These are one year courses leading to a Master of Science degree at the University of Leicester.

• MSc Biological Chemistry

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• MSc Biological Chemistry with project in industry

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Course Information

These courses provide a unique opportunity to develop an insight into research at the interface between Chemistry and Biochemistry. They are designed to introduce students to the techniques required for chemical research at a University with an international reputation for Biological Chemistry.

The courses aim to:

• Develop an appreciation of the key aspects of biological chemistry and their relevance to industry.
• Gain an understanding of preparative biological chemistry of relevance to the pharmaceutical industry and drug discovery programmes, including the principals of combinatorial synthesis.
• Provide students with the skills to propose a synthetic plan for any molecule
  To consolidate and develop knowledge and understanding of the theory and application of modern spectroscopic and analytical procedures for the characterisation of molecules in chemical research,
• Give the students the opportunity to perform research work as part of an active research group within the Department.
• Prepare students for employment as scientists in industry, academia or a research institute by direct entry or following further study.

Objectives

By the end of the courses students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the principal types of enzymic catalysis, including methods for probing the structure and function of biomacromeolecules.
• Be familiar with the principal techniques for biological assays and understand the importance of combinatorial synthesis, computational methods, genomics and proteomics in the field of drug discovery.
• Understand the industrial applications of biocatalysis in synthesis, bioremediation and biological washing agents etc.
• Propose possible synthetic routes for almost any chemical.
• Recognise and understand the major methods of separation, purification, and characterisation of compounds.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of modern spectroscopic techniques and their applications for determination of analytical, structural and stereochemical information.
• Use scientific skills in a research project on biological chemistry.
• Demonstrate transferable skills in oral presentation, report writing and the use of information technology.

Course Description

The courses explore the exciting science at the boundary between biology and chemistry and the ways in which the challenges of the worldwide pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are being addressed. They aim to develop research, synthetic and analytical skills for careers in the global pharmaceutical industry or further research leading to a PhD.

The courses have been tailored to meet the demands of graduating chemists who wish to further their training in chemical research or who wish to use this qualification as a route into a PhD programme. They are designed to match the professional demand for highly-skilled personnel in industry and provide specific training in core areas of chemistry as well as specialised expertise in Biological Chemistry.

Course Modules

• Advanced Structure Determination
• Advanced Synthetic methods
• Biological chemistry
• Research methodology
• Research project