Education
Post Graduate
PHC5001 - Capstone Project (6 Units) [Sem 1 & 2]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Gautam Sethi (phcgs@nus.edu.sg)
A/P Wang Lingzhi (csiwl@nus.edu.sg)
Dr David Fann (david.fann@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
The capstone project integrates MSc programme learning into real-world practice, preparing students for careers in medical pharmacology through mentored, project-based work. Under the guidance of a supervisor in healthcare, drug development, or pharmacology education, students will propose, design, and deliver a substantial project that may involve preclinical/clinical/regulatory research and project management, or—on the Education Track—develop and run pharmacology workshops or practical sessions, create innovative learning resources, or conduct educational research. Through mentor discussions, practical exercises, and authentic application, students build skills in research and experimental methodology, instructional design, and assessment. The module culminates in a final report and presentation, bridging academic learning with professional practice and preparing graduates for leadership roles in academia, industry, or healthcare.
PHC5002 - Industry Internship (6 Units) [Sem 1 & 2]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Kwon Seok Soga (kwonseok@nus.edu.sg)
Dr Rajkumar Ramamoorthy (rajkumar@nus.edu.sg)
Dr Nurulhuda Mustafa (huda.mustafa@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
The Internship Programme is introduced to provide students with structured workplace exposure that complements the academic and applied coursework of the MSc Medical Pharmacology programme. It allows students to contextualise classroom learning within real-world professional environments, enhancing career readiness while maintaining clear academic oversight.
This course is distinct from research capstones or project-based courses, as it does not involve independent research outputs or academic project deliverables. Instead, it focuses on experiential learning, professional practice, and reflective development under supervision. While experiential learning opportunities may exist in other programmes, this Internship Programme is specifically aligned with pharmacology- and regulatory-related career pathways, ensuring relevance without duplication of existing courses.
The internship is strictly credit-bearing and unpaid, reinforcing its educational purpose and ensuring equitable access for all students.
PHC5003 - Effective Scientific Communication (2 Units) [SEM 1]
Course Coordinator:
Dr. Nurulhuda Mustafa (huda.mustafa@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
Effective communication of science is a critical skill for professionals in the biotech, pharmaceutical or healthcare industries. Students will learn to clearly organize and accurately convey complex scientific concepts, data and research findings to a diverse audience including scientists, healthcare providers, regulatory bodies and the general public. The course will offer a communication framework designed to enhance clarity, precision and impact in both the written and oral forms.
PHC5004 - Ethics & Good Practice in Medicinal Research (2 Units) [SEM 2]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Le Thi Nguyet Minh (phcltnm@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
This course is designed to address the critical ethical considerations in the field of pharmacological research. This course aims to equip students with a deep understanding of the ethical frameworks and principles that govern research practices in pharmacology, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct in all stages of drug development and testing.
PHC5005 - Principles and Praxis of Pharmacology (4 Units) [SEM 1]
Course Coordinator:
Dr Rajkumar Ramamoorthy (rajkumar@nus.edu.sg)
Dr Wang Ziteng (ziteng@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
This course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the essential pharmacological principles, focusing on the core concepts that underpin science of drugs and their interaction with biological systems. It delves into the molecular intricacies of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, and unravels the subtleties of drug action, dose-response relationships, drug efficacy, safety profiles, adverse drug reactions and drug interactions. Experience the art of conducting pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics studies in animals and humans, integrating industrial exposure to refine the design of clinical trials. Embark on this journey to turn knowledge into impactful action to expand the boundaries of pharmacological innovation.
PHC5006 - Clinical Pharmacology I (4 Units) [SEM 1]
Course Coordinator:
Dr David Fann (david.fann@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
This course aims to prepare Master of Medical Pharmacology students with the principles and concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics with a focus on patients in the clinic. A sound understanding of these foundation principles, which constitute the scientific basis of therapeutics, will promote the safe and rational use of drugs in disease conditions. The course will then progress to the study of the pharmacological properties of various classes of clinically useful drugs, starting with autonomic nervous system, and followed by cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.
PHC5007 - Clinical Pharmacology II (4 Units) [SEM 2]
Course Coordinator:
Dr Wang Ziteng (ziteng@nus.edu.sg)
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This course is a continuation from PHC5006 Clinical Pharmacology I on the study of pharmacological properties of various classes of clinically useful drugs. It is organized according to drugs acting on various body systems; namely the neurology, renal, pain and endocrine systems. Antimicrobials for the treatment of infections will also be included. The scientific basis of the therapeutic applications of these drugs will be demonstrated to the students.
