Medicinal chemistry
Why study Medicinal chemistry?
Medicinal chemistry is the design, synthesis and development of pharmaceutical drugs. It includes the characterisation of drugs and drug-like molecules, computer-assisted drug design, drug analysis, molecular biology, pharmacology of drugs, and drug research and development.
Gain the knowledge and skills to work in science-based industries, research laboratories and biotechnology industries. Major in chemistry, biochemistry or microbiology and specialise in drug design.
Students will soon access some of the best teaching and research facilities in the world with the construction of a new $94 million La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) building. LIMS focuses on training researchers to turn molecular science, biotechnology and nanotechnology research into medical solutions.
Career opportunities
Graduates are in high demand. The Australian Government’s Pharmaceuticals Industry Action Agenda plans to double the size of the industry. Graduates work in pharmaceutical research, development, production, patent, regulation, trials and registration. You may also work in biotechnology, food and beverages, defence, cosmetics, petrochemicals and polymers, patent law, finance, sales, teaching, publishing, marketing and management.
This course is accredited with the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), and graduates are eligible for membership.
Courses
Local students
| Offer year | Course title | Campus(es) | Duration | Semester starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry |
Melbourne
|
3 years full-time or up to 6 years part-time. | Semester 1 (March) |
Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry continued…
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| 2013 | Bachelor of Science (Applications in Society) |
Melbourne
Bendigo Albury-Wodonga |
3 years | Semester 1 (March) |
Bachelor of Science (Applications in Society) continued…
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Want to know more?
Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.
Fees and scholarships
Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.
There is also a wide range of scholarships available for local students.
International students
Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses
| Offer year | Course title (CRICOS) | Campus(es) | Duration | Semester starts | Annual Tuition Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry (056210E) |
Melbourne
|
3 years | Semester 1 (March) | $25 060 |
Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry continued…
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| 2013 | Bachelor of Science (Applications in Society) (077313B) |
Melbourne
Bendigo Albury-Wodonga |
Semester 1 (March) | $25 060 | |
Bachelor of Science (Applications in Society) continued…
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How to apply?
Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.
There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.
Medicinal chemistry placements
The industry cadetship program allows you to gain paid workplace experience between semesters, giving you the chance to build on your skills and build your career. See cadetship program.
Overseas study opportunities
Gain valuable overseas experience by studying with one of our global exchange partners. La Trobe has partnerships with over 100 universities in more than 30 countries in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. See education abroad.
Find out about the experiences of our students.
Ms Lori Ferrins,
Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry"I completed the Cadetship Program which gave me valuable experience in a commercial lab."
About the academic staff
You'll get to meet a large number of academic staff during your studies, from tutors through to lecturers and supervisors. You can view staff in Medicinal chemistry or search all staff in the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering.


