# Chemistry with Biological and Medicinal ChemistryBSc

**Source**: https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2026/chemistry-biological-and-medicinal-chemistry-bsc
**Parent**: https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2026

2026-27 entry
[View 2027-28 entry](https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2027/chemistry-biological-and-medicinal-chemistry-bsc)

# Chemistry with Biological and Medicinal Chemistry BSc

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Prepare for the growing demands of the healthcare sector and pharmaceutical industry with our accredited BSc Chemistry with Biological and Medicinal Chemistry course. Gain fundamental chemistry knowledge and explore topics in biological and medicinal chemistry.

- A Levels
  \
  AAB
- UCAS code
  \
  F112
- Duration
  \
  3 years
- Start date
  \
  September
- Attendance
  \
  Full-time

- [Accredited](#accreds "Accredited")
- [Course fee](#fees "Fees")
- Funding available
- [Optional placement year](#plstudyabroad "Optional placement year")
- [Study abroad](#plstudyabroad "Study abroad")

[Send enquiry](https://sheffield.ac.uk/contact/prospective-students/enquiry-form)
[Apply for this course](#apply)

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[Apply for this course](#apply)
[Send enquiry](https://sheffield.ac.uk/contact/prospective-students/enquiry-form)
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### Explore this course:

## Course description

### Why study this course?

#### Top 20 in the UK for Chemistry

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

#### 1st in the Russell Group for learning opportunities, student voice, and assessment and feedback in chemistry

National Student Survey 2025

#### Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) accredited course

This course is accredited by the RSC and leads towards meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).

#### Opt to spend a full year on an industrial work placement

Test out a career path, build up your CV and grow your network of contacts.

This accredited three-year BSc Chemistry with Biological and Medicinal Chemistry course will give you the skills and knowledge for a successful career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.

You’ll gain hands-on experience from the start of your degree, learning laboratory skills and techniques in our specialist teaching labs.

You’ll have regular tutorials to delve deeper into the complex topics covered in lectures. These small group teaching sessions are led by your academic tutor in first year and subject experts in later years.

In your first year, you’ll study core chemistry concepts spanning organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry. You’ll build a strong foundational knowledge, which will prepare you to progress on to more advanced topics in your second and third year.

You’ll also explore biological and medicinal chemistry as part of core teaching, learning how to use industry standard commercial software. Through in-depth modules, you’ll develop an understanding of structure, function and synthetic approaches in the study and manipulation of biological systems.

You’ll get valuable independent and group research experience through a research project in your third year. Working on a real scientific problem, you’ll conduct experiments in our state of the art labs, learning from academic researchers who are experts in their field.

### Accreditation

Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry towards meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).

[Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)](https://www.rsc.org)

## Modules

We're revising the curriculum of the course for this year of entry. Your first year modules are confirmed. For other years of study, the information here gives you an idea of the areas we expect the course to cover, although there may be changes before you begin. As you progress through your course, we’ll confirm additional details for the core and optional modules available to you.

**Title:** Chemistry with Biological and Medicinal Chemistry BSc course structure\
**UCAS code:** F112\
**Years:**
2026,
2027

First year

Second year

Third year

First year

#### Core modules:

Fundamentals of Chemistry 1
:   This is the first module that you'll take as an undergraduate student. It is designed to give you an understanding of the fundamental concepts in chemistry and introduce you to the key practical skills that every chemist needs.\
    \
    You'll learn how to apply key concepts and interpret chemical information to solve basic problems through lectures, workshops, tutorials and laboratory work.\
    \

    **40 credits**

Fundamentals of Chemistry 2
:   This module continues to develop your understanding of the foundations of modern degree-level chemistry and associated laboratory skills. \
    \
    You'll learn about core principles from inorganic, biological, organic and physical chemistry through lectures, workshops, tutorials and laboratory work.  You'll learn how to apply these core principles to address chemical problems, and understand the behaviour of atomic and molecular systems.\
    \
    You'll continue to advance your knowledge of essential laboratory skills, by conducting independent experimental work and data analysis.

    **40 credits**

Essential Skills for Chemists
:   This module provides first year chemistry students with the broader academic and professional skills required to study chemistry at degree level. The module includes fundamental physics and mathematics, data analysis, computing skills, and searching and using the scientific literature. Students will also undertake a group project on the standards and values expected of a professional chemist.\
    \
    The module has been designed to introduce students to varied methods of learning and teaching used throughout the programme including online self-led activities, lectures and group work.

    **20 credits**

The chemical world around us: from biological chemistry to sustainability
:   Chemistry plays a crucial role in the world around us, acting as the backbone of fundamental biological processes and helping to create a sustainable future. This module explores how chemistry explains the principles behind the biology we experience in our day-to-day lives, and the contributions chemists can make to society, with a particular focus on sustainability. \
    \
    You'll learn about the strong link between human activity, the biological world around us and sustainability. You'll also develop the ability to explain scientific concepts to a range of audiences, working in groups to produce infographics, videos and magazine articles.

    **20 credits**

Second year

In your second year, you’ll continue to build your essential knowledge of chemistry, develop your laboratory skills, and start to explore concepts from biological and medicinal chemistry.

Example core topics covered:

- Reactions of common functional groups in organic chemistry and how to create synthetic routes to build target molecules.
- Theory and application of spectroscopic and analytical techniques, including the data analysis required to identify chemical compounds.
- Structure, bonding and reactivity of coordination complexes and main group compounds.
- Energy states and shapes of molecules, and the fundamental properties and synthesis of solid state materials.
- Biological and medicinal chemistry, including the importance of noncovalent interactions, and the structure and function of nucleic acids.

Third year

In your third year, you’ll explore advanced concepts in chemistry and apply them to current problems, hone your laboratory skills, and gain valuable hands-on experience by undertaking a project.

Example core topics covered:

- Advanced spectroscopy, including electronic excited states.
- Investigating organic reaction mechanisms using quantitative and qualitative approaches.
- Organometallic compounds and the interplay of ligands with metal ions. This includes their use in catalysis, materials and devices.
- Chemistry at surfaces and interfaces, and how these are vital in chemical industries.
- Structure, function and synthetic approaches in the study and manipulation of biological systems.

The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

## Learning and assessment

### Learning

To make sure you get the skills and knowledge that every chemist needs, you’ll learn through lectures, small group tutorials and workshops, practical sessions in the lab, and research projects.

We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 access to our online library service.

Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over one million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include [study skills training](https://sheffield.ac.uk/academic-skills/home "301 Academic Skills") to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

[Learning support facilities](https://sheffield.ac.uk/study/facilities "Facilities") and [library opening hours](https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/library/libsites/sites)

### Assessment

You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways, including laboratory work, coursework, online quizzes, examinations, essays and other written work.

## Entry requirements

With **Access Sheffield**, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - [find out if you're eligible](https://sheffield.ac.uk/study/policies/access-sheffield "Access Sheffield").

- Standard offer
- Access Sheffield offer

Standard offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:\
AAB
\
including Chemistry

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
:   ABB including Chemistry + B in the EPQ; ABB including Chemistry + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths

International Baccalaureate
:   34, with 5 in Higher Level Chemistry; 33, with 5 in Higher Level Chemistry, and B in the extended essay

BTEC Extended Diploma
:   DDD in Applied Science (Basic, Analytical & Forensic Science or Physical Science streams only) including specific Chemistry units

BTEC Diploma
:   DD in Applied Science + A in A Level Chemistry

Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher
:   AAABB + B in Chemistry

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
:   B + AA including Chemistry

Access to HE Diploma
:   The award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject covering sufficient Chemistry units, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit. Applicants are considered individually and must provide a course syllabus

[Routes for mature students](https://sheffield.ac.uk/education/lifelong-learning "Lifelong Learning")

**Other requirements**

- GCSE Maths grade 6/B
- BTEC required units include Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry, Industrial Chemical Reactions, and Practical Chemical Analysis

Access Sheffield offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:\
ABB
\
including Chemistry

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
:   ABB including Chemistry + B in the EPQ; ABB including Chemistry + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths

International Baccalaureate
:   33, with 5 in Higher Level Chemistry

BTEC Extended Diploma
:   DDD in Applied Science (Basic, Analytical & Forensic Science or Physical Science streams only) including specific Chemistry units

BTEC Diploma
:   DD in Applied Science + B in A Level Chemistry

Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher
:   AABBB + B in Chemistry

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
:   B + AB including Chemistry

Access to HE Diploma
:   The award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject covering sufficient Chemistry units, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit. Applicants are considered individually and must provide a course syllabus

[Routes for mature students](https://sheffield.ac.uk/education/lifelong-learning "Lifelong Learning")

**Other requirements**

- GCSE Maths grade 6/B
- BTEC required units include Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry, Industrial Chemical Reactions, and Practical Chemical Analysis

**English language requirements** | 

You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

[Equivalent English language qualifications](https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/english-language "English language requirements for undergraduates")

[Visa and immigration requirements](https://sheffield.ac.uk/student-visas-immigration/home "Student visas and immigration")

**Other qualifications** | [UK](https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/uk-qualifications "Other UK qualifications") and [EU/international](https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/international-qualifications "International qualifications")

### Pathway programme for international students

If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for an [International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering](https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/programmes/international-foundation-year/science-and-engineering ) at the [University of Sheffield International College](https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/). This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please [contact the school](#contactus).

## Graduate careers

### School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

You won’t be short of career options with a degree in chemistry from Sheffield. Our courses are designed to give you the skills that will help you succeed. Employers hire our graduates because of their ability to plan projects, work to deadlines, analyse data, and solve complex problems.

Whether you want to stay in the lab after you graduate or make use of your transferable skills, a chemistry degree from Sheffield will prepare you to help work on global challenges and develop innovative technologies and processes.

Our graduates go on to work in a variety of careers, including:

- Pharmaceuticals
- Consumer goods
- Manufacturing
- Data science
- Computing and software development
- Finance and consultancy
- Public administration and policy
- Education

Our graduates have gone on to work for companies such as, AstraZeneca, Barclays, Croda, the Environment Agency, Fujitsu, GSK, HSBC, Lonza, PwC, Reckitt and Unilever.

Many of our graduates also choose to pursue a career in research and go on to do PhDs at some of the world's top 100 universities.

## School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

#### 95% of our chemistry research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent

Research Excellence Framework 2021

The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is leading the way with groundbreaking research and innovative teaching.

Our chemistry researchers are focusing on some of society’s most pressing challenges, from antimicrobial resistance to environmental sustainability. We collaborate closely with industry to find solutions and develop innovative new technologies. Many of our academics bring first-hand industrial and business experience to their teaching.

To help our students feel part of a community, the Chemistry Society (ChemSoc) organises activities ranging from guest lectures to the annual Chemistry Ball. Our students can also take part in an LGBT+ support group and a crafts group.

### Facilities

Chemistry students are based in the Dainton and the Richard Roberts Buildings, which have classrooms, lecture theatres and three specialist teaching labs for organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.

Our labs are equipped with specialist analytical equipment, including nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and ultraviolet spectrometry, and gas- and size-exclusion chromatography.

We’re also home to state-of-the-art chemistry laboratories and several multi-million pound materials science facilities:

- The [Lord Porter Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory](https://sheffield.ac.uk/laser-spectroscopy/home), which is used in studies ranging from energy transport in molecules and materials to artificial photosynthesis.
- The [Soft Matter Analytical Laboratory](https://sheffield.ac.uk/small/home), where scientists can study samples that are 100 times smaller than a human hair.
- The [Sheffield Surface Analysis Centre](https://sites.google.com/sheffield.ac.uk/surface-analysis/), which is home to an array of state-of-the-art instrumentation.

[School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences](https://sheffield.ac.uk/mps/home)

## University rankings

**A world top-100 university**\
QS World University Rankings 2026 (92nd)

**Number one in the Russell Group (based on aggregate responses)**\
National Student Survey 2025

**92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent**\
Research Excellence Framework 2021

**University of the Year for Student Experience**\
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

**Number one Students' Union in the UK**\
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

**Number one for Students' Union**\
StudentCrowd 2025 University Awards

**20th in the UK targeted by the largest number of Top 100 Employers in 2025-26**\
High Fliers 2026

## Student profiles

## What it's really like to study in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

We asked some of our students and graduates to share their experiences of studying at the University of Sheffield, and to tell us what they've ended up doing with their degree.

[Explore student profiles](https://sheffield.ac.uk/mps/people/student-profiles "Student profiles")

## Fees and funding

### Fees

[Tuition fees](https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-funding "Undergraduate fees and funding")

[Fee status help](https://sheffield.ac.uk/study/fee-status "Fee status")

#### Additional costs

The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

[Examples of what’s included and excluded](https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-costs "Tuition fees and additional costs")

### Funding your study

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a [bursary, scholarship or loan](https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-funding "Undergraduate fees and funding") to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

Use our [Student Funding Calculator](https://sheffield.ac.uk/funding/calculator "Student Funding Calculator") to work out what you’re eligible for.

### £2,500 per year scholarships for international students

We're offering [automatic scholarships worth up to £10,000](https://sheffield.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/scholarships/undergraduate/international-undergraduate-scholarship "International Undergraduate Scholarship 2026") to overseas fee-paying students starting their studies in September 2026 - no additional application required.

## Placements and study abroad

### Placements

You may have the opportunity to add an optional industrial placement year as part of your course, converting the three-year course to a four-year Degree with an Industrial Placement Year.

A placement year will help you to:

- gain an insight into possible careers
- develop a range [transferable skills](https://sheffield.ac.uk/skills/sga "The Sheffield Graduate Attributes")
- build a professional network
- get a feel for what you do and don’t like doing
- add valuable work experience to your CV
- gain experience of applying for jobs and interview practice
- apply elements of academic learning in the workplace

If you opt to do an industrial placement year, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a placement with organisations across a range of industries. Our students have secured placements with organisations, including AstraZeneca, EDF Energy, GSK and PepsiCo.

### Research experience

Develop your research skills through the Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) scheme. This initiative gives you the opportunity to gain paid research experience, working in one of our research groups over the summer in an area of chemistry that you’re excited about.

### Study abroad

Spending time abroad during your degree is a great way to explore different cultures, gain a new perspective and experience a life-changing opportunity that you will never forget.

You can apply to extend this course with a year abroad, usually between the second and third year. We have over 250 University partners worldwide. Popular destinations include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Find out more on the [Global Opportunities website](https://sheffield.ac.uk/globalopps/outbound/study-abroad "Study abroad ").

## Visit

### University open days

We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

[Open days: book your place](https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/visit/open-days "Open days")

### Online events

Join our weekly Sheffield Live online sessions to find out more about different aspects of University life.

[Sheffield Live online events](https://sheffield.ac.uk/study/online-events "Sheffield Live online events")

### Subject tasters

If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

[Upcoming taster sessions](https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/visit/subject-tasters "Subject tasters")

### Offer holder days

If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

### Campus tours

Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

[Campus tour: book your place](https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/visit/campus-tours "Campus tours")

## Apply

Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

[How to apply](https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply "Applying essentials") When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:\
[www.ucas.com](https://www.ucas.com "ucas.com")

Not ready to apply yet? You can also [register your interest in this course](https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/register-your-interest "Register your interest in undergraduate study at the University of Sheffield").

## Contact us

Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.

[Contacts for prospective students](https://sheffield.ac.uk/contact/study "Contact us: course, application and study enquiries ")

[School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences](https://sheffield.ac.uk/mps/home)

The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read [information from the UK government](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/providing-services-to-any-country-in-the-eu-iceland-liechtenstein-norway-or-switzerland-after-eu-exit#recognition-of-professional-qualifications) and the [EU Regulated Professions Database](https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/professional-qualifications/regulated-professions/index_en.htm).

Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

[Our student protection plan](https://sheffield.ac.uk/study/policies/student-protection-plan "Student protection plan")

[Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer](https://sheffield.ac.uk/study/policies/terms "Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer")

2026-2027

Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

[How to apply](https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply "Applying essentials") When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:\
[www.ucas.com](https://www.ucas.com "ucas.com")

Not ready to apply yet? You can also [register your interest in this course](https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/register-your-interest "Register your interest in undergraduate study at the University of Sheffield").

Prepare for the growing demands of the healthcare sector and pharmaceutical industry with our accredited BSc Chemistry with Biological and Medicinal Chemistry course. Gain fundamental chemistry knowledge and explore topics in biological and medicinal chemistry.

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[Course description](https://sheffield.ac.uk/taxonomy/term/1171)
[Modules](https://sheffield.ac.uk/taxonomy/term/1176)
[Learning and assessment](https://sheffield.ac.uk/taxonomy/term/1181)
[Entry requirements](https://sheffield.ac.uk/taxonomy/term/1186)
[Graduate careers](https://sheffield.ac.uk/taxonomy/term/1191)
[Department](https://sheffield.ac.uk/taxonomy/term/1196)
[University rankings](https://sheffield.ac.uk/taxonomy/term/1201)
[Student profiles](https://sheffield.ac.uk/taxonomy/term/1206)
[Fees and funding](https://sheffield.ac.uk/taxonomy/term/1211)
[Placements and study abroad](https://sheffield.ac.uk/taxonomy/term/1216)
[Extra info box](https://sheffield.ac.uk/taxonomy/term/1221)