Here, at the J13 School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM, we stand before a place of firsts and futures. The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM, marks the spot where Malaysia’s pharmacy education began. Established in 1972, it was the first pharmacy school in the country.
Imagine the year: 1972. Universiti Sains Malaysia was just four years old. The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM, welcomed its first 22 students.
For a short time the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM has undergone physical and academic evolution. In 1991, the school moved here to modern, well-equipped labs. These labs serve both teaching and research needs.
Currently, the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM, has a strong team. There are 46 full-time lecturers. Twenty administrative staff members keep things running smoothly. Forty-two technical staff members support the labs and research. The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM also benefits from external expertise. About 11 part-time lecturers come from other university departments. Fifteen honorary consultants or lecturers are from Penang’s Health Department. Ten honorary lecturers are from Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. Thirty pharmacy preceptors assist with the clinical program.
The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM offers a four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy program. It also provides Masters of Pharmacy in Clinical Pharmacy. Additionally, students can pursue Masters of Science and Doctoral degrees by research.
To date, the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM, has produced over 1500 undergraduate students. More than 100 postgraduate students have graduated. Alumni hold important positions in both public and private sectors.
Due to high demand, the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM increased its annual intake to 130 students in 2003. Entry remains competitive. Postgraduate studies are popular. Many students come from overseas. They come from Indonesia, Thailand, Pakistan and even further afield. Students travel from Ghana, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, and Libya to study here at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM.
The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM is involved in consultation work. It works with local pharmaceutical industry and multinational companies. Services include bioavailability studies and chemical analyses. The school also conducts pyrogen testing and product development. Biological assays are another area of expertise.
The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM is a member of the Association of American College of Pharmacy. It was the first national pharmacy school accredited by the Malaysian Accreditation Board.
Here at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM, the undergraduate program is constantly updated. The innovative curriculum aligns with current trends. It addresses Malaysia’s need for skilled pharmaceutical services. The multidisciplinary approach integrates pharmaceutical chemistry and technology. Pharmacology, physiology, clinical pharmacy and administrative pharmacy are also key. This comprehensive education prepares graduates to be ethical leaders. They are ready to be drug specialists in the modern world.
The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM provides clinical training. Students gain experience at Penang General Hospital. They also train at the university’s teaching hospital in Kubang Kerian. These hospitals offer real-world experience. Students practice clinical pharmacy skills.
Research is a major focus at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM. Postgraduate students can conduct research in all pharmaceutical science disciplines. Over the last decade, research activities have increased. The school collaborates with local and foreign institutions. State-of-the-art equipment supports this research.
The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM offers postgraduate degrees in clinical pharmacy. There are plans for higher degrees in specialized areas. The faculty members are well-qualified. Their expertise in research and teaching is recognized locally and internationally. The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM has shaped the pharmacy profession in Malaysia. Its graduates are making a difference worldwide.