To bridge academic learning with industry practice, FHS offers internship opportunities for undergraduate students. These placements provide students with valuable exposure to professional environments, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge, develop practical skills, and gain insights into the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries.
This year, FHS arranged a range of internship positions across diverse professional settings, including pharmaceutical research and development, quality control, and clinical testing, which attracted student participation.
Chon Man CHAN, a year four student of BSc in Biomedical Sciences programme, recently completed a one-month internship at Hovione PharmaScience Ltd, a global pharmaceutical company. Stationed in the Quality Control Department, Chon Man was involved in routine pharmaceutical testing, including chlorine and sodium analysis in accordance with international standards such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and European Pharmacopoeia (EP). He also learned to document data following Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) protocols and gained practical experience in analytical chemistry techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography, precision weighing, and titration.
Chon Man described the internship as a highly rewarding milestone in his academic journey. ‘It deepened my understanding of the stringent requirements for method validation and data integrity in pharmaceutical quality control,’ he shared. During an HPLC analysis, he encountered technical challenges such as irregular peak shapes and retention time shifts. By systematically examining the mobile phase composition, column performance, and instrument parameters, and adhering strictly to established maintenance protocols, he successfully ensured the accuracy and reliability of the analytical results. He further noted that the internship not only enhanced his technical proficiency but also significantly strengthened his communication and teamwork skills—competencies he considers essential for a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Weiliang SUN, a year three student of BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology programme, took his internship across the border to the Antibiotics Division of the Guangdong Institute for Drug Control (GDIDC). There, he was introduced to the practical application of pharmaceutical testing based on the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP), including clarity and colour testing, detection of visible foreign matter, and dissolution testing. He also assisted in managing laboratory reagents and reference substances, and independently conducted daily balance checks, gaining firsthand insight into the operational standards of a professional drug control laboratory.
Weiliang found the internship to be a turning point in his academic journey. ‘This experience helped me realise my interest in pharmaceutical quality control,’ he said. Weiliang mentioned that the internship allowed him to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting, particularly in areas such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, the categorisation of acids and bases, and the use of analytical apparatus such as pipettes and volumetric flasks. He was particularly grateful for the supportive work environment, where colleagues were friendly and his mentor provided patient guidance.
He also recalled a memorable moment when he encountered unstable readings while weighing a cut-open gel tube. After investigating, he realised the issue was caused not by gel evaporation, but by the imbalance of the plastic beaker used to hold the sample. By adjusting the setup, he quickly resolved the problem. This experience deepened his appreciation for the importance of precision and attention to detail in laboratory work. He expressed gratitude for the supportive and collaborative work environment, and was especially encouraged by his mentor’s patient guidance and care.
The internship programme is a key component of FHS’s commitment to nurturing future-ready professionals in the health sciences. By offering early exposure to industry settings, the faculty equips students with the technical competencies, workplace experience and confidence needed to thrive in their future careers.
Chon Man CHAN (first row, 3rd from right) with his internship team.
Weiliang SUN