PHC5008 - Regulatory Affairs: Foundations and Practical Applications (2 units) [SEM 1]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Kwon Seok Soga (kwonseok@nus.edu.sg)
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Course Description:
This course offers a foundational introduction to regulatory affairs for healthcare products, covering three key areas: Foundations of Regulatory Systems, Regulatory Management Across the Product Lifecycle, and Excellence in Regulatory Affairs. Students will explore the evolution of regulatory systems, key instruments (laws, regulations, guidance, and industry codes), and the roles of regulatory authorities. The course examines how regulations apply from product ideation to market exit, including development, manufacturing, marketing, distribution and post-market surveillance. Through detailed reading, case studies and practical exercises, students will gain insights into product classification, operational compliance, and risk management, while building essential skills in regulatory critical thinking and communication.
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PHC5009 - Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare Education (2 units) [SEM 2]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Judy SNG Chia Ghee (phcsngj@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
This course introduces foundational leadership and innovation principles for healthcare educators and clinician-leaders. Students explore leadership styles, communication, team dynamics, and human-centred innovation approaches relevant to healthcare education. Through case discussions, design thinking exercises, and reflective practice, participants learn to lead small-scale change, engage stakeholders, and communicate effectively in complex educational environments. Emphasis is placed on self-awareness, collaboration, and translating ideas into feasible innovations that enhance learning, training, and educational systems in healthcare.
PHC5011 - Curriculum Design for Pharmacology (4 Units) [SEM 2]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Judy SNG Chia Ghee (phcsngj@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
This master’s level course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of curriculum design principles tailored specifically for the field of pharmacology. Through theoretical discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, students will explore various approaches to curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation within the context of pharmacological education. Emphasis will be placed on fostering critical thinking skills, promoting active learning strategies, and integrating innovative teaching methodologies to enhance the educational experience for both students and educators.
PHC5012 - Mixed Methods in Education Research (4 Units) [SEM 1]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Judy SNG Chia Ghee (phcsngj@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
This course introduces mixed methods research approaches in medical and health professions education, integrating quantitative and qualitative methodologies to address complex educational questions. Students will learn how to design, conduct, analyse, and interpret studies that combine numerical data with rich contextual insights. Through lectures, workshops, and applied projects, participants will develop practical skills in research design, ethics, data integration, and scholarly communication. Emphasis is placed on aligning methodological choices with research questions and real-world educational challenges in medical and pharmacological training.
This course is designed for graduate students, educators, and professionals in the field of education who are interested in enhancing their research skills.
PHC5101-Clinical Trial Design and Management (4 Units) [SEM 1]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Wang Lingzhi (csiwl@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the new drug development with a focus phase I and II clinical trials. The unique requirements and challenges of this critical stage cover key concepts from preclinical findings to clinical investigation in human subjects. Students will learn trial design principles, protocol structuring, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, biomarker discovery, bias control, site selection, and ethical considerations, in parallel with the cultivation of clinical project management and communication skills. Through lectures and practical exercises, students will gain insights and competencies that allow them to prepare, assess, and manage the quality and integrity of early clinical drug development.
PHC5102 - N-of-1 Pharmacology (2 Units) [SEM 1]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Gavin Dawe (phchead@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
Explore the revolutionary impact of N-of-1 pharmacology in personalised medicine. Traditional personalised medicine uses aggregate population data to predict how best to customize individual treatment and prevention plans based on patient characteristics like genetics, environment, and lifestyle. In contrast, N-of-1 pharmacology uniquely uses data only from the individual patient to formulate the most effective treatment plan for that person. This course delves into the mathematical frameworks that underpin N-of-1 pharmacology and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) models in driving these advancements. Discover how these cutting-edge approaches are setting new standards in personalized medicine.
PHC5103 -Personalized Medicines and Pharmacometrics (4 Units) [SEM 2]
Course Coordinator:
Dr. Nurulhuda Mustafa (huda.mustafa@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
Interindividual variability in drug response remains a major challenge in drug therapy. This course will explore genetic factors that influence drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and drug action at the target site. Through clinical case studies, we will evaluate the healthcare impact of integrating these genetic insights into clinical practice. This course also examines how environmental influences, patient physiology, and microbiome compositions can impact drug efficacy. We will analyse population-specific responses and evaluate technological tools for predicting drug effects. This knowledge is crucial for anyone aiming to optimize therapeutic outcomes in patients through the practice of personalised medicine.
PHC5104 - Pharmacovigilance and Regulatory Affairs (4 Units) [SEM 2]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Kwon Seok Soga (kwonseok@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
The Pharmacovigilance and Regulatory Affairs course provides a thorough understanding of pharmacovigilance principles and regulatory framework, which are the mainstays in ensuring the safety of health products. Participants will analyze methodologies and tools for signal detection, risk assessment, and management to identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential health product risks. The curriculum also covers elements of a good adverse drug reaction report, adverse drug reaction mechanisms, and the influence of risk factors on drug safety. Through comprehensive case reviews and interpretation of individual case safety reports, participants will apply their knowledge to real-world pharmacovigilance scenarios, enhancing drug safety and public health.
