MSc Medicinal Chemistry MSc

About the course

The MSc Medicinal Chemistry has been designed for chemists who wish to enhance and extend their knowledge and skills in the application of chemical principles to medicinal and pharmaceutical problems.

The Programme has been designed for graduates in Chemistry, and closely related disciplines, with the aim of providing advanced knowledge in modern synthetic chemistry together with related areas of significance in the drug design, discovery and development process. Graduates will be able to communicate effectively with colleagues from other scientific disciplines within an industrial environment. In addition, the Programme places considerable emphasis on generic research skills such as the preparation of a research proposal followed by an extensive research project.

The MSc Medicinal Chemistry programme comprises five taught modules together with a sixth research module involving a laboratory based project:

• Principles of Pharmaceutical Science
• Principles of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Research
• Research methods
• Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design
• Advanced Synthetic Chemistry
• Research Project

Our facilities

Our school, at the University of Hertfordshire offers world-class teaching and learning facilities, including Europe's largest medical simulation laboratory.

Take a virtual tour of our facilties at the School of Pharmacy

Why choose this course?

• State-of-the-art chemistry facilities
• Excellent teaching

View course leaflet for MSc Medicinal Chemistry

Study routes

• Part Time, 6 Years
• Full Time, 1 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Teaching methods

Each taught Module consists of a series of lectures, workshops / tutorials and laboratory classes. All students are required to carry out a laboratory based project and are assigned principle and secondary supervisors. Both supervisors will also be involved in the Research Methods module.

The Programme is full-time over 12 months starting in September with the formal taught modules divided between semesters from September to January and February to May, the remainder of the time being spent on the research project.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Advanced Synthetic Chemistry

  This module examines the processes involved in the design of synthetic pathways for organic molecules. The module will provide a revision of C-C and C-X bond formation in relation to the design of multistep synthetic pathways. This will be followed by lectures on methods used in synthesis design. Topics will include: the application of protecting groups in multistep synthesis; asymmetric synthesis, strategies for the synthesis of cyclic compounds; modern synthetic and purification techniques; retrosynthetic analysis and advanced spectroscopic techniques for the structural elucidation of organic molecules. The application of the principles and concepts outlined above will be supported by blended learning approaches and illustrated by an examination of a variety of examples and the use of literature searching tools and chemical databases. The module will provide a critical insight and understanding of the issues associated with the design of multistep synthetic pathways of pharmaceuticals.

• Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery

  This module examines techniques and methodologies employed in modern drug discovery and design projects. The module will provide a review of the associated issues and emphasise the multidisciplinary nature of modern drug discovery. Topics such as: how drug molecules interact with their targets; the structure and function of drug targets e.g. receptors; techniques employed in drug discovery experiments for the purpose of lead identification and optimisation, and computational methodologies employed in the drug discovery and design process will be examined in greater detail. The application of the principles and concepts outlined above will be illustrated by an examination of a variety of examples of significance taken from the literature. The module will provide a critical insight and understanding of medicinal chemistry drug discovery and design.

• Principles of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Research

  This is an introductory module which aims to introduce the main principles of research methodology and their application to pharmaceutical analysis. The module will emphasise the steps of analysis in research programmes from the initial definition of problems and critical appraisal of information sources to the communication of results. The theory of commonly used techniques including separation science and spectroscopy will be used to exemplify the processes involved in developing robust analytical approaches to solving problems in pharmaceutical research and development.

• Principles of Pharmaceutical Science

  An introductory module which aims to provide an overview of drug delivery, action and disposition with an indication of the processes and requirements for drug regulation, providing essential background knowledge for the medicinal chemist and pharmaceutical scientist. The module will provide candidates with a critical appreciation of the significance of physicochemical properties in drug delivery, transport across biological membranes and disposition.

• Research Project in Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Science

  The Module involves identification of a research topic and the use and evaluation of appropriate sources of information, including the performance of a literature search and evaluation of the original and review literature, together with relevant databases and the internet. The aim of the project will be identified and a hypothesis formulated. Appropriate methodologies will be identified and experimental procedures designed in order to test the hypothesis. Interpretation and critical analysis of experimental data will be carried out, including statistical analysis where appropriate, in order to draw conclusions resulting in a re-evaluation of the hypothesis. The results of the investigations will be placed in the context of current knowledge as part of the project report. Safety and risk assessments will be carried out with respect to all laboratory procedures.

Optional

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £6,700 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £11,000 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

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Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

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How to apply