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Medicinal Chemistry - 3992

Program Summary

   
   
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Typical Duration: 4 Years
 
 
Typical UOC Per Semester: 24
 
 
Min UOC Per Semester: 6
 
 
Max UOC Per Semester: 24
 
 
Min UOC For Award: 192
 
 
Award(s):
 
 
Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry
 
  

Program Description

The Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry is a professionally oriented, truly interdisciplinary program taught as a joint initiative between the Schools of Chemistry and Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences (Faculty of Science), and the Pharmacology section of the School of Medical Sciences (Faculty of Medicine).

Medicinal Chemistry is an exciting, rapidly-expanding area within the broad discipline of Chemistry that has seen enormous growth recently both within Australia, and globally. It is, quite simply, the development of new pharmaceutical agents, from Concept to Clinic. Many different stages are involved, from the design and synthesis of novel drug candidates, to their biochemical effects, testing regimes and regulatory and ethical considerations. The Medicinal Chemistry program had been designed to ensure that graduates will have a strong background in contemporary biology, biochemistry and pharmacology, based upon a solid foundation of essential chemistry.

Graduates from the Medicinal Chemistry program will be equipped with a unique and wide harmony of skills, ranging from fundamental chemistry enabling the synthesis and analysis of drug candidates, through to relevant pharmacology and molecular biology skills. This combination will see graduates in high demand both locally and globally in pharmaceutical companies involved in modern drug design. In addition, the multidisciplinary nature of the program will mean that the graduates will also be highly marketable within other science-based industries and related fields. The research focus in the fourth Honours year, which provides projects that emphasise the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of the area, will also enable students to progress seamlessly into a higher degree if they wish.

Program Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Graduates will obtain a broad education across a range of relevant scientific areas, as well as a strong grounding in advanced biological and chemical techniques. There will be particular emphasis on the medical sciences. The first year of the program will provide solid foundation knowledge in some fundamental areas of science – chemistry, mathematics, and biology- as well as specific graduate attributes courses. Year two and three will focus on chemistry, pharmacology and biochemistry, with a number of recommended electives to broaden a student's knowledge in relevant fields (physiology, anatomy, genetics). The fourth (Honours) year provides a substantial research experience.

Program Structure

Stage 1

Session 1
Session 2
PLUS
Free electives totaling 6 UoC (See Notes after Stage 3).

Notes:
CHEM1011 (Essentials of Chemistry 1A) and CHEM1021 (Essentials of Chemistry 1B) could be taken instead of CHEM1031 and CHEM1041, with permission of the Program Authority.

Students intending to take 6 UoC of Level 1 Physics as an elective in Session 2 should substitute MATH1131 (Mathematics 1A) or MATH1141 (Higher Mathematics 1A) for MATH1031 in Session 1. The choice will depend on the level of Mathematics and performance in HSC or equivalent. Contact the Mathematics Office for further information.


Stage 2

Session 1
Session 2
PLUS
12 UoC of electives (see the Note at the end of Stage 3).


Stage 3

Session 1
Session 2
PLUS
18 UoC of electives (see Notes below)

Notes:
In stages 1, 2 and 3 there are 36 UoC elective courses (6 UoC in Stage 1, 12 UoC in Stage 2, and 18 UoC in Stage 3).
Within this 36 UoC of electives, students must choose:
  • 12 UoC from the approved elective list, below;
  • 12 UoC as free electives (which may also be chosen from the elective list, but could also be chosen from elsewhere within the University); and
  • 12 UoC of General Education.
  • Students must consider prerequisites for Stage 3 elective courses when choosing Stage 2 electives.
Approved Elective List (Stages 1-3)

BINF1001 Bioinformatics 1 (this course may be taken at Stage 1, or later)
Note: (BIOS2021 Genetics may be taken at Stage 1, or later. If taken in Stage 1, a credit or better must be achieved in BABS1201).
Stage 4.

Academic Rules

  1. A student must complete 192 Units of Credit (UoC), including 12 Units of General Education requirements, and following the program of study outlined in this Handbook.
  2. No student may normally commence Level II courses unless 18 UoC of Level 1 courses have been successfully completed, unless approved by the program authority.
  3. Students must complete at least 42 Units of Credit (UoC) of Level 1 courses, and no more than 60 UoC of Level 1 courses.
  4. A WAM of 65% or greater is required for progression to Stage 3, and Stage 4. Students who do not meet this requirement will be eligable to transfer to program 3970 (Bachelor of Science) and complete a degree with a major in Chemistry, a pass or better in BIOC2101 will be allowed substitution for CHEM2031.
  5. No student may commence Stage 4 until stages 1 to 3 have been completed successfully.
  6. Students who enter programs 3970 or 3972, and have studied the required courses, will be entitled to transfer into the BMedChem (Hons) program provided their WAM is greater than 65%.

Fees

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html


Area(s) of Specialisation

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.