Undergraduate study in Medicinal Chemistry
Important notice
From 2027, Medicinal Chemistry will no longer be offered as a specialisation. Instead, Medicinal Chemistry will be available as a major and will offer a year one entry pathway into the following year two clinical programmes: Medicine, Pharmacy, Optometry and Medical Imaging (Honours).
You can find out more about this and other clinical programme pathway options on our health majors in Science page.
What can you study in Medicinal Chemistry?
- How drugs are discovered
- The chemistry of drug synthesis
- The challenges associated with drug design and development
- How drugs work at the molecular level
- The biological and pharmacological basis of drug action
What you will learn
Graduates in Medicinal Chemistry will possess contemporary knowledge of the multiple scientific disciplines associated with drug discovery and development.
You will have a core strength in drug synthesis. In addition, you will bring specific knowledge in data analysis, biochemical processes, biological assays, drug formulation and metabolism, as well as biologics and diagnostics. You will also understand associated regulatory practices, including intellectual property, clinical trials, and good manufacturing practice (GMP).
Graduates will have both a domestic and international perspective on ethical issues associated with medicinal chemistry, including legal and ethical obligations. Beyond discipline knowledge, graduates will have had the opportunity to develop oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team.
If you’re interested in studying Medicinal Chemistry with us, it’s a good idea to have taken chemistry at high school. High school biology is also beneficial because of the biological/medicinal focus of this major, but it’s not essential. Mathematics, statistics or physics also provide helpful numerical knowledge.
Where can undergraduate study in Medicinal Chemistry take you?
The Medicinal Chemistry major offers a unique combination of skills: you 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.
As a graduate you will be well placed for further study in the chemistry of drug design and development. You will also have the skill sets to make valuable contributions in biomedical and pharmaceutical companies both locally and globally.
Graduates are equipped to work in a wide range of institutions, including:
- Biomedical companies
- Crown research institutes
- Government agencies
- Hospitals
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Private research institutions
Structuring your undergraduate programme in Medicinal Chemistry
Explore the full programme structure in the Curriculum Catalogue.
Scholarships and awards
Each year we award scholarships and prizes to thousands of students.
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for, search available scholarships or begin an application by visiting Scholarships and awards.
Help and advice
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