Bachelor of Science(Medicinal chemistry)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New England Armidale

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Medicinal Chemistry) at the University of New England gives you a strong foundation in chemistry while focusing on how drugs are designed, developed, and tested. It’s perfect for students who are curious about the science behind medicines and want to contribute to solving real-world health challenges.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in core science. Units like CHEM110 Chemistry I and CHEM120 Chemistry II teach you the essentials of chemical principles and laboratory techniques, while BIOL110 Introduction to Biology: Cells and Life shows how chemistry links to biological systems. You’ll also develop quantitative skills through units like MTHS110 Quantitative Skills with Applications, giving you the tools to analyse data and solve problems confidently.

Year 2

Your second year deepens your understanding of chemistry in biological contexts. CHEM204 Biological and Organic Chemistry explores how chemical structures affect biological processes, and BCHM210 Introductory Molecular Biology and Biochemistry I introduces you to key biochemical pathways. You’ll also take PHRM232 Pharmacology for Research, learning how chemicals interact with the body — a core part of medicinal chemistry — and select supportive units that broaden your scientific perspective.

Year 3

In your final year, you focus on advanced topics and hands-on projects. Units such as CHEM303 Medicinal Chemistry and CHEM302 Organic Synthesis and Catalysis show you how new therapeutic compounds are designed and produced. You can also take PHAR340 Pharmacokinetics or PHAR440 Drug Technologies and New Drug Therapies to learn how drugs behave in the body and how innovative treatments are developed. Completing SCI395 Science Report lets you put your knowledge into practice through a research-oriented project of your own.

Focus Areas

Medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, pharmacology fundamentals, biological chemistry, chemical analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to apply chemical and biological principles to understand drug design and action, perform laboratory experiments with confidence, and communicate scientific ideas clearly.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The medicinal chemistry major is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), meaning your qualification is recognised and respected by industry and professional bodies.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UNE is well-known for its strong teaching quality and student support, with science programs designed to give you practical skills and research experience that employers highly value.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying medicinal chemistry at UNE is much more than lectures and textbooks — it’s about getting hands-on experience that prepares you for real scientific work. On the Armidale campus, you’ll spend a lot of time in modern chemistry laboratories, working with the same instruments and techniques used by professional chemists. Later in your degree, you’ll have the chance to undertake your own research project under the guidance of experienced staff, giving you a taste of what it’s like to work as a scientist in a real-world setting.

Here’s how practical learning is built into your degree:

State-of-the-art laboratories: Units like CHEM303 Medicinal Chemistry and CHEM302 Organic Synthesis and Catalysis let you design and run experiments, analyse results, and develop confidence with professional chemical analysis equipment.
Independent research projects: Through SCI395 Science Report, you’ll plan and carry out your own research project, connecting your work to current scientific questions and learning to communicate your findings like a professional scientist.
Team-based learning: Many lab sessions involve working with peers to solve problems, manage experiments, and present results — building teamwork skills you’ll use in research or industry.
Library and digital resources: UNE’s Dixson Library provides access to journals, databases, and study spaces that support your lab work and research in drug design, pharmacology, and chemical analysis.
Research-active environment: You’ll be part of a department engaged in areas like organic and biomolecular chemistry, natural product discovery, and synthetic materials, so your learning connects directly with cutting-edge scientific research.

At UNE, you don’t just study chemistry — you practice it, investigate it, and experience it, preparing you for a future in research, pharmaceuticals, or any science-related field.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Science (Medicinal Chemistry) from UNE gives you more than just technical knowledge — it equips you with analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and hands-on experience that employers value. Graduates often step into roles such as medicinal chemist, analytical chemist, laboratory scientist, or pharmaceutical research assistant, with opportunities across pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biotechnology, and environmental science:

Career support services: UNE’s Career Success Hub provides one-on-one guidance, resume and interview workshops, employer networking events, and tailored job opportunities to help science graduates move confidently into the workforce.
Strong employment outcomes: UNE graduates enjoy high full-time employment rates soon after completing their degree, reflecting the practical and research skills built throughout the program.
Industry engagement opportunities: The program encourages involvement in research projects and work-integrated learning experiences that connect your studies directly with real-world applications.
Professional accreditation: The medicinal chemistry major is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), giving your qualification credibility and recognition within the chemistry profession.
Graduate achievements: Beyond technical expertise, you’ll graduate with transferable skills — critical thinking, scientific communication, and teamwork — that help you succeed in research, industry, or related scientific fields.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing your Bachelor of Science (Medicinal Chemistry), you can take an Honours year in Chemistry, working on an independent research project under faculty supervision to sharpen your research skills. From there, you could continue with postgraduate studies like a Master of Science or PhD, specialising in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, or advanced analytical science, opening doors to research, academia, or leadership roles in science industries.