Program Overview

Introduction to the Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery BSc (Hons) Program

The University of Dundee offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, providing students with a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of biological chemistry and drug discovery.

Program Structure

The program is structured into four levels, each with a combination of core and optional modules.

Level 1 Modules

• Core Skills in the Life Sciences 1A (BS11008): This module equips students to operate safely within a bioscience laboratory, introducing basic bioscience techniques.
• The Building Blocks of Life (BS11009): This module addresses the structures and biochemical properties of key biological molecules.
• Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (BS12009): This module introduces the fundamentals of organic chemistry.
• Core Skills in the Life Sciences 1B (BS12010): This module continues to develop research skills, including a short independent research project.
• Building the Organism (BS12011): This module considers physiological systems, cell specialization, and organization into major organ systems.

Level 2 Modules

• Statistics and Experimental Design (BS21001): This module covers statistical techniques for hypothesis-led enquiry and observation.
• Cellular Communication (BS21002): This module explores how cells communicate.
• Organic Chemistry for the Life Sciences (BS21008): This module delves into organic chemistry relevant to life sciences.
• Core Skills in the Life Sciences 2A (BS21012): This module involves a structured laboratory project to develop practical techniques and written presentation skills.
• Human Physiology and Pharmacology (BS22001): This module introduces human physiology and pharmacology.
• Biomolecular Mechanisms (BS22002): This module examines the mechanisms underlying biological processes.
• Core Skills in the Life Sciences 2B (BS22003): This module further develops research skills.

Level 3 Modules

• Genome Biology (BS31021): This module explores the structure and regulation of the genome.
• Research Skills 3A (BS31023): This module focuses on objective experimentation in scientific research.
• Cell Biology (BS31026): This module covers the basics of cell biology and molecular bioscience.
• Research Skills 3B (BS32041): This module develops research skills in biological sciences, introducing research approaches and methods.
• Modern Drug Discovery Fundamentals (BS32042): This module introduces the fundamentals of modern drug discovery.
• Synthesis for Drug Discovery (BS32043): This module covers synthesis techniques for drug discovery.

Level 4 Modules

• Research Project: Biological Sciences (BS41004): This module involves a research project in biological sciences.
• Research Skills in Biological Sciences (BS41005): This module develops research skills necessary for a career in life sciences.
• Advanced Modern Drug Discovery (BS42004): This module explores advanced topics in modern drug discovery.
• Chemical Biology (BS42011): This module delves into chemical biology.

Optional Modules

Throughout the program, students can choose from a variety of optional modules to tailor their studies, including:

• Numeracy, Chemistry and Physics for the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BS11005)
• Science and Society (BS12005)
• Introduction to Scientific Enterprise (BS12008)
• Introductory Programming for Life Sciences (BS21010)
• Developing Scientific Enterprise (BS21011)
• Introductory Anatomy (CA21007)
• Molecular Microbiology (BS32036)
• Cell Signalling (BS32037)
• Advanced Bioinformatics (BS42003)
• Advanced Plant Sciences (BS42005)
• Stem Cells in Development and Disease (BS42008)
• Advanced Molecular Microbiology (BS42009)
• Advanced Gene Regulation & Expression (BS42010)
• Parasitology (BS42012)
• Advanced Cell Signalling (BS42013)
• Cancer Pharmacology and Treatment (BS42027)

Teaching and Assessment

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, lab practicals, workshops, tutorials, computer-based learning, and field excursions. Assessment is through a combination of in-course and end-of-course evaluations, including practical reports, computer-based exercises, data processing exercises, essays, and exams.

Conclusion

The Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery BSc (Hons) program at the University of Dundee provides a comprehensive education in biological chemistry and drug discovery, preparing graduates for careers in these fields or for further study.