CHEMISTRY FOR DRUG DISCOVERY at Canterbury Christ Church University

Chemistry for Drug Discovery draws from both biochemistry and chemistry and focusses on the development, approval, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products at both a research and production level. This critical area of the sciences is at the core of the rapidly expanding healthcare sector, making it an excellent choice for those wishing to pursue a career in scientific research or in industry.

Our course offers you the opportunity to receive expert, research-informed teaching in a variety of core topics specifically relevant to industry. You will learn how to apply a theoretical scientific knowledge base to active research areas that address contemporary challenges and you will develop your practical skills by undertaking a significant amount of laboratory work. The course will take a practical, project-based approach to teaching and learning based on the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement and Operate) engineering education method which will help you to develop your personal, interpersonal, teamwork and problem solving skills relevant to the discipline. This means that you get to spend more time “doing science”, making learning more effective and exciting.  

You will explore areas including:

Basic life processes and biomolecules, chemistry, introduction to drug discovery processes, enzymology and kinetics, analytical and pharmaceutical chemistry, advanced techniques in biochemical analysis, advanced chemical synthesis, biotechnology and major therapeutic areas.

Why Chemistry for Drug Discovery?

Chemistry for Drug Discovery represents a modern degree course that draws from both biochemistry and chemistry and focusses on the development of drugs and pharmaceutical products at both a research and production level. This critical area of the sciences is at the core of the rapidly expanding healthcare sector, making it an excellent choice for those wishing to pursue a career in scientific research or in industry.

The course at the university offers students the opportunity to receive expert research-informed and involved teaching in a variety of core topics specifically relevant to industry. You will learn how to apply a theoretical scientific knowledge base to active research areas that address contemporary challenges and will develop your practical skills by undertaking a significant amount of laboratory work.

Your course will take a practical, project-based approach to teaching and learning based on the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement and Operate) engineering education approach that is key to the wider set of engineering programmes at CCCU. This approach will provide an immersive learning experience that will develop your ability to consider and apply your abilities and employability skills whilst taking a holistic approach to the project lifecycle.

What will i study?

On this course you will combine chemistry and biochemistry in your studies. You will benefit from substantial laboratory experience at all years, with two thirds of your time at level 4 spent in laboratories. You will contribute to real industry-linked research at multiple points in the programme in both individual and group projects, and will have the opportunity to work alongside our research groups. There is also the opportunity to undertake a placement as part of your studies.

At level 4 you will study core subjects including chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics and computing. These provide a firm grounding in scientific knowledge and laboratory skills in addition to analytical skills. You will also engage with a real research problem provided by local industry in a large project that is based on the Conceive, Design, Implement and Operate (CDIO) engineering education approach.

At level 5 you will deepen your knowledge of chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology. You will study organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry. In addition, there is an optional work placement module that will enable you to gain valuable work experience within a relevant employment sector. You will again undertake a CDIO-based project that will address a question of interest and relevance to industry. This project will allow you to apply your knowledge and to develop as a scientist.

What can i do next?

This course has been designed with input from industry and to meet a skills gap in industry for graduates with extensive industry-relevant lab experience in the chemical sciences. Graduates from our other science programmes go on to careers in industry, research, teaching and wider areas of the science sector.