International Medical University

Overview of MSc in Molecular Medicine in International Medical University Malaysia

What is Molecular Medicine? Basically, it is the specialised development of medical treatment through the fundamentals of cell, biological pathways and genome.

Advances in Molecular Medicine have facilitated major breakthroughs in disease diagnoses, management and treatment. Today, doctors are able to offer tailored cancer therapy with the improved understanding of human genome and gene pathways. Further advances in metabolomics and bioinformatics tools enable scientists and clinicians to predict drug response and improve treatment outcomes.

In Malaysia, there is growing demand for Molecular Medicine specialists especially with government’s initiatives to support the biotechnology sector with the establishment of Bio-Nexus company incentives.

The IMU Master of Science in Molecular Medicine programme is designed to cater for medical or basic sciences graduates seeking advanced training in cellular and molecular biology, genetics as well as drug development and treatment.

The curriculum provides equal emphasis on knowledge (coursework) and skills (research) with interactive lectures, case studies and discussion. Problem-based learning methods are used to stimulate analytical thinking. Students are required to propose research plans that will be put into action during the final semester. Similarly, students will have the opportunity to design laboratory management policy and product commercialization plans through the selective modules offered under the programme.

One unique feature of the programme is the flexible delivery of the coursework with classes held on weekends or online. Students also have the opportunity to conduct their research project in a related industry or their own workplace.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The IMU MSc Molecular Medicine programme consists of 2 semesters of coursework and a research project. New semesters commence in March and September each year.

Students are given options to conduct the programme under “Conventional” or “Open and Distance Learning” mode. For the former, all coursework classes are conducted on weekends while some activities will be conducted online. For the latter (ODL) however, all classes will be carried out using IMU online teaching and learning platform. Students that undertake the research project in the final semester will require to commit full time either at IMU or approved research institutes, and hospitals. The minimum completion duration for the programme is 12 months while maximum duration is 6 years. A student must complete a minimum of 40 credits (15 credits from core coursework modules, 5 from selective coursework modules and 20 from research project) to graduate.

Teaching and learning activities comprise both conventional and online learning approaches that integrated into lectures, case studies, workshops, seminars, presentations, assignments, discussions and tutorials. There are no laboratory practical in each coursework module, except in the research project.

Core modules are as follows

• Molecular Medicine
• Immunology and Infection
• Molecular Basis of Diseases 1
• Molecular Basis of Diseases 2
• Research Methodology and Scientific Writing (3 credit) Research Project

Selective modules are as follows

• Bioinformatics
• Laboratory Management
• Stem Cell Technology and Therapeutics
• Quality Management and Regulatory Systems
• Computational Drug Discovery Techniques
• Principles of Drug Discovery
• Clinical Research and Good Clinical Practice Entrepreneurial Leadership

The curriculum is reviewed periodically and is subject to change.

For the Double Degree of MSc in Molecular Medicine (IMU) and MSc in Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), besides the modules of MMM, the student will be required to take another additional 7 modules (2 cores, 4 compulsory, 1 elective) to complete the MSc in Queen Mary University of London (QMUL).

Core Modules

• Omics’ Techniques and Their Application to Genomic Medicine •
• Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data
• Quality Assurance in Genomic Analysis

Compulsory Modules

• Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics
• Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer
• Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment
• Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare
• Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease

Electives

• Clinical Study Design
• Economic Models and Human Genomics Professional and Research Skills

ENTRY REQUIRTEMENTS