BSc Acoustics and Music Technology
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MSc Medicinal and Biological Chemistry
The Kings Buildings Campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc Medicinal and Biological Chemistry program at The University of Edinburgh offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and applications of medicinal chemistry and chemical biology. This interdisciplinary program integrates concepts from chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and drug discovery, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the development of new therapeutic agents and understand their mechanisms of action. Through a combination of core courses, laboratory work, and research projects, students explore topics such as organic synthesis, drug design, molecular pharmacology, and biochemical analysis. They also gain practical experience in modern techniques of chemical synthesis, spectroscopy, computational modeling, and drug screening. Situated within a leading research institution, the MSc Medicinal and Biological Chemistry program provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities, world-class faculty, and opportunities for research collaboration, fostering a dynamic and innovative learning environment for aspiring medicinal chemists and chemical biologists.
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Fundamental Principles of Medicinal Chemistry: The program introduces students to the fundamental principles of medicinal chemistry, including drug-receptor interactions, pharmacokinetics, and structure-activity relationships. Students learn how to design, synthesize, and optimize small molecules as potential therapeutic agents, considering factors such as potency, selectivity, and bioavailability.
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Chemical Biology and Molecular Pharmacology: Students explore the interface between chemistry and biology, studying topics such as enzyme kinetics, protein-ligand interactions, and signal transduction pathways. They learn how chemical tools and techniques can be used to probe biological systems, identify drug targets, and elucidate the mechanisms of action of bioactive molecules.
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Drug Discovery and Development: The program covers the drug discovery process from target identification to preclinical development, clinical trials, and regulatory approval. Students gain insight into the strategies and technologies used in modern drug discovery, including high-throughput screening, combinatorial chemistry, and rational drug design, as well as the regulatory requirements for drug approval and commercialization.
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Advanced Techniques in Chemical Synthesis and Analysis: Students acquire practical skills in organic synthesis, spectroscopic analysis, and computational modeling, using cutting-edge techniques and instrumentation. They learn how to design and execute synthetic routes to complex molecules, characterize chemical structures using spectroscopic methods, and predict molecular properties and activities using computational models.
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Research Project in Medicinal Chemistry: The program includes a research project component, where students have the opportunity to work on a research project under the supervision of faculty members or industry partners. They conduct independent research, apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address a research question, and communicate their findings through a written report and oral presentation.
Location
The Kings Buildings Campus
Score
IELTS: 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 38100
Postgraduate entry requirements:
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Academic Qualifications: Prospective postgraduate applicants to the University of Edinburgh are typically required to have achieved a minimum academic qualification of approximately 60%, based on their previous academic achievements and qualifications.
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English Language Proficiency:
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IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
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TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test (iBT), with at least 20 in each component (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing).
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PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum overall score of 70, with at least 59 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
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Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
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.
The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. These scholarships aim to promote diversity, academic excellence, and global engagement.
Global Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh offers Global Scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards tuition fees and living expenses, enabling talented students from around the world to access quality education at Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: International postgraduate students pursuing research-based programs (Ph.D., MSc by Research) can apply for Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships. These scholarships provide full or partial funding for tuition fees and living expenses during the research program.
School-specific Scholarships: Some academic schools and departments within the university offer scholarships targeting international students in specific disciplines or programs. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based and vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh participates in various Commonwealth scholarship schemes, providing opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and other organizations.
External Funding Sources: International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as government scholarships, private organizations, and international foundations, to support their studies at the University of Edinburgh.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.
Graduates of the MSc Medicinal and Biological Chemistry program at The University of Edinburgh are well-prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in pharmaceutical research and development, biotechnology, academia, and related industries. With their specialized knowledge of medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and drug discovery, graduates play critical roles in advancing scientific knowledge, developing new therapeutic agents, and addressing global health challenges.
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Medicinal Chemist/Drug Discovery Scientist: Graduates may pursue careers as medicinal chemists or drug discovery scientists in pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, or contract research organizations. They design and synthesize novel compounds, optimize lead molecules for potency and selectivity, and conduct structure-activity relationship studies to identify potential drug candidates for various therapeutic targets.
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Biological Chemist/Chemical Biologist: Graduates with expertise in chemical biology can work as biological chemists or chemical biologists, studying the interactions between small molecules and biological systems. They investigate drug-receptor interactions, elucidate molecular mechanisms of action, and develop chemical probes and tools to manipulate biological processes for research and therapeutic purposes.
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Pharmacologist/Pharmacokineticist: Graduates may pursue careers as pharmacologists or pharmacokineticists, studying the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs in the body. They conduct preclinical studies to assess the pharmacological properties and safety profiles of drug candidates, as well as design and interpret pharmacokinetic experiments to optimize drug dosing and efficacy in clinical settings.
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Research Scientist in Academia or Research Institutes: Graduates can work as research scientists in academic institutions, research institutes, or government laboratories, conducting basic and translational research in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, or drug discovery. They investigate disease mechanisms, develop innovative therapeutic strategies, and publish research findings in scientific journals to advance scientific knowledge and inform clinical practice.
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Regulatory Affairs Specialist/Drug Safety Officer: Graduates may pursue careers in regulatory affairs or drug safety, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and ethical standards for drug development and marketing. They prepare regulatory submissions, coordinate clinical trials, and monitor drug safety profiles, as well as liaise with regulatory agencies to obtain approvals and maintain compliance throughout the drug development process.
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Patent Attorney/Intellectual Property Specialist: Graduates with expertise in intellectual property law can work as patent attorneys or intellectual property specialists for law firms, pharmaceutical companies, or technology transfer offices. They draft and prosecute patent applications, conduct patent searches and analyses, and provide legal advice on patentability, infringement, and licensing of pharmaceutical inventions.
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Educator/Academic Researcher: Graduates interested in academia can pursue teaching or research positions in universities, colleges, or academic medical centers. They teach courses in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, or pharmacology, mentor students, and supervise research projects, as well as conduct independent research, publish scholarly articles, and secure research funding to advance scientific knowledge in their field.