PHC5105 - Natural Products & Complementary Medicine (2 Units) [SEM 2]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Wang Lingzhi (csiwl@nus.edu.sg)
Dr Neelima Gupta (neel@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
Pharmacology plays a crucial role in both Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This course provides students with the chance to explore natural products and complementary medicine, delving into their pharmacological mechanisms and therapeutic applications. Additionally, students will learn to utilize reverse pharmacology to uncover new therapeutic agents from natural sources, while also mastering innovative research methodologies and addressing safety concerns. Through group assignments, students will learn to collaborate and gain a comprehensive understanding of the modern landscape of natural products and complementary medicine through interactive discussions and exposure to diverse perspectives.
PHC5106 - Toxicology and Safety Assessment (4 Units) [SEM 1]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Kwon Seok Soga (kwonseok@nus.edu.sg)
Dr Rajkumar Ramamoorthy (rajkumar@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
This course is structured to concisely offer the cardinal concepts in toxicology including toxicokinetics, organ-directed toxicities, mechanistic toxicology, biomarkers and toxicity testing that will be expounded to students through case studies to provide practical insights. This course design encompasses workshops and professional networking opportunities via field trips that ensures students to gain an in-depth understanding of how toxicological science is applied to the end-to-end (inception to market) safety assurance for chemicals and consumer products in global markets.
PHC5107 - Next Generation Medicines: From Bench to Bedside (4 Units) [SEM 2]
Course Coordinator:
Dr Nurulhuda Mustafa (huda.mustafa@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
Focusing on the latest advancements in therapeutic innovation, this course offers an overview of emerging strategies in drug development, emphasizing the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for new drug discovery and optimization of drug combinations in clinical practice. Students will study the latest trends in gene and cell therapies, explore innovations in drug delivery and learn to navigate entrepreneurial and translational pathways required to bring these innovations to market and patients. Students will develop an understanding of the scientific and business landscapes shaping the future of therapeutics.
PHC5108 - Green and Sustainable Pharmacology (2 Units) [SEM 1,2]
Course Coordinator:
Dr Rajkumar Ramamoorthy (rajkumar@nus.edu.sg)
Dr Nurulhuda Mustafa (huda.mustafa@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
Discover the interdisciplinary course on a new branch of Pharmacology that focuses on eco-friendly (green) processes that do not adversely impact the resources of future generations (sustainable). Green and sustainable pharmacology focuses on minimizing the environmental impact of every stage of drug development and clinical use of drugs, starting from drug discovery, manufacture, (pre)clinical development, and extending to prescription, use and disposal. Biomedical scientists and healthcare professionals equipped with this knowledge on the underlying issues and strategies to minimize ecological impact throughout the lifecycle of drugs will make informed choices leading to environmentally responsible pharmacological research, development, and practice.
PHC5109 - Regulatory and Safety Sciences for Medical Devices (2 units) [SEM 2]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Kwon Seok Soga (kwonseok@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
This course introduces medical device regulations in Asia, with comparative insights from Europe and the United States (US). Students will explore the ASEAN Medical Device Directive (AMDD) and regulatory frameworks in key Asian markets, including China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, and Taiwan. Topics include product classification, registration procedures, biocompatibility and toxicological risk assessment (ISO 10993-17:2024), analytical toxicology, and post-market surveillance. Through real-world case studies and regulatory scenarios, students will gain practical knowledge and skills to navigate diverse regulatory pathways and develop effective submission strategies for successful market entry in Asia.
PHC5110 - Regulatory Applications of NAMS (New Alternative Methodologies) and NGRA (Next Gen Risk Assessment) (2 units) [SEM 1]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Kwon Seok Soga (kwonseok@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
This course introduces New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and Next-Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) in regulatory toxicology, exploring their application across pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and industrial chemicals to strengthen safety evaluations, reduce animal testing, and support evidence-based regulatory decisions. It also addresses regulatory acceptance, data integration, and implementation challenges, outlining practical solutions and emerging developments shaping the field.
PHC5111 - Integrated Biorisk Preparedness for Biomedical Professionals (4 units) [SEM 1]
Course Coordinator:
Dr Rajkumar Ramamoorthy (rajkumar@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
Lead responsibly at the frontiers of biomedical research and development. This course equips postgraduates with competencies to implement integrated biorisk management across diagnostic, clinical, research, and pharmaceutical settings. Master risk governance for biologics, advanced therapy, vaccines, and combination products. You will integrate dual use research of concerns, biosafety and biosecurity controls, and data integrity while aligned with good laboratory practices and ISO for compliance, quality controls, and pandemic preparedness. Major topics include biorisk management strategies, regulatory frameworks, data stewardship, incident and emergency management. Become a Biosafety Coordinator and pursue high-impact careers in biosafety, quality controls and regulatory affairs.
