This programme is recognised by the Society of Biology.
This programme is recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry.Programme overview
- Learn how the fundamentals of biology and chemistry are applied to medical science
- Gain insight into how new drugs are designed
- Work in state-of-the art facilities and carry out challenging independent research
- Acquire key transferable skills and knowledge
This increasingly popular degree provides training in both biological sciences and chemistry and shows how this multidisciplinary area relates to aspects of medicine and drug design.
The first year provides an excellent grounding in all three branches of chemistry – inorganic, organic and physical. Organic chemistry remains a key element in subsequent years of the programme, with an emphasis being the clear link between chemistry and biological sciences. The level and breadth of coverage of organic chemistry is comparable with that normally encountered in a Single Honours BSc Chemistry programme.
The second and final years provide you with a wide range of module choice allowing further specialisation in chemistry, forensic science, cell biology, molecular biology and genomics, and biotechnology, alongside core topics including pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and drug design.
The programme is available as a four year degree during which you can spend one year in industry where you’ll have the opportunity to obtain experience relevant to your degree programme. It’s also available as a four-year degree with the third year spent studying at a partner university abroad.
In contrast to the majority of Biological and Medicinal Chemistry courses, the balance of ‘biology’ and ‘chemistry’ in the courses at the University of Exeter is strongly in favour of the former and are taught within a single life sciences College. This means that Exeter students get a good grounding in chemistry – more than adequate – but it doesn’t dominate the degrees. As such, the biological relevance of molecular science perhaps becomes more apparent more quickly. For students who aspire to go on to a PhD in biomedical research, this combination is extremely useful.
Professor Rob Field
External Assessor for the BSc Biological and Medicinal Chemistry degrees at the University of Exeter
The University has great laboratory facilities to provide excellent research, which I believe will help me with my future career. Exeter offers an excellent and relaxed studying environment, with good computer access all over the Campus. I’ve found all the lectures and demonstrations from the Professors really useful and the Professors are readily available to give advice whenever I need it. Living on Campus has been very comfortable and convenient and I’ve also been made to feel welcome as part of the student community.
Hoi Shan Kwok, BSc Biological and Medicinal Chemistry
After transferring from another University, I have really enjoyed being at Exeter. The Biological and Medicinal Chemistry programme has taken my favourite bits from chemistry and biology and placed them in the perfect course for me. A particular highlight of these three years has been my role as social secretary for the Biosciences Society (BIOSOC). This has enabled me to make friends from all year groups, both undergraduates and postgraduates and given me an increased level of confidence to deal with people in all situations. I am greatly looking forward to starting my secondary PGCE at Exeter in September and being able to pass on my passion for my subject area.
Kirsty Robbins, Biological and Medicinal Chemistry student
