Medicinal and Biological Chemistry BSc

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Nottingham

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how chemistry powers medicine and biology, this degree is a perfect match. You’ll explore the science behind drug discovery, learn how chemicals interact with the human body, and gain the skills to make real contributions to healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
Your first year builds a strong foundation in both chemistry and biology. You’ll study key topics like Introduction to Organic Molecules and their Reactivity, Introduction to Spectroscopy, Energy and Bonding in Chemistry, and Introduction to Structure, Periodicity and Coordination Chemistry. Alongside these, modules such as Human Physiology and Molecules of Life help you understand how chemistry connects to living systems. It’s also a great year to strengthen your practical lab and study skills through Foundation Laboratory Work and Chemistry Study Skills.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll go deeper into applied chemistry while linking it to pharmacology and biological chemistry. Modules such as Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics introduce how drugs work in the body, while Synthesis and Spectroscopy and Energy, Spectroscopy and Solid State Chemistry expand your chemical expertise. You’ll also sharpen your research and coding skills with Core Laboratory Work and optional modules like Introduction to Python for Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Year 3:
Your final year is where it all comes together. You’ll explore advanced topics like Contemporary Drug Discovery, Catalysis, Bioinorganic and Supramolecular Chemistry, and Chemical Bonding, Reactivity and Surfaces. The highlight is your BSc Chemistry Project, where you’ll carry out an independent research project on a topic you’re passionate about. Optional modules like Prospects for Personalised Medicine or Chemical Biology and Enzymes let you tailor your studies to your interests in the molecular side of medicine.

Focus areas:
“Medicinal chemistry, biological chemistry, drug discovery, chemical biology, pharmacology, and advanced laboratory practice.”

Learning outcomes:
“By the end of the course, you’ll know how to apply chemistry to real biological and medical challenges, understand drug mechanisms, perform advanced lab work, and think like a scientific researcher ready for industry or postgraduate study.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) – meeting part of the requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Nottingham is one of the UK’s top universities for graduate employability — ranked the 3rd most targeted by top employers (High Fliers, 2025) and with 91% of graduates in highly skilled jobs within a few years of finishing (HESA data).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From your very first day at Nottingham, you’ll be doing real chemistry — not just reading about it. This course is built around hands-on practical work, so you’ll spend a lot of time in the lab, testing ideas, analysing data, and seeing first-hand how chemistry and biology combine to create new medicines. You’ll learn in modern teaching spaces and use professional-grade tools and techniques that mirror what’s used in today’s pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Every year, your practical skills grow stronger — from mastering basic lab techniques to designing and running your own research project by your final year.

Here’s how you’ll experience learning beyond the classroom:

World-class laboratories: You’ll train in Nottingham’s cutting-edge teaching labs and may access the award-winning GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry — one of the most advanced sustainable chemistry facilities in the world.
Practical modules every year: Courses like Applying Skills in Practical Chemistry and Core Laboratory Work let you practise real techniques in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, preparing you for research or industry roles.
Digital tools for modern chemistry: Through modules such as Introduction to Python for Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, you’ll learn to use coding and data analysis for modelling reactions and understanding complex biological systems.
Team-based projects: Collaborative group work is built into your studies, helping you develop the communication, planning, and problem-solving skills that employers look for.
Industry and research connections: You’ll have the option to take an industrial placement year or get involved in departmental research, gaining experience in professional labs and working alongside scientists tackling real challenges.
Specialist facilities and support: You’ll have access to Nottingham’s top-class libraries, analytical suites, and instrumentation rooms for spectroscopy, bonding, and materials analysis — all essential for your final-year research project.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Nottingham’s Medicinal and Biological Chemistry BSc opens doors to exciting, high-impact careers. You’ll be qualified to work where science meets innovation — in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biotechnology, and chemical research. Typical roles include drug development scientist, bioprocess chemist, pharmaceutical analyst, and quality assurance specialist. Whether you’re drawn to lab research, product development, or scientific communication, this degree gives you the flexibility to shape your path.

Here’s how Nottingham helps you turn your skills into a successful career:

Dedicated Careers & Employability Service: You’ll get one-to-one career coaching, internship guidance, CV support, and access to employer networking events — all tailored for science students.
Strong graduate outcomes: Around 89% of Nottingham chemistry graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree, with an average starting salary of £26,216.
Powerful industry links: Nottingham’s chemistry graduates have gone on to work with major employers such as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Unilever, Boots, Cancer Research UK, and the NHS — so you’ll be joining a network that’s well recognised by top science employers.
Professional accreditation: The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), giving you a clear route toward Chartered Chemist (CChem) status — a respected credential that strengthens your long-term career prospects.
A degree that opens global doors: With its blend of chemistry, biology, and pharmacology, your skills will be relevant to industries across the world — from pharmaceutical research to environmental chemistry and biotechnological innovation.

Further Academic Progression:
Many graduates continue into postgraduate study to deepen their expertise — pursuing Master’s degrees (MSc) or PhDs in areas like drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, or biotechnology. Nottingham’s strong research reputation means you’ll have access to world-class facilities and the academic support to move into advanced research or university-level teaching.