Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry with Industrial Placement Year

Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry with Industrial Placement Year - BSc (Hons)

Tackle global health issues and help make a difference to the world. From understanding drug design to creating new and more effective medicines and vaccines - our accredited Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry with Industrial Placement Year will equip you with the knowledge, skills and practical experience in industry to contribute to improving human health and prolonging life.

Year of entry

2023 - for 2024 entry see here - for 2023 entry see here

Course type

Single Honours

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

School of Chemical and Physical Sciences

UCAS code

F125

Duration of study

4 years

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Why study Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry with Industrial Placement Year at Keele University?

This programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry

Engage with award-winning academics who are at the forefront of innovation in teaching

Our authentic assessment methods replicate the types of tasks you would likely carry out during a career in chemistry

Use research grade experimental equipment in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories (CSL)

Advance your career and gain practical experience in the workplace by spending a year in industry

Course overview

Overview

Chemistry is the science of matter at the very basic level of molecules and atoms. Medicinal chemistry is the discipline at the intersection of chemistry, and pharmacology and other biological specialties, involved with design, chemical synthesis and development of drugs to combat disease. The chemical industry is one of Britain's largest manufacturing exporters with annual exports of over £57 billion (Chemical Industries Association, 2021 report).

Our Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry with Industrial Placement Year BSc is aimed at students interested in working within the pharmaceutical sector. The course will equip you with a firm foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry to focus on exploring the complex biological and chemical problems that are involved in the design and synthesis of new drugs.

Year one

In your first year you will develop the skills to enable you to become a professional chemist. You will build a strong grounding in core chemistry knowledge and we will carefully guide you in understanding the mathematics underpinning the subject. Particular attention is paid to building your practical skills and you will have access to various types of research-standard equipment you are likely to use within your career in chemistry - such as our ultra-violet visible spectrometry which is used to follow the rate of reactions of molecules that contain chromophores.

To provide context to the knowledge you are learning, you will also look at ways in which chemistry is applied to sustainable development and the environment. You will examine the political, social and economic impacts and explore topics like nuclear chemistry and energy, geochemistry, health and toxicology and green chemistry.

Year two

Year two continues to build on developing theoretical knowledge and practical skills, but here you will start to specialise in medicinal chemistry with a core module covering the principles of drug design. This focuses on understanding the interaction of small molecules with biological targets in the body and applying this to the design of drug molecules. During practical classes you will learn advanced experimental techniques including handling air-sensitive reagents, and also complete a multi-step synthesis of nalidixic acid (the heterocyclic core of a new class of antibacterial agents) to mimic the processes used in the pharmaceutical industry.

Year three

In year three you will spend a year on industrial placement. You will become familiar with the professional working environment and have the opportunity to apply the chemistry skills and theories you have learnt to real situations in the industrial workplace. You will develop key professional skills in the accurate documentation of information, analysis of chemical data and the planning and safe operation of chemical processes. You will also gain key employability skills such as the presentation and communication of data, writing of reports, and the ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team. Work experience in your area of interest will not only demonstrate your commitment and passion, but will also enable you to make meaningful connections by networking with experts in the field.

Year four

Your final year builds on the principles of drug design by looking at the mechanism of drug action. This follows the pathway of a drug substance through the body, looking at the key areas of pharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics. You will also have the opportunity to unleash your creativity and apply the techniques you have acquired throughout your studies by working on a final year medicinal chemistry project and dissertation.

Flexibility to suit your interests

We recognise that your aspirations and interests in the field of chemistry may develop as you are exposed to the diverse themes throughout the programme. With this in mind, our programme is highly flexible and there is the option to switch between programmes during your studies.

Support

We offer a multi layered support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs. Our open-door policy enables you to engage with us directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback or discuss matters relating to your course. You will benefit from the support of a academic mentor and Keele's Student Experience and Support team.

Next Steps

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Related Courses

Accreditation and professional recognition

This programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Accreditation fulfils part of the academic requirements to enable students to pursue the award of Chartered Chemist (CCHEM).

RSC Accredited Degree Logo

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Additional opportunities

Foundation year International year GCP Elective Pathways Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

Keele strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for our entire community, and we're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

A Level requirements

A Level requirement BBC
A level Chemistry at grade B or above.
A Pass in the Chemistry Science Practical is required.

