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

Medicinal chemistry courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester 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…

Course description
Medicinal chemistry is the design, synthesis and development of pharmaceutical drugs. It is a rapidly growing field that explores chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, and how these fields interact to develop drugs. Medicinal chemists are required to find and improve the molecules we need for understanding, treating and preventing disease. This course is designed to support the growing biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries in Australia and internationally. It aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a wide range of science-based industries, research laboratories, and emerging biotechnology industries. Students can major in chemistry, biochemistry or microbiology, with an additional specialisation in drug design.
Prerequisite
VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any), Chemistry, and either Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application. They may also be asked to complete a maths test.
Selection
ATAR 70.50 (2012) Guaranteed Entry (Year 12 applicants only): applicants with an ATAR of 75 or above receive a first-round offer; those with lower ATARs are considered through normal selection processes. Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Middle band
Successful completion of Specialist Mathematics facilitates an additional 1.5 aggregate points. Performance in prerequisite studies is also considered.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Additional costs
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30, and a dissecting kit - A$40. Prices are approximate and subject to change. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs for field trips - food, accommodation and travel - may also apply.
How to apply
VTAC
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).
Full course details
Medicinal ChemistryMelbourne
2012 Bachelor of Science Bendigo
Melbourne
3 years full-time, or up to 6 years part-time Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Bachelor of Science continued…

Course description
This degree is a building block for a multitude of careers, because it gives you an internationally-recognised broad grounding in many areas of science  providing a foundation which can lead to specialised postgraduate studies or a range of careers. La Trobe offers a highly flexible degree structure, with 14 subject areas to choose from  as well as the opportunity to include subjects from other faculties as part of your degree. Because La Trobe has strong links to industry, students routinely enjoy guest lectures and work placement opportunities with leading government and research organisations  as well as volunteering opportunities which will help build your CV. Students can also access a wide range of support programs within the faculty, making transition to university much less challenging. La Trobe is one of the fastest-growing science research organisations in Australia, with work currently underway on AgriBio, the centre for AgriBioscience, a $288-million public private partnership between the Victorian government and La Trobe University, and the $94-million La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science at the Melbourne campus. Once completed, these Centres will expand laboratory facilities as well as teaching and research opportunities for La Trobe science students. Please note that students who enrol in the first year of this degree at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to the Melbourne campus to complete the degree.
Prerequisite
VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any) and either Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics. NSW HSC: Band 2 Mathematics and satisfy English requirements.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application. They may also be asked to complete a Maths test. Applicants through UAC may need to complete the La Trobe Alternative Category form, available at: www.latrobe.edu.au/studadmin/aw/downloads/Altentry.pdf
Selection
ATARs (2012) Melbourne: 65.15 Bendigo: 63.40 Albury-Wodonga: 59.45 Guaranteed Entry - Year 12 applicants only. Applicants with an ATAR of 65 or more will be made a first round offer. Applicants whose ATAR is below 65 will be considered through normal selection processes. Non-Year 12 selection may involve: ENTER/ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Middle band
Successful completion of Chemistry, Physics, or Specialist Mathematics facilitates an additional 1.5 aggregate points per study to a maximum of 3 points. Consideration is also given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria; and a regional bonus may apply.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Additional costs
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs for fieldtrips - food, accommodation and travel - may also apply.
Additional information
Students enrolled at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to either the Melbourne or Bendigo campus after successfully completing first year.
How to apply
VTAC
Professional recognition
Depending on their major studies, graduates may be eligible for membership of professional associations.
Full course details
Science Melbourne
Science Bendigo
Science Albury-Wodonga

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 are also a wide range of scholarships available for local students. 

International students

Medicinal chemistry international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2012 Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry (056210E) Melbourne
3 years Semester 1 (February) $23 360

Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry continued…

Year
2012
Course description
Medicinal chemistry is the design, synthesis and development of pharmaceutical drugs. It is a rapidly growing