Second year undergraduates in a chemistry lab session, Chemistry building, University Park. November 5th 2021.

Medicinal and Biological Chemistry with an Assessed Year in Industry MSci

University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Chemistry plays an important role in our society. It is central to developing drugs, creating vaccines and treating illnesses.

You will explore the interplay between chemistry and biology to develop an understanding of human disease and drug design. The course focuses on core chemistry with modules in physiology and pharmacology. In these modules, you’ll learn about drug delivery, metabolism and targeting, drug structures and toxicities and cancer agents.

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Structure, Periodicity and Coordination Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Spectroscopy, Energy and Bonding in Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Organic Molecules and their Reactivity

Mandatory

Year 1

Foundation Laboratory Work

Mandatory

Year 1

Chemistry Study Skills

Mandatory

Year 1

Calculations in Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 1

Human Physiology

Optional

Year 1

Molecules of Life

Optional

Year 1

Introduction to Green Chemistry and Processing

Optional

Year 1

Frontiers in Chemistry

Optional

Year 1

Mathematical Toolkit

Mandatory

Year 2

General Inorganic Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 2

Synthesis and Spectroscopy

Mandatory

Year 2

Core Laboratory Work

Mandatory

Year 2

Energy, Spectroscopy and Solid State Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 2

Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics

Mandatory

Year 2

Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Biology

Mandatory

Year 3

Year in industry

Mandatory

Year 3

Industry Placement

Mandatory

Year 3

Distance Learning Inorganic Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 3

Distance Learning Organic Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 3

Distance Learning Physical Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 4

MSci Chemistry Research Project

Optional

Year 4

Advanced Physical Chemistry

Optional

Year 4

Contemporary Organic Synthesis

Optional

Year 4

Nucleic Acids and Bioorganic Mechanisms

Optional

Year 4

Inorganic and Materials Chemistry

Optional

Year 4

Molecular Interactions and Supramolecular Assembly

Optional

Year 4

Enterprise for Scientists

Optional

Year 4

Advanced Biocatalysis, Biosynthesis and Chemical Biology

Information Icon

About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Tuesday 3 October 2023. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Teaching methods

  • Computer labs
  • Lab sessions
  • Lectures
  • Placements
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment methods

We use a range of assessment methods, including exams, essays, verbal presentations and practicals. You will receive a copy of our marking criteria which provides guidance on how we will assess your work. Your work will be marked on time and you will receive regular feedback.

Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained in your second and third years of study.

You must pass each year to progress. This typically means that you will need to achieve marks of at least 40% in each module. Full details on our marking criteria and structure will be provided at your induction.

To study abroad as part of your degree, you must meet minimum academic requirements in year one.

  • Coursework
  • Group project
  • Lab reports
  • Oral exam
  • Poster Presentation
  • Research project
  • Written exam

In your first year, you will take 120 credits of modules. As a guide, one credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. You will spend around half of your time in lectures, seminars and practicals. The remaining time will be independent study.

Core modules are typically taught by professors or associate professors. PhD students may support teaching on some modules.

Our graduates can find roles in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food and drink, and energy sectors. This course will develop your skills in practical and theoretical chemistry, data-analysis and problem-solving. These skills are also valuable for careers in finance, education and the media.

Recent graduate destinations include:

  • Boots
  • Cancer Research
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • HSBC
  • NHS
  • Unilever

Many students continue their studies in chemistry or a related discipline working towards a PhD degree. Read our chemistry alumni profiles to see what careers some of our recent graduates have gone into.

Average starting salary and career progression

89.00% of undergraduates from the School of Chemistry secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £26,216.

HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017-2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

Course data

Open Day June 2022