MPhil in Pharmacy

• IPK 3.0 bidang farmasi
• IELTS 6.5
• TOEFL 573

Molecular Modelling and Computational Techniques

Modelling of proteins for rational drug design
Research projects exist at both Masters and PhD level in modelling of proteins for rational drug design. Specific targets include modelling G-Protein Coupled Receptors for rational drug design and modelling enzymes for anti-cancer drug design. Candidates would be expected to hold a degree in chemistry or related discipline and be familiar with using computers. (Prof Stephen Doughty)

Pharmacognosy and Pharmacology of Natural Products

Characterisation of anticancer agents from primary rain forest plants
The student shall perform a supervised field collection of samples which should be identified and extracted. Standard phytochemical study and pharmacological testings shall be further made. Isolation and characterisation of novel anticancer agents shall be done. (Dr Christophe Wiart)

Characterisation of immunostimulating agents from primary rain forest plants
The student shall perform a supervised field collection of samples which should be identified and extracted. Standard phytochemical study and pharmacological testings shall be further made. Isolation and characterisation of novel immunostimulating agents shall be done. (Dr Christophe Wiart)

Characterisation of bactericidal agents from primary rainforest plants
The student shall perform a supervised field collection of samples which should be identified and extracted. Standard phytochemical study and pharmacological testings shall be further made. Isolation and characterisation of novel bactericidal agents shall be done. (Dr Christophe Wiart)

Studies on potential anticancer, bactericidal and immunomodulating properties of plant extracts derived from primary rainforest plants.
Students will investigate the pharmacological properties of extracts obtained from rainforest plants including potential studies of molecular mechanism of actions of these molecules. (Dr Ting Kang Nee)

Natural Products and Drug Discovery

Plant Secondary Metabolites As Cholesterol Lowering
Research work is based on the interface of medicinal chemistry and natural product drug discovery targeting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. The work aims to discover new plant secondary metabolites that inhibit the target enzyme and development of proficient evaluation assay. Assay guided isolation and purification of active fractions will then be subjected to spectrochemical analysis of NMR, Single Crystal X-ray crystallography, FTIR and MassSpec. (Dr Khoo Teng Jin)

Synthsis and Organometallic Chemistry of Shiff Base Coupling
The project is based on synthesis methodology development of Schiff bases, peptide coupling and metal complexes. The candidate molecules will then be subjected to biological assay and utilizing cutting age spectroscopic techniques of X-ray Crystallography, Preparative HPLC and LC-MS/MS techniques. Candidates must have knowledge in organic synthesis, spectroscopic techniques and biological chemistry. (Dr Khoo Teng Jin)

Drug Delivery

Improving oral bioavailability of poorly absorbed drugs by way of fabrication to either enhance epithelial transfer or protect from effects of digestive fluids
Drug conjugation with polymeric materials or nano-particle formation capable of favourably modifying physicochemical properties of the drug substance. (Dr Nashiru Billa)

Formulation, gastrointestinal transit and absorption from nano-particular dispersions of amphotericin B
The student will be involved in formulation and the study of the physicochemical properties of amphotericin B conjugated nano-particles. This will then be followed with gastrointestinal transit studies of dispersion using animal models. (Dr Nashiru Billa)

Percutaneous permeation of palm oil using human skin
The student will investigate the permeation characteristics of the many fractions of palm oil using human skin in vitro. Gas chromatography will be employed to quantify the constituents of palm oil that are able to permeate through full-thickness human skin when directly applied to the surface. (Dr Andrew Morris)

Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice

Clinical governance in community pharmacy
Clinical governance is often depicted as comprising of seven 'pillars', namely: risk management, clinical audit, staffing and staff management, clinical effectiveness, patient and public involvement, use of information and continuing education and training. The student will perform a complete evaluation of the current maturity of clinical governance systems throughout selected Community Pharmacies within Peninsular and East Malaysia. (Dr Andrew Morris)

Pharmacovigilance and studies of adverse drug reactions (ADRs)
The WHO definition of pharmacovigilance is "the science and activities relating to the
detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other drug related problems." Ideally with a pharmacy degree or clinical background, the student shall investigate specific ADRs for a medicine or classes of medicines. Projects could expand into studying the benefit risk assessment of specific drug or classes of medicines. The impact of ADRs on patients quality of life and concordance could also be part of the project. (Dr Ting Kang Nee)

Medication compliance
Studies showed that about 50% of patients failed to take their medication as directed. Patient adherence is an important factor for the successful treatment of many diseases. Students may look at ways to detect medication compliance and recommend strategies to reduce or eliminate this problem. This helps not only to reduce wastage, but also improve patient care. (Mr. Wong Kok Thong)

Medication Errors
Although we used to hear the phrase "To Err is Human", it is unacceptable in Health Care, especially when the life of a patient may be involved. Many deaths and hospital admissions due to Medication Errors have been reported. Students may look into the detection of such errors and recommend safety strategies to prevent or reduce future errors. (Mr. Wong Kok Thong)