Course details
- A level requirements: AAB
- UCAS code: F1B3
- Study mode: Full-time
- Length: 4 years
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Chemistry graduates are at the heart of science, underpinning some of the world’s most dynamic and exciting industries. This Medicinal Chemistry degree makes an ideal foundation for a wide range of career pathways or further study.
Our BSc programmes offer flexibility to choose optional modules from outside Chemistry. On this course 25% of your time will be allocated to studying pharmacology and biomedical sciences.
This programme will give you a solid grounding in all aspects of chemistry combined with an introduction to pharmacology, making it ideal for a wide range of career pathways, or further postgraduate training after your degree.
The first two years of this programme are identical to the MChem Chemistry with Pharmacology (F1BF) programme. Students take designated modules in biomedical and biological sciences and medicinal chemistry. You will progress rapidly during the first two years, studying a mix of theory and practical modules to give you a solid grounding in the subject.
Since students enter the Department with a wide range of experience in mathematics (which is essential for studying chemistry to a high level) we provide a flexible tiered maths for chemistry course allowing you to develop your skills at your own pace.
In year three, you only take organic and practical sections of the BSc Chemistry (F100) programme and take designated pharmacology modules that aim to help you apply your knowledge of chemistry and pharmacology to pharmaceutical problems, with particular reference to drug design and development.
You will also spend a year on industrial placement acquiring experience and awareness of practical chemistry and industrial environments.
If you decide during the first 18 months that you want to aim for a research career in chemistry, then you can transfer to the MChem Chemistry with Pharmacology (F1BF) or MChem Chemistry (F102) programmes provided you have obtained an average mark at the 2:1 level or above (60%).
The Department of Chemistry is committed to continuous improvement of our curriculum. We are undergoing a curriculum review to further prepare our graduates for the next stage of their career by developing our degree programmes to incorporate knowledge and skills for the future workforce and ensure a positive learning experience for all students. Module and programme structures may change as we further develop an inclusive curriculum with enhanced sustainable, digital, and analytical chemistry elements. These aspects will sit alongside all the expected core chemistry components including organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry and professional skills.
This programme has bachelor accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) ensuring your degree with us will set you on the pathway to a successful career.
We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
This module will introduce the area of medicinal chemistry and the underpinning cellular biology where it is applied. The course will delve into the chemical aspects of molecular and cellular biology and the processes that allow life to exist, and subsequently discuss the key cellular targets of interest to a medicinal chemist in the drug design process. This material will form the foundations needed to progress onto higher years of medicinal chemistry where modern case studies and the principles of pharmacology will be looked at in greater depth.
This module gives an introduction to the chemistry of the main group elements, using the periodic table as the underpinning framework for understanding this chemistry, and develops students’ analytical chemistry skills including volumetric and spectrophotometric techniques applied to materials that are familiar in everyday life.
An Introduction to Organic Chemistry consisting of lectures, workshops and laboratory classes assessed continuously and by four class tests
This module builds on the thermodynamics and kinetics that students have studied prior to University. Learning is supported by both problem-solving workshops and undertaking experiments in the laboratory
This module will provide an introduction to a variety of spectroscopic techniques. Students will explore the theory underpinning various spectroscopic methods, how they are put into practice when acquiring spectra, and the interpretation of spectra to identify unknown substances.
The aim of this module is: (i) to equip students with the basic quantitative transferable skills required for the first year of a Chemistry degree programme. (ii) to broaden a student’s perspective of chemistry whilst developing their general transferable skills focusing on communication and employability. The overarching learning outcome is for students to have the key skills that will equip them to perform well in the rest of their chemistry degree programme.
Quantitative Key Skills will be taught using a lecture/workshop format involving problem solving classes, using computers where necessary. General Key Skills will involve a series of lecture-based presentations given by staff from the Department of Chemistry and the Careers Service together with a database workshop and small group tutorials. Extensive use of online platforms will be made.
