Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery

Drug discovery and biological chemistry integrate chemistry, pharmacology, and biology and use techniques from molecular and chemical biology to find new treatments for diseases.

At Dundee, our Drug Discovery Unit bridges lab-focused academic research and industry-scale drug development to create new drugs to fight infections and other diseases. Expertise from this fast-moving field has been used to shape this course.

The degree starts with a broad range of life sciences topics at Levels 1 and 2. You'll then focus on more detailed aspects of biological chemistry and drug discovery at Levels 3 and 4.

Your first two years of study will explore core concepts like genetics, cell biology, biological organisation, molecular mechanisms and processes. You will develop your practical skills, including laboratory skills, data analysis, and experiment design. This will prepare you for designing and carrying out projects later in your course.

Our course curriculum is shaped by the work of our world-leading researchers to make sure you're learning the latest advances, as well as gaining an understanding of the fundamentals of the field.

Throughout your degree, you can pick modules that interest you and also transfer on to one of our other courses if you choose the relevant modules.

Lab sessions throughout your degree will help you integrate knowledge and practical skills, as well as develop strong transferable skills, both in and out of the lab.

The Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery degree can lead to a wide range of careers including:

• research and development in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries
• chemical, pharmaceutical or biomedical research in universities or research institutes
• teaching in further or higher education
• scientific publishing
• scientific patenting