BSc (Hons) Medicinal Chemistry and Neuroscience

For the Medicinal Chemistry element of the course, you’ll 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 valuable skills for employment, such as problem-solving, presentation, and communication.

Year 1

• Practical and Professional Chemistry Skills
• Chemical Structure and Reactivity
• Introduction to Neuroscience
• Physiology and Anatomy
• Core Practical Skills

Year 2

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

OPTIONAL MODULES

• Neuron to Brain
• Neurodevelopment
• Research and Analytical Skills
• Neuropharmacology
• Learning & Memory

Year 3

• Mechanisms of Drug Action
• Topics in Medicinal Chemistry

OPTIONAL MODULES

• Chemical Kinetics, Photochemistry, and Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms
• Advanced Organic Chemistry
• Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry Research Project
• Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry Dissertation
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Brain Disease
• Applied Life Sciences Placement – ISP
• Double Applied Life Sciences Placement – ISP
• Life Sciences Double Experimental Project (with research skills assessment)
• Life Sciences Single Experimental Project (with research skills assessment) – ISP
• Life Sciences Dissertation
• Regeneration and Repair in the Nervous System
• Current Research Topics in Neuroscience
• Special Senses

Employability

Our Medicinal Chemistry graduates have a range of 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.

Previous employers

• Vision Express
• Pharmaron UK Ltd
• Johnson Matthey
• GSQ
• Endeavour Speciality Chemicals Ltd
• NHS