Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Placement Year) (F127)

Loughborough University's Bachelor of Science in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry is designed to equip students with the skills needed to work in the pharmaceutical industry and allied sectors with modules in drug synthesis and discovery alongside core chemistry. The search for new drugs to combat cancer, heart disease and infections remains an important challenge at the forefront of medical research. The pharmaceutical industry has a need for highly skilled graduates with a strong background in organic chemistry, coupled with a broad understanding of pharmacology and related biochemical areas.

The Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry program has been designed to ensure graduates have the skills needed to succeed in the pharmaceutical industry and allied sectors. The course offers students the opportunity to study chemistry as a major subject along with subjects allied to the medical and pharmaceutical industries. For instance, in year one students will develop a sound understanding of the core chemistry principles, while in year two they will deepen their knowledge of the principles of biological chemistry with an emphasis on topics which are relevant to the medical and pharmaceutical industry. The biological modules do not depend on having a background in biology. In year three further advanced topics relevant to medicinal and biological chemistry are studied and two investigative projects are undertaken. Students will also carry out an in-depth literature review of a key topic, leading to specialized knowledge in a particular field.

Across the duration of their undergraduate studies students will gain practical hands-on laboratory experience in Loughborough University's state-of-the-art STEM Lab facilities. Students have the opportunity to add further value to their time at Loughborough University by spending a placement year in industry gaining highly sought-after workplace experience or by exploring options for study abroad. As a student of chemistry at Loughborough University, students will benefit from high levels of pastoral support, a peer-mentoring scheme, and the compelling insights of the department's renowned academic staff, many of whom are active in research with far-reaching impact.