Master's Programme in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry

Medicinal chemistry and organic chemistry are two fields that have expanded rapidly in recent years. The Master’s program in organic and medicinal chemistry at the University of Gothenburg offers a broad yet specialized range of courses to meet society’s demands for relevant chemical expertise. The program provides solid knowledge in the design and synthesis of substances that may exert specific effects in the body or form the basis for new and interesting materials. Given the width of research and undergraduate education at the Department of chemistry and molecular biology, the program offers opportunities to tailor the master’s studies with a special focus on either organic chemistry or medicinal chemistry.
The primary aim of the program is to provide an education that is competitive for highly qualified positions in the professional sector. It may form the foundation to work in research and development, the chemical industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the food industry, analytical and synthesis laboratories, or within environmental protection.

A Bachelor's degree in Science with a minimum of 90 credits in chemistry, including at least 22,5 credits in organic chemistry, or equal qualifications. 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.

The program leads to the Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Chemistry with Specialization in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry.

The master’s degree in chemistry with specialization in organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry is awarded once the student has completed course requirements of 120 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be on advanced level within the main field of chemistry. Within the program, the student must also complete an independent project (master’s thesis) of at least 60 credits within the main field. In addition, the student must hold a Bachelor’s degree or professional degree corresponding to at least 180 credits, or an equivalent foreign degree. A master’s degree may include a maximum of 30 credits at the basic level.

The program follows the Bologna model with 180 + 120 credits (3 + 2 years). The 120-credit master’s program completes this structure and makes it possible to specialize in organic chemistry or medicinal chemistry. The program consists of courses (60 credits) and a master’s thesis (60 credits). The following courses are compulsory:

• Advanced Organic Synthesis, 15 credits
• Advanced Medicinal Chemistry, 15 credits

Courses are normally taken during the first year, and the master’s thesis is carried out during the second year. The courses consist of progressively advanced studies in organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry, or other relevant courses.

General learning outcomes for the master’s degree

Knowledge and understanding

For a master’s degree, the student should be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding within the main field of the programme, including broad knowledge within the field, substantially deepened knowledge in certain areas, and insight into current research and development work
• demonstrate in-depth methodological knowledge within the main field of the programme

Skills and abilities

For a master’s degree, the student should be able to:

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and to analyze, assess, and deal with complex phenomena, issues, and situations even with limited information
• demonstrate the ability to critically, independently, and creatively identify and formulate questions; to plan and carry out qualified tasks within given time frames using appropriate methods; thereby contributing to knowledge development, and to evaluate this work
• demonstrate the ability to clearly present and discuss the conclusions, as well as the knowledge and arguments behind them, both orally and in writing, in national and international contexts, and in dialogue with different groups
• demonstrate the skills required to participate in research and development or to independently work in other qualified professional contexts

Judgement and approach

For a master’s degree, the student should be able to:

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments within the main field of study with consideration to relevant scientific, societal, and ethical aspects, and show awareness of ethical aspects of research and development
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society, and people’s responsibility for how it is used
• demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and take responsibility for their own learning

Local Learning Outcomes

For a master’s degree, the student should be able to:

• make assessments within the main field of study with consideration of relevant scientific, societal, and ethical aspects, and demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
• critically, independently, and creatively identify and formulate questions, and have gained deeper knowledge of the relationship between structure–function–effect
• plan and with modern methods carry out qualified tasks that contribute to knowledge development, and be able to evaluate this work
• possess the skills required to participate in research and development or to independently work in other qualified contexts
• develop a scientific approach to the subject and demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of science
• clearly present and discuss their conclusions orally and in writing
• take a developmental perspective on their own competence and independently take responsibility for project management within the subject area
• have knowledge of and readiness for scientific and technological developments in society, forming a basis for independently developing and evaluating new knowledge within the field, particularly regarding synthetic methodologies and the structure–effect relationship
• have acquired strong abilities in modelling chemical processes in drug design

Recognition of courses intended to be included in the degree and taken at other national or international universities or higher education institutions is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The programme is offered in English.

Follow-up and evaluation of the programme take place in accordance with the current Policy for Quality Assurance and Quality Development of Education at the University of Gothenburg.

The program is subject to the university’s study regulations. In addition, specific safety regulations apply to laboratory work.