BSc (Hons) Human Biology and Medicinal Chemistry

The Medicinal Chemistry element of the course will enable you to develop a deep understanding of the complex chemical and biological processes involved in the design and manufacture of drugs and other therapies for treating disease. This course prepares you to help solve problems at the intersection of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology. The goal of medicinal chemistry is to support the search for new drugs to treat conditions such as heart disease and cancer. You’ll work in well-equipped laboratories, and learn to conduct effective independent research. You’ll develop essential skills for employment, such as problem-solving, presentation, and communication.

Year 1

• Physiology and Anatomy
• Fundamentals of Biology
• Core Practical Skills
• Practical and Professional Chemistry Skills
• Chemical Structure and Reactivity

Year 2

• Practical Skills in Bioscience
• Research Methods in Human Biology
• Molecular Chemistry and Reactions
• Principles of Drug Design
• Spectroscopy and Molecular Structure

OPTIONAL MODULES

• Human Genetics
• Microbes, Viruses, and Parasites
• Current Topics in Biology
• Environmental Biology
• Nutrition and Energy Balance
• Learning & Memory
• Health and the Environment

Year 3

• Mechanisms of Drug Action
• Topics in Medicinal Chemistry

OPTIONAL MODULES

• Applied Life Sciences Placement – ISP
• Advances in Medicine
• Human Parasitology
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Biology of Disease – ISP
• Double Applied Life Sciences Placement – ISP
• Life Sciences Single Experimental Project (with research skills assessment) – ISP
• Life Sciences Dissertation
• Human Evolution
• Regeneration and Repair in the Nervous System
• Cancer Biology
• Chemical Kinetics, Photochemistry, and Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms
• Advanced Organic Chemistry
• Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry Research Project
• Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry Dissertation

Employability

Human Biology graduates have pursued diverse careers including industry, genetics research, medical statistics, scientific writing, management, and sales. Previous Human Biology graduates have gone into Medicine while many enter into MSc or Ph.D. degree programs. Human Biologists also enter careers dictated by the other subject of the combined degree program including finance, journalism, and teaching.

Our Medicinal Chemistry graduates have excellent employment prospects, whether at the cutting edge of drug discovery or in a wide range of related fields. You might go to work for a pharmaceutical company, either as a research scientist or in a more business-related role. Alternatively, you might work in a different organization as a development chemist, a research assistant, or a site chemist.