External summary

Medicinal and Biological Chemistry is concerned with understanding biological mechanisms and processes at the level of the atoms and molecules involved, and applying this understanding along with the tools of synthetic chemistry and genetic manipulation to design and deliver pharmaceutical interventions. Students learn how breakthroughs in understanding of the molecular basis of diseases are being combined with cross-disciplinary advances in chemistry, biology and nanotechnology to generate new generations of innovative therapeutics.

The course teaches a thorough understanding of the structures, properties and syntheses (in the lab and in vivo) of the diverse range of molecules and macromolecules needed to build a living organism.  It provides understanding of how biological molecules cooperate in finely tuned networks and pathways or are organised into macromolecular complexes, membranes, organelles, cells and tissues.  Building upon an initial solid foundation in chemistry and cell and molecular biology, the degree programmes provide the intellectual framework for understanding this topic from the fundamentals to the frontiers of current research. There is a strong focus on a wide range of analytical and experimental skills. 

Insight into research is provided via final-year projects in research groups working at the cutting edge of the subject. The majority of graduates will find careers in chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies, or in academia, education or consultancy. Alternatively they will utilise their broadly based numerical and analytical skills in other areas. All the courses include training and practice in communication skills, team working, and in the technology of scientific information retrieval and organisation.

Educational aims of programme

The MSc degree programme covers topics in all branches of the discipline from their fundamentals to the most advanced understanding and application. This degree programme exposes the student to a wide range of advanced knowledge, with a greater emphasis on teaching the methods of research and the associated IT skills.  Greater leadership and organisational skills are fostered by extensive group-based learning and open-ended projects. Direct experience of research is engendered by an in-depth individual research assignment.

The aims of the degree programme are:

• To kindle in students a sense of enthusiasm for the chemistry of life and its medicinal applications.
• To provide students with effective preparation for professional employment or doctoral studies in the chemical sciences.
• To produce well-rounded graduates with both a thorough overall understanding of the chemistry of biomolecules, and a sense of moral and social responsibility in relation to the potential impact of this topic in clinical settings and on society in general.
• To instil a profound understanding of chemistry, building on the fundamentals learned in early years of the course in order to appreciate the limits of existing knowledge in selected medicinal and biological chemistry topics.
• To provide students with an in-depth understanding of specialised areas of medicinal and biological chemistry and a critical awareness of advances at the forefront of the medicinal and biological chemistry discipline.
• To provide experience of the practical skills appropriate at each level of the curriculum together with a thorough knowledge of “safe laboratory practice” and the ability to plan and carry out experiments safely and independently, and to assess the significance of outcomes.
• To provide students with the ability to adapt and apply existing methodology to the solution of unfamiliar types of problems in medicinal and biological chemistry.
• To provide students with the ability to design, plan and perform experimental work independently and assess the results critically.
• To develop transferable skills that maximise students’ prospects for future employment, including - writing, oral presentation, team-working, numerical and logical problem-solving, information technology skills, financial planning and time-management.
• To provide students with the ability to adapt and apply methodology to the solution of unfamiliar types of problems.
• To develop mature and determined attitudes, including the capacity for self-organisation and time management, via independent project work.

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and understanding

• The characteristic properties of elements and their compounds, including group relationships and trends within the Periodic Table.
• The structural features of chemical elements and their compounds, including stereochemistry.
• The synthesis and properties of inorganic compounds, inorganic complexes and organometallic compounds.
• The nature and behaviour of functional groups in organic molecules and the properties of natural and synthetic aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic compounds.
• Major synthetic pathways in organic chemistry, involving functional group interconversions and carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond formation.
• The properties of molecules, including macromolecules, that occur in living systems.
• The properties of natural and synthetic molecules, including macromolecules, of medicinal importance.
• The mechanistic interpretation of chemical reactions; catalysis (both biological and synthetic); the kinetics of chemical change.
• The characteristics of the different states of matter and the theories used to describe them.
• The principles of quantum mechanics and their application to the description of the structure and properties of atoms and molecules.
• The principles of thermodynamics and their applications to chemistry in vitro and in vivo.
• The chemistry of materials and the relationship between bulk properties and the properties of individual atoms and molecules, including macromolecules.
• The principal techniques of structural investigations, including spectrometry, spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.
• The principles and procedures used in chemical analysis and characterisation of molecules, including macromolecules.
• The nature of biological structures from macromolecules to macromolecular complexes, organelles and cells.
• The design and functions of pharmaceutical molecules in laboratory and clinical settings.
• The uses of computational biology and bioinformatics in the study of medicinal and biological chemical systems.
• The principles of operation of advanced spectroscopic and imaging techniques as applied to biological macromolecules.
• Major aspects of chemical and biological terminology, nomenclature, conventions and units.
• The design, engineering and production of pharmaceutical proteins and bioconjugates.
• An awareness of major issues currently at the frontiers of medicinal and biological chemistry.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in research and enquiry

By engaging with and completing the MSc degree in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry the graduate is exposed to an internationally-renowned research school and undertakes an extended period of independent research. In so doing, they develop:

• The capability to apply the knowledge and understanding gained throughout the curriculum to the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature, both in science and in a wider context.
• The ability to take ownership of their learning and research experience by exercising rational enquiry, formulating pertinent research questions and challenging scientific convention.
• The capacity to plan, design and execute practical investigations, from the problem-recognition stage through to the evaluation and appraisal of results and findings (including the ability to select appropriate techniques and procedures).
• Skills in the synthesis, interpretation and evaluation of chemical information and data in terms of their significance and in their theoretical context.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy

The knowledge and understanding gained during the MSc degree, along with the emphasis that is placed on practical laboratory-based learning, results in a graduate that can demonstrate the ability to:

• Adopt a flexible and creative approach to reflect on different aspects of this broad science and the knowledge and skills that underpin all of them.
• Understand and analyse critically different sets of data to reach independent, well-considered and evidence-based conclusions, drawing on their own knowledge and experience.
• Harness sophisticated numerical, computational and experimental skills, which can be applied to problem-solving exercises relating to qualitative and quantitative information.
• Display the confidence to work independently, taking responsibility for their own learning and committing to continual professional and personal development.
• Transfer the knowledge and skills gained during their studies of medicinal and biological chemistry to other fields of science and beyond.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication

By engaging and participating in the wide-ranging programme of study that includes small-group research investigations, presentation skills and report writing, a graduate of the MSc degree:

• Is able to communicate effectively, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of essential concepts and theories, in writing and orally, to fellow students, researchers and academic staff..
• Develops IT skills such as word-processing and structure drawing, data-logging and storage, in order to illustrate their arguments most effectively.
• Creates experimental reports, scientific posters and dissertations in accordance with current conventions.
• Collaborates effectively, with an appreciation for both leadership and teamwork, to test and enhance their own knowledge and understanding.
• Seeks and values constructive feedback to further personal and professional development.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness

In addition to the knowledge and understanding of the immediate degree discipline, the range of transferable skills developed during an MSc degree allows a graduate to:

• Take responsibility for their own learning and prioritise effectively to complete tasks efficiently and safely.
• Have the confidence to draw conclusions based on in-depth understanding and sound analysis.
• Engage effectively with the vibrant and multi-national research environment to enhance their academic experience and to appreciate their own contribution in this setting.
• Develop an appreciation of not only the wider social, ethical and environmental responsibilities of a working chemist, but also the commercial and cultural benefits of scientific ventures.
• Show creativity and flexibility in responding to their environments, by either initiating or managing change.

Programme outcomes: Technical/practical skills

A core learning outcome of the MSc degree is to train a skilled and confident practical chemist. As such, a graduate is able to demonstrate:

• A deep appreciation for the safe handling of chemical and biochemical materials, taking into account their biological, physical and chemical properties, including any specific hazards associated with their use.
• The conduct of standard laboratory procedures involved in molecular biological, synthetic and analytical work.
• Skills in the monitoring, by observation and measurement, of chemical, biological or medical properties, events or changes, and the systematic and reliable recording and documentation thereof.
• The operation of standard and advanced chemical and biophysical instrumentation such as that used for structural investigations and separation.
• The ability to conduct risk assessments concerning the use of chemical and biochemical substances and laboratory procedures.

Programme structure and features

For formal definitions, including details of compulsory and optional course choices, consult the University Degree Programme Table

The year consists of two components: (1) about 7 months of taught courses in 2 semesters and (2) about 3 months of project work leading to a dissertation. During the taught part of the course, September to April, students attend lectures, tutorials, practicals and research methods course and acquire the theoretical foundation to enable them to engage in independent research. Between June and August, students get the opportunity to make a practical application of their knowledge by undertaking a major individual research project on which they write a dissertation. The project is normally supervised by a member of academic staff as one of his/her research interests, with assistance from his/her research team.

Teaching and learning methods include traditional lecture-style teaching, interactive sessions (tutorials and seminars), practical work (labs, supervised practical sessions, coursework) and supervised, self-directed study (private study, preparation of literature reviews, research proposals, dissertation preparation). Coursework is submitted periodically throughout the semesters. Exams on the coursework normally occur at the end of Semesters 1 and 2. Students need to achieve an average from the combined exam and coursework results of at least 50% to proceed to the dissertation phase. Those with an average of at least 40% exit with a Diploma and those below 40% Fail.

Degree Classification

There are three possible degree classifications:

1. MSc with Distinction: requires an average of at least 70% across all taught courses and a dissertation mark of at least 70%;
2. MSc: average of at least 50% across all taught courses and a dissertation mark of at least 50%
3. Diploma: average of at least 40% across all taught courses.

Teaching and learning methods and strategies

Teaching and Learning strategies employed at the University of Edinburgh consist of a variety of different methods appropriate to the programme aims. The graduate attributes listed above are met through a teaching and learning framework (detailed below) which is appropriate to the level and content of the course.

Teaching and Learning Activities

• Lectures
• Laboratories
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Problem based learning activities
• Peer group learning
• Examples Classes
• Feedback sessions
• Careers talks
• Skills sessions
• One to one meetings with personal tutors/supervisors

Assessment methods and strategies

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Career opportunities

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Other items

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