M.Sci. Medicinal Chemistry

Entry requirements	Course code
AAB at A-level including Chemistry grade B and one other Science subject. (Provisionally available entry 2012*)	F153, MSci / MC

 

This 4 year programme leads to a Masters level MSci undergraduate qualification in medicinal chemistry, and will be available for entry from 2012. Students currently applying for the courses (2011) should consider entry to the BSc Medicinal chemistry course, and provided there are a viable number of students, and that they meet the appropriate internal programme requirements, students should be able to transfer onto this degree programme once enrolled within the School. The programme allows for in depth development of subject specific knowledge at the interface with the biological sciences with opportunities to specialise in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical chemistry (drug design). In the process students are encouraged to develop problem solving and reflective working practices to encourage both subject specific and generic attributes suitable for a range of career paths.

Many of the elements of the first three years are in common with the B.Sc. Medicinal Chemistry programme, and allows students to swap between the two pathways subject to meeting the appropriate programme requirements. As with all programmes within the School, each year of the degree programmes is comprised of six full modules.

Year 1: In the first semester, medicinal chemistry students study courses in both chemistry and biological sciences alongside a couple of skills modules equipping students to proceed on their chosen degree programme. In the second semester, students then take three modules covering the main fundamental subject areas; inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.

Year 2: Students are required to take six modules of chemistry and biochemistry, with the intention of extending their knowledge of the traditional subject areas, in addition to introducing courses on applied chemistry, spectroscopy and molecular enzymology. Each of the modules contain both practical and coursework components allowing students to develop, practice and demonstrate a wide range of professional skills.

Year 3: In addition to advancing the three core subject areas of organic, inorganic and medicinal chemistry, students can also select to take a number of applied options. In addition, students take a series of three extended practicals in the three core subject areas making up a double weighted module. This allows opportunities to experience research informed experiments designed to encourage students to exercise safe working practices, critical analysis, and experimental design skills. It also provides students with an insight in the direction they may wish to pursue in their final year research project.

Year 4: At the highest level, students are given the opportunity to develop three taught modules at the forefront of current research. Students are expected to take courses in advanced medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis, and will have options to either pursue additional organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry or select a number of topical applied courses, although these are subject to change depending on the research interests available in the School at the particular time. The main contribution to the final year marks (50% of the year) is through the extended research project, within one of the School’s research groups with a strong emphasis of interdisciplinary chemistry at the interface with the biological science, under the supervision of a recognised expert within their discipline.

 

For more details please contact: Dr G. Sheldrake .