Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry

The Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry requires three years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time) and the honours program an additional year (or equivalent part-time).

The course is offered by the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

No new intake from 2010

• Admission requirements
• Course aims
• Learning outcomes
  
• Program of Study

Admission requirements

The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.

Successful completion of SACE Year 12 Chemistry, or the equivalent, is required for entry to the Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry.

Course aims

This course aims to prepare graduates for a career in the chemical industry, including the pharmaceutical industry, and any others involving synthesis such as the petrochemical, polymer or agrichemical industry.

It aims to produce graduates with:

• technical (laboratory) skills in preparative organic and inorganic chemistry
• computing literacy
• effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• teamwork skills
• an appreciation of the environmental constraints affecting the chemical industry
• an appreciation of how to produce a business plan.

Learning outcomes

On completion of their degree, students will have developed a comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in their discipline and a range of transferable professional skills.

Subject knowledge

Graduates of the course are expected to be able to:

• demonstrate a thorough understanding of all aspects of chemistry in general, and specialist skills in the methods and techniques relevant to working in the medical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and related industries;
• demonstrate an understanding of the chemical industry and the way it operates, especially the pharmaceutical industry and others involving synthesis such as the petrochemical, polymer and agrichemical industries; and
• apply their awareness of the environmental constraints affecting the chemical industry in bringing products to market.

Transferable professional skills

Graduates of the course are expected to be able to:

• employ scientific methodologies such as experimental design, and the critical analysis of data
• communicate and present information clearly and fluently in both written and spoken forms
• interact effectively as part of a team in order to work towards a common outcome
• work and learn independently
• reason critically and logically and make independent judgements
• engage effectively with information and communication technologies
• demonstrate research skills appropriate for further study and employment
• appreciate the need for continuing professional development
• act ethically as professionals.  

Program of Study

Core - Year 1 topics

27 units comprising:

 BIOL1102  Molecular Basis of Life  (4.5 units)
 CHEM1101  Chemistry 1A  (4.5 units)
 CHEM1102  Chemistry 1B  (4.5 units)
 CHMD1001  Professional Skills for Medicinal Chemists  (4.5 units)
 ENGL1001  Professional English  (4.5 units)

Plus one of:

 MATH1121  Mathematics 1A  (4.5 units)
 MATH1701  Mathematics Fundamentals A  (4.5 units)

Elective - Year 1 topics

Plus 9 units of elective topics from across the University where entry requirements are met.

Core - Year 2 topics

31.5 units comprising:

 BIOL2771  Biochemistry  (4.5 units)
 BIOL2772  Molecular Biology  (4.5 units)
 CHEM2701  Chemical Reactivity  (4.5 units)
 CHEM2702  Organic Reactions  (4.5 units)
 CHEM2711  Spectroscopy and Data Anaylsis  (4.5 units)
 CHEM2712  Separation Science  (4.5 units)
 MMED2931  Human Physiology  (4.5 units)

Elective - Year 2 topics

Plus a 4.5 unit elective topic from across the University where entry requirements are met.

Core - Year 3 topics

27 units comprising:

 CHEM3701  Applied Spectroscopy and Electrochemistry  (4.5 units)
 CHEM3702  Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry  (4.5 units)
 CHEM3711  Organic Synthesis and Mechanism  (4.5 units)
 CHMD3702  Medicinal Chemistry and Practical Project  (4.5 units)
 MMED3934  Principles of Pharmacology and Toxicology  (4.5 units)
 STEP3701  Innovation Management  (4.5 units)

Elective - Year 1 topics

Plus 9 units of elective topics from across the University where entry requirements are met.