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Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry

Medicinal Chemistry explores the design and creation of new medicinal drugs for the treatment and prevention of illnesses. This major takes students through the entire lifecycle of creating medicines, from discovering and isolating medicinal agents within natural and synthetic sources, through to clinical trials, sustainable production, patents, and sales.

What Will My Study Involve?

• Study how drugs affect the body, synthetic and organic chemistry, and about the global pharmaceutical industry.
• Practical lab courses synthesising and testing drugs, including an introduction to intellectual property (IP) for designing and patenting your own medicinal products.
• Opportunities to be involved in medicinal chemistry research at UC, like the discovery of bioactive molecules for therapies and therapeutic agents.
• UC's programme has a unique focus on the bioactivity of Aotearoa and Polynesian flora and fauna, traditional rongoā (Māori medicines), and healthcare issues specific to our bicultural community.

Courses

For the major in the Bachelor of Science, complete the following courses:

100-level

• BIOL116 Human Biology
• BCHM111 Cellular Biology and Biochemistry
• CHEM111 Chemical Principles and Processes
• CHEM112 Structure and Reactivity in Chemistry and Biochemistry

Those who have not taken chemistry to Year 13 level (final year of high school) are also strongly advised to take CHEM114 Foundations of Chemistry.

200-level

• CHEM211 Molecules
• CHEM212 Chemical Reactivity
• CHEM242 Organic Chemistry
• CHEM246 Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry
• CHEM281 Practical Chemistry

300-level

• CHEM342 Aromatic, Heterocyclic, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• CHEM346 Contemporary Medicinal Chemistry
• CHEM347 Drug Discovery and Development
• CHEM381 Advanced Synthetic Techniques

Career Opportunities

There is a high demand for more medicinal chemists to create life-changing medicines. As well as practical skills in pharmaceutics and microbiology, your non-laboratory skills in project management, scientific communications, and marketing will prepare you for roles in both the science and business side of creating medicines.

Career pathways could include:

• Biomedical laboratories
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Commercial drug marketing
• Drug regulatory authorities.

From 2027, UC Medicinal Chemistry graduates considering a medical career can apply to the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine in Waikato.

Qualifications

• Certificate in Science
• Bachelor of Science

Related Subjects

Choose an area that you are interested in and learn how UC's range of study options can let you study what you want to.

• Biochemistry: Brings together a number of branches of science with a view to understanding the chemistry of life.
• Chemistry: A degree in Chemistry prepares you for a dynamic industry, addressing major global challenges.