2024/25 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

MChem, BSc Medicinal Chemistry (For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

Programme code:	MCBSMEDCHM-R	UCAS code:	F153
Duration:	4 Years	Method of Attendance:	Full Time
Programme manager:	Dr Martin McPhillie	Contact address:	M.J.McPhillie@leeds.ac.uk

Total credits: 480

Entry requirements:

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:

School of Chemistry

Examination board through which the programme will be considered:

Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups:

Chemistry (https://www.qaa.ac.uk/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements/chemistry# )

Professional Body Offering Accreditation:

the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem). Reaccredited on 7th June 2022 for 5 years.

Programme specification:

The information on this page is accurate for students entering the programme from September 2024. For students who entered the programme before September 2024, you can find the details of your programme: MChem, BSc Medicinal Chemistry

Medicinal chemistry is the science of designing and synthesising new medicines. It is a highly interdisciplinary subject combining chemistry with elements of pharmacology, biochemistry, structural and cellular biology. Whilst modern medicines are diverse in size and function, medicinal chemists focus on how to develop small molecules (usually carbon-based organic compounds decorated with functional groups) into drug molecules using their knowledge of chemistry, and in particular organic chemistry. Such scientists are highly valuable in delivering innovative medicines to treat and prevent global pandemics and other healthcare challenges.

In your first two years you will study the fundamental concepts and principles that underpin medicinal chemistry, including a shared first year with the chemistry programme, subsequently specialising in year two. During these years you will develop laboratory skills and a wide range of graduate and transferable skills like teamwork and data analysis. You’ll also be exposed to the latest research from our globally-recognized research groups.

In your third year you will continue to build on your knowledge of chemistry and medicinal chemistry whilst having access to a range of options including ethics and business within the degree programme. You will have the option to apply for industrial experience between years 2 and 3 or between years 3 and 4. Alternatively, you may spend your third year studying medicinal chemistry at one of our overseas partner Universities.

In your final year you’ll undertake a significant research project, embedded in one of our internationally recognized research groups. This allows you to follow your interests and investigate a topic at the cutting edge of medicinal chemistry (or a related topic appropriate to your programme), as well as further develop transferable skills such as working independently, communication and time management.

Year1 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules

CHEM1102	Chemistry in Action: Atoms, Molecules, Matter	10 credits	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM1204	Fundamental Organic Chemistry for Biology & Synthesis	10 credits	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
CHEM1205	Chemistry of the Material World	10 credits	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
CHEM1302	Introduction to Modern Chemistry	20 credits	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM1303	Chemistry and Chemists for a Sustainable Future	20 credits	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM1402	Introduction to Practical Chemistry and Research Skills	40 credits	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP

Optional modules:

Candidates will be required to study a further 10 credits from the following:

Option A:
For students without A level maths or equivalent, or with a grade less than C in A level maths or equivalent, you must take the following module

NATS1180

Mathematics for Scientists

10 credits

Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Discovery modules:

Or option B:
Candidates will be required to study 10 credits of discovery modules.

Year2 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

We are currently refreshing our courses to make sure students have the best possible experience. Where there is no module code link below the full module details are not yet available. Before you are required to enrol on a module full details will be provided.

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
- Organometallics: from Bonding to Catalysis - 10 credits
- Organic Chemistry: Structure, Reactions and the Science of Life - 20 credits
- Chemical Pharmacology & Drug Design - 20 credits
- Practical, Professional and Research skills for Medicinal Chemists - 40 credits
- Molecular Signatures: Spectroscopy and Chromatography - 10 credits
- Specialisms in Chemical Science - 10 credits

CHEM2131

Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics

10 credits

Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Year3 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
- Project and Research Skills – 20 credits
- Extended Topics in Organic, Bioorganic and Interdisciplinary Chemistry – 30 credits
- Topics in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry – 20 credits
- Medicinal Chemistry in Drug Development – 10 credits
- Quantum Mechanics and Bonding – 10 credits

CHEM3424

Laboratory Work for Medicinal Chemists (2M)

20 credits

Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

PFP

Optional modules:

Candidates will be required to study 10 credits from the following optional modules:
- Chemistry in the Real World – 10 credits