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Last Updated: 18 October 2021

Pharmaceutical Science

Unravel the mystery of medications and therapies, and make a significant impact on patient well-being through the science of pharmaceuticals. This program provides students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills, from drug discovery to clinical applications. It prepares students to excel in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, equipping them for a fulfilling career in a field dedicated to enhancing healthcare outcomes.

Course code : R22
Republic Polytechnic
Admission type: JAE , DAE , JPAE , Poly EAE , PFP
2024 JAE ELR2B2-C aggregate: 11-18
Course duration : 3 years

Applicants with mild visual impairment may encounter difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations, and may be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine their suitability for admission.

Course details

Field of study Applied Sciences
Track/Specialisation

This course offers the following tracks or specialisation:

  • Major in Patient Care Practice
  • Major in Pharmaceutical Industry Practice
Certification offered

Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science

Learn more about the course

Minimum entry requirement

You must meet the respective examination requirements in order for us to consider your application.

For N(A)-Level students seeking admission through PFP

This a Group 1 PFP course.

Subject Grade
English Language Syllabus A 1-3
Mathematics Syllabus A / Additional Mathematics 1-3

Any one of the following subjects

  • Design and Technology
  • Food and Nutrition/Nutrition and Food Science
  • Science (Chemistry, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Chemistry)
1-3

Any 2 other subjects excluding CCA

1-4
For O-Level students seeking admission through JAE
Subject Grade
English Language 1-7
Mathematics (Elementary/Additional) 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

Course modules

General modules
  • Innovation and Practice
  • Effective Workplace Communication
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
  • Singapore, the World and I
  • Designing Your Life (Personal Growth I)
  • Designing Your Life (Personal Growth II)
  • Designing Your Life (Future-Ready I)
  • Designing Your Life (Future-Ready II)

Some modules and synopses are pending confirmation and may be subject to change.

Discipline modules
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Data Science
  • General and Physical Chemistry
  • Good Dispensing Practice
  • Healthcare Regulations and Ethics
  • Laboratory Practices and Safety
  • Mathematics for Applied Science
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Cell Biology and Biochemistry
  • Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
  • Principles of Chemical and Biological Drug Action
  • Sustainability and Climate Change

Some modules and synopses are pending confirmation and may be subject to change.

Industry orientation programmes

Option 1

  • Project

and choose 1 from:

  • Industry Immersion Programme
  • Entrepreneurial Immersion Programme
  • Corporate Innovation Immersion Programme

Option 2

  • Industry Immersion Programme II (1-year internship; in lieu of 3 electives and A300)

Some modules and synopses are pending confirmation and may be subject to change.

Major modules

Major in Patient Care Practice

  • Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy
  • Digital Health Innovations and Applications
  • Healthcare Professionalism and Patient Counselling Skills
  • Health Products Supply Chain
  • Integrative Medicine and Nutrition
  • Medication Safety and Sustainability
  • Minor Ailments and Preventive Health
  • Pharmaceutics and Compounding Techniques
  • Advanced Pharmacotherapy

Some modules and synopses are pending confirmation and may be subject to change.

Major in Pharmaceutical Industry Practice

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Clinical Development to Commercial Success
  • Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy
  • Current Good Manufacturing Practice
  • Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry
  • Health Products Supply Chain
  • Minor Ailments and Preventive Health
  • Pharmaceuticals and Biologics Manufacturing Science
  • Pharmaceutics and Compounding Techniques

Some modules and synopses are pending confirmation and may be subject to change.

Elective modules

Note: Some modules and synopses are pending confirmation and may be subject to change.

For Major in Patient Care Practice

Option A

Select Elective modules totalling 12 MCs from the list of electives below and/or from the list of modules in applicable Minor Programmes:

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Clinical Development to Commercial Success
  • Current Good Manufacturing Practice
  • Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry
  • Genetics
  • Immunology
  • Pharmaceuticals and Biologics Manufacturing Science

Option B

Select a Minor Programme

Option C

Select a CET-based Certificate programme (8 MCs) and 1 Electives (4 MCs)

For Major in Pharmaceutical Industry Practice

Option A

Select Elective modules totalling 12 MCs from the list of electives below and/or from the list of modules in applicable Minor Programmes:

  • Advanced Pharmacotherapy
  • Digital Health Innovations and Applications
  • Genetics
  • Healthcare Professionalism and Patient Counselling Skills
  • Immunology
  • Integrative Medicine and Nutrition
  • Medication Safety and Sustainability

Option B

Select a Minor Programme

Option C

Select a CET-based Certificate programme (8 MCs) and 1 Electives (4 MCs)

Internship

Internship duration 16 to 20 weeks
Internship timeframe Year 3

Career prospects

You can explore the following career options upon graduation:

  • Assistant Biotechnologist
  • Assistant Formulation Scientist
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Healthcare Product Specialist
  • Laboratory Technologist
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Executive
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Pharmacy Retail Executive
  • Pharmaceutical Research Technologist
  • Procurement Executive (Healthcare)
  • Quality Assurance Assistant/Executive
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Regulatory Affairs Executive

Use resources and interactive tools that are available on MySkillsFuture Portal to explore various education and career pathways.

How to register

Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)

You may register using the JAE Internet System (JAE-IS). Learn the process and how to apply.

Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE)

You may apply through the respective polytechnics’ websites. Learn the process and how to apply.

Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE)

You may register using the JPAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.

Polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE)

You may register using the Poly EAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.

Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)

You may register using the PFPAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.