About this course

On this flexible, three-year degree you’ll learn how chemistry and medicinal sciences combine to help us treat disease.

You’ll study every aspect of the drug development cycle, including:

the design of molecules with the potential to treat disease
Understanding and predicting how medicines will interact with the body
testing the effectiveness and safety of new treatments;

Your chemistry practical work will take place in recently refurbished, modern laboratories using high-tech equipment.

For the biological sciences aspects of your degree, you’ll use purpose-built facilities in the Life Sciences Building, which have benefited from a recent £50m investment.

You’ll learn from staff who are changing the world through research, including designing new cancer drugs and developing synthetic DNA for use in COVID-19 testing.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Why study Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences?

Hear from our lecturers and students on what to expect on our Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences programme.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Entry requirements

A-levels

AAB including chemistry or ABB including chemistry and one additional science subject

A-levels additional information

Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: ABB including chemistry, plus grade A in the EPQ or BBB including chemistry and an additional science subject, plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: ABB including chemistry or BBB including chemistry and one additional science subject.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in chemistry or Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including a minimum of 5 at Higher Level in chemistry and a minimum of 5 at Higher Level in an additional science subject

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Accepted science subjects include biology, physics, mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred), further mathematics, psychology and geography

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject or D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus grades AB in A-level chemistry and an additional A-level science subject.

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry.

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.Applicants who have not studied A-level chemistry can apply for the Science Foundation Year. .

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject or D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AB in A-level chemistry and an additional A-level science subject.

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 6/B). Grade 7/A in GCSE mathematics is preferred for applicants not studying A-level mathematics

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

This three-year degree will give you in-depth knowledge and practical training in all aspects of chemistry and develop your understanding of its impact on modern society. In addition, 25% of your degree will be made up of medicinal and biomedical science study.

This will provide you with a strong underpinning of the interplay between chemistry and biology, whilst equipping you with skills that will be beneficial whatever your future career.

Core modules in the first and second year are shared across most of our chemistry degrees. This makes it easy to transfer if you decide you would like to move onto the MChem programme. Switching to other chemistry degrees can also be possible, depending on the optional modules you have chosen.

Year 1 overview

You’ll study a set of core topics that are essential to your developing knowledge, including:

Molecular Structure
Reactivity
Thermodynamics
Kinetics
Atomic Structure
Bonding
Chemistry of the Elements

Medicinal science modules focus on topics such as Macromolecules of Life and Metabolism. You can also choose options from the wider university including mathematics, physics, biology and languages.

Year 2 overview

You'll study core topics in chemistry such as:

Organic Reaction Mechanisms and Organic Synthesis
Atomic and Molecular Interactions, Change and Equilibrium
Symmetry in Chemistry
Transition of Metal and Organometallic Compounds
Bonding Theories of Solid-State Chemistry

In medicinal sciences you can study topics such as Systems Physiology and Mammalian Physiology. You can also choose options that may include Mathematical Methods in Chemistry, Ethics in Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Aquatic Chemistry and Pharmacology.

Year 3 overview

This year, you'll take advanced modules in the core practical and theoretical areas of chemistry such as:

Pigments and F-block Chemistry
Natural Product Chemistry
Electrochemistry, Energy Storage, Pollution Control and Fuel Cells
Organometallic Chemistry
DNA and RNA
UV/visible Spectroscopy and Quadrupolar NMR
Kinetics of Interface Chemistry (gas/solid, liquid/solid)

A key element of this year is an individual chemistry research project in a field that interests you. This will give you an excellent opportunity to apply your practical skills through over 150 hours of laboratory work.

You'll choose from biomedical topics such as:

Pharmacology
Toxicity
Neuropharmacology

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2024 to 2025

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Analytical Chemistry

Analytical Chemistry is a measurement science consisting of a set of powerful ideas and methods that provide qualitative or quantitative information about the chemical composition of a sample. Analytical measurements are required in a wide range of fields...

Fundamentals of Kinetics and Quantum Mechanics

Physical Chemistry is concerned with the application of physics to the study of chemical systems. Through physical chemistry one can understand and predict the behaviour of chemical systems, thereby allowing these systems to be optimised. This module will...

Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry

Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Equilibrium

Physical Chemistry is concerned with the application of physics to the study of chemical systems. Through physical chemistry one can understand and predict the behaviour of chemical systems, thereby allowing these systems to be optimised. This module will...

Introduction to Practical Chemistry I

This course is an introduction to practical chemistry, involving direct laboratory teaching (with detailed instructions) of a range of basic skills to set foundations for further learning. It includes the teaching of common experimental techniques, use of...

Introduction to Practical Chemistry II

This course follows on from CHEM1051 and teaches slightly more advanced basic skills, with the application of the Semester 1 skills and knowledge. More complex work-ups will be undertaken, with more emphasis on student input (or decision making) in the pr...

Main Group and Transition Metal Chemistry

This module will provide an introduction into the fundamentals of main group and transition metal chemistry, and introduce NMR.

Mathematical Methods in Chemistry I

The module provides advanced mathematics training necessary for students planning to specialise in physical chemistry, computational chemistry, spectroscopy, data science and quantitative finance. It also aims to provide training of rational reasoning ski...

Mathematical Skills for Chemists

Reactions in Organic Chemistry

Structure and Bonding

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Peter Birkin is the course leader.

Careers

There are many roles outside of scientific research where a strong scientific underpinning is beneficial. This bachelor’s level degree gives an excellent grounding in chemistry and its interface with biology. It is ideal for those who may not want to pursue research but see a place for science in their future career.

You’ll be prepared to enter fields as diverse as:

drug discovery and development
public health
laboratory services;
chemical science
programming and software development
project management
scientific journalism
scientific sales
teaching

If you’re not sure what path to choose, a career-focused module in year two will help you understand the options and map them to your strengths and interests. This module includes talks from industry speakers, giving you an idea of different career paths.

Students interested in teaching can enhance their CVs by volunteering in outreach or chemical education research. There will also be opportunities to get involved in research.

Careers services at Southampton

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £27,400.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: F109
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences (BSc) is a course in the Chemistry and chemical engineering and Biological sciences subject areas. Here are some other courses within these subject areas:

b

MSci

Biomedical Sciences

c

BEng

Chemical Engineering

MEng

Chemical Engineering

BSc

Chemistry

MChem

Chemistry

MChem

Chemistry (Digital Methods and Computational Modelling)

BSc

Chemistry (Digital Methods and Computational Modelling)

MChem

Chemistry with External Placement

BSc

Chemistry with Maths

MChem

Chemistry with Maths

MChem