Pantone 3025 C

Pantone 7469 U
C80 M20 Y00 K50

Pantone 542 C
Pantone 543 U
C50 M20 Y00 K00

K100

CHINESE
MEDICINE

K30

Reverse White

2013

K100

CHINESE MEDICINE
Chinese Medicine (CM) has its origin more than 2500 years ago, greatly influenced by the teachings and written works of great
herbalists, acupuncturists, philosophers and physicians. They emphasised mans relationship to the environment, considering the
human body to be a mini universe governed by opposing forces (yin-yang) which kept the body working in balance and harmony.
In health, the opposing life forces of yin and yang are in balance while in illness there is an imbalance. CM studies the person in health
and disease from the aspects of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation in a holistic manner. The range of treatments in CM
include herbal therapy, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, tuina, bone and spine manipulations, dietary therapy, exercise therapy like
qigong and taijiguan.
Currently, there is a worldwide trend to integrate certain Chinese medicine practices like acupuncture and herbal remedies to
complement the management of pain and reduce side effects of drugs used to treat chronic diseases. Today many universities in
Australia, Canada, the United States of America, Europe, including France in addition to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia and
Singapore have degree and postgraduate degree courses in Chinese medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Malaysia

The Ministry of Health (MOH), Malaysia recognises that a large proportion of its multiethnic population consults CM practitioners and
use other traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) practices with importation of herbal products being 3 to 4 times the value
of allopathic products. The Complementary Medicine Unit in the MOH coordinates and implements policies related to training and
registration of practitioners with the aim to integrate T&CM into the national healthcare delivery system. It introduced standards for
courses at diploma and degree levels to be enforced by the Malaysian Quality Agency (MQA). The Traditional and Complementary
Medicine Act once passed by Parliament will regulate the T & CM practices.

Chinese Medicine is one of the traditional medical practices that are used
worldwide for many generations. In IMU, the Chinese Medicine programme
is taught in an integrative manner where students are required to learn the
basic medical sciences alongside clinical practices of Chinese Medicine. This
integration is important as it combines the best of both types of medicine and
will allow students to adopt and apply an evidence-based approach to
Chinese Medicine. This will then enable students to be better equipped to deal
with the health challenges that will be faced by mankind in the future.

Mr Ng Shih Chau

Lecturer and Programme Coordinator

BMed (Tianjin Collage of Traditional Chinese Medicine),
MMed (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

01 WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME?

The IMU Bachelor of Science (Hons) Chinese Medicine (CM) is a 4-year full time
programme taught in English and Mandarin where necessary. After graduation, the
graduate must spend 12 months in an accredited hospital by the Public Service
Department of the Malaysian Government as an intern. Upon satisfactory internship, the
Chinese medicine practitioner (CMP) can be registered by Ministry of Health (MOH) to
practice in Malaysia.
The IMUs CM course trains CMPs to deliver evidence-based healthcare services.
The course fulfills the requirements of the MQA (Malaysian Qualifications Agency).
At the end of the course the student should have acquired knowledge and relevant
skills to be a competent practitioner; has a good command of Mandarin, Malay and
English; is able to communicate with all stakeholders; has acquired the attributes of a
professional, is a team player, a lifelong learner, a critical thinker with knowledge of
research techniques, the CM business and takes time to reflect on actions taken.
The IMU has partnerships with several universities of TCM in China (Shanghai
University of TCM, Shangdong University of TCM, Guangzhou University of
TCM) and RMIT University, Australia for students to transfer after 3 years in this
programme. After an additional 2 years, the graduates will be awarded the
bachelor degrees in CM of the respective partner universities.
The CM course consists of modules in basic Medical Sciences and Chinese
Medicine. The contents will be delivered via many delivery modes, including
case studies, practice visits, attachments to hospitals or clinics and supervised
clinical practice. A research project in Semester 7 aims to develop skills of
scientific inquiry, observation, analysis and scientific writing.

