Medicinal and Biological Chemistry (MChem)

Introducing MChem Medicinal and Biological Chemistry

Medicinal and Biological Chemistry aims to understand biological mechanisms and processes of atoms and molecules.

Through understanding the tools of synthetic chemistry and genetic manipulation, we can design and deliver pharmaceutical interventions.

You will learn how new insights into the molecular basis of diseases are being combined with advances in the following fields:

• chemistry
• biology
• nanotechnology

You will also understand how these advances are helping to create new generations of innovative therapeutics.

The programme provides an understanding of the range of molecules and macromolecules needed to build a living organism, including their:

• structures
• properties
• syntheses (in the lab and in vivo)

You will learn how biological molecules work together in networks and pathways or are organised into:

• macromolecular complexes
• membranes
• organelles
• cells
• tissues

This degree programme provides the framework for understanding this topic, building on a solid foundation in chemistry, cell and molecular biology, from the basics to the cutting-edge of today's research.

The programme focuses on the range of analytical and experimental skills necessary to practice the subject. It also provides insight into research through a final-year research project.

You may choose to carry out your project in one of the following ways:

• as a member of a research group at the University of Edinburgh
• at one of our partner universities overseas
• in a company or research institute in the UK or abroad

Studying chemistry at the University of Edinburgh

What do our students think?

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AAAB by end of S5 or AAAA by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: AAA - ABB in one set of exams.
• IB: 37 points with 666 at HL - 32 points with 655 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: AABB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 32 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: Mathematics at A and Chemistry at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. Advanced Higher Mathematics and Chemistry are recommended. National 5s: English at C.
• A Levels: Chemistry and Mathematics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
• IB: HL: Chemistry and Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 5. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 6 (if not at HL).

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies..

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

English language requirements

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

Medicinal and Biological Chemistry graduates find careers in a range of technology sectors and industries, such as:

• chemical
• pharmaceutical
• biotechnological

Many graduates also find careers in:

• academia
• education
• scientific publishing
• the research-support sector
• consultancy

They also use their numerical, problem-solving and analytical skills in sectors such as:

• IT
• finance
• marketing
• advertising

Many of our graduates progress to a higher degree, typically a PhD.