PHC5112 - Regulatory Sciences for Healthcare Products (2 units) [SEM 1]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Kwon Seok Soga (kwonseok@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
This course introduces the fundamentals of regulatory sciences and safety assurance for healthcare products, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, herbal products and traditional medicines, cosmetics, and food supplements. Key topics are integrated across the product lifecycle, covering risk assessment, regulatory classifications, registration procedures, safety standards, and post-market surveillance through pharmacovigilance. Using real-world examples and case studies, students will gain practical knowledge to evaluate regulatory compliance and apply integrated strategies that support safe and effective product development. The course also builds students’ confidence in applying these strategies across diverse regulatory frameworks, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to product safety and public health.
PHC5113 -Teaching Diverse Minds in Healthcare Education (2 units) [SEM 2]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Judy SNG Chia Ghee (phcsngj@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
This course prepares healthcare educators to teach and support diverse learners by integrating principles from neuroscience, mental health literacy, coaching, and inclusive education. Students examine how neurodiversity, mental health conditions, stress, trauma, culture, and context influence learning and engagement in healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on psychologically safe teaching practices, appropriate educator boundaries, and evidence-informed strategies to support learning without diagnostic or therapeutic intent. Selected concepts from human neuropharmacology are introduced to provide contextual understanding of common treatments and their potential impact on learning and behaviour. The module equips educators to teach with empathy, clarity, and professionalism across diverse learner populations.
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PHC5114 - Transforming your Teaching using Technology (4 Units) [SEM 2]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Judy SNG Chia Ghee (phcsngj@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
Medical educators require competency in the use of educational technology. During this 12-week course we will explore how to use technology effectively to support asynchronous and synchronous learning. The course will be grounded in educational theory, and students will gain experience in the use of a range of technologies in each session. Guest speakers will explore the use of gamification and artificial intelligence applied to medical education. During the course, students will work in groups to develop a final project which will consist of a brief teaching session demonstrating the use of these principles and technologies, which will be shared with the group at the end of the module.
 Upon completion, scholars will have developed a toolbox containing the essential skills to embark on transforming learning and teaching for both in-person and virtual environment. 
PHC5115 - Neuroscience of Learning for the Healthcare Educator (4 Units) [SEM 1]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Judy SNG Chia Ghee (phcsngj@nus.edu.sg)
Dr David Fann (david.fann@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
This course introduces healthcare educators to the neuroscience and learning sciences underpinning effective teaching and curriculum design. Drawing on evidence from cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and education research, students examine how attention, memory, motivation, emotion, and context influence learning. Through case discussions, lesson design, and reflective practice, participants learn to translate theory into effective teaching strategies for health professions education. Emphasis is placed on alignment between learning objectives, instructional strategies, and assessment, equipping students with a scientific foundation for evidence-informed educational practice. 
PHC5116 - The Responsible In Vivo Scientist (2 units) [SEM 2]
Course Coordinator:
Dr Rajkumar Ramamoorthy (rajkumar@nus.edu.sg)
A/P Gavin Dawe (phcdgs@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
This course examines the scientific, ethical, and operational foundations of animal research in pharmacology and drug discovery. You will learn how animal models are selected, designed, and interpreted to support efficacy, PK/PD, and safety decisions, while recognising translational limitations. The module emphasises responsible care and use of animals through the 3Rs, humane endpoints, and research oversight processes. Familiarise the occupational health and safety requirements for safe animal handling to strengthen your protocol design, compliance readiness, and the translational impact of your future studies. Get introduced to AAALAC accreditation/ other relevant standards that underpins a culture of care and research integrity.
PHC5117 - Seminar Series in Medical Pharmacology [SEM 1 & 2]
Course Coordinator:
A/P Kwon Seok Soga (kwonseok@nus.edu.sg)
A/PÂ Le Thi Nguyet Minh (phcltnm@nus.edu.sg)
Dr Nurulhuda Mustafa (huda.mustafa@nus.edu.sg)
Dr Lai Kim Peng Mitchell (phclkpm@nus.edu.sg)
Course Description:
This seminar‑based course exposes students to current advances and real‑world perspectives in medical pharmacology, biomedical sciences, and healthcare applications. Students are required to attend four seminars selected from approved seminar series, including the Medical Pharmacology Seminar Series, NUS Biomedical Sciences Interdisciplinary Industry Academy Seminar Series, and the Pharmacology of Health Series. Through reflective analysis, students critically evaluate seminar content and integrate insights with pharmacological principles and professional development.
