Biological and Medicinal Chemistry BSc

Program Overview

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This BSc program combines biological sciences and chemistry with a focus on medical science and drug design. Students learn how to understand the chemistry and synthesis of small molecules in medicine and disease and have opportunities to specialize in areas like pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and biotechnology. The program emphasizes practical skills through laboratory work and offers research, industry placement, and study abroad options for further professional development.

Program Outline

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BSc Biological and Medicinal Chemistry - University of Exeter

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Degree Overview:

This degree program combines biological sciences and chemistry, focusing on their application to medical science and drug design. It emphasizes understanding the chemistry and synthesis of small molecules, particularly in medicine and disease.

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Objectives:

• Learn how the fundamentals of biology and chemistry are applied to medical science.
• Specialize in areas like chemistry, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, forensic science, cell biology, molecular biology, genomics, and biotechnology.
• Upgrade the degree to a four-year program with options for a year of research in industry, a year of study abroad, or a research-focused MSci.
• Prepare students for careers in pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnological, and other industries, as well as medically-related employment and further study.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Biochemistry (15 credits)
• Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists (15 credits)
• Genetics (15 credits)
• Microbiology (15 credits)
• Cells (15 credits)
• General Chemistry (30 credits)

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Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Research Skills and Bioethics (15 credits)
• Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds II (15 credits)
• Metabolism (15 credits)
• Analytical Techniques in Biochemistry (15 credits)
• Bioinorganic Chemistry (15 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Forensic Science (15 credits)
• Advanced Cell Biology (15 credits)
• Molecular Biology of the Gene (15 credits)
• Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics (15 credits)
• Advanced Microbiology (15 credits)
• Introduction to Pharmacology (15 credits)
• Employability and Workplace Learning (15 credits)
• The Biology of Cancer (15 credits)
• Experimental Pharmacology (15 credits)

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Placement/Study Abroad Year (if taken):

• With Industrial Experience:
• Learning from Professional Placement Experience (30 credits)
• Professional Placement and Report (90 credits)
• With Study Abroad:
• One Year Study Abroad (120 credits) - Modules are agreed upon with the College Study Abroad Coordinator and the partner institution.

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Final Year:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Biosciences Research Project (45 credits)
• Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry (15 credits)
• Organic Synthesis and Drug Design (15 credits)
• Secondary Metabolites (15 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Specialist Topics in Chemical Sciences (15 credits)
• Frontiers in Molecular Cell Biology (15 credits)
• Cellular Basis of Immunity (15 credits)
• Science Communication (15 credits)
• Horizons of Biochemical Research (15 credits)
• Cell Biology of Disease (15 credits)
• Bioinformatics (15 credits)
• Energy Metabolism (15 credits)
• Beyond the Frontiers of Medical Mycology (15 credits)
• Molecular Biology of Bacterial Infection (15 credits)

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Assessment:

• Modules are assessed using a variety of methods including essays, exams, presentations, laboratory reports, and a dissertation.
• The first year does not count towards the final degree classification, but students must pass it to progress.
• All marks after the first year count towards the final classification.

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Teaching:

• Students participate in a mix of lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions, and independent study.
• Teaching laboratories develop the necessary skills to become a professional biologist.
• The program encourages students to publish their research results in scientific literature.
• The program utilizes interactive computer-based learning approaches through the virtual learning environment.
• Students are taught by experts in their fields, bringing their research directly to the classroom.
• The program has close links with industrial, medical, and conservation organizations, offering opportunities for collaboration on final year research projects.

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Careers:

• Graduates are employed in various roles in the UK and overseas, including laboratory-based positions, conservation management, ecology, teaching, and nursing.
• The program develops essential skills like analytical problem-solving, teamwork, and communication, making graduates competitive in a wide range of fields.
• The University of Exeter has a dedicated Careers Service to support students in finding employment.
• The program offers employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering, and employment opportunities.

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Other:

• The program is part of the Biosciences department, offering a unique blend of chemistry and biology.
• The program is highly ranked for student satisfaction and research excellence.
• Students have opportunities to undertake study abroad or a year's placement in business or industry.
• The program offers a research-focused MSci option.

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UK students: £9,250 per year International students: £29,700 per year Year abroad or on work placement If, as part of your four-year degree programme, you spend a full academic year studying abroad you will pay a reduced fee of 15 per cent of the maximum fee for that year. If you spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK or abroad) you will pay a reduced fee of 20 per cent of the maximum fee for that year.