02 WHAT ARE THE KEY FEATURES OF THE PROGRAMME?

This course has incorporated a number of key features to prepare the
graduate for challenges beyond graduation. These proactive features
enable students to acquire the following outcomes:
A solid foundation in the basic medical sciences to build a good
understanding of the structure of the human body, its functions
and disease processes from the western scientific aspect. This will
be taught by lecturers who have experience teaching medical,
pharmacy and nursing students.
Knowledge of Chinese philosophy of balance (yin and yang), the 5
elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) and the importance
of Chinese classics and their contribution to the development of
Chinese medicine.
Knowledge of the importance of diet and exercise in therapy.
Knowledge of the concepts and theories, important for
development of acupuncture, moxibustion, tuina, herbal therapy.
Able to speak and write Mandarin, Malay and English at a
functional level.
Acqusition of relevant practical and clinical experience.
An inquiring mind, skills of discovery, analysis and presentation.
Knowledge of the laws and ethics governing the practice and
business of CM in Malaysia.

DEGREE

Bachelor of Science
(Hons) Chinese
Medicine or Chinese
Medicine degree from
Partner Universities

KEY
FACTS
TOTAL
DURATION

4 - 5 years

COMMENCEMENT
January and August

 Knowledge of CM business, the setting-up and management of a CM clinic and CM

herbal shop.
Interaction with students in other healthcare courses like chiropractic, medicine,
pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, nutrition and dietetics, biomedical science, medical
biotechnology, psychology and pharmaceutical chemistry. This will facilitate
interdisciplinary networking and friendships which would develop into better interprofessional working relationships after graduation.

03 WHEN DO STUDENTS GET CLINICAL EXPOSURE?

During Semester 12, students will spend a substantial amount of time in hospital or
clinic attachments, observing clinical Chinese medicine practitioners. This will progress
to supervised clinical practice under experienced CMPs.

04 ARE THERE ANY INTERNSHIP PLACEMENTS?

IMU will guide students in securing internship placements in hospitals which are
accredited by the MOH and the Public Services Department (PSD), Malaysia,
so that our graduates will be able to register with the MOH and can work in
government hospitals and clinics as well as in the private sector.

One of the key components of Chinese medicine,

acupuncture involves the stimulation of points on the body
by penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are
manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.

SEMESTER 7
SEMESTER 8

General Pathology
Medical Microbiology & Genetics
Acupuncture Theory & Practice 2A
Acupuncture Theory & Practice 2B
Chinese Medicine History

SEMESTER 9

Classic Literature in Chinese Medicine

Internal Classic
Classic Literature in Chinese Medicine
Shang Han Lun

Clinical Skills Development: Radiology

Clinical Skills Development: Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis in Western Medicine 1
Differential Diagnosis in Western Medicine 2
Moral Education / Islamic Studies
Malaysian Studies

SEMESTER 10

SEMESTER 5
SEMESTER 6

Chinese Medicine Herbal Formula A

Chinese Medicine Herbal Formula B
Acupuncture Theory & Practice 1A
Acupuncture Theory & Practice 1B
Human Physiology 1
Human Physiology 2

Chinese Medicine Internal Medicine 1

Chinese Medicine Internal Medicine 2

First Aid and Emergency Conditions

Chinese Medicine Traumatology
Psychology for Healthcare Professionals
Chinese Dietary and Exercise Therapy
Introduction to Clinical Practice
in Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine Gynaecology

SEMESTER 11

Head and Visceral Anatomy

Cell Biology
Human Biology
Medical Biochemistry
Chinese Materia Medica A
Chinese Materia Medica B
Medical Classical Chinese 2

Classic Literature in Chinese Medicine Golden Chamber

Classic Literature in Chinese Medicine Wen Bing
Acupuncture Techniques 1
Acupuncture Techniques 2
Systemic Pathology
Pharmacology & Toxicology

Research Project
Management for Chinese Medicine Practice

SEMESTER 12

Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine 1

Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine 2
Medical Classical Chinese 1

SEMESTER 4

SEMESTER 2

Chinese Medicine Theory

Botany and Medicinal Chemistry
Information Acquisition and Analysis
English
Bahasa Malaysia
Limb & Trunk Anatomy
Basic Mandarin 1
Basic Mandarin 2

SEMESTER 3

SEMESTER 1

05 WHAT ARE THE SEMESTER CONTENTS?

Chinese Medicine Paediatrics

Medical Laws, Regulations & Ethics
Chinese Medicine:
ENT and Ophthalmology
Chinese Medicine: Dermatology
Supervised Clinical Practice 1
Supervised Clinical Practice 2
The curriculum is reviewed periodically
and is subject to change.

