Medicinal Chemistry - Undergraduate options

Medicinal Chemistry is one of the most rapidly developing areas within the discipline of Chemistry, both globally and locally. It is the study of the design, biochemical effects, regulatory and ethical aspects of drugs for the treatment of disease. The aim of this programme is to produce graduates with an appropriate background in biology and pharmacology, built upon a strong chemistry foundation.

Medicinal Chemistry on undergraduate level is designed to equip students with a strong grounding in biological and chemical technique which is relevant to the pharmaceutical world. The programme gives an in-depth coverage of the chemical techniques required and relates these to the relevant pharmacology, anatomy, biochemistry and molecular biology.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Medicinal Chemistry specialisation

Part I

• 90 points: BIOSCI 101, 106, 107, CHEM 110, 120, MEDSCI 142
• at least 15 points from COMPSCI 111, STATS 101, PHYSICS 120, 160

Part II

• 90 points: BIOSCI 201, 203, CHEM 230, 240, MEDSCI 204, 205
• at least 15 points from BIOSCI 202, 204, CHEM 210, 220, MEDSCI 202, 203, PHARMACY 202

Part III

• 60 points: CHEM 330, 390, 392, MEDSCI 303
• at least 30 points from CHEM 320, 340, 350, BIOSCI 349, 350, 351, 353–356, MEDSCI 206, 305, 306

The students completing this multidisciplinary degree programme will have a unique combination of skills: they will be trained in the synthesis, reactivity and analysis of organic compounds and gain valuable insight into the pharmacological, regulatory and ethical aspects of these bioactive compounds.

Graduates tend to find employment in a wide range of institutions such as hospitals, biomedical and pharmaceutical companies, private research institutions, local and national government authorities and agencies and Crown Research Institutes. A large number of emerging spin off and venture capital pharmaceutical companies also seek staff in this area.

For further information, refer to the Chemical Sciences Handbook.

Alternatively, advisors at the School of Chemical Sciences, located on Level 5 of Building 301 (23 Symonds Street), can help you with general enquiries and refer you on to the relevant academic advisors. Their opening hours are 8:30am - 5pm.

Phone: + 64 9 373 7599 ext 88328
Email: ugadvice-medchem@auckland.ac.nc
Web: www.chemistry.auckland.ac.nz

• How to apply
  
• General Education requirements for undergraduates
• Postgraduate Medicinal Chemistry