Sometimes, a classroom is just not enough to put a degree into perspective. This is especially true with regards to the Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineering degree at Swiss German University. A study with a niche concentration, tends to be difficult to explain in a classroom, regardless of the modules you undertake. To elaborate, the daily roles and tasks of a pharmaceutical chemical engineer, can only be explained in a setting with real professionals.  Which is why SGU takes its excursions with a note of seriousness, as it provides students with the opportunity to meet individuals in the pharmaceutical industry and ask them questions that might have an answer only in the field, and not the classroom. 

At SGU we believe that experience is an essential complement to academic learning. The hands-on exposure gained during these excursions helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students can witness firsthand the intricate processes and advanced technology used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, providing them with a deeper understanding of their field of study. Furthermore, these visits allow students to interact with professionals who have years of experience, gaining insights and advice that are invaluable for their future careers.

Recently, the pharmaceutical chemical engineering batches of 2022 and 2023 had an excursion to PT Darya-Varia, a prominent and trusted pharmaceutical brand in Indonesia with more than 48 years of experience in the field. This excursion gave students the chance to answer the question at the back of all of their minds: what does a pharmaceutical chemical engineer even do?

We were given a tour across most of the facility, with important operations such as granulation, compression and even packaging, introduced to the first years whilst simultaneously jogging the memory of the second-year students at their internships, reminding them of the key processes that they witnessed at their internship in the pharmaceutical industry. Students peered into the tablet coating machinery, asked about the different buttons, parameters and more. Furthermore, Darya Varia being a certified pharmaceutical company was the perfect place to facilitate an understanding of the importance of good manufacturing processes in the field. 

It is difficult to be given the opportunity to have an excursion at a renown pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, and we thank Darya-Varia for the chance given to the students of Swiss German University.

By facilitating such excursions, SGU underscores its commitment to providing a holistic education that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the professional world. We look forward to more industry visits in the future, as they are crucial in shaping the next generation of pharmaceutical chemical engineers.

Contributor: SGU Brand Champion 2023-2024
Noor Haajarah Rahman – Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineering 2022

SWISS GERMAN UNIVERSITY (SGU) is an international university in Indonesia, was established in 2000 as a joint effort between Indonesia, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. We are the pioneer in offering international curricula in Indonesia. Qualified students can graduate with a Double Degree from Indonesia and Germany, which SGU provides in cooperation with partner universities; surely a valuable tool for your future careers. Ever since its establishment, SGU has been dedicated to delivering quality education in line with international standards and aims to develop skilled professionals who meet the demands of the industry. In order to achieve its objectives, SGU offers quality-oriented learning through 16 Bachelor’s Degree Programs and 6 Master’s Degree Programs ranging from Engineering, Information Technology, and Business to Life Sciences and Social Sciences. Furthermore, with small class sizes, and with English as the medium of instruction, you can look forward to pursuing your tertiary education and degree with full confidence.