.

3

Get to understand how the human body works and how diseases occur. With your chemistry foundation, learn the essentials in drug development and analysis, and principles of drug action. Learn about Current Good Manufacturing Practice & Process Improvement, an essential skillset for the pharmaceutical industry.

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
APH3011 Current Good Manufacturing Practice & Process Improvement

This subject covers the fundamental knowledge and applications of Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. Topics include an overview of cGMP, documentation and record keeping, contamination control, in-process control, validation, and introduction to process improvement techniques.

4
APH2014 Fundamentals of Pharmacy Practice & Pharmacology

This subject introduces the role of pharmacy technicians and the services provided by them at hospital and community pharmacies. The subject also covers the key principles and concepts of pharmacology. Topics include drug information resources, good dispensing practice, overview of drug discovery and development, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and toxicology.

4
APH2017 Human Systems & Pharmacotherapy 1

This subject integrates the knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology with pharmacotherapy. Students will apply the knowledge learnt and good pharmacy practice in order to handle clinical enquiries, make appropriate clinical recommendations, process prescriptions and perform patient counselling in therapeutic areas such as dermatology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, reproductive and respiratory.

8
APH2016 Human Systems & Pharmacotherapy 2

This subject integrates knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and patholophysiology with pharmacotherapy. Students will apply the knowledge learnt and good pharmacy practice to handle clinical enquiries, make appropriate clinical recommendations, process prescriptions and perform patient counselling in the therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular, endocrinology, musculoskeletal and infectious diseases.

6
APH2018 Pharmaceutical Analysis 1

This subject equips students with the knowledge on the basic principles and applications of analytical instruments and techniques used in pharmaceutical industries as well as cell culture and biological assays for quality testing of pharmaceutical products. Basic concepts of laboratory quality management system will also be covered. 

6
APH3025 Pharmaceutical Analysis 2

This subject covers the knowledge and applications of pharmacopeia test methods to evaluate the quality of active drugsubstances and finished pharmaceutical products. It also provides further knowledge of chromatography with emphasis on high performance liquid chromatography including method development and optimization for various applications such as stability testing of pharmaceuticals. A topic on biological assays to measure quantity and quality of biological products will also be included.

5
APH3021 Pharmaceutics & Compounding

This subject covers the fundamental knowledge of pharmaceutical downstream manufacturing processes. The topics include industrial aspects of drug production, various manufacturing techniques such as granulation, compression, coating, encapsulation and packaging technologies. This subject also covers formulation design and extemporaneous compounding of various dosage forms as well as concepts and applications of aseptic dispensing. 

5

Your learning journey will progress through on-the-job training where you get to apply your skillsets in a professional environment and learn from industry practitioners. You will deepen your knowledge and skills in pharmacy practice or pharmaceutical and biologics manufacturing. There is also opportunity for you to learn about technical sales and marketing in the applied science industires.

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
AMP3021 Major Project

This subject provides a framework for you to solve practical problems, conduct research work and/ or develop studies, through a self-managed project. The scope of the subject includes project proposal, investigative studies, analysis, interpretation of results, written report, and presentation.

6
Diploma Elective Cluster Subjects

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
APH3024 Pharmacotherapy and Advanced Pharmacy Practice

This subject integrates the knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology with pharmacotherapy and good pharmacy practice in the therapeutics areas for neurology and psychiatry. It also covers legislations, guidelines and codes of conduct affecting the pharmaceutical industries and healthcare services. It also focuses on the business aspects of the operations of hospital and retail pharmacies such as the procurement, inventory control and distribution of pharmaceutical products. The topics on point-of-care testings, lifestyle modifications for health and disease management will also be covered in this subject.

9

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
APH3023 Pharmaceuticals & Biologics Process Technology

This subject covers the upstream and downstream processes involved in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and biologics in compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) principles and guidelines. The subject also covers the safety practices, hazard management and current trends in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and biologics. 

