Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (with placement year) BSc (Hons)

Loughborough University of Technology

Our BSc degree in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry is designed to equip you with the skills needed to work in the pharmaceutical industry and allied sectors with modules in drug synthesis and discovery alongside core chemistry.

The search for new drugs to combat cancer, heart disease, viruses and bacterial infections remains an important challenge at the forefront of medical research. Recent months have shown how vital the work of medicinal chemists is for our health and wellbeing. It also reminds us of the need for highly skilled graduates with a strong background in organic chemistry, coupled with a broad understanding of pharmacology and related biochemical areas.

If you have ever wondered how drugs and medicines are designed, made and why they work, or if you aspire to be part of the vital work of developing the medicines of the future, this course is for you.

Our Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry BSc (Hons) degree has been designed to ensure our graduates have the skills needed to succeed in the pharmaceutical industry and allied sectors. The course offers you the opportunity to study chemistry as a major subject along with subjects linked to the medical and pharmaceutical industries. For instance, in year one you will develop a sound understanding of the core chemistry principles, while in year two you will deepen your knowledge of the principles of biological chemistry with an emphasis on topics which are relevant to the medical and pharmaceutical industry. The biological modules do not depend on having a background in biology.

In year three further advanced topics relevant to medicinal and biological chemistry are studied and two investigative projects are undertaken. You will also carry out an in-depth literature review of a key topic, leading to specialised knowledge in a particular field.

Across the duration of your undergraduate studies you will gain practical hands-on laboratory experience in our state-of-the-art STEMLab facilities. You have the opportunity to add further value to your time at Loughborough by spending a placement year in industry gaining highly sought-after workplace experience or by exploring options for study abroad. As a student of chemistry at Loughborough you will benefit from high levels of pastoral support, a peer-mentoring scheme, and the compelling insights of our renowned academic staff, many of whom are active in research with far-reaching impact.

What's the difference between MChem and BSc?

Both the Chemistry BSc (Hons) degree and the Chemistry MChem (Hons) degree are orientated towards the practice of chemistry in the world outside the University. Our 3 (or 4 year sandwich) BSc equips you for employment in chemistry, scientific and other sectors. The 4 (or 5 year sandwich) MChem is suited for students who may wish to pursue a PhD or a career in industrial research.

Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).