Undergraduate: Course rule and topic information

Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry

(BSc(MedChem))

Program of study

INTRODUCTION

The Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry requires three years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time) and the honours program an additional year (or equivalent part-time).

The course is offered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

COURSE AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course aims to prepare graduates for a career in the chemical industry, including the pharmaceutical industry, and any others involving synthesis such as the petrochemical, polymer or agrichemical industry.

It aims to produce graduates with:

• technical (laboratory) skills in preparative organic and inorganic chemistry;
• computing literacy;
• effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills;
• teamwork skills;
• an appreciation of the environmental constraints affecting the chemical industry;
• an appreciation of how to produce a business plan.

Learning outcomes

On completion of their degree, students will have developed a comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in their discipline and a range of transferable professional skills

Subject knowledge

Graduates of the course are expected to be able to:

• demonstrate a thorough understanding of all aspects of chemistry in general, and specialist skills in the methods and techniques relevant to working in the medical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and related industries;
• demonstrate an understanding of the chemical industry and the way it operates, especially the pharmaceutical industry and others involving synthesis such as the petrochemical, polymer and agrichemical industries; and
• apply their awareness of the environmental constraints affecting the chemical industry in bringing products to market.

Transferable professional skills

Graduates of the course are expected to be able to:

• employ scientific methodologies such as experimental design, and the critical analysis of data;
• communicate and present information clearly and fluently in both written and spoken forms;
• interact effectively as part of a team in order to work towards a common outcome;
• work and learn independently;
• reason critically and logically and make independent judgements;
• engage effectively with information and communication technologies;
• demonstrate research skills appropriate for further study and employment;
• appreciate the need for continuing professional development; and
• act ethically as professionals.

COURSE RULE

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.

Successful completion of SACE Year 12 Chemistry, or the equivalent, is required for entry to the Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry.

PROGRAM OF STUDY [November, 2008]

To qualify for the Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry, a student must complete 108 units, with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.

First Year

While students may select electives from any area of the University, the following are recommended:

* Students who have achieved a mark of at least 18 in SACE Stage 2 Specialist Mathematics, or at least 6 in International Baccalaureate Mathematics HL, have the option of doing the corresponding topics MATH1141 Advanced Mathematics 1A (instead of MATH1121) and MATH1142 Advanced Mathematics 1B (instead of MATH1122).

Second Year

36 units comprising:

BIOL2141	Biochemistry and Molecular Biology	6
CHMD2001	Drug Discovery and Natural Products	3
CPES2101	Fundamentals of Advanced Chemistry	6
CPES2102	Analytical Chemistry 2	6
CPES2111	Synthetic Organic and Inorganic Chemistry	6
CPES2142	Physical Chemistry 2	6
	Plus either:
MMED2927	Human Physiology 2A, or	3
BIOL2424	Physiological Systems	3

Third Year

36 units comprising:

CHMD3001	Medicinal Chemistry and Practical Project	6
CPES3006	Organic Chemistry 3	6
CPES3101	Analytical Chemistry 3	6
CPES3162	Inorganic and Polymer Chemistry	6
BUSN2016	Science-Based Enterprises	3
MMED3914	Human Molecular Pharmacology	6
	Electives	3

STUDENTS WHO ARE CONTINUING IN THE THIRD YEAR OF THE PROGRAM AND STUDYING ACCORDING TO THE PRE-2008 COURSE RULE SHOULD COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING THIRD YEAR PROGRAM.

Third Year

36 units comprising:

CHMD3001	Medicinal Chemistry and Practical Project	6
CPES3006	Organic Chemistry 3	6
CPES3007	Applied Spectroscopy and Analytical Techniques	3
CPES3008	Environmental Chemistry	3
CPES3009	Bioinorganic and Inorganic Chemistry	3
CPES3025	Solution Inorganic Chemistry	3
BUSN2016	Science-Based Enterprises	3
MMED3914	Human Molecular Pharmacology	6
	Electives	3