The MPU modules are compulsory modules imposed by Ministry of Higher Education under
the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555). All students must take these
modules and pass as a prerequisite for the award of the degree.

Moxibustion is a Chinese medicine technique that involves the

burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing.

06 WHAT IS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION?

The medium of instruction is English supported by Mandarin when required. Students
who are not proficient in English or Mandarin are strongly recommended to improve
their proficiency in English and Mandarin by making their own arrangements to attend
additional English and Mandarin classes before entering IMU.

07 WHO WILL AWARD THE DEGREE?

The Bachelor of Science (Hons) Chinese Medicine degree is awarded by IMU.
The partner Universities will award the respective degree to students who transfer to
the school.

08 WHAT SORT OF JOBS/CAREERS CAN BE UNDERTAKEN WITH

THIS DEGREE?
Once registered with the MOH, the Chinese medicine practitioner can work in any
of these positions.
Chinese medicine practitioner in integrated healthcare in a government or
private hospital.
Chinese medicine practitioner in a Chinese medicine hospital.
Acupuncturist in an integrated hospital or Chinese medicine hospital or clinic.
Chinese medicine practitioner in a private Chinese medicine clinic, as the
owner and practitioner or as an employee.
With additional postgraduate qualification, as a lecturer in a University or
Chinese academy delivering courses (diploma, degree, postgraduate
degrees or certificate) in Chinese Medicine or acupuncture.
A member in the sale and marketing of Chinese medicine products.
With additional postgraduate training, as a researcher in an academic
institution or herbal or pharmaceutical manufacturing company.

09 WHAT PERSONALITY TRAITS ARE BEST SUITED FOR A

CAREER IN CHINESE MEDICINE?
The person who is patient, has good interpersonal and communication
skills, eager to learn, is dedicated and responsible, proactive and good
tempered, is empathetic, self-reliant, generous and willing to share is
best suited for this profession.

CAREER PATHS FOR CHINESE MEDICINE IN MALAYSIA

Basic Degree

HOUSEMANSHIP
(1 year)

POSTGRADUATE DEGREE

MSc/PhD - teaching& /
or research

GENERAL PRACTITIONER
(Private)

ADVANCED TRAINING /
SPECIALIST

One of the oldest methods of Chinese medicine, cupping

is done by placing cups on the skin either by means of heat
or suction to create a partial vacuum, causing blood stasis to
be formed and localised healing to take place.

OUR PARTNER UNIVERSITIES

AUSTRALIA
RMIT University

3 years in IMU
+ 2 years
at RMIT University
Total 5 years

RMIT University is a global university of technology and

design and Australias largest tertiary institution. The
University enjoys an international reputation for excellence
in practical education and outcome-oriented research.
RMIT has three campuses in Melbourne, Australia and two
in Vietnam.
Website: www.rmit.edu.au

CHINA
Shanghai University of
Traditional Chinese Medicine

3 years in IMU + 2
years at Shanghai
University of TCM
Total 5 years

Shanghai University of TCM, founded in 1956, is one of

the firstly established four Colleges and Universities
of TCM after the Peoples Republic of China has
founded. The University is located in Scientific
Research and Education Zone, ZhangJiang Hightech Park, Pudong New Area, Shanghai.
Website: www.shutcm.com

Shangdong University of
Traditional Chinese Medicine

3 years in IMU
+ 2 years at
Shangdong
University of TCM
Total 5 years

Shandong University of Traditional Chinese

Medicine (SDUTCM) was founded in 1958 listed
as one of the key state construction TCM higherlearning institutes in 1978, and approved as one
of the key Shandong provincial universities
in 1981. It is currently the only independently
established medical university in Shandong
Province, a coastal province in East China.
Website: www.sdutcm.edu.cn