9

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
BMK2021 Marketing Account Management

This subject focuses on the fundamentals of service excellence in account management to capture the hearts and minds of stakeholders. Building on these basics, the subject covers strategies and tools to manage relationships with key partners and customers to achieve business objectives.

4
ASM3001 Marketing of Science Products and Services

The subject covers marketing concepts, code of ethics, guidelines and regulations governing the sales and sustainable marketing of products and services that can be applied in various sectors of the applied science industry such as life science, chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and pet industries.

5

You will also take this set of subjects that equips you with the crucial 21st-Century life skills you need to navigate the modern world as an agile, forward-thinking individual and team player.

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
ASI3029 Student Internship Programme

This structured programme is designed to link your learning with the real work environment. You will be placed in organisation(s) with opportunities to apply the concepts and skills acquired in the course of your study. Besides reinforcing technical concepts and mastering of skills in areas that you have been trained, the practical training will enable you to build important skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and to cultivate good attitude and a strong work ethic.

16
ATX1001 Effective Communication

This subject introduces the fundamentals of effective communication. It also covers how to communicate with and convince an audience through writing and speaking tasks. The skills in this subject will include the application of strategies for communication, appropriate vocabulary, language features, visual aids, tone and style. The Message, Audience, Purpose and Strategy (MAPS) framework will also be applied when planning and engaging in written and verbal communication.​ There will be opportunities to communicate and collaborate through active learning activities, apply digital and information literacy skills and build competence through self-directed learning.

3
ATX1002 Professional Communication

This subject covers professional communication skills for the workplace and employability skills in the areas of career preparation. It covers communication and interpersonal skills, including effective virtual communication etiquette, and conducting oneself professionally in the workplace. In addition, essential career preparation skills such as resume writing and interview skills, needed to seek and secure work would be included. The Message, Audience, Purpose and Strategy (MAPS) framework would also be applied when engaging in written and verbal communication. There will be opportunities to communicate and collaborate through active learning activities, apply digital and information literacy skills and build competence through self-directed learning.

3
GTP1301 Current Issues & Critical Thinking

This subject covers current issues, including diverse local and global concerns, that will impact lives and may have critical implications for Singapore. There will be opportunities to build competence through self-directed learning, communicate and collaborate in active discussions and objectively analyse issues using digital and information literacy skills and critical thinking scaffolds.

3
GTP1201 Career Readiness

This subject focuses on personal management skills. It develops an understanding of one’s career interests, values, personality and skills for career success. It covers the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to succeed in the workplace and achieve professional goals. There will be exposure to apply digital and information literacy skills, build competence through self-directed learning methods, and acquire the skills of being a lifelong learner.

1
GTP1202 Career Management

This subject focuses on career management skills. It covers the importance of workplace readiness skills to adapt and respond to the changing job market environment. Career ownership and continuous learning for lifelong employability will be emphasised. There will be exposure to apply digital and information literacy skills, build competence through self-directed learning, and acquire the skills of being a lifelong learner.

1
TGS1002 Global Studies

This subject provides essential skills and knowledge to prepare students for an overseas experience. They will examine the elements of culture and learn the key principles of cross-cultural communication. In addition, they will gain an appreciation and awareness of the political, economic, technological and social landscape to function effectively in a global environment. The subject prepares students to be responsible global citizens and leaders who can contribute to the global community through effective communication and collaboration.

3
GTP1302 Guided Learning*

The subject introduces students to the concepts and process of self-directed learning in a chosen area of inquiry. The process focusses on four stages: planning, performing, monitoring and reflecting. Students get to plan their individual learning project, refine and execute the learning plan, as well as monitor and reflect on their learning progress and project. The learning will be captured and showcased through a curated portfolio. The self-directed learning project will broaden and/or deepen a student’s knowledge and skills. Students will enhance their problem solving and digital literacy skills through this subject.

3
INV1001 Innovation & Entrepreneurship

The subject is designed for learners from all disciplines to embrace innovation in either their specialised field or beyond.  Learners will be taught to apply the Design Thinking framework to develop problem statements, ideate and identify feasible solutions. Learners will be exposed to several tools for prototyping. In addition, commercial awareness will be imbued in learners through various innovation and entrepreneurship concepts or tools. This subject also prepares students to be self-directed lifelong learners who are digital and information literate. It nurtures communicative and collaborative citizens who can use objective analysis in problem-solving.

