Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry

The Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin offers students an in-depth interdisciplinary education that combines principles of chemistry, biology, and medicine to prepare them for diverse careers in the biomedical sciences. This program is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the chemical basis of biological processes and applying this knowledge to develop new drugs, therapies, and diagnostic tools to address pressing health challenges. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on research opportunities, students will explore the fundamental aspects of organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how chemical compounds interact with biological systems.

The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills, including laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication. Students will learn to analyze complex biological problems through a chemical lens, fostering critical thinking and innovation. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students to work alongside faculty and researchers across various departments, including chemistry, biology, pharmacy, and medicine. This collaborative environment prepares graduates to pursue careers in pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, medical device development, or advanced graduate studies.

Students are encouraged to participate in research projects, internships, and co-curricular activities that provide real-world experience and enhance their professional development. Mentorship by faculty members facilitates personalized guidance and supports students in achieving their academic and career goals. The degree program aims to produce well-rounded scientists equipped with a strong scientific foundation, research experience, and problem-solving abilities necessary for advancing health sciences and contributing to innovations in medicine.

Graduates of this program will be prepared for entry into graduate or professional schools, including pharmacy, medicine, or doctoral programs in chemistry or biology. They will also be qualified for employment in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology companies, healthcare agencies, and research institutions. The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin is committed to fostering a stimulating academic environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and scientific excellence, ultimately contributing to the improvement of human health worldwide.

The student’s academic and research programs are tailored to meet his or her specific interests and professional goals and are decided upon by that student and his/her supervising professor. However, all students take a set of “core” courses in advanced organic chemistry, advanced medicinal chemistry, advanced biochemistry and molecular biology (12 semester hours). Within one calendar year of admission, each student declares a sub-specialization in medicinal chemistry (synthetic medicinal chemistry, bioorganic chemistry or structural molecular biology) and fulfills the core requirements of that sub-specialization.

Following completion of the core requirements, and typically near the end of the second year of study, the student will be required to take the candidacy examinations. The written candidacy examination consists of a single comprehensive exam prepared by the student’s examination committee consisting of division faculty and other faculty members whose selection is based upon the student’s specialization and research. Within 90 days of passing the written exam, the student submits a formal, original NIH proposal to the examination committee concerning a topic chosen by the student and approved by the examination committee. This serves as the basis for the oral candidacy examination. Upon successful completion of both examinations, the student is admitted to candidacy and the dissertation committee is formulated and charged with supervising the dissertation research and final defense.

Core Course Requirements

• (Required of all students unless waived by the Academic Advisor)
• CH 386J Advanced Organic Chemistry
• CH 395G Biochemistry
• CH 395J Molecular Biology (This can be replaced with other courses by permission)
• PGS 396M Medicinal Chemistry: General Principles, Pharmacological Classification, and Mechanism of Action

Electives (Choose 4 courses)

• PGS 382C Chemistry of Natural Products
• PGS 386E Enzymes and DNA as Chemical Targets for Drug Action
• PGS 388C Introductory Bioorganic Chemistry
• PGS 388D Advanced Bioorganic Chemistry
• PGS 396C Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry
• PGS 397M Drug Design and Synthetic Strategy
• CH 386K Advanced Organic Chemistry
• CH 387D Physical Methods in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• CH 387K Biochemical Techniques
• CH 391L Macromolecular Structure Determination
• CH 392H Biomolecular Structure by NMR Spectroscopy
• CH 392N Physical Chemistry of Macromolecular Systems
• CH 394 Chemistry of Enzyme Systems

Requirements

• Application for Admission 
• Official GRE scores 
• Resume and/or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation from three individuals
• The application fee is $65 for U.S. applicants and $90 for International applicants
• Official Transcripts. Include transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended. You will uploadyour transcript as a PDF after you submitted your application and paid the applicationfee. Upload your transcript(s) on the Status Check page. 
• Official TOEFL Scores
• Financial Responsibility Form 

The University of Texas at Austin offers a comprehensive range of financial aid options to support students enrolled in their Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry programs. Prospective students are encouraged to explore multiple avenues to finance their education, including scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans. The university's Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid provides detailed information about merit-based scholarships that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to the field of science. These scholarships are awarded based on application materials such as transcripts, personal statements, and recommendation letters, and they do not need to be repaid.

In addition to scholarships, students may be eligible for federal grants, such as the Pell Grant, which provides need-based support to undergraduate students demonstrating significant financial need. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the primary form required to determine eligibility for these grants and loans. The university also offers work-study programs that allow students to work part-time on or off-campus in positions related to their field of study, thereby gaining valuable professional experience while earning income to offset educational expenses.

Students interested in loans can access federal Direct Stafford Loans, which offer relatively low-interest rates and flexible repayment options. Graduate students might also consider federal Grad Plus loans, which can cover remaining educational costs not met by other aid sources. The university’s financial aid counselors are available to guide students through the application process and advise on optimizing financial aid packages.

Research assistantships and fellowships are another significant source of funding, particularly for graduate students engaged in research projects in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry. These positions often provide stipends that cover living expenses and may also include tuition waivers, decreasing overall financial burden. Many faculty members secure grants from agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the National Science Foundation (NSF), which allocate funds to support graduate research assistants.

Students are also encouraged to seek external scholarships from scientific organizations, private foundations, and industry partners related to the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. These external funding sources can supplement university-based aid and significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Continuous research into new financial opportunities, timely submission of aid applications, and active engagement with university resources are essential strategies for managing the cost of education in this highly competitive and specialized field.

In sum, the University of Texas at Austin provides a robust suite of financial support options tailored to meet the needs of students in Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry programs. Through a combination of scholarships, grants, loans, employment opportunities, and research funding, students can access the financial resources necessary to successfully complete their degrees while minimizing financial stress.

The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin offers students an innovative and comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare them for careers in pharmaceutical development, chemical research, and related scientific fields. The program integrates fundamental principles of chemistry, biology, and medicine, fostering an understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underpin health and disease. Students gain rigorous training in organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology, alongside laboratory skills and research techniques essential for modern scientific inquiry. The program emphasizes experiential learning through lab courses, research projects, and internships that provide real-world experience in laboratory settings, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions.

Faculty members are distinguished experts in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and related disciplines, offering mentorship and guidance on cutting-edge research topics such as drug design, synthesis, and biological evaluation. The program also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to work across departments in fields like biomedical engineering, genetics, and biochemistry, encouraging innovative approaches to complex scientific problems. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees in medicine, pharmacy, or graduate research, or to enter the pharmaceutical, biotech, or chemical industries directly. The curriculum includes coursework in scientific communication, ethics, and scientific writing, ensuring students are prepared for professional careers or further academic study. The university provides state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities to support student learning and research endeavors. Overall, the program aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of the interface between chemistry and biology, positioning graduates to contribute significantly to advancements in healthcare, drug discovery, and biomedical sciences.