Chemistry with Biological and Medicinal Chemistry BSc

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

The University of Sheffield

Program Overview

This degree gives you a strong foundation in all the core areas of chemistry—organic, inorganic, physical and analytical—while also letting you explore the fascinating world of biological and medicinal chemistry. It’s perfect for anyone curious about how chemistry connects with biology and medicine, whether you’re interested in developing new drugs, working in biotech, or exploring healthcare solutions.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year sets you up with the essentials. Modules like Fundamentals of Chemistry 1 & 2 and Essential Skills for Chemists will teach you the basics of atoms, molecules, reactions, and lab techniques. You’ll also discover how chemistry touches everyday life and the environment, giving you a sense of how it connects to biology and sustainability.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll start diving deeper. You’ll tackle organic reactions, spectroscopy, coordination chemistry, and get a stronger focus on biological and medicinal chemistry topics. This year really builds the bridge between chemistry theory and real-world biological applications.

Year 3
The final year is all about applying what you’ve learned. You’ll study advanced topics like organometallic compounds, surface chemistry, and synthetic biological systems, and you’ll complete a major research project. This gives you hands-on lab experience and a taste of real research, preparing you for work in labs or further study.

Focus Areas

Medicinal chemistry, drug design, analytical and synthetic chemistry, sustainability, and the chemical–biological interface

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate able to design and interpret experiments, apply chemistry to biological and medicinal problems, use modern lab techniques confidently, carry out independent research, and communicate complex ideas clearly.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), meaning it’s recognised by industry and helps pave the way toward Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Sheffield ranks 92nd in the 2026 QS World Rankings and is considered one of the UK’s top 20 universities for chemistry. Graduates go on to work with companies like GSK, AstraZeneca, Unilever, and Reckitt, so career prospects are strong.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From day one, you’ll be getting hands-on experience in real chemistry labs, learning techniques that are used by professionals in industry and research. Sheffield gives you access to modern facilities and equipment so that what you learn in lectures can be immediately applied in practical settings. Small-group tutorials, workshops, and research projects make sure you’re not just reading about chemistry—you’re doing it, collaborating with peers, and solving real scientific problems.

Your learning journey also includes opportunities to work on independent research projects, explore industry placements, and gain exposure to digital tools and instrumentation that are standard in chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Here’s how your practical experience comes to life:

Work in state-of-the-art teaching labs for organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry in the Dainton and Richard Roberts Buildings.
Use advanced analytical instruments like NMR, IR/UV spectroscopy, and gas- and size-exclusion chromatography.
Take part in a full-year industrial placement (optional) with companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical, or consumer-goods sectors.
Join the Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) scheme for a paid summer research placement, working on cutting-edge chemistry projects.
Engage in small-group tutorials and workshops to apply lecture concepts in practical and collaborative settings.
Access the university’s extensive library system with over 1.3 million books and periodicals, supporting both independent and group research.

These experiences ensure that by the time you graduate, you’ll have the confidence, skills, and real-world exposure to thrive in chemistry, pharmaceuticals, biotech, or further study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this degree opens up a wide range of exciting career paths. Many of our students go on to roles in pharmaceuticals, chemical analysis, biotech research, or consumer-goods development. Typical positions include Medicinal Chemist, Analytical Chemist, Quality Assurance Scientist, and Research & Development Associate.

Here’s how Sheffield supports your career journey and sets you up for success:

Tailored employability support: Through the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, you’ll have access to the Skills for Success programme, one-to-one careers guidance, and annual careers fairs where employers like GSK, AstraZeneca, Unilever, and Reckitt actively recruit.
Strong industry connections: Our academics bring real-world industry experience, and optional work placements give you hands-on exposure to chemical, pharmaceutical, and consumer-goods sectors.
Professional accreditation: The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), helping you meet the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status—valuable for long-term career development.
Graduate outcomes: Sheffield chemistry graduates are highly sought after, with alumni working for leading companies such as GSK, AstraZeneca, Unilever, and Reckitt.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re keen to continue your studies, this degree provides a strong foundation for postgraduate options like an MSc in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or chemical biology. You could even pursue a PhD if research is your passion. The practical skills and final-year research project experience will give you an edge in both applications and future studies.