Medicinal and Biological Chemistry with an Assessed Year in Industry

Chemistry plays a significant role in our society. It is central to developing drugs, creating vaccines, and treating illnesses.

You will explore the interplay between chemistry and biology to develop an understanding of human disease and drug design. The course is built on core chemistry but also includes modules in physiology and pharmacology. In these modules, you will learn about drug delivery, metabolism and targeting, drug structures and toxicities and cancer agents.

On this undergraduate masters-level course, you will have the opportunity to spend an assessed year in a research laboratory of a major chemical company in year three. You will be a paid employee and will work on a research project. In addition you will complete three distance learning theory modules. Recent destinations for placement students have included AstraZeneca, Croda, GlaxoSmithKline, Lubrizol and Sygnature.

Your fourth year will include masters-level modules and a major research project. You can choose from a wide range of areas in chemistry for what your own project will be on, depending on your interest or career aspirations. You will benefit from the active research and latest insight of our research groups, as well as using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

This course will prepare you for a wide range of careers and give you the necessary skills for a career in industry. Our students go on to work in a variety of industry sectors including pharmaceutical, chemical, food and drink, and energy. You’ll also develop your written and oral communication skills, and gain transferable skills such as problem-solving, numeracy and data analysis. The University of Nottingham is the second-most targeted university in the UK by leading employers. (High Fliers' Graduate Market in 2023).

You will be taught by academic staff who will feed your curiosity for chemistry. You may even recognise some of our staff from the popular Periodic Videos YouTube channel.

In the first year, you will take introductory modules in chemistry, physiology and pharmacology, including practical training. If you do not have A level mathematics (or equivalent) then you will take the Mathematical Toolkit module to prepare you for this aspect of the chemistry course.

In your second year, you will explore topics in physical, inorganic and organic chemistry in more depth. You'll also study spectroscopy, biological chemistry and pharmacology. During this year, we will support you in your application to potential companies for your year three placement.

In your third year, you will have the opportunity to undertake a full-time research placement in the pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare or related industry where you will develop the application of science.

In the fourth year, you will work on an in-depth research project in an area of your choice.