Course summary

Prepare for the growing demands of the healthcare sector and pharmaceutical industry with our accredited MChem Chemistry with Biological and Medicinal Chemistry course. Gain fundamental chemistry knowledge, explore specialist topics and work in one of our leading research groups on a project. This four-year accredited MChem Chemistry with Biological and Medicinal Chemistry course will give you the skills, knowledge and research experience for a successful career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. You’ll focus on fundamental concepts spanning organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry. You’ll also explore biological and medicinal chemistry as part of core teaching, learning how to use industry standard commercial software. You’ll gain hands-on experience from the start of your degree, learning laboratory skills and techniques in our specialist teaching labs. In your third year, you’ll get valuable independent and group research experience through a research project You’ll have regular tutorials to delve deeper into the complex topics covered in lectures. These small group teaching sessions are led by your personal tutor in first year and subject experts in later years. In your fourth year, you’ll tailor your degree to your interests and career goals through more in-depth optional modules, exploring topics such as catalysis, chemistry of light, and pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and drug design. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your research skills, spending most of your final year working on a project that will be aligned with a research group at the cutting edge of biological or medicinal chemistry research. Working on a real scientific problem, you’ll conduct experiments in our state of the art research labs, learning from academic researchers who are experts in your chosen area of research. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem). Why study this course?

• Top 20 in the UK for chemistry: The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

• Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) accredited course: This course is accredited by the RSC for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).

• Build connections and a career: Opt to spend a full year on a work placement. You’ll have the opportunity to apply for a placement with a range of organisations.

• Summer research placement: Gain research experience through the Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) scheme.