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MChem Chemistry with Molecular Medicine
The University of Hull - Physical Sciences
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Course Summary
- Type: MChem
- Location: Kingston upon Hull
- Duration: 4 Years
- Deadline: Ongoing
Course Description
OverviewPharmaceutical science and biotechnology lie at the interface of chemistry and biology. Medicinal chemists discover and develop new drugs and treatments. They need to know how and why these drugs exert their effects to maximise their performance and minimise or eliminate side effects. To develop future medical technology, they need to understand the properties of biological molecules themselves; and they need a strong synthetic and theoretical understanding of chemistry as well as knowledge of the molecular basis of biology and medicine.
Our courses are designed to meet the requirements of this rapidly growing area of research and industry. It is estimated that it takes around 10 years to bring a new drug from the drawing board to the drug cabinet and that each day of this costs about a million dollars. By using insight, skilful synthesis and imagination, the medicinal chemist can accelerate this process, bringing considerable savings and medical benefits. Such scientists are highly sought after by the pharmaceutical industry.
Course structure
The first two years
Core modules account for 80% of each course. These include theoretical and practical aspects of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry and transferable skills such as communication, group working, computing and information technology. The remaining 20% of the course are specialist modules relating to areas relevant to molecular medicine, including the fundamentals of microbiology and biochemistry and the process of drug discovery.
The third year
Students pursue advanced topics in bioorganic, bioinorganic and biological macromolecules in theory and practice, studying the properties of proteins, nucleic acids and cellular membranes. Practical work includes hands-on experience of advanced synthetic and instrumental techniques and modern computer-based drug design strategies. In the second semester, students join a research group to conduct a research project. All students present their research results to the department. Presentation, communication, computer, internet, information retrieval and problem-solving skills – essential for all careers, scientific or otherwise – are thus integrated within the courses.
The fourth year
All students take advanced, specialist modules in molecular medicine and aspects of pharmacy (including antibacterial, antifungal, antitumour and antiviral agents and the delivery of drugs to patients). They also further develop the language required to communicate and work with scientists working in related areas such as genetics and cell biology.
Throughout the year, students develop a research project, normally in the biological chemistry research groups in the department, employing the same synthetic approaches used in industrial or academic setting. Students also develop an understanding of the context, potential benefits and worldwide knowledge-base of their chosen research area, using databases and internet-based resources. Most of the laboratory work for the project is carried out in the second semester. All students present their research results to the department, write an extended dissertation detailing their results and conclusions and construct a website to present their work. For almost all students, the research project proves to be the most rewarding and enjoyable part of their degree, and this is reflected in the large percentage who continue to pursue their interests in research careers.
Study information
The academic year at Hull is split into two semesters: the first starts in late September and the second finishes in June, with vacations at Christmas and Easter. Each semester consists of a teaching period followed by a period of assessment.
Each course is made up of modules, taught through a variety of lectures and workshops, small-group seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes. Typically, students will have 10 hours of lectures per week, up to 4 hours a week of tutorial-workshops and from 7 to 16 hours a week in the laboratory. Assessment is through a combination of examinations and continually assessed coursework. These assessments are focused around the laboratory (35%), coursework (15%) and examination (50%). All practical work is continuously assessed. The final-year research project is assessed continuously and through a final report and presentation.
Credits are earned from the successful completion of each module, and all modules count towards the final degree. The module and credit system allows greater flexibility within our courses and between the many different universities that operate the same system.
Entry requirements
Students with a wide range of qualifications have very successfully studied for a chemistry degree at Hull. Our entry requirements range between 280 and 300 points (with at least a B in Chemistry) at A level or equivalent, depending on the range of subjects offered and the UCAS personal statements, but offers may vary in individual cases and circumstances.
The University encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. We consider applicants on the basis of academic qualifications (see above) and/or on the basis of other relevant knowledge and skills. In Chemistry we have a particularly strong record of success with mature students, whose applications are always warmly welcomed.
