Biological and Medicinal Chemistry

The Biological and Medicinal Chemistry program at the University of East Anglia is an innovative and comprehensive course designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the chemical principles that underpin biological processes and medicinal applications. This program combines fundamental topics in chemistry with specialized modules focused on biological systems, drug design, and medicinal chemistry, preparing graduates for careers in pharmaceuticals, biotech industries, and research institutions. Students will explore the molecular mechanisms of disease, the development of new therapeutic agents, and the analytical techniques used to study biomolecules. The curriculum emphasizes practical laboratory skills, critical thinking, and research methodology, equipping students to contribute effectively to scientific advancements and drug discovery. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to develop a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating chemistry, biology, and pharmacology to solve complex biomedical challenges. The programme benefits from the university’s modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories and dedicated research centers, allowing students to engage in cutting-edge projects and collaborations. In addition to core sciences, students will also gain valuable skills in data analysis, scientific communication, and project management. The course offers opportunities for internships and placements within the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, enhancing employability and real-world experience. Graduates of the program will be well-positioned for careers in research and development, regulatory affairs, clinical research, or further postgraduate study. With a focus on both academic excellence and practical application, the Biological and Medicinal Chemistry program prepares students to make meaningful contributions to healthcare and scientific innovation on a global scale.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10560 Year (EEA)
• EUR 17480 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU £9,000; International £14,900

• English

Course Content

If your particular interests lie in both chemistry and biology, then our MChem honours degree in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry could be exactly what you’re looking for. This four year programme starts off by providing a solid foundation in the principles of chemistry (taught alongside other chemists) and also an introduction to biochemistry and molecular biology. This base is built upon further in years 2 and 3, with an increasing emphasis on how chemical principles can be applied to understand, influence, harness and exploit biology. Biological and medicinal chemistry is fundamentally a practical subject and extensive training in experimental techniques and methods in both chemistry and biology, delivered in high specification teaching laboratories, is an important part of the experience at UEA. During the final, ‘Masters’-level year, students have the opportunity to study advanced areas of biological and medicinal chemistry and to gain significant experience of a research environment through a year-long research project undertaken in one of the School’s research laboratories.

Our unique programme, although based in the School of Chemistry, is taught jointly with faculty from the School of Biological Sciences, thus ensuring that both the chemical and biological components of the course are delivered by subject specific experts. In addition, the research-leading standing of both Schools ensures that many, if not all, of the faculty teaching on the programme are, themselves, internationally leading researchers.

If you are sure that biological and medicinal chemistry is for you but are uncertain about whether you want to study for a four-year Masters level qualification, please be reassured that the School of Chemistry also offers a three year BSc honours degree in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry, and transfer between the two courses is straightforward during the first two years because of a common underlying structure. Progression on the MChem programme is based on academic merit. The School also offers variants of the MChem that involve spending a year (year 3 of 4) at a University in North America, or in industry.

At the end of four years, our MChem students graduate with extensive subject-specific knowledge and understanding that makes them highly attractive to potential employers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnologies industries. Some opt to study for a post-graduate higher degree in their favourite area of research, or to use their degree to enter teacher training or medicine. Some also chose to do other things and a good science degree, together with the range of transferrable skills they’ll have acquired along the way, opens doors to many other possibilities.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL iBT® test : 78

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A Level: AAB including Chemistry and a second science
• International Baccalaureate: 33 points to include HL Chemistry at grade 6 and one other HL Science or Maths at grade 6
• Scottish Highers: AAAAB including Higher Level Chemistry and a sceond science
• Scottish Advanced Highers: AAB including Advanced Higher Level Chemistry and a second science
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAABB inc Chemistry and a second science at Higher Level
• Access Course: See below
• HND: Please contact institution for further information
• European Baccalaureate: Overall 80% to include Chemistry

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
• PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

We ask all our applicants to have A2-level or equivalent Chemistry and A2 in a second science subject from Physics, Mathematics and Biology, or equivalent.

Applicants with Access or BTEC qualifications who receive an offer will also be asked to complete a chemistry test at the University in Summer 2013. Information concerning the content of the chemistry test will be made available to such applicants.
General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.
Offers made to applicants with Access or BTEC qualifications will also include the requirement to pass chemistry test at the University in Summer 2013. Information concerning the content of the chemistry test will be made available to such applicants.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English Language at Grade C or above.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of East Anglia.

The BSc Biological and Medicinal Chemistry program at the University of East Anglia offers students a comprehensive understanding of the chemical processes underpinning biological systems and the development of medicinal compounds. This course is designed to equip students with a strong foundation in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, alongside essential biological sciences such as biochemistry and cell biology. The curriculum emphasizes practical laboratory skills, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in chemical synthesis, analysis, and research techniques relevant to medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.

Throughout the program, students explore a wide range of topics, including the chemistry of biologically active compounds, enzyme mechanisms, molecular pharmacology, and the design of pharmaceuticals. The course incorporates modules that focus on the development of new medicines, understanding disease pathways, and the ethical considerations of drug development. The integration of chemistry and biology prepares graduates for careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, research, or further postgraduate study.

Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and research laboratories, fostering a lab-based learning environment that emphasizes experimental techniques and data analysis. The program includes opportunities for industrial placements, allowing students to gain real-world experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech sectors. Additionally, the curriculum is regularly updated to reflect recent advances in medicinal chemistry and related fields, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for current industry needs.

The program is suitable for students with a strong interest in both chemistry and biology, and who are motivated by the prospect of developing new medicines and understanding complex biological processes from a chemical perspective. The University of East Anglia’s emphasis on research-led teaching supports student engagement with current scientific challenges, encouraging critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills.

Graduates of the BSc Biological and Medicinal Chemistry program will be equipped with a diverse skill set that includes analytical techniques, scientific communication, and an understanding of the ethical and regulatory frameworks governing drug development. They will be well-positioned for careers in research and development, working in pharmaceutical companies, healthcare sectors, or pursuing further studies at the postgraduate level, including MSc or PhD programs. The program's interdisciplinary nature and focus on practical skills make it an excellent choice for students aiming to contribute to the fields of medicinal chemistry and biological sciences.