The Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree provides the type of training required to work in the pharmaceutical industry in the discovery and development of new medicines. The emphasis of the degree is on training in synthetic organic chemistry, while also providing a good general foundation in physical and inorganic chemistry. In addition you will receive insights into pharmacology, the way drugs work, physiology, biochemistry and cancer chemotherapy.

This programme has been recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Year 1

Compulsory modules:

• Atomic Molecular and Ionic Structure
• Organic Functional Group Chemistry
• Foundations of Organic Chemistry
• Kinetics and Coordination Chemistry
• Elements of Physical Chemistry
• Basic Biochemistry
• Heredity and Gene Action
• Essential Skills for Chemists

Year 2

Compulsory modules:

• Constructing Organic Molecules
• Transition Metal Chemistry
• Introduction to Drug Action
• Chemistry of Biological Molecules
• Techniques for Biological and Chemical Science
• Chemical Pharmacology
• Animal Physiology
• Molecules from First Principles

Year 3

Compulsory modules:

• Project Skills for Chemists
• Cancer Chemotherapy
• Contemporary Inorganic Chemistry
• Synthesis of Pharmaceutically Active Molecules
• Molecules and Ions at Interfaces
• Topics in Biological Chemistry
• Advanced Experimental Chemistry
• Protein Structure, Folding and Assemblies

Year 4

Compulsory modules:

• Advanced Chemistry Project (45 credits)
• Organic Synthesis I – Heterocyclic and Retrosynthetic Chemistry
• Organic synthesis II – Asymmetric Synthesis and Catalysis

Options include:

• Biological and Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry
• Drug, Design and Development
• Endocrine Physiology and Biochemistry
• Colloidal Chemistry
• Enzyme Catalysis

For information on medically-related subjects at Queen Mary, please see our medically-related subjects page.

For all programmes you must take 120 credits (normally eight modules) in each academic year. Each module is assessed through a combination of theory examinations (typically accounting for 70-80 per cent of the final mark) and coursework (for example practical reports, field course reports, essays, problem sheets, online exercises and tests). Theory examinations are normally 2.5 hours for first and second years and 3 hours for third year papers. Final year students undertake a research project worth either 15, 30 or 45 credits; these are assessed with a detailed written report and an interview. There are presently no mid-session exams and the main examination period is in April/May, with the additional possibility of deferred exams and resits in August.

The format of undergraduate examinations varies from programme to programme and may include multiple choice questions (MCQ), extended matching questions (EMQ), short answer questions, problem-solving and essays.

Please refer to our detailed entry requirements for the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences.

School of Biological and Chemical Sciences
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 3200/ 3014/ 5029
Fax: +44 (0)20 8983 0973
email: sbcs-admissions@qmul.ac.uk
www.sbcs.qmul.ac.uk

For further information you can also call the Enquiries Hotline (UK callers only) on Freephone 0800 376 1800. International students should contact the Admissions and Recruitment office:
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 5511
email: admissions@qmul.ac.uk
www.qmul.ac.uk/international