Programme Overview
Qualification
BEng (Hons)
Provider
Singapore Institute of Technology
Duration
4 years
Total credits
240
Application period
10 January to 19 March 2023
Next intake
Campus location
SIT@Dover
The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Pharmaceutical Engineering is a four-year direct honours degree programme. The first of its kind in Singapore, the programme is built on an interdisciplinary curriculum that intersects engineering and science, with an aim to deliver a rigorous education with a strong industry focus.
The goal of this programme is to produce graduates who are both theoretically grounded and practice-oriented for the knowledge-intensive pharmaceutical industry and related sectors. This programme focusses on the development and manufacture of the two largest classes of pharmaceutical drugs, i.e. (i) biologics and (ii) small molecule drugs.
The programme’s unique curriculum which was developed in close consultation with industry is strongly girded with cutting-edge industry-relevant concepts and know-how. The curriculum is structured to train students across the full spectrum of core pharmaceutical development and manufacturing competencies, ranging from pharmaceutical product design to process development, operations, validation, and regulation. Modules geared towards business and management acumen development will complement the technical core.
The Programme Educational Objectives
Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering programme are expected to possess the following:
Technical skills - technically competent to solve complex problems in pharmaceutical engineering and can adapt effectively in a fast-changing environment
Critical thinking - able to critically think, analyse and make decisions that give due consideration to global issues in business, ethics, society, community and the environment.
Leadership, team building - able to communicate effectively, act with integrity, and have the interpersonal skills needed to engage in, lead, and nurture diverse teams
Attitude - committed to lifelong learning, resourceful and embrace global challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact in society
Career Opportunities
SIT’s Pharmaceutical Engineering programme aims to nurture and groom skilled professionals for the pharmaceutical industry in Singapore. Besides the pharmaceutical industry, this programme also provides a unique opportunity for students interested in pursuing careers in other relevant industries including chemicals, biotechnology, life science, nutraceutical, and the flavours and fragrances sectors.
Integrated Work Study Programme
Students will spend 12 months in the industry under the Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP) to acquire industry skill sets and apply taught theory to troubleshoot industry problems. To enhance their industry readiness, students will also receive industry-endorsed competency-based certifications upon completion of selected modules, which will equip them with industry-validated skills that are attuned to employers’ needs.
Career Options
Besides the pharmaceutical industry, graduates can look forward to working in, but not limited to, the following occupational fields:
- Chemicals
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Nutraceutical
- Flavours and Fragrances
- Nutraceuticals
Programme Structure (AY2022/23)*
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Engineering Mathematics 1 | 6 |
| Chemistry | 6 |
| Mass and Energy Balance | 6 |
| Biomolecular Science 1 | 6 |
| Engineering Mathematics 2 | 6 |
| Programming for Engineering | 6 |
| Engineering Principles 1 (Heat & Mass Transfer) | 6 |
| Organic Chemistry | 6 |
| Statistics | 6 |
| Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 3 |
| Engineering Thermodynamics | 6 |
| Biomolecular Science 2 | 6 |
| Engineering Principles 2 (Fluid Mechanics) | 6 |
| Engineering Principles Laboratory | 6 |
| Operational Excellence | 6 |
| Current Good Manufacturing Practices | 6 |
| Engineering Principles 3 (Reaction Engineering) | 6 |
| Ethics | 4 |
| Process Monitoring, Automation and Control | 6 |
| Bioprocess Engineering | 6 |
| Unit Operations 1 (Distillation, Extraction) | 6 |
| Process Safety | 6 |
| Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques | 6 |
| Particle Technology | 6 |
| Unit Operations 2 (Purification and Isolation) | 6 |
| Process Validation | 6 |
| Plant Design and Operations | 10 |
| Quality by Design in Pharmaceutical Development | 6 |
| Project Management | 6 |
| Integrated Work Study Programme | 30 |
| Capstone Project | 10 |
Students are required to choose 2 out of 5 elective modules.
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Expression Engineering | 6 |
| Cell Culture Laboratory | 6 |
| Medicinal Chemistry | 6 |
| Pharmaceutical Formulation | 6 |
| Undergraduate Research Project | 6 |
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Digital Competency Essentials | 2 |
| Critical Thinking and Communicating | 4 |
| Introduction to Design Innovation | 2 |
| Interdisciplinary Design Innovation | 4 |
| Social Innovation Project | 3 |
* The programme structure is subject to change without prior notice. SIT regularly reviews its curriculum to ensure that it remains industry-relevant and prepares our students for the evolving needs of industry.
Eligibility and Exemption
Polytechnic Diplomas
Diploma holders from any of the five polytechnics are welcome to apply. Subject to approval, diploma holders may be granted exemptions based on the modules taken during their diploma course. Exemptions may also be considered for relevant professional or industrial certifications.
Other equivalent Year 12 qualifications are eligible to apply as well.
A-Levels
Obtained a good pass in any three of the following subjects at H1/H2 level: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. And also offered General Paper or Knowledge & Inquiry in the same sitting while satisfying Mother Tongue requirements.
Other equivalent Year 12 qualifications are eligible to apply as well.
International Baccalaureate
Obtained a good pass in any three of the following subjects at SL/HL level: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. And also satisfying Mother Tongue requirements.
Other equivalent Year 12 qualifications are eligible to apply as well.
Fees and Finances
Singapore Citizen
Subsidised fees per credit
$125.00
Total credit
240
Tuition fees: $30,000.00 for SG Citizens / $129,171.00 Non-subsidised fees.
Permanent Resident
Subsidised fees per credit
$262.00
Total credit
240
Tuition fees: $62,880.00 for Permanent Resident / $129,171.00 Non-subsidised fees.
International Student
Subsidised fees per credit
$353.10
Total credit
240
Tuition fees: $84,744.00 for International Student / $129,171.00 Non-subsidised fees.
- Tuition fees shown are the total cost for completion of studies, based on the minimum credits required to graduate.
- Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents fees are exclusive of GST and subsidised by the Ministry of Education.
- International Students and Non-Subsidised fees are inclusive of 7% GST.
Industry Advisory Committee
The members of the Industry Advisory Committee for this programme are:
Mr Lim Hock Heng (Chairperson)
Vice President and Managing Director
Glaxo Wellcome Manufacturing, Singapore
Er Go Heng Huat
Senior Consultant
Workplace Safety and Health Council
Er Lucas Ng
Senior Advisor and Head of Sustainability
Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore (Private) Limited
Mr Norman Lee
Founder
ACTSYS Process Management Consultants Ptd Ltd
Dr KPP Prasad
Vice President / Site Leader
Tessa Therapeutics Pte Ltd
Mr Terence Koh
Executive Director
Singapore Chemical Industry Council
Er Loi Kheng Seong
Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Chemical Specialties Limited
Ms Goh Wan Yee
Senior Vice President and Head Healthcare
Economic Development Board
Mr Ketan Kapadia
Head of On-site Operations
Linde Gas (S) Pte Ltd
Dr. Ronny Sondjaja
VP/Head of Research Development & Innovation - Region Asia Pacific
Evonik (SEA) Pte. Ltd.
Mr Ow Kai Onn
Vice President & Head, Chemicals and Materials
Economic Development Board (EDB)
Mr Jonas Berge
Senior Director, Applied Technology
Emerson Automation Solutions