Laboratory staff helping second year undergraduates in a chemistry lab session, Chemistry building, University Park. November 5th 2021.

Medicinal and Biological Chemistry BSc

University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Chemistry is central to solving the world’s most pressing challenges – from clean energy and climate change to food security and new medicines. At Nottingham, you’ll examine these global issues through the lens of sustainable chemistry, gaining the practical, digital, and professional skills needed to make a real-world impact.

Medicinal and Biological Chemistry explores the interplay between chemistry and biology to develop an understanding of human disease and drug design. A degree in medicinal and biological chemistry will equip you with the knowledge and skills to explore the molecular foundations of health and disease. From drug design and development to understanding how we can engineer biochemical pathways, this course will place you at the forefront of innovation in pharmaceuticals, chemical biology and biotechnology.

You’ll be taught by internationally recognised researchers, including pioneers in green chemistry and AI-driven discovery. Our curriculum is designed with industry input and student collaboration, ensuring you graduate with the confidence and adaptability to thrive in a fast-changing world.

The School of Chemistry at Nottingham is one of the largest in the UK and is ranked 9th nationally and in the top 100 globally for Chemistry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Our award-winning Carbon Neutral Laboratory enables world-leading research in sustainable chemistry, supporting our mission to develop innovative solutions for a greener future. Your curiosity for this exciting subject will be supported by our teaching staff, some of whom are featured on the popular Periodic Videos YouTube channel.

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Chemistry Study Skills

Mandatory

Year 1

Organic Molecules and Mechanisms  

Mandatory

Year 1

Exploring the Periodic Table  

Mandatory

Year 1

Energy and Chemical Change  

Mandatory

Year 1

Foundation Skills in Practical Chemistry  

Mandatory

Year 1

Principles of Sustainable Chemistry and Chemical Innovation  

Mandatory

Year 1

Analytical and Mathematical Methods in Chemistry 

Mandatory

Year 1

Building Blocks of Life  

Mandatory

Year 2

Structure, Bonding and Reactivity

Mandatory

Year 2

Synthesis and Spectroscopy

Mandatory

Year 2

From Atoms to Solids  

Mandatory

Year 2

Applying Skills in Practical Chemistry  

Mandatory

Year 2

Sustainable Products and Processes 

Mandatory

Year 2

Biological Chemistry  

Optional

Year 2

Introduction to Python for Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Optional

Year 2

Medicinal Chemistry and Biomedical Imaging  

Mandatory

Year 3

Metal Catalysis and Supramolecular Chemistry  

Mandatory

Year 3

Selectivity and Control in Synthesis  

Mandatory

Year 3

Investigative Project Skills in Practical Chemistry  

Mandatory

Year 3

Small Molecule Drug Discovery  

Mandatory

Year 3

Protein Characterisation and Bioinformatics  

Mandatory

Year 3

Enzymes, Biocatalysis and Bioengineering  

Optional

Year 3

Astropharmacy & Astromedicine

Optional

Year 3

Contemporary and Alternative Medicines

Optional

Year 3

Frontiers of Sustainability and Innovation 

Optional

Year 3

Medical Diagnostics  

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Molecular Techniques and Diagnostics

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Thursday 26 June 2025. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Chemistry is a hands-on subject, and our teaching reflects that. You’ll learn through:

  • Laboratory sessions in our state-of-the-art facilities
  • Interactive tutorials and workshops
  • Lectures and seminars led by world-class researchers
  • Group projects and problem-based learning
  • Digital tools and data analysis training
  • You’ll also benefit from a supportive academic community, with staff tutors guiding your development throughout your degree.

When not attending timetabled sessions you’ll be expected to continue learning independently through self-study.

We offer flexibility for you to switch between the Chemistry and the Medicinal and Biological Chemistry programmes, in either direction, during (or at the end of) Year 1 or 2, subject to module selections. This allows you to discover which areas of the subject inspire you for future specialisation, industrial placements, research, and careers.

Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained for your second and subsequent years of study. Year two is worth 33% with year three worth 67%.

Assessment methods

  • Coursework
  • Group project
  • Lab reports
  • Research project
  • Written exam

To pass the modules you must attain a mark of at least 40% in each laboratory component.

There are typically 8-10 one-hour lectures per week. In addition, you will spend 8 to 10 hours in laboratory classes per week. A typical week will also include an academic tutorial covering one of the core modules. You can access industry-standard design software and laboratory facilities throughout your course. 

You will be assigned a personal tutor who will support you through your studies and help you make the most of the opportunities available at Nottingham. Your personal tutor will guide your personal and academic development, offering you help, encouragement and guidance.

Our graduates can find roles in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food and drink, and energy sectors. This course will develop your skills in practical and theoretical chemistry, data-analysis and problem-solving. These skills are also valuable for careers in finance, education and the media.

Recent graduate destinations include:

  • Boots
  • Cancer Research
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • HSBC
  • NHS
  • Unilever

Many students continue their studies in chemistry or a related discipline working towards a PhD degree. Read our chemistry alumni profiles to see what careers some of our recent graduates have gone into.

Average starting salary and career progression

89.00% of undergraduates from the School of Chemistry secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £26,216.

HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017-2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

Royal Society of Chemistry

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

It partially fulflls the academic requirements for Chartered Chem (CChem).

Undergraduate students enjoying Highfields Park and lake

Course data

Open Day June 2022