BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry (International or Placement Year)

Keele University campus

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry program at Keele University combines the principles of biochemistry and chemistry with a focus on drug discovery and development. This interdisciplinary degree equips students with a deep understanding of biological processes at the molecular level and the skills required to design and optimize therapeutic agents. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and hands-on laboratory experiences, students gain insights into drug targets, structure-activity relationships, and pharmaceutical analysis. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills development, preparing students for careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, research, and healthcare.

  1. Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Students study core modules in biochemistry, chemistry, and medicinal chemistry, covering topics such as enzyme kinetics, drug metabolism, organic synthesis, and molecular pharmacology. The program integrates principles from both disciplines to understand the molecular basis of diseases and drug actions.

  2. Drug Discovery and Development: Students explore the process of drug discovery from target identification to preclinical testing. They learn about drug design strategies, computational modeling, and the synthesis of bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential.

  3. Laboratory Techniques: Practical laboratory sessions form a significant part of the program, allowing students to develop essential skills in synthetic chemistry, spectroscopy, chromatography, and drug screening techniques. They gain hands-on experience in designing, synthesizing, and analyzing novel compounds.

  4. Industry-Relevant Skills: The program emphasizes skills that are highly valued by the pharmaceutical industry, including data analysis, scientific writing, project management, and teamwork. Students have the opportunity to undertake industrial placements or internships to gain real-world experience.

  5. Research Opportunities: Students can engage in research projects under the supervision of faculty members, exploring areas such as drug design, biochemical mechanisms of diseases, or pharmacological studies. They develop critical research skills and may contribute to scientific publications or conferences.

  6. International or Placement Year: Students have the option to spend a year abroad at a partner institution or undertake a placement year in industry. This experience enhances students' global perspectives and provides valuable practical exposure to the pharmaceutical sector.

Pollster Education

Location

Keele University campus

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS: 6.5

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

£ 17900

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education or equivalent with a minimum overall average of 60% or above.  

English Language Proficiency: 

  • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no sub-score below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: Overall score of 87, with a minimum score of 21 in each section.
  • PTE Academic: Overall score of 64, with no sub-score below 58.

Students must provide:

  • academic marksheets & transcripts
  • letters of recommendation
  • a personal statement - SOP
  • passport
  • other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Keele University offers a range of scholarships and financial support options to attract and assist international students in pursuing their studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and provide financial assistance to deserving students.

International Excellence Scholarship: The International Excellence Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international undergraduate students. The scholarship provides a tuition fee discount of up to £2,500 per year for the duration of the undergraduate program. Eligibility is based on academic merit and applicants are automatically considered when they submit their application for admission.

Keele International Student Scholarship: The Keele International Student Scholarship is available to international students enrolling in a postgraduate taught master's degree program. The scholarship provides a tuition fee discount of up to £3,000. Eligibility is based on academic achievement, and applicants are automatically considered when they apply for their chosen postgraduate program.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme: Keele University participates in the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, which is funded by the UK government. The scheme provides full tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses for students from developing Commonwealth countries. The scholarship is available for selected master's degree programs in specific fields of study.

Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is awarded to international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and contribute to the global community. The scholarship provides a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for the first year of study. Eligibility is based on academic merit, and applicants are automatically considered when they apply for an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate program.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Keele University also offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts. Examples include the Keele Nigeria Scholarship and the Keele ASEAN Scholarships, which provide financial support to students from Nigeria and Southeast Asia, respectively.

It's important to note that scholarship availability and eligibility criteria may vary each year.

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry program at Keele University are well-prepared for a range of exciting career opportunities in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, and research sectors. The combination of biochemistry and medicinal chemistry expertise equips graduates with a unique skill set that is highly valued by employers.  

  1. Medicinal Chemist: Graduates can work as medicinal chemists in pharmaceutical companies, contributing to the design, synthesis, and optimization of new drug candidates. They apply their knowledge of biochemistry and chemistry to develop innovative therapies for various diseases.

  2. Pharmaceutical Research Scientist: Graduates can pursue research roles in pharmaceutical R&D, focusing on drug discovery, preclinical testing, and formulation development. They contribute to the development of new medications and therapies through laboratory experiments and data analysis.

  3. Drug Development Specialist: Graduates may work in drug development departments of pharmaceutical companies, overseeing the process of bringing drug candidates from discovery to market. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products.

  4. Analytical Chemist: Graduates can specialize in analytical chemistry roles within the pharmaceutical industry, conducting quality control tests on drug substances and formulations. They use advanced analytical techniques to assess the purity, stability, and composition of pharmaceutical products.

  5. Biotechnology Researcher: Graduates may work in biotechnology firms, contributing to the development of biopharmaceuticals, biosimilars, or diagnostic tools. They apply their knowledge of biochemistry and medicinal chemistry to innovate new products and technologies.

  6. Clinical Trials Coordinator: Graduates can work in clinical research organizations (CROs) or academic institutions, coordinating and managing clinical trials for new drugs. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and ethical guidelines.

  7. Healthcare Consultant: Graduates with expertise in medicinal chemistry can work as healthcare consultants, providing advice on drug development strategies, regulatory affairs, or pharmacoeconomics. They may collaborate with pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, or government agencies.

  8. Academic or Industrial Researcher: Graduates can pursue research positions in academia or industry, investigating biochemical mechanisms of diseases and exploring new approaches for drug discovery. They may contribute to scientific publications, patents, and collaborative projects.


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