BSc Biological and Medicinal Chemistry

Today, chemists play increasingly important roles in the quest to understand biological systems. For example, they are involved in finding out precisely how the different types of biomolecules found in our bodies and in microbes function, in determining the structures of very large and complex molecules, in working out how such molecules interact in cells, and in the design and synthesis of new drug molecules that can affect the properties and behaviour of cells, to name a few.

The work of biological chemists, therefore, has and will have a massive impact not only on areas such as human health and wellbeing, but also in the potential exploitation of biology for environmental and economic benefit. The huge and growing importance of this area of chemistry is illustrated by the fact that more than one third of all the Nobel Prizes awarded for Chemistry during the past 30 years, and more than half of those awarded during the past 10 years, have been for contributions at the chemistry/biology interface.

If your particular interests lie in both chemistry and biology, then our BSc honours degree in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry could be exactly what you’re looking for. This three year programme starts off by providing a solid foundation in the principles of chemistry (taught alongside other chemists) and also an introduction to biochemistry and molecular biology. This base is built upon further in years 2 and 3, with an increasing emphasis on how chemical principles can be applied to understand, influence, harness and exploit biology. Biological and medicinal chemistry is fundamentally a practical subject and extensive training in experimental techniques and methods in both chemistry and biology, delivered in high specification teaching laboratories, is an important part of the experience at UEA. During year 3, students have the opportunity to gain significant experience of a research environment through a research project undertaken in one of the School’s research laboratories.

Our unique programme, although based in the School of Chemistry, is taught jointly by faculty from the School of Biological Sciences, thus ensuring that both the chemical and biological components of the course are delivered by subject specific experts. In addition, the research-leading standing of both Schools ensures that many, if not all, of the faculty teaching on the programme are, themselves, internationally leading researchers.

If you are sure that biological and medicinal chemistry is for you but are uncertain about whether you want to study for a BSc or a Masters level qualification, please be reassured that the School of Chemistry also offers a four year MChem honours degree in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry, and transfer between the two courses is straightforward during the first two years because of a common underlying structure. Transfer on to the MChem programme is based on academic merit.

At the end of three years, our BSc students graduate with extensive subject-specific knowledge and understanding that makes them highly attractive to potential employers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnologies industries. Some opt to study for a post-graduate higher degree in their favourite area of research, or to use their degree to enter teacher training or medicine. Some also chose to do other things and a good science degree, together with the range of transferrable skills they’ll have acquired along the way, opens doors to many other possibilities.

Course Organiser:Fraser Macmillan

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Entry Requirements A Level: ABB including Chemistry and a second science International Baccalaureate: 32 points to include HL Chemistry at grade 5 and one other HL Science or Maths at grade 5 Scottish Highers: AABBB including Higher Level Chemistry and a second science Scottish Advanced Highers: ABB including Advanced Higher Level Chemistry and a second science Irish Leaving Certificate: AABBBB including Chemistry and a second science at Higher Level Access Course: See below HND: Please contact institution for further information European Baccalaureate: Overall 75% to include Chemistry and a second science Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
• PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

We ask all our applicants to have A2-level Chemistry and A2 in a second science subject from Physics, Mathematics and Biology, or equivalent.

Applicants with Access or BTEC qualifications who receive an offer will also be asked to complete a chemistry test at the University in Summer 2013. Information concerning the content of the chemistry test will be made available to such applicants.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.

Applicants with Access or BTEC qualifications who receive an offer will also be asked to complete a chemistry test at the University in Summer 2013. Information concerning the content of the chemistry test will be made available to such applicants.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English Language at Grade C or above.

During your first week at UEA, our staff will welcome you and provide a full induction programme; we aim to help our students settle in as quickly as possible. At the School of Chemistry we believe in offering each student individual care and guidance.

On your arrival at UEA you will be assigned to an adviser who will provide both academic and pastoral guidance. You will normally have the same adviser throughout your degree. We maintain an ‘open door policy’ so that students can see their adviser (or other members of staff) at any mutually convenient time. Your adviser will guide you through your academic career and provide a sympathetic ear during difficult times. If you study abroad for a year you will also be assigned an adviser at your host institution.

The University has excellent provision of specialist support services. Whatever the issue, be it financial, personal, academic or administrative - the University’s Dean of Students Office and the Union of UEA Students’ support services have experienced and sympathetic people, support groups and advice centres to help you.

Top-rated research

Research is a key activity in any major academic institution. It offers scope for advanced thinking, helps attract the keenest minds, and ensures that the institution’s work is at the cutting edge of the discipline. Most importantly, the creativity, resourcefulness and authority fostered by first class research feeds directly into the quality of teaching at the University. UEA’s School of Chemistry has an enviable reputation for its long and distinguished tradition of high quality research. In the latest RAE (Research Assessment Exercise) the School was ranked among the top 20 Chemistry departments. Our research work is currently financed by a grant holding of over £11 million won competitively from sources including the National Research Councils, charitable trusts (including the Wellcome and Wolfson Trusts), industrial companies (especially from the pharmaceutical industry) and the European Union. We have over 70 postgraduate research students, many of whom completed their undergraduate studies at UEA.

Key research in the School includes Physical and Analytical Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Biological and Biophysical Chemistry, Nanoscience, Biomedicinal Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry.

Many of our core MChem degrees are accredited, and all other Chemistry programmes are recognised, by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the professional body for career chemists, or the Institute of Physics (IoP).

Reasons to choose us:

• A top 20 research school (RAE 2008)
• Research led, up-to-date teaching
• The University has consistently been voted top five of English mainstream Universities for Student Satisfaction
• Enthusiastic and friendly staff
• Superb laboratory and IT facilities
• Excellent academic and student support services
• Varied and comprehensive range of degree programmes
• A warm, welcoming campus environment
• Active student social scene within the school
• At the forefront of interdisciplinary research

UniStats Information Fees and Funding Undergraduate University Fees

We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases. Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,400. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Home/EU - The University of East Anglia offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships. To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support

International Students - The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international