2
GTP1101 Leadership Fundamentals

This subject focuses on self-leadership based on the values of integrity, respect, and responsibility. Increasing awareness of self and others will lay the foundations for personal and relationship effectiveness. Consequential thinking, clear articulation of personal values and visions, emphatic listening, and collaboration in serving others are some of the essential skills covered in this leadership journey. There will be opportunities to build and to apply the concepts of being a values-centred leader.

2
GTP1102 Leadership in Action

This subject focuses on Service Learning as an experiential platform to apply the tenets of Self and Team Leadership. Service Learning will be the capstone project for this subject, which will require an analysis of the diverse needs of the community, collaboration with community partners and demonstration of learning, including key elements of empathy. There will be opportunities to build and to apply the concepts of being a values-centred leader.

1
LSW1002 Sports & Wellness

This subject reinforces the fundamental knowledge learnt on health, fitness, exercise and sports. Hands-in time will be allocated for a greater variety of fitness exercises and sports skills in a recreation setting. In addition, theoretical knowledge such as sports safety and risk management when participating in physical activities will be introduced. Guidance will be provided for improvement of physical fitness, acquiring of sports skills and relating theoretical knowledge to the physical activities.

2
TGS1001 Sustainability & Climate Action*

This subject prepares students to be responsible global citizens and future leaders who can contribute to the global community.  It introduces the topics of sustainability and explores how human societies can act to build a sustainable future. This subject focuses on the impact of climate change, potential solutions to climate change, and the future of the green economy from global and local perspectives.

3

* Students must choose to take either Sustainability & Climate Action or Guided Learning.


Graduation Requirements
Cumulative Grade Point Average
min 1.0
TP Fundamental Subjects
40 credit units
Diploma Subjects - Core Subjects
71 credit units min
Diploma Subjects - Elective Subjects
9 credit units
Total Credit Units Completed
min 120 credit units

Career Prospects

Life @ PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE

Course Review

Course Fees

PET Course Fee

Main

The table below shows the total subsidised fees (inclusive of GST) payable. 

ADMITTED INSINGAPOREANS
(Age below 40 in the year 2021) 
SINGAPORE PERMANENT RESIDENTSINTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
2023S$3,086.50S$6,317.10S$12,042.20
2022S$3,076.05S$6,306.50S$11,638.20

 

WHEN DO I PAY?

There are 2 semesters in each Academic YEAR (AY). The billing periods for AY 2023/2024 are:
Semester 1:  17 April 2023 – 15 October 2023 
Semester 2:  16 October 2023 – 14 April 2024

Fees are billed and payable by semester. They are usually payable in June for Semester 1 and December for Semester 2.

MORE DETAILS ON FEES AND FINANCE

View course fees for other intakes, subsidies, grants, bursary and awards at the Fees & Financial matters section. 

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FAQs

Where do students do their internships?

Where do students do their internships?

Students’ internship placements are based on their elective clusters. Students in the pharmacy practice elective cluster will do their internship in hospital and retail pharmacies. Students in the pharmaceuticals and biologics elective cluster will do their internship in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, as well as testing and research laboratories.

Can I join the course if I do not have background in biology?

Can I join the course if I do not have background in biology?

Yes. However, the first year may be more challenging, and you may need to work harder as you are new to biology. Many students without biology background have done well in the course. Bridging courses are also provided to help students cope with the biology subjects.

What degree programmes can I pursue after this diploma?

What degree programmes can I pursue after this diploma?

Relevant degree programmes include Pharmacy (NUS), Pharmaceutical Science (NUS), Pharmaceutical Engineering (SIT). PHS graduates have also been enrolled into Physiotherapy (SIT), Diagnostic Radiography (SIT), Life Science (NUS) and Chemistry and Biological Chemistry (NTU).

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