Guangzhou University of
Traditional Chinese Medicine

3 years in IMU
+ 2 years at
Guangzhou
University of TCM
Total 5 years

Guangzhou University of Traditional

Chinese Medicine, now Guangzhou
University
of
Chinese
Medicine,
established in 1956, is one of the four
oldest TCM institutes of higher education
in China. It was originally administered
by the Ministry of Health and the State
Administration of TCM, and is one of the
first educational institutes approved to
award masters and doctors degree
in China.
Website: www.gzhtcm.edu.cn

The list of partner universities is subject to change.

Chinese herbal medicine is a major aspect of traditional

Chinese medicine. There are thousands of herbs used
consisting of plants, minerals and animal products. Chinese
herbs are usually combined into formulas containing anywhere
from 3 to 20 herbs.

Learn from our experienced lecturers...

Dr Liow Sook Mee Bachelor of TCM, Master of TCM, PhD (Chinese Medicine)
Currently the Head of Department of Chinese Medicine and a member of the IMU faculty since 2008, Dr Liow Sook
Mee is a registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner in Malaysia who possesses Bachelor in Traditional Chinese
Medicine (Guangzhou University, China), Master and PhD in TCM (Shandong University of TCM, China). She has been
practicing Chinese Medicine for the past 13 years and her areas of expertise are in gynaecology, neurology and internal
medicine. She is actively involved in teaching and clinical practice, and development of the Chinese Medicine programme
in IMU. Besides that, she is involved in Chinese Medicine research, is a committee member of Malaysia Chinese Medicine
Association (MCMA) and is actively involved in the Chinese Medicine Association activities.

Mr Ng Shih Chau

BMed (Tianjin Collage of Traditional Chinese Medicine), MMed (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Mr Ng Shih Chau is a lecturer of Department of Chinese Medicine at the School of Health Sciences, IMU. He
acquired his Bachelor of Chinese Medicine from Tianjin Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Tianjin, China and his
Masters of Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture) in Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine University, Shanghai, China.
Mr Ng has been practicing as a Chinese medicine practitioner for 10 years. He is also involved in teaching Chinese
Medicine which include modules like Chinese Medicine Theory, Chinese Medicine Diagnosis, Acupuncture Theory
and Practice, Chinese Medicine Formulae, etc.

Ms Hu Cai Ping BMed, MMed Chinese Medicine

Ms Hu Cai Ping is currently a lecturer of the Department of Chinese Medicine at the School of Health Sciences, IMU.
She has been practicing Chinese Medicine for the past 7 years and her areas of expertise are in acupuncture, internal
medicine and women diseases. Ms Hu Cai Ping is also involved in teaching and clinical practice of Chinese Medicine
students at IMU.

Ms Teh Siew Hoon Bachelor of TCM (Chinese Medicine) (Nanjing), Master of TCM (Paediatric) (Nanjing)
Ms Teh Siew Hoon is a lecturer of Chinese Medicine, the School of Health Sciences, IMU. She obtained her Bachelor of
Chinese Medicine from Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China, and subsequently Master of Chinese
Medicine (Pediatrics), Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China. Ms Teh has been practicing for 13 years
and specialises in children and woman disease. Besides practicing, she is also involved in teaching in the different
modules in Chinese Medicine. These include Chinese Medicine Theory, Chinese Medicine Diagnosis, Chinese Materia
Medica, Chinese Medicine Formulae, Chinese Medicine Gynaecology and Chinese Medicine Paediatrics.

Hear what our students say...

Cheong Weixin
Second Year Chinese Medicine Student

The Chinese Medicine programme in IMU is a fun and interesting

course. As Chinese Medicine is a complementary and alternative
medicine, we can learn various treatment methods such as
acupunture, tuina, cupping, etc. Most importantly, IMU has an
outstanding reputation for teaching and has partnerships with top
universities which can bring us to a bright future.

