of Students in work or study six months after finishing
Additional accreditation
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Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
This degree programme provides a thorough training in the main branches of chemistry and also concentrates on the study of areas of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology most relevant to carrying out research with medicinal and other biologically active compounds.
Programme structure
Year 1
The topics covered include
- the periodic table and main group chemistry
- transition metal chemistry
- organic chemistry
- chemical kinetics
- theoretical chemistry
- chemical energy changes
- aqueous equilibria and pH
- macromolecules.
You will also study two other subjects of your choice in year 1: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.
Year 2
Your second year builds on the first-year course and involves the following topics:
- molecular thermodynamics
- organic stereochemistry
- quantum mechanics, chemical bonding and symmetry
- organometallic chemistry
- main group chemistry
- enols and enolates
- spectroscopy
- kinetics
- aromatic chemistry
- coordination chemistry
- organic synthesis
- biophysical chemistry
- applied organic chemistry.
You will also study one or two other subjects in year 2: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.
Years 3, 4 and 5
If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4), you will choose courses from a list of topics which includes anticancer compounds, antibiotics, analgesics and antivirals. In the final year you will undertake a project involving research in chemistry with medicinal or pharmacological applications, for example, making selected compounds and testing them for specific biological activity.
You can take Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry as an MSci degree which includes an additional placement year. Placements are usually in the UK, but can also be taken overseas. They happen between third year and the final year of the degree.
Special features
A lecture course on industrial medicinal chemistry is presented by research workers from a pharmaceutical company on topics such as drug/receptor interactions and the design, synthesis, transport and metabolism of important drugs.
Partner and industry links
The ScotCHEM initiative enables more than 180 chemistry research teams based at Scottish universities, including Glasgow, to pool resources in a world-class research collaboration.
Our international links
The MSci degree offers the opportunity to spend a year doing your placement in a European university before returning for your final year of study.
Career prospects
Our graduates are employed in research in the pharmaceutical industry, forensic science and related areas. Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study or directly into employment in the chemical industry.
We offer employability and professional development training to our Chemistry students in years 1 and 2 of their degrees.
Accreditation
These programmes are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Glasgow International College
For international students entry to this programme is supported by courses from GIC.
Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014
BSc, MSci
Highers: AAAA or AAABB (including two science subjects) in first sitting = unconditional offer. Applicants who achieved AAAB or AABBB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting WILL receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.
Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved between ABBB and AABB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed.
Applicants who receive an offer conditional on second sitting results will be required to study Advanced Highers in relevant subjects as an integral part of their conditional offer.
A-levels: AAB, including two science subjects. A-Level at B or above in Chemistry.
IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.
Advanced entry
If you have exceptional A-level or Advanced Higher grades it's possible to gain exemption from Year 1 study and enter directly into Year 2 or follow a faster route advanced entry programme, both of which allow you to complete your degree in one year less than usual. See: Advanced entry
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):
- overall score 6.5
- no sub-test less than 6.0
- or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
Common equivalent English language qualifications:
- ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
- CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
- CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
- PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's Language Centre offers a range of Pre-Sessional Courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching; see Links.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact the Recruitment and International Office: Elaine.Shortt@glasgow.ac.uk
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
my academic qualifications are below the requirements?
Glasgow International College offers Foundation courses to upgrade your academic qualifications.
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.
Scholarships
We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see:

