Drug Discovery

Why study Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery at Dundee?

The College of Life Sciences is superbly placed to deliver this Drug Discovery degree, having recently formed the Drug Discovery Unit. The University of Dundee's world-renowned research activities in molecular and cell biology and drug design mean that students are taught by a team of experts who work at the cutting edge of their field.

You have the option to take the honours degree as either a five-year programme with a year in industry or a four-year programme without a year in industry.

What is Drug Discovery?

Drug discovery is a practical science at the interface between chemistry, pharmacology and biology that includes modern computational methods combined with chemical and molecular biology techniques.

We live in a new era with detailed knowledge of genes and the abilities to determine three-dimensional molecular structures and to create complex molecules. The Drug Discovery degree utilises these facets to identify drug targets against diseases such as cancer, diabetes, malaria and AIDS and to design and create new cures and safer, more effective drugs whilst also equipping you with extensive knowledge of assay design and development.

Professional recognition

The BSc (Hons) Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery is recognised by The Royal Society of Chemistry for associate membership (AMRSC).

Year in Industry

If you choose to take the degree with a year in industry, this provides an exciting opportunity for work experience with a leading local or international biotechnology or pharmaceutical company with which the University of Dundee has close links. You will acquire skills that are in great demand in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

"I have observed placement students at Axis-Shield Diagnostics grow in their confidence and willingness to contribute to research programmes. This will benefit them on their return to University and also their future careers."
Dr Murdo Black, R&D Director, Axis-Shield Ltd, Dundee

Study abroad

There are opportunities to study in the USA or Canada at Level 2, through the Transatlantic Student Exchange scheme.

• BSc Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery
• BSc Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery (with a year in industry

• Anatomical Sciences
• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Biomedical Sciences
• Forensic Anthropology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Molecular Genetics
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Physiological Sciences
• Sports Biomedicine