Associated Degree
Medicinal Chemistry is the application of principles of biology and chemistry to the rational design and synthesis of new drugs for treatment of disease. A medicinal chemist applies knowledge of chemistry, biochemistry and physiology to generate solutions to health-related problems.
A concentration in medicinal chemistry is excellent preparation for students interested in entering health related professions, such as the pharmaceutical industry, upon graduation. Possible employment positions are numerous and expected to increase in the future.
Course Requirements
In order to be eligible to receive the Medicinal Chemistry designation on their transcripts, chemistry majors need to satisfy the following course requirements:
Three biomedically oriented courses selected from the following list must be included in the distribution requirements.
Three courses oriented toward structure, synthesis, or mechanisms selected from the following list must be included in the distribution requirements. (All graduate courses in chemistry are open to undergraduates.)
In addition to the above course requirements, chemistry majors must complete an MQP in the medicinal chemistry area, approved by the Program Coordinator.
Examples of available projects are:
- Synthesis of huperzine analogs. New acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for treatment of Alzheimer’s.
- Synthesis of opiate analogs.
- Computer simulations of small molecules and their interactions with proteins.
Program Educational Objectives
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will graduate outstanding professionals possessing fundamental knowledge of the chemical sciences. Graduates will be able to apply this knowledge to the solution of problems in chemistry and biochemistry for the advancement of knowledge in these fields and the improvement of the standard of living of all humanity.
Program Outcomes
Students graduating with a major in Chemistry will be able to demonstrate an ability to:
- perform accurate and precise quantitative measurements
- use and understand modern instruments, particularly NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectrometers, chromatographs, electrochemical instruments, and lab computers
- keep legible and complete experimental records
- analyze data statistically and assess reliability of results
- anticipate, recognize, and respond properly to hazards of chemical manipulations
- interpret experimental results and draw reasonable conclusions
- plan and execute experiments through use of the literature
- design experiments
- communicate effectively through oral and written reports
- critically assess their work for reasonableness and self-consistency
- adhere to high ethical standards
- learn independently