BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry

Keele University campus

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry program at Keele University offers students a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of biochemistry and chemistry within the context of drug discovery and development. This interdisciplinary degree integrates fundamental concepts in biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, and synthetic chemistry, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of how chemical compounds interact with biological systems. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory experiments, and research projects, students gain practical skills in drug design, synthesis, and analysis, as well as a deep understanding of biochemical processes underlying diseases and drug actions. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and critical thinking, preparing students for careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, research, and healthcare.

  1. Biochemical Foundations: Students study core modules in biochemistry, covering topics such as enzyme kinetics, metabolism, protein structure, and molecular biology. They gain insights into the biochemical processes involved in disease pathways and drug targets.

  2. Medicinal Chemistry: The program integrates medicinal chemistry modules, focusing on the design, synthesis, and characterization of bioactive molecules. Students learn principles of drug discovery, including structure-activity relationships and drug optimization.

  3. Pharmacology and Drug Action: Students explore pharmacological principles, including drug mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and drug metabolism. They analyze how drugs interact with biological targets and pathways.

  4. Laboratory Skills: Practical laboratory sessions form a key component of the program, allowing students to develop essential skills in synthetic chemistry, chromatography, spectroscopy, and drug screening techniques. They learn how to design and conduct experiments to evaluate drug candidates.

  5. Research Projects: The program offers research opportunities, allowing students to engage in independent or collaborative research projects related to medicinal chemistry and drug development. They work closely with faculty members and industry partners to address real-world challenges in drug design.

  6. Interdisciplinary Approach: By integrating biochemistry and medicinal chemistry, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of diseases and the development of therapeutic interventions. They learn to apply biochemical principles to design novel drugs with specific biological activities.

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 with a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry from Keele University are well-equipped to pursue a range of exciting and rewarding career paths in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, and research sectors. This interdisciplinary program provides graduates with a strong foundation in both biochemistry and medicinal chemistry, combining knowledge of biological processes with drug discovery and development expertise.   

  1. Medicinal Chemist: Graduates can work as medicinal chemists in pharmaceutical companies, where they design, synthesize, and optimize new drug candidates. They apply their understanding of biochemical pathways and drug targets to develop novel therapeutics for various diseases.

  2. Pharmaceutical Research Scientist: Graduates can pursue research roles in pharmaceutical research and development (R&D), focusing on drug discovery, preclinical studies, and clinical trials. They contribute to the development of new medications and therapies to address unmet medical needs.

  3. Drug Development Specialist: Graduates can work in drug development departments of pharmaceutical companies, overseeing the process of turning drug candidates into marketable products. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of pharmaceutical products.

  4. Analytical Chemist: Graduates may 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 can work in biotechnology firms, contributing to the development of biopharmaceuticals, biosimilars, or diagnostic tools. They may be involved in protein engineering, genetic engineering, or cell culture techniques.

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

  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 academic institutions or industrial laboratories, investigating the biochemical mechanisms of diseases and exploring new approaches for drug discovery. They may also contribute to scientific publications and patents.


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