Course Overview

Study two interesting areas of science and enhance your scientific techniques and knowledge on our Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry BSc.

From unlocking the secrets of the human body to the individually tailored molecular therapies of the future, biochemistry is the study of biological processes at the cellular and molecular level. This is the foundation for understanding all biological processes, including the development and progression of diverse pathologies, across species. It has become the foundation for understanding all biological processes and can provide explanations for the causes of many diseases in humans, animals and plants.

Medicinal chemistry is aimed at students interested in working within the pharmaceutical sector. From understanding how pharmaceuticals interact with our bodies to exploring drug design to combat various diseases, the application of medicinal chemistry plays a vital part in prolonging and improving life.

Biochemistry modules cover five core themes: macromolecular structure-function, metabolism and its control, genetics, cell biology and the applications of chemistry in the study of these. The course will give you a broad and varied grounding in modern biochemistry. You will explore the structure and function of biological molecules and metabolic processes, core chemical concepts and their application to the biological sciences and molecular cell biology.

You will further develop skills in communicating to range of target audiences including producing a product information leaflet on an allocated drug or medication detailing key information on the structure, function and biological activity. These communication skills are further developed later in the course in a variety of formats, such as experimental project reports, literature reviews, research posters. The year concludes with our undergraduate student research conference where you will showcase the outcomes of your research project.

The medicinal chemistry element of the course provides you with a strong grounding in core areas such as the principles of drug design. This focusses on understanding the interaction of small molecules with biological targets in the body and applying this to the design of drug molecules. During practical sessions you will learn advanced experimental techniques including handling air-sensitive reagents, and also complete a multi-step synthesis of nalidixic acid (the heterocyclic core of a new class of antibacterial agents) to mimic the processes used in the pharmaceutical industry.

As you advance on this course modules will build on the knowledge you've acquired in the principles of drug design by looking at the mechanism of drug action. This follows the pathway of a drug substance through the body, looking at the key areas of pharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics.

General Eligibility

A LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

• A Level requirement ABC/BBB

• A level Chemistry at grade B or above. 

• No Science Practical required.

GCSE REQUIREMENTS

• Maths at C (or 4)
  English at C (or 4)

BTEC

• BTEC requirements DDM in a Science based subject. You must have taken sufficient Chemistry units, please contact us for advice

Part Time Work Details

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component or equivalent.