The information on this page is accurate for students entering the programme in 2023/2024 or before. For students entering the programme from September 2024 or after, you can find the details of your programme: href="https://webprod3.leeds.ac.uk/catalogue/dynprogrammes.asp?Y=202425&P=MCBSMEDCHM-R">MChem, BSc Medicinal Chemistry(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)
Medicinal chemistry is the science of designing and synthesising new medicines. It is a highly interdisciplinary subject combining chemistry with elements of pharmacology, biochemistry, structural and cellular biology. Whilst modern medicines are diverse in size and function, medicinal chemists focus on how to develop small molecules (usually carbon-based organic compounds decorated with functional groups) into drug molecules using their knowledge of chemistry, and in particular organic chemistry. Such scientists are highly valuable in delivering innovative medicines to treat and prevent global pandemics and other healthcare challenges.
In your first two years you will study the fundamental concepts and principles that underpin medicinal chemistry, including a shared first year with the chemistry programme, subsequently specialising in year two. During these years you will develop laboratory skills and a wide range of graduate and transferable skills like teamwork and data analysis. You’ll also be exposed to the latest research from our globally-recognized research groups.
In your third year you will continue to build on your knowledge of chemistry and medicinal chemistry whilst having access to a range of options including ethics and business within the degree programme. You will have the option to apply for industrial experience between years 2 and 3 or between years 3 and 4. Alternatively, you may spend your third year studying medicinal chemistry at one of our overseas partner Universities.
In your final year you’ll undertake a significant research project, embedded in one of our internationally recognized research groups. This allows you to follow your interests and investigate a topic at the cutting edge of medicinal chemistry (or a related topic appropriate to your programme), as well as further develop transferable skills such as working independently, communication and time management.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
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This information is applicable to students who entered from or after 2024/25: Students will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM1102 | Chemistry in Action: Atoms, Molecules, Matter | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM1204 | Fundamental Organic Chemistry for Biology & Synthesis | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM1205 | Chemistry of the Material World | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM1302 | Introduction to Modern Chemistry | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| CHEM1303 | Chemistry and Chemists for a Sustainable Future | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| CHEM1402 | Introduction to Practical Chemistry and Research Skills | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
Students will be required to study a further 10 credits from the following:
Option A:
For students without A level maths or equivalent, or with a grade less than B in A level maths or equivalent, you must take the following module.
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NATS1180 | Mathematics for Scientists | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Or option B:
Students will be required to study 10 credits of discovery modules.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
This information is applicable to students who entered from or after 2024/25: Students will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM2131 | Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM2192 | Molecular Signatures: Spectroscopy and Chromatography | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM2212 | Organometallics: from bonding to catalysis | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM2293 | Specialisms in Chemical Science | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM2321 | Organic Chemistry: Structure, Reactions and the Science of Life | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| CHEM2342 | Chemical Pharmacology and Drug Design | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| CHEM2452 | Practical, Professional and Research skills for Medicinal Chemists | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Students will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM3126 | Strategy, Methods and Reaction Technology for Organic Synthesis | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM3136 | Energy, Molecules and Chemical Change | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM3146 | Medicinal Chemistry | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM3216 | Advanced Organometallics and Catalysis | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM3226 | Process chemistry and reactive intermediates in synthesis | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM3455 | Advanced Lab Work for MChem (Medicinal) | 30 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
A pass in CHEM3455 (or equivalent) is required to progress to the fourth year.
Students will be required to study 40 credits from the following optional modules:
(Please ensure you take no more than 70 credits, in total, in any one semester; including modules taken over both semester 1 and 2).
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM3185 | Atmospheric Chemistry | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM3211 | Properties and Applications of Materials | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM3212 | Big Data, Big Science | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM3281 | Topics in Fundamental and Theoretical Chemistry (10cr) | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM3282 | Topics in Fundamental and Theoretical Chemistry (20cr) | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM3283 | Topics in Fundamental Chemistry | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM3291 | Topics in Interdisciplinary and Applied Chemistry (10cr) | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM3292 | Topics in Interdisciplinary and Applied Chemistry (20cr) | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
CHEM3281 and CHEM3282 are mutually exclusive.
From the 40 credits of optional modules students may select one of the following options:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM3621 | Ethical Issues in Chemistry | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM3666 | Chemistry into Schools | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| NATS3200 | Machine Learning Approaches to Scientific Data Analysis | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Students will be required to seek approval from the module leader and complete a Change of Module form to enrol on CHEM3666. Students who take CHEM3666 will also be required to enrol on a 20 credit laboratory module (CHEM3424) instead of CHEM3455 and choose an additional 10 credits of options.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Students will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM5460M | Laboratory-based Project Work 6M | 60 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| CHEM5601M | Advanced Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 60 Credit | 60 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Students will be required to pass CHEM5460M.
Last updated: 15/08/2025 16:47:24
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