What I Studied at University- 30 Day Blogging Challenge (Day 3)

At university I studied Medicinal Chemistry.

Medicinal chemistry is the discipline at the intersection of chemistry, especially synthetic organic chemistry, and pharmacology and various other biological specialities, where they are involved with design, chemical synthesis and development for market of pharmaceutical agents, or bio-active molecules (drugs).

So what does the course involve?

Medicinal chemistry gives you the opportunity to study a mix between biology and chemistry related courses. So the year is split between eight courses about two-thirds chemistry related and one-third pharma related. 

Why did you choose this course?
When I was completing my A levels. I had never ever heard of Medicinal Chemistry. My main goal was to complete my A levels and get onto a  pharmacy course at university. During my A levels I did work experience at Boots Pharmacy , where I realised that I simply didn't like working in a pharmacy as much as I had imagined it when I was younger. I went on another internet search to find another course. On a random day at college I overheard (I wasn't eves dropping I swear! ha ha) between a fellow colleague and our teacher about choosing the course: Medicinal Chemistry. I fell in love with it the minute I read about it and I applied for it straight away.

How is the course taught?

It has a very good mix of taught modules and practical sessions. Most of the taught modules also included practical sessions to back up what was taught in the lecture. One of the taught modules taught Computer Aided Drug Design (CADD) which introduced me to a new side of drug design and chemistry technology.  

Is there a project?

Yes, it lasted over two semester of my final year. I was working in the lab, focusing on producing a derivative of Montiporyne E- an anti-cancer drug derived from hard coral.

What do you like best about the course?

I love working in the lab, so the lab project is the best part for me. It's really tough because a lot of the time your experiments don't work, but the support network is great and my supervisor was good.

And what is the most difficult thing about it?

It's difficult to juggle equal amounts of time between the lab and the course modules, particularly in final year. I spent a lot of time running between the lab and lectures – but in a way, that made things more exciting too.

Will it set you up well for the future?

Yes.  It gives you a background in organic chemistry whilst also giving you  a background in pharmacology, and other pharmaceutical related areas so you can be prepared to research new drugs to combat serious health conditions such as cancer, AIDS and bacteria and viruses. Medicinal Chemistry also does not restrict the career you want to follow after completing your Bsc.

What qualities do you need to do the course?

You need to have a passion for science (biology and chemistry in particular), and if you're keen on doing research into drug structure & design, this could be the perfect course for you. You just need the commitment and the passion.

What did you study at university / think of studying at university? Comment below!