Program Overview
The BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry program combines chemistry and biology to prepare graduates for the pharmaceutical sector, an industry employing thousands in the UK. It incorporates practical experience in state-of-the-art labs and includes specialized topics such as metals in medicine and regulatory requirements. The program emphasizes the development of skills and knowledge sought after by the pharmaceutical industry, providing students with a competitive edge in securing employment upon graduation.
Program Outline
We go beyond organic chemistry – which is traditionally associated with pharmaceutical programmes – to cover many other areas of chemistry and biology. As such, we consciously address the needs of this modern and growing industry. You will develop a strong grounding in basic chemistry and biology, and also cover advanced topics relevant to modern pharmaceutical chemistry. As well as underlying theory, the course applies skills and knowledge to areas of pharmacy:
- metals in medicine, dosage and formulation
- pharmacology and toxicity
- analytical science
- regulatory requirements. These fundamental skills will help you to succeed in this diverse and dynamic sector. Learn from internationally leading experts through a combination of lectures, practical classes, workshops, and tutorials. As well as benefitting from hands-on, practical experience in our large, cutting-edge laboratories and purpose-built Chemical Analysis Facility, you will have access to our new £55m Health & Life Sciences building and pharmaceutical laboratories. In the National Student Survey 2023, 98% of students said said that their course challenged them to achieve their best work very often or fairly often (97.5% of respondents studying in the Department of Chemistry). Our existing chemistry degrees are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). As this is a new course, we will continue to work closely with the RSC and expect this programme to be accredited when the first cohort graduates.
Outline:
Year 1
- Chemistry Practicals 1
- Fundamentals of Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
- Shape, Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry
- Physical Processes and Molecular Organisation
- Cell and Molecular Principles of Life
Year 2
- Further Inorganic Chemistry
- Further Organic Chemistry
- Further Physical Chemistry
- Chemistry Practicals 2
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1
Year 3
- Industrial Placement
- Chemistry Project 3
- Chemistry Core 1 (Inorganic and Organic)
- Chemistry Core 2 (Physical and Analytical)
- Further Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Optional modules
- Further Cosmetic Science
- Chemistry in the Natural World
- Polymers in Nature and Industry
- Further Analytical Techniques
Teaching:
Learn from internationally leading experts through a combination of lectures, practical classes, workshops, and tutorials.
Careers:
This course has been developed in partnership with industry to provide good quality graduates for the pharmaceutical sector. We incorporate skills development into each year of the degree, giving you a better chance of securing work when you leave university. You will graduate with a range of skills that are essential for the pharmaceutical industry and a wide range of other careers.
Other:
- We have many industry links with pharmaceutical companies based in the Thames Valley and beyond.
New UK/Republic of Ireland students:
£9,250
- New international students: £27,650
