Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences, MChem (Hons)

Combine your passion for chemistry and biology to contribute to life-saving medical advancements. This program covers the entire drug development process, from designing therapeutic molecules and understanding their biological interactions to evaluating safety and efficacy. You'll undertake a six-month placement in a pharmaceutical company or overseas university, gaining practical experience and transferable skills in modern labs equipped with advanced tools like NMR spectrometers.Supported by a close-knit community, including small-group tutorials and career workshops, you'll benefit from research-active academics at a top-ranked UK university. The curriculum includes core chemistry and biology modules, with options for specialization, leading to opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector or PhD studies. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, it emphasizes sustainable practices and prepares you for professional success.

This degree is made up of 75 per cent chemistry modules and 25 per cent biology modules. Sustainability is a key theme in our chemistry courses – you’ll learn about new technologies that are making drug manufacturing more environmentally friendly, as well as using the latest ‘green’ practices in your own lab work. Years one and two: You’ll gain a foundation in the fundamentals of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, as well as practical lab techniques, as a basis for your specialist studies in years three and four. You’ll also take one of two biology modules: Fundamentals of Biology or Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology. Core modules in the first and second year are shared across most of our chemistry degrees. This makes it easy to transfer if you decide you’d like to join our MChem Chemistry or MChem with placement degrees. Year three: You’ll undertake an individual research project linked to medicinal science, and take Medicinal Chemistry, Advanced Organic Chemistry (Bioorganic) and Pharmacology modules. You’ll also choose from biology and chemistry options including: • Cancer Chromosome Biology • Molecular Cell Biology • Selective Toxicity • Sustainable Chemistry • Synthetic Methods in Organic Chemistry Year four: You’ll spend six months doing a research project at your placement organisation. You’ll also have a choice of chemistry and biology options including: • Advanced Chemical Biology; • Biomedical Technology; • Molecular Pharmacology; • Neurodegenerative Disease; • The Molecular and Structural Basis of Disease; • Supramolecular Chemistry of Functional Molecules and Materials; • Advanced Spectroscopy Applications. For a full list of options, please visit: https: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/chemistry-with-medicinal-sciences-degree-mchem#modules.