Introducing Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry

These degrees emphasise the uses and applications of chemical techniques in medicinal and biological systems. Medicinal chemistry is the chemical basis for the modern revolution in the treatment of disease. It is concerned with both the synthesis of potential new medicines and understanding their action. The Department has close liaisons with chemists from the pharmaceutical industry and these courses reflect Departmental interests ranging from the synthesis of new compounds with clinical potential to the study of DNA/drug interactions. Both the BSc and MChem degree courses provide a good introduction for those interested in careers in medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry, and are identical during Years One and Two. The real decision – whether to continue to a BSc or MChem – is made at the end of the second year, with candidates needing to obtain at least a lower second class pass in their second year to proceed to the MChem. At the end of the first year, it is also possible to transfer to one of the Chemistry degree streams.

The options for overseas and industrial placements are the same as for MChem Chemistry (F105) and BSc Chemistry (F100).

• Entry Requirements

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Modules

Year One

As for Chemistry (f100)

Year Two

Modules: (Core) Structural Applications of Spectroscopy; Chemistry Laboratory; Organometallic Ligands and Bonds; Mechanism and Stereochemistry in Organic Chemistry; Aromatic Heterocyclic Chemistry; Foundations of Electrochemistry and Properties of Solutions; Principles of Co-ordination Chemistry; Key Skills; Introduction to Biological Chemistry; Structure and Bonding; Key Skills

Options: Introduction to Polymer Science; Main Group Chemistry

Year Three (BSc)

Modules: (Core) Organometallic Reactions and Catalysis; Structure Elucidation by Means of NMR and Mass Spectrometry; Selectivity in Organic Syntheses; Molecular Pharmacology; Enzymes and Natural Product Biosynthesis; Molecular Interactions in Chemistry and Biology; Statistical Mechanics.

Options: Bio-Inorganic Chemistry; Polymer Chemistry; Surface and Colloid Chemistry; Understanding Organic Synthesis; Basic Molecular Modelling; Applications of Theoretical Chemistry; Molecular Quantum Mechanics; Reactions of Transition Metals in Solution; Solid State Materials Chemistry; Dissertation and Oral Presentation; Team Project for BSc; Laboratory Work; Extended Laboratory Work (Computer Workshops, Poster); European Placement Project (BSc); Communicating Science; Introduction to Secondary School Teaching (Chemistry); Education and Learning; Business Studies I.

Year Three (MChem)

Modules: (Core) Organometallic Reactions and Catalysis; Structure Elucidation by Means of NMR and Mass Spectrometry; Selectivity in Organic Syntheses; Molecular Pharmacology; Enzymes and Natural Product Biosynthesis; Molecular Interactions in Chemistry and Biology; Statistical Mechanics.

Options: Bio-Inorganic Chemistry; Polymer Chemistry; Gas Phase Kinetics and Mechanisms; Surface and Colloid Chemistry; Understanding Organic Synthesis; Materials; Basic Molecular Modelling; Applications of Theoretical Chemistry; Molecular Quantum Mechanics; Reactions of Transition Metals in Solution; Team Project for BSc; Introduction to Secondary School Teaching (Chemistry)

Year Four (MChem)

Modules (Core) Research Project; Research Methodologies; Advanced Medicinal Chemistry.

Options: Synthetic Chemistry I (Organic); Synthetic Chemistry II (Metallo-organic); Synthetic Chemistry III (Supramolecular and Macromolecular); Dynamics of Chemical Reactions; Electrochemistry and Nanotechnology; Theoretical and Computational Chemistry; Oncology; Biological Perspectives on Human Disease.

More information

• Find out more about industrial and overseas placements

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Assessment

Laboratory classes and ICT workshops are continuously assessed. Essays, posters, dissertations and research projects have both written and oral components. Lecture modules normally have written examinations which are set at various times depending on the year of study. The Department also uses resource-based modules, some of which are assessed via on-line tests. Compulsory Key Skills modules allow further development of your information retrieval and presentation abilities.

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Further information

Gap Year:
Applications for deferred entry welcomed.

Open Days:
University Open Days give applicants the opportunity for an informal look at the Department and the campus. Departmental UCAS Open Days are reserved for current applicants who have accepted an invitation to attend. Offers normally made after candidates have attended a Departmental UCAS Open Day. See Department of Chemistry website

Overseas Students:
Candidates living outside the UK welcome to visit at any time. Tel. +44 (024) 7652 3678 or email Chemistry Undergraduate Enquiries to arrange a tour and meeting with one of the Admissions Tutors.

Admissions:
(024) 7652 3723

Email:
ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk

Department website

More about undergraduate study in Chemistry