Medicinal Chemistry and Forensic Science BSc (Hons)

At Keele University, we’re proud to be consistently ranked in the Top 3 UK universities for student satisfaction, which is testimony to the safe, supportive and welcoming campus we hope you’ll soon call home.Studying a combined honours degree will include some modules from both of the single honours degrees. In this case, your programme will be made up of a combination of modules from both Medicinal Chemistry and Forensic Science.For the Medicinal Chemistry element of the course, You’ll develop deep understanding of the complex chemical and biological processes involved in the design and manufacture of drugs and other therapies for treating disease. This course prepares you to help solve problems at the intersection of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology. The goal of medicinal chemistry is to support the search for new drugs to treat conditions such as heart disease and cancer. You’ll work in well-equipped laboratories, and learn to conduct effective independent research. For the Forensic Science element, you will be taught by a range of academics and forensic professionals in our modern laboratories using industry standard equipment. We have a dedicated Crime Scene House that allows you to put the theory into practise. Studying this course will allow you to cover the entire forensic process from the collection of evidence at the crime scene to its presentation incourt. You will cover key forensic areas such as genetics, anthropology, toxicology, ballistics and arson, alongside newer fields such as digital forensics. You will also develop your analytical science skills, so that you are able to analyse any piece of evidence you should encounter. This is complemented by additional emphasis on professional practice and an understanding of the roles of the crime scene investigator and the forensic scientist as an expert witness in the court.We also include a workshop at the world renowned ‘body farm’ at the University of Tennessee as part of the programme. This visit will allow you to gain anthropological experience on human material which is not possible in the UK.Our dedicated and supportive approach to teaching, coupled with excellent modern laboratories and industry standard equipment, mean that you will graduate with both a sound theoretical understanding and relevant practical experience across a range of analytical and forensic techniques.Our Medicinal Chemistry graduates have excellent employment prospects, whether at the cutting edge of drug discovery or in a wide range of related fields. You might go to work for a pharmaceutical company, either as a research scientist or in a more business related role. Alternatively, you might work in a different organisation as a development chemist, a research assistant, or a site chemist. Our teaching strategy is designed to enable you to become an independent scientist who will have a great deal to offer prospective employers. Graduates of Forensic Science have progressed to a range of different careers, including, within the forensic science sector, analytical laboratories, and teaching. It isalso possible to continue on to a higher degree such as an MSc or PhD.