Medicinal Chemistry

Medicinal chemistry examines the chemistry and pharmacology underpinning the design, discovery and development of new pharmaceuticals. Medicinal chemistry examines why some compounds have therapeutic value while others are toxic and the mode of drug action at the molecular level. Medicinal chemistry will include the study of natural and synthetic compounds of biological and medicinal importance, how molecules interact with each other and how specific molecules can influence metabolic pathways in living organisms.

How do you study Medicinal Chemistry?

You can study medicinal chemistry as part of the Bachelor of Science, Advanced Science, and Liberal Studies degrees.

What do Medicinal Chemists do?

Medicinal chemists will work in universities, corporate laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and hospitals. They will possess strong analytical and laboratory expertise in determining possible curative and preventative drugs for diseases such as cancer, AIDS, hepatitis, polio and even the common cold. Graduates with this major are eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).