Uzma Aishah binti Mohamed Sidek

First Year Chinese Medicine Student

The modules for this course are relevant as it provides

a wide range of knowledge, which is excellent to train
students in becoming good, well-prepared Chinese Medicine
practitioners. We have been assessed with presentations,
assignments and experiments that require team work.
I like how the atmosphere welcomes independent learning
and think these assessments are very useful in developing
research skills and helping us evolve our ideas and thoughts
into feasible skills. Apart from the conducive environment,
helpful and experienced lecturers in IMU really motivate
me to learn. I find Chinese Medicine challenging but
I believe that we grow by challenging ourselves. After
all, challenge is what makes it interesting. To sum it up,
I find this course very captivating and innovating.
Narmathaa Kishore Kumar
First Year Chinese Medicine Student

The structure of Chinese Medicine programme in

IMU is unique, as it is structured in such a way that
we get to do different subjects from all the different
fields of Medicine. Since we are also being taught
about the Modern Medicine, we will be able to corelate the Modern Medicine with the Traditional
Medicine in the future. I believe that, all the
knowledge that I am gaining and going to gain in
this entire programme are going to be sufficient
for me to become an excellent Chinese Medicine
Practitioner.
Cho Sae Jin
First Year Chinese Medicine Student

IMU is a university that would lead me

to a bright future as a Chinese Medicine
practitioner. It provides students with a
very challenging and invigorating study
environment.

Chinese pulse diagnosis is an important diagnostic tool.

It gives the Chinese Medicine Practitioner an indication of the
overall constitution of a person.

OUR FACILITIES
01

01) Students enjoy learning

at the Medical Museum

02

02) Hostel Accommodation

03) Conducting research in
the lab
04) Auditorium, where
lectures, talks,
graduation and other
important events are
held
05) Library is an important
learning resource for
students
06) A conducive learning
environment for
students
07) Having a meal at the
cafeteria
08) Caf in the Library
for library users to
wind-down in-between
classes and studies.

03

09) Another important

learning resource
for students, Medical
Museum

04

10) Working out at the

gymnasium
11) Relaxing and having a
fun time
12) Students using
computers as a learning
resource

09

06

07

08

10

11

12

05

ABOUT IMU
The International Medical University (IMU) is Malaysias first and most established private medical and
healthcare university with over 20 years of dedicated focus in healthcare education. The University is the
first university in Malaysia that offers conventional and complementary medicine, all under one roof.
Established in 1992, the University enjoys an international reputation, and provides a high standard of
education at undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional development level. IMUs
curriculum for its undergraduate programmes has been benchmarked to international standards and is
accepted by international partner universities for credit transfer into relevant programmes.
IMU pioneered the worlds first Partner Medical School programme, allowing a student to start their
education in Malaysia while completing and earning a degree at an international university. Over
the last two decades, IMU has grown from a medical college with 5 partner universities in 1992, to
an internationally recognised higher education institution with more than 30 renowned international
partner universities.
The main campus of IMU is located in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Since 1999, IMU has
established clinical schools in Seremban and Kuala Pilah (Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia) as well
as Batu Pahat and Kluang (scheduled to open in 2013) (Johor, Malaysia).
IMUs Learning Model is grounded on its core values, which fosters students development
into knowledgeable and competent healthcare professionals who are critical thinkers,
reflective and yet proactive. The aim is to create healthcare graduates that are committed
to lifelong learning and imbued with a sense of good citizenship, leadership and ethical
behaviour.
In its continual quest for academic excellence, moving into research was a natural progression
with medical and healthcare-related research, as well as medical education being areas of
key focus. IMUs research efforts are expected to be further enhanced now that the Institute
of Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI) has been launched in September 2012.

IMU Clinical School, Batu Pahat

The university had a major breakthrough in 2010 with the start of its Healthcare Centres which
allowed IMUs staff and students to receive and treat patients. The Healthcare Centres,
which serve as a teaching site for IMU students, bring the disciplines of allopathic (Western)
medicine and those of complementary and alternative medicine together under one roof.
Today IMU is an integrated medical and healthcare institution, offering education, healthcare
and research in partnership with some of the worlds most respected individuals and
universities in the field of medicine and healthcare.

