Chemistry

This course deepens knowledge of organic chemistry and organic synthesis in relation to drug molecules. Medicinal chemistry deals with the discovery, design, identification, and synthesis of drug molecules, and with the study of the relationships between the structure of a drug molecule and its behavior in the body. By looking at five major diseases, the organic synthesis and pharmacology of several drug molecules for treating these diseases are explored. A full year of Organic Chemistry is required for admission.

This course develops fundamental laboratory skills: thin layer chromatography; reflux; distillation; vacuum filtration; determination of melting point; recrystallisation; solvent extraction; rotary evaporation; Soxhlet extraction. Lectures give a core understanding in three main chemical themes: nomenclature, isomerism, and reaction mechanisms. Students participate in workshops focused on lecture content and general academic skills, additionally participating in a collaborative group poster presentation, refining important employability skills.