Medicinal and Biological Chemistry MChem (Hons)

Medicinal and Biological Chemistry is concerned with understanding biological mechanisms and processes at the level of the atoms and molecules involved, and applying this understanding along with the tools of synthetic chemistry and genetic manipulation to design and deliver pharmaceutical interventions. Students learn how breakthroughs in understanding of the molecular basis of diseases are being combined with cross-disciplinary advances in chemistry, biology and nanotechnology to generate new generations of innovative therapeutics. The programme teaches a thorough understanding of the structures, properties and syntheses (in the lab and in vivo) of the diverse range of molecules and macromolecules needed to build a living organism. It provides understanding of how biological molecules cooperate in finely tuned networks and pathways or are organised into macromolecular complexes, membranes, organelles, cells and tissues. Building upon an initial solid foundation in chemistry and cell and molecular biology, this degree programme provides the intellectual framework for understanding this topic from the fundamentals to the frontiers of current research. There is a strong focus on a wide range of analytical and experimental skills. First-hand experience of cutting-edge research is provided via an individual project spanning the whole of the final year. Students may choose to undertake their project as a member of a research group in the University of Edinburgh, at one of our partner universities overseas, or in a company or research institute in the UK or abroad.