IMU Clinical School, Seremban

IMU Bukit Jalil Campus

PROGRAMMES AVAILABLE:

REASONS TO STUDY CHINESE MEDICINE AT IMU

UNDERGRADUATE
Medicine

1. An Established Private Healthcare University

IMU is Malaysias first and most established private medical and healthcare university with
over 20 years of dedicated focus in healthcare education. IMU achieved a Tier-5 rating in the
SETARA ratings of Malaysian Universities and University-Colleges awarded by Malaysian
Qualifications Agency (MQA).
2. Build Your Future Healthcare Professional Network
As IMU offers the widest range of healthcare programmes, our students are fully immersed
in a vibrant community of students and practitioners from all healthcare fields. This allows
for the development of strong friendship amongst peers that will be the foundation of an
extensive healthcare professional network upon graduation.
3. Curriculum Benchmarked to International Standards
IMUs Chinese Medicine curriculum has been developed to meet high international
standards and is accepted by renowned international universities in Australia and China for
credit transfer into their Chinese Medicine programme. The programme is taught in English
supported by Mandarin when required.
4. Better Preparation to be a Competent Chinese Medicine Practitioner
With a solid foundation in the basic medical sciences from the western scientific aspect
alongside knowledge of Chinese Medicine and a substantial amount of time in hospital or
clinic attachments, students are better prepared for patient care and to become competent
Chinese Medicine Practitioners in modern healthcare facilities.
5. Personalised Attention from Lecturers
Students are able to get personalised attention from their lecturers due to an emphasis in
small group learning. This enhances the teaching and learning activities for the student.

KPT/JPS(KR10935)09/2014

Dentistry

KPT/JPS (A8358)10/2015

Pharmacy

KPT/JPS(KR10605)4/2014,
KPT/JPS(R/727/7/0002)10/2015

Dietetics with Nutrition

KPT/JPS(KA8176)03/2013

Nursing

KP/JPS(KR11196)04/2015

Nursing Science
(for registered nurses)
KP/JPS(KA9377)01/2014

Chiropractic

KPT/JPS(KA9294)08/2014

Chinese Medicine
KP/JPS(KA10260)12/2015

Biomedical Science

KPT/JPS(R/421/6/0011)12/2017

Medical Biotechnology
KPT/JPS(R/545/6/0014)09/2017

Pharmaceutical Chemistry
KPT/JPS(R/442/6/0003)01/2018

Psychology

KPT/JPS(R/311/6/0013)09/2017

POSTGRADUATE
Public Health (MSc)
(Coursework & Research)
KP/JPS(KA10261)09/2015

Analytical Pharmaceutical
Chemistry (MSc)
KPT/JPS(N/442/7/0001)01/2017

Molecular Medicine (MSc)

KPT/JPS(N/421/7/0010)07/2017

Medical and Health Sciences

(MSc & PhD by research)
KPT/JPS(KR10618)6/2014,
KP/JPS(KR10625)01/2015

SCAN FOR MORE

For more information on IMU,

visit our website: www.imu.edu.my
or email: start@imu.edu.my
Twitter @ IMUMalaysia

Facebook @ www.facebook.com/
InternationalMedicalUniversity

International Medical University

126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil,
57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 2731 7272 Fax: +60 3 8656 1018

Become the future

of better healthcare

KP/JPS/5195/US/2, KP(JPS)/DFT/US/W03, KPT/JPS(N/726/6/0011)06/2017

The IMU has been certified with
MS ISO 9001:2000 for the provision of
tertiary education in medicine, pharmacy
and health sciences.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information given in thisbrochure but it is subject
to alteration without notice. The University reserves the right to alter or delete any of the information
included at any time and it shall not be bound by any errors or omissions and cannot accept liability in
respect thereof. Please consult the Department of Student Services and Marketing for the most up-to-date
information.
Published by the Marketing & Communications Department, IMU. 001/2013/03