About Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry, BSc (Hons) - at Keele University

Our accredited Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry BSc will equip you with a solid grounding in the core areas of chemistry, exploring the complex biological and chemical problems involved in the design and synthesis of new clinical drugs. From applying key concepts in our sector-leading laboratories to practical and professional development, you will develop a toolkit of skills including drug design and chemical synthesis, allowing you to pursue a career in biomedical research or the pharmaceutical industry. Course overview Medicinal Chemistry focuses on the search for new drugs to treat a wide range of human ailments, from viral infections to cancer. Our Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry degree applies a strong grounding in chemistry towards the medicinal chemistry principles required to solve problems at the interfaces of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology.

Threading sustainability and industrial chemistry through traditional chemical principles and theories, you will explore the pivotal roles chemistry and medicinal chemistry play in addressing global, economic and environmental challenges. In the first two years of study, you will learn the core concepts in the fundamental areas of inorganic, organic, physical and analytical chemistry. From the outset, you will explore how chemistry interfaces with biology, leading to an in-depth exploration of the interfaces of medicinal chemistry as the degree progresses. The second year continues to develop your understanding of core chemical principles.

You will also study specialist modules exploring the organic, inorganic and physical chemistry that underpins medicinal chemistry - identifying the ways that drug molecules interact with the body and applying this to the process of drug design. One of the highlights of our Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry BSc is your final year individual independent research project, which can be aligned to your own interests and career goals. You will also conduct an in-depth literature review which can be connected to your research project, or into another area of medicinal chemistry. These activities will allow you to focus and fully immerse yourself at the forefront of your field and apply your skills of scientific inquiry to make a tangible impact.

Your learning will be supported through interactive teaching, workshops and small group activities as well as frequent opportunities to apply key concepts in our sector-leading laboratories and other practical exercises. Industry-ready graduates Designed to provide you with the specialist skills you will need as a professional, modern chemist, our chemistry courses have practical and professional development modules embedded throughout our curriculum. From hands-on experience using specialist computational tools and research-grade instrumentation in our sector-leading laboratory facilities, to dedicated career-focused sessions and authentic assessments, we will provide you with the knowledge, tools and connections to develop a strong foundation for your future career. Sector-leading in sustainability-education At Keele we're leading the sector in sustainability, not just in our ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030 but also through our teaching and our ground-breaking research into climate change and renewable technologies.

In 2021 we were awarded the prestigious title of Global Sustainability Institution of the Year (International Green Gown Awards, 2021). Within the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences we promote sustainability through our teaching to raise awareness of the environmental issues within chemistry. On the programme you will explore how chemistry is placed within the social, political and economic context of 'the real world' with a heavy emphasis on environmental sustainability and the implications for humanity. You will also discover how chemistry associated with industrial processes has changed to become more sustainable and how it must continue to change to further this progress.

Find out more about Keele's commitment to sustainability *We have compared the positivity ratings of all participating UK institutions using the NSS 2025 sector data to determine Keele's position relative to other broad-based universities (i.e. excluding specialist institutions and further education colleges). Chemistry ranked No.1 in the UK with 96% of students expressing satisfaction with their course (NSS 2025, broad-based universities)* Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, our programme is relevant and valued by industry Gain hands-on access to specialist computational tools and research-grade instrumentation in our sector-leading laboratories Our practical and professional employability modules will prepare you for professional roles in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries Our authentic assessments replicate the type of tasks required in the medicinal chemistry workplace For more details, please see the course page on the Keele website.

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