GCSE requirements

Maths at C (or 4)
English Language / Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

BTEC requirements DMM
You must have taken Chemistry units, please contact us for advice

International Baccalaureate

H5, H5, H4 or 29 points overall. must include H5 Chemistry.

Access to HE Diploma requirements

Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 112 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Chemistry related units.

Please note

* Reformed GCSE grades for England are stated in brackets
** If applicant has not had opportunity to sit AS level in England, please contact the Admissions team

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Preparation programmes for international students

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.

These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.

Next Steps

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Additional information

A Level requirements

A Level requirement BBC
A level Chemistry at grade B or above.
A Pass in the Chemistry Science Practical is required.

GCSE requirements

Maths at C (or 4)
English Language / Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

BTEC requirements DMM
You must have taken Chemistry units, please contact us for advice

International Baccalaureate

H5, H5, H4 or 29 points overall. must include H5 Chemistry.

Access to HE Diploma requirements

Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 112 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Chemistry related units.

Please note

* Reformed GCSE grades for England are stated in brackets
** If applicant has not had opportunity to sit AS level in England, please contact the Admissions team

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

English Language Requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from .

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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What is it like to be a Chemistry student at Keele?

Student testimonials

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SECTOR-LEADING IN SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION

At Keele we're leading the sector in sustainability, not just in our ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030 but also through our teaching and our ground-breaking research into climate change and renewable technologies. In 2021 we were awarded the prestigious title of Global Sustainability Institution of the Year (International Green Gown Awards, 2021).

Within the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences our award winning staff promote sustainability through their teaching to raise awareness of the environmental issues within chemistry. On the programme you will explore how chemistry is placed within the social, political and economic context of 'the real world' with a heavy emphasis on environmental sustainability and the implications for humanity. You will also discover how chemistry associated with industrial processes has changed to become more sustainable and how it must continue to change to further this progress.

Find out more about Keele’s commitment to sustainability.

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Your future career

95% of our students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

You will graduate with strong laboratory techniques, a suite of transferable skills and the invaluable experience of spending a year in industry. Graduates of this programme enter a wide range of professions, both in and out of the laboratory. Many also further their knowledge by undertaking further study at Master's or PhD level.

Roles that are related to your degree include:

academic chemist
analytical chemist
associate scientist
chemical engineer
environmental scientist
forensic scientist
material scientist
medicinal chemist
museum scientist
nuclear engineer
pharmaceutical scientist
policy advisor
research assistant
science teacher
synthetic chemist
toxicologist

Transferable skills you can acquire include:

IT and technology
monitoring/maintaining records and data
numeracy including error analysis and order-of-magnitude estimations
problem-solving relating to qualitative and quantitative information
research and presentation
teamwork
time management and organisation
written and oral communication

Enhance your employability

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability. From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.

Next Steps

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Learn from inspiring and award-winning academics

A dynamic group of staff with a broad range of expertise teach on the programme and bring a wealth of experience acquired through fundamental and applied research across a diverse range of areas.

In Chemistry, many of our teaching staff are Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy, the professional body for teachers in Higher Education. Fellowship provides individuals with recognition of their practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.

A number of our academic staff have also achieved national recognition for their excellence and innovation in teaching and hold awards from a variety of institutions, including the Royal Society of Chemistry.
In testament to our teaching excellence, many of our teaching methods have been adopted by other chemistry departments in the UK and beyond.

Chemistry department award

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Central Science Laboratories

Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

The information within this section is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course Content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry with Industrial Placement course. For example, the Advancing Chemistry module aims to increase your knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of chemistry in a theoretical context, while also demonstrating the application of concepts in a practical environment. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.

Course Structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester One Modules

FYO-00185	Practical and Academic Skills in Science	15 credits
FYO-00211	Foundations in Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Scientists	15 credits
FYO-00189	Foundations of Chemistry	15 credits

Semester Two Modules

FYO-00191

Advancing Chemistry

30 credits

Optional Modules in Semester One and Semester Two

In addition to the modules above, students will study an additional 15 credits in semester one and 30 credits during semester two from a range of modules.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Between 40-56 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
Relevant work experience

AND

GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)

AND

GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above

How to Apply

Applicants will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry with Foundation Year (UCAS code F122) through UCAS at www.ucas.com

Direct Entry Students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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