Chemistry for Drug Discovery and Development with Science Foundation Year

Chemistry for drug discovery and development is a highly focused discipline that applies the principles of organic, medicinal, and pharmaceutical chemistry to the challenge of finding and developing new medicines. The drug discovery process, from identifying a biological target and designing molecules that interact with it through to pre-clinical testing and development as a safe and effective treatment, is one of the most complex and consequential applications of chemical science. Understanding this process in depth requires a solid foundation in chemistry alongside an appreciation of the pharmacological and biological contexts in which chemical compounds act.

At the University of Lincoln, you will study within a research-driven environment that brings together research-active academic staff and students with the aim of developing chemical innovation. This programme includes a science foundation year, providing a structured academic preparation for students who benefit from additional grounding before entering degree-level chemistry study. You will study the core areas of chemistry, including organic synthesis, physical chemistry, and analytical methods, alongside the medicinal chemistry and drug development topics that give the programme its distinctive focus.

The full programme runs over four years full-time.

Graduates of chemistry for drug discovery and development programmes are well placed for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, in contract research organisations, and in regulatory agencies concerned with the safety and efficacy of medicines. The combination of rigorous chemical training and drug development focus makes graduates attractive to employers across the life sciences sector. Many also go on to postgraduate research in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, or drug development, or pursue further training in areas such as clinical research management.