This module will introduce the areas of Physiology and Pharmacology. The course will delve into the physiology of the human body looking at specific organ systems, their control and function. Physiology is then linked to Pharmacology and drug action to provide an underpinning knowledge of both areas. This material will form the foundations needed to progress onto higher years of medicinal chemistry where modern case studies, organ specific drug action and the principles of pharmacology will be looked at in greater depth.
This module introduces students to the fundamental principles that underpin modern medicinal chemistry.
The module introduces the descriptive coordination and organometallic chemistry and the concepts underpinning our understanding of this chemistry.
This module aims to (i) further develop the quantitative skills of a student, (ii) introduce students to the Chemistry Key Skill of Molecular Modelling, and (iii) maintain student development of general transferable and employability skills. The overarching learning outcome is that students will gain the necessary key skills to perform well in their chemistry degree programmes. By the end of the module students will have improved their ability to perform and apply mathematical techniques to problems in kinetics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics and molecular symmetry. They will have developed abilities to employ force-field and Quantum Chemistry techniques in Molecular Modelling using the Spartan package. They will also have further developed their range of transferable and employability skills, including written and oral communication and team working.
This is a practical module in which students learn the practice of taking physical measurements, the critical analysis and evaluation of experimental data, the application of measurements to the study of chemical phenomena and the dissemination of results.
This module is the core Organic Chemistry module for Year 2 Chemistry students. It introduces important carbon-carbon bond forming reactions within a mechanistic and synthetic framework, together with exposure to a selection of stereochemical issues.
This module expands on the fundamentals of Physical Chemistry that were introduced in Year 1. The principles and applications of thermodynamics, kinetics and spectroscopy are covered in detail with more emphasis on derivation of key results than in Year 1. Quantum mechanics is developed from the basic principles and mathematical description of quantum phenomena. It is applied to describe bonding in small molecules and in solids, and is linked to spectroscopy via detailed description of molecular energy levels and the possible transitions between these permitted by quantum mechanics.
This module aims to provide practical experience in many of the techniques specifically used in the study of Pharmacology. It will also provide you with the specialist skills and knowledge of techniques necessary to undertake practical work and project work in Year Three. Each practical will be introduced through a 15-20 minute presentation and will run for 3 hours. The module will be assessed through a report describing the experimental techniques and main findings of one of the key practicals, and through a final online assessment aimed at evaluating student understanding of the experimental approaches, underpinning pharmacological principles and data processing/interpretation.
The module presents a unified approach to the synthesis and characterisation of organic and inorganic compounds, introducing a range of synthetic techniques, experiments and analytical methods.
This module will provide an understanding of the quantitative aspects of drug action on cellular receptors and will address the relationship between drug efficacy and chemical structure.
The module will introduce the basic principles of pharmacokinetics, outline the relationship between drug concentration and response, and include an introduction to the principles of toxicity of drugs and their metabolites.
The module will provide knowledge of the molecular biology of receptors.
The lectures will be supplemented with online resources. Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module.
The module will be assessed by both an online test and a final examination.
Students spend 1 year on an industrial placement, working at the company. Students will be given opportunities and gain confidence to apply theory and practical skills in a real-time work environment. During the placement, the student will be expected to write a literature review and a final report, but the majority of the year will be spent concentrating on the industrial placement. These activities will provide opportunities to develop the student’s transferable skills and professional competence leading to enhanced employability.
You will study selected components from the BSc Chemistry (F100) programme plus 30 credits of modules from Pharmacology.
This module is aimed specifically at F1B2 and F1BF students. The aim of this module is to reinforce the relevance and importance of the principles of chemotherapy learned in level 5 (antibacterial chemotherapy) and extend the application of these principles to diseases caused by viruses (e.g. HIV/AIDS) and parasites (e.g. malaria). The module will be assessed by coursework which will consist of TWO separate assessments.
Module material will be delivered primarily through a mixture of recorded and live online lectures as well as face-2-face on-campus sessions (subject to Covid-19 restrictions), supported by materials on Canvas and other web-based resources for students’ independent learning. Students will be directed to key articles in the literature (textbooks, original papers and review articles) and be expected to use this material to inform their independent learning. A revision tutorial will prepare students for the second assessment (Week 13/14).
