Program Overview

---

Master of Science (MSc) in Medicinal Chemistry

About the Programme

The Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry is a two-year programme that focuses on the design and synthesis of new drug substances. The programme is an excellent springboard to a research-based career in academia and industry, as students do an extended thesis project, gaining hands-on experience.

What Makes the Programme at UCPH Unique?

The programme offers students the opportunity to tailor an academic profile during their studies. Through elective courses and an extended thesis project, students can specialise in an area of interest. The programme is part of an international study environment, and the education and projects are closely connected to established research groups both at the university and in industry, providing a strong network.

Specialisations

The programme offers several specialisations, including:

• Synthetic Organic Chemistry: Students will become specialists in synthesising drug-like molecules, with a focus on advanced chemical synthesis methods.
• Biopharmaceuticals: Students will gain insights into the discovery and early development of biopharmaceuticals, including peptides and protein-based drugs.
• Structure-Based Drug Design: Students will learn how to design drugs using knowledge of the three-dimensional structure of target molecules.
• Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry: Students will develop competences in radiopharmaceutical
  uclear chemistry research, development, and production processes.

Admission and Application

Academic Admission Requirements

To apply for admission to this master's degree programme, students must have completed a qualifying bachelor's degree or a similar Danish or international degree programme that is assessed to be relevant. The programme accepts a maximum of 50 students.

Study Programmes with Legal Right of Admission

Students have legal right of admission if they have a Bachelor's degree in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Copenhagen.

Other Danish or International Degrees

Students must hold a bachelor's degree in chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or pharmacy and have accumulated credits in chemical and biological disciplines.

Language Requirements

Students are required to document that they fulfil the language requirement English B, unless they have a legal right of admission to the programme.

Application Deadlines

• Study start in September: 1 March at 23:59 for Danish applicants and applicants from within the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, and 15 January at 23:59 for applicants from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.

Programme Structure

The MSc in Medicinal Chemistry is a 2-year programme taught in English, with approximately 40 students in a year. The programme is known for its cooperation with industry, as there is a close concentration of biotech and pharmaceutical companies in the region.

1st Year

• Blok 1: Reactions and Synthesis in Medicinal Chemistry (15 ECTS)
• Blok 2: Reactions and Synthesis in Medicinal Chemistry (15 ECTS) - continued, Biopharmaceuticals: Design and Modification of Biomacromolecules (7.5 ECTS)
• Blok 3: Introduction to Physical Organic Chemistry (7.5 ECTS), Medicinal and Biostructural Chemistry (7.5 ECTS)
• Blok 4: Structure-based Drug Research (7.5 ECTS), Elective course (7.5 ECTS)

2nd Year

• 1st semester: Elective course (up to 15 ECTS) or Master's thesis (45, 52.5, or 60 ECTS)
• 2nd semester: Master's thesis (45, 52.5, or 60 ECTS) - possibly continued

Programme Curriculum

The programme curriculum provides a detailed overview of the framework of the programme, including its academic content, structure, rules, and examination requirements.

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of the master's programme, students will obtain the title Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry. The educational profile is in high demand, as the programme is pharmaceuticals-oriented and focuses on medicines and the development of drugs and related products.

Competence Description

Graduates will have acquired knowledge about:

• The rational basis for design and development of drugs
• New and effective methods of synthesis for incorporation of the most important functional groups
• The relationship between molecular structure and biological activity at the molecular level
• Structural chemical methods that can be used in the rational design of drugs

Examples of Employment Opportunities

• PhD programmes and industry science positions within organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery
• Development of new radioactive entities, including routine production of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and therapy at hospitals and pharmaceutical companies
• Patenting, such as positions in pharmaceutical companies and private- or public-sector patent agencies
• Chemistry and manufacturing control (CMC) as an employee of a parent company or a Contract Research Organisation (CRO)
• Regulatory affairs and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)

Student Life

When studying medicinal chemistry, students will be part of an international and vibrant study environment. They can join various clubs, extracurricular activities, and social events, and follow courses with students from other programmes.

Studying at the University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen is located in the midst of one of the world's leading biotech areas - Medicon Valley - home to almost 300 'life science' companies. The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences is known for its collaboration with industry.

Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen values diversity and inclusion, and students can expect a welcoming and inclusive study environment.

Finding Accommodation

Students can find information on finding accommodation in Copenhagen on the University's website.

Contact Student Guidance

Students can contact the student guidance for questions about study choice and admission, including:

• Application procedure and the digital application portal
• Admission- and language requirements
• Documentation
• Study life
• Career opportunities
• Study choice or doubts

Similar Programmes

• Pharmaceutical Sciences (GB): An international programme with drug-oriented courses connected to the industry.
• Chemistry: Create new solutions to our world's greatest challenges.

University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen is a public research university located in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is one of the largest and oldest universities in Denmark, with a long history dating back to 1479. The university is known for its academic excellence, research, and innovation, and is a member of the International Alliance of Research Universities.