Medicinal Chemistry
About
In the course Medicinal Chemistry, you gain insight into how new drugs are discovered and developed in practice – from molecular-level ideas to tested drug candidates. You work with the DMTA cycle (Design–Make–Test–Analyze) and learn how organic synthesis, biological assays and AI tools interact in drug development.
You build on advanced organic chemistry and learn how reaction chemistry is used to synthesise medicinally relevant molecules, including heteroaromatics. You work with key concepts in medicinal chemistry, such as agonism and antagonism, structure-activity relationships, and receive a basic introduction to pharmacokinetics.
A central theme throughout the course is the DMTA cycle (Design–Make–Test–Analyze). You practise formulating a design hypothesis and selecting a synthetic plan, testing compounds against a biological target, and using the data to guide the next optimization step. You are also introduced to selected commercial and open-source AI tools used in drug discovery, for example to predict physicochemical properties.
Teaching
Teaching combines lectures, seminars and group exercises where you develop problem-solving skills and work with scientific literature. You complete online diagnostic tests throughout the course to monitor your learning progress.
In the laboratory module, you work case-based with in silico design and apply computational methods and molecular docking. You plan and carry out multistep syntheses, analyse products, and test activity in an enzyme assay. You compile your results in written reports and present them orally. You develop skills in critical analysis and safe laboratory practice.
Assessment consists of reports and presentations as well as a written final examination.
The course is taught in English.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
For admission to the course, approved result on the diagnostic tests (part of sub-course 1) and the completed laboratory work and exercises (sub-course 2) in course KEM815 Advanced organic chemistry (15 credits) or the equivalent knowledge is required.
Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.
Selection
Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.
After graduation
The course can be included in the following programs:
- Bachelor’s Program in Chemistry (N1KEM)
- Master’s Program in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry (N2KEL).
The course can also be applied for as a stand-alone course.
After the course, you have advanced knowledge of medicinal chemistry and practical experience of drug development using the DMTA cycle. This competence is relevant for work in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, for example in research and development, synthetic and analytical chemistry, assay development, as well as quality assurance and quality control. The course provides a solid foundation for a thesis project, master’s studies or doctoral studies in medicinal chemistry.
More information about after graduation
Facilities
The course is given on Campus Medicinareberget.