This module aims to enable students to develop their understanding of the cardiovascular, endocrine and central nervous systems and the mechanisms by which drugs interact with physiological processes operating within each of these systems. They will also gain an appreciation of the drug development process, including clinical trials and drug regulation. The lectures will be supplemented with on-line resources. Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises in class will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module. The module will be assessed by an online test and a final examination.
An extension of second year organic chemistry, covering pericyclic reactions, rearrangements and fragmentations, radical reactions, some important palladium-catalysed coupling reactions and the uses of phosphorous, sulphur and selenium in synthetic chemistry.
Some core physical-organic concepts are introduced along with revision of basic mechanisms.
The module presents the synthesis and reactivity of the most important classes of heterocyclic compounds and shows case studies drawn from major drug classes.
This module will introduce students to the fundamental principles that underpin modern medicinal chemistry of anti-infective drugs, building on the principles taught in the introductory medicinal chemistry module CHEM248.
In this module, students will carry out a bespoke collection of advanced experiments in three of the areas of Organic, Inorganic, Physical or Computational Chemistry.
During the first semester students will participate in a group research-based mini-project directed by a real-world industrial problem from a range of industrial sectors. This will be facilitated by the module staff and other colleagues from the institution and wider industry. Students will supplement this activity through an employability portfolio and reflective activities looking at job application exercises, interview preparation techniques and project preparation. Students will engage in a literature review looking forward to their second semester, where students will be assigned an extended experiment on a synthetic (organic or inorganic), physical (catalysis, electrochemistry, surface science, modelling, nanoparticles) or other types of project, according to their own interests. However, the project does not necessarily have to be research or laboratory based, although these would be expected to cover the majority of cases. School outreach projects and some development projects may be available.
This module provides the scientific and technical foundation to understand the utilisation of biomass and other renewable feedstocks in the emerging renewable chemicals industry. Most of the reactions and processes studied are currently used in biorefineries and other industries and in this module we will further explore newest development and future outlook in the production of renewable chemicals and materials within the circular economy.
This module introduces the basic concepts of sustainability and sustainable development, particularly in relation to their technological underpinnings. The module will address the role of chemistry in relation to broad societal, environmental and developmental questions. The module also gives a fundamental understanding of the principles and technologies in Green Chemistry and the generation of Renewable Energy and Chemicals.
This module shows how an understanding of the symmetry properties of molecules can be applied to the understanding of spectroscopic selection rules and bonding.
The research internship is designed to give students the experience of working in a research environment or setting that is quite different from any project work that they undertake in the laboratories in the Department of Chemistry. It should provide an insight into how students may apply skills and experiences later in their career; whether working abroad, in industry or in any other scientific setting.
This is an introductory module that aims to illustrate the fundamental theoretical principles of selected instrumental analytical techniques (NMR spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry, atomic spectroscopy, separation and hyphenated techniques) in the context of their roles in industrial and academic research, to include chemical and pharmaceutical analysis.
Further Analytical Chemistry provides the students with a knowledge of the principles of structural elucidation and application of various spectroscopic and spectrometric analytical techniques for identification and structural characterization of small molecules. This module will include the fundamental principles of selected instrumental analytical techniques (solution NMR spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry, separation and hyphenated techniques) in the context of their application for structural analysis in synthetic organic chemistry and catalysis.
This module will focus on energy conversion processes found in nature. Energy as a commodity is described as "reducing power" or as "high energy electrons" and the concept of nutrient or fuel is introduced. Biological energy conversion processes are discussed from an evolutionary perspective, and it is described how they have contributed to the current composition of the planet’s atmosphere and crust. Sustainability issues will become apparent when comparing the time scales of biogenic fuel accumulation and human consumption of fuel.
This module is designed to give students experience of communicating in a variety of media and in a variety of contexts. It will also introduce students to contemporary issues in education, and educational practice. This will be achieved by seminars, interactions with educational professionals, and the design and delivery of enrichment materials, utilising the existing and highly successful outreach activity within the school.
Laboratory classes in years one and two prepare you for independent laboratory work in year three. In year three you will carry out mini research projects.
Computational modelling and molecular visualisation are introduced as interactive animated models from year one, reinforced as a key skill in later years.
You are assessed by examination at the end of each semester (January and May/June) and by continuous assessment of laboratory practicals, class tests, workshops, tutorials and assignments.
You have to pass each year of study before you are allowed to progress to the following year. Re-sit opportunities are available in September at the end of years one and two.
If you take an industrial placement, a minimum standard of academic performance is required before you are allowed to embark on your placements. You are expected to perform at a 2:1 level if you wish to continue on a MChem programme.
All years of study (with the exception of year one) contribute to the final degree classification.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Our excellence in research strongly influences our teaching, and ensures that you are engaged in frontier science in optional modules and in project work. Our state-of-the-art Central Teaching Laboratories offe a unique environment in which to study Chemistry.
Your course will be delivered by the Department of Chemistry.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
The research that takes place in the chemistry department here in Liverpool is internationally leading, and makes a huge impacts around the world.
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Inside Chemistry. A conversation with Dr Cate Cropper and Dr Konstantin Luzyanin
Visits to the department by leading companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and Unilever ensure that you make contact with prospective employers at key stages in your final year. Graduates find employment in many areas, from the pharmaceutical industry to business management.
Typical careers of our graduates include:
Recent employers of our graduates are:
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Victoria is graduated from our BSc Chemistry with a year in industry degree in 2020. She received an offer to work as a Global Operations Graduate Associate at AstraZeneca.
Fizah is a graduate from 2018 who completed a degree in chemistry, nonetheless has started a graduate career in commercial at Johnson Matthey, and has gone on to be appointed Strategy Execution Analyst.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
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Full-time place, per year | £9,250 |
Year in industry fee | £1,850 |
Year abroad fee | £1,385 |
International fees | |
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Full-time place, per year | £27,200 |
Year in industry fee | £1,850 |
Year abroad fee | £13,600 |
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
Your tuition fee covers almost everything but you may have additional study costs to consider, such as books.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
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The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here
Your qualification | Requirements |
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A levels |
AAB including two science A levels; Chemistry and a second science. Acceptable second sciences are: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Geography, Geology, Computing, Computer Science and Economics. Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBB with A in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course. Available foundation years: |
T levels |
T levels considered in a relevant subject and specialism. Additional test required Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism. |
GCSE | 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics |
Subject requirements |
Where Chemistry is the only science A level offered, an offer may be made at AAB including an A in Chemistry. For applicants from England: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology, Geology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required. |
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma |
D*DD in relevant diploma. Students will be invited to attend interview and take an assessment. Applicants must be completing the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Applied Science and be studying the following optional modules: For previous BTEC (QCF) qualification: The Applied Science pathway is acceptable and the following optional modules must be studied: • Chemical Periodicity and its Applications |
International Baccalaureate |
33 points including 6 points from Chemistry at higher level and 5 points from one other science at higher level. |
Irish Leaving Certificate | H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 (including Chemistry and one other Science) |
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher |
Not accepted without Advanced Highers. |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced | Accepted at grade B, including 2 science A levels at grades AB including Chemistry. |
Access | 45 Level 3 credits in graded units in a relevant Diploma,including 30 at Distinction and a further 15 with at least Merit. 15 Distinctions are required in each of Chemistry and a second science. Students will be invited to attend interview and take an assessment. |
International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification | Requirements |
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IELTS | 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
TOEFL iBT | 78 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19 |
Duolingo English Test | 105 overall, with no component below 95 |
Pearson PTE Academic | 59 overall, with no component below 59 |
LanguageCert Academic | 65 overall, with no skill below 60 |
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 | Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate. |
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 | Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening |
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 | 0510: Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade C overall. |
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 | 0993: Grade 5 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 5 overall. |
International Baccalaureate | Standard Level grade 5 or Higher Level grade 4 in English B, English Language and Literature, or English Language |
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced | 169 overall, with no paper below 162 |
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 1 October 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions