UCSI University's Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences programmes offers a unique curriculum of both research and academic coursework that also includes complusory elective business courses.

UCSI University's Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences research activities have increased by leaps and bounds, some in close collaboration with local research and government institutions. Contributing to research in drug discovery and development with a focus on the local flora and fauna; there are two new masters taught by the faculty of pharmaceutical sciences; aiming at training science graduates with enhanced knowledge in drug research and development. 

The Masters of Science in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the Masters of Science in Pharmaceutical Technology puts research as the focus of the programme and aims to produce professional ethical graduates capable of contributing to the local and global pharmaceutical industry for the advancement of quality pharmaceutical products, research and development. Students will be inculcated on life-long learning and to develop creative, critical problem-solving skills with good communication, management and leadership skills.

According to Dr Chin Jin Han, UCSI University's Head of Postgraduate and Research of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Currently, the research focus of the faculty, namely on the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Chemistry is on natural products with high medicinal values which involve exploring, analysing and identifying the active components of traditional medicinal herbs. This versatility mixed mode postgraduate curriculum enables graduates to utilize their specialised and entrepreneurship knowledge to venture into various industries within and beyond the pharmaceuticals field."

Some of the latest researches that have been done by the lecturers in the faculty are ""HPLC analyses of polyphenols and antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants extracts" which were presented at the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) Scientific Conference in October, 2011. Other research which is on-going in the faculty is the"Phytochemical Analysis, Toxicology and antimicrobial study of plant extracts"  conducted by a few lecturers.

May Lee Li Yee, a postgraduate student of the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Chemistry is currently conducting a research entitled ‘Phytochemical Analysis and Oral Tocixity Studies of Medicinal Plants.' The study aims to develop a HPLC method for identification and quantification of phytochemical compounds in medicinal plants.

According to May Lee Li Yee, "Research has enabled new discoveries to be made that has led to new and improved facilities, better healthcare and services, better communication and easy access to global information. The present study aims to benefit the society in making a significant contribution of knowledge of this particular plant. Upon completion of this toxicity study, the public would understand about the safety of the plant. In addition, this study will introduce the development of a new technique or process that has the potential of leading to a new product of commercial value as well as the improvement to the existing facilities."

Another student undertaking the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Foo Rui Qing is conducting a Research on ‘Antimicrobial Study of Standardized Medicinal Plants Extracts on Selected Foodborne Pathogens.' Foo Rui Qing explains that there are many areas in which one can pursue one's interest with the intent of gaining as well as contributing new knowledge for the betterment of society. That being said, she has always enjoyed studying biology related subjects as it intrigues her on how delicate and susceptible one organism can be in any given situation and how the same organism can prove to be particularly hardy and resistant in another situation.

The objective of the research is to standardize the medicinal plants extracts with a validated HPLC method.  Depending on the outcome of this research, future goals may include selecting a different set of microbes for another antimicrobial study or using these present set of microbes and plant extracts to study the mechanism of inhibition; or applying the skills and experience from this research into a new field of research such as studying the relationship between the microbial load found within the host animal's intestines and the affect plant extracts will have on them.

Associate Professor Dr Yeong Siew Wei, UCSI University's Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences also added, "Human capital is important for the various industries in Malaysia, including the pharmaceutical industries. With the flexible time schedule of the Masters programmes, it's possible for working science graduates to pursue a postgraduate degree for career advancement"

Recently, UCSI University Pharmacy Student Association (UCSIUPSA) held its Oath-taking Ceremony cum Gala Night 2012 for the graduating students in pledging their service to the society. The event was organised by Year 3 students from UCSI University's Faculty of Pharmaceutical School in Cititel, Mid Valley on 12^th May 2012. Almost 161 participants comprising lecturers, alumni and students, gathered at the event and established strong bonds with each other. The faculty was pleased to have Mr John Chang, Deputy President of Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) attend as the guest of honor. All graduates took the ‘Oath of a Pharmacists' as pharmacists to devote their lives to improving the health and well-being of the community, and to make knowledge and skill enhancement a lifelong commitment.

The master programme has a good value proposition for science graduates in obtaining postgraduate degrees by professional academicians within the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.  The University could accommodate flexible schedules for working adults who wish to pursue their studies in these programmes. Science graduates would have the opportunity in understanding drug development and research by the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and expose themselves to business knowledge with elective courses offered within the University's MBA programme.

UCSI University's Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences will also be organising an annual Public Health Campaign from 21^st to 22^nd July 2012. With the theme, ‘Fit for Life, Let's Prevent Cancer,' there will be free health screenings conducted during the campaign, such as waist-to-hip ratio measurement, blood pressure test, body fat test and blood glucose test.

For more information on UCSI University's pharmaceutical sciences programmes, do pay us a visit during our Open Days from the 21^st to 22^nd July 2012 as well (between 9.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.). You may also contact our Postgraduate Centre at 03- 91024739 or email us at, www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/onlineenquiry for more enquiries.

Otherwise, visit the UCSI University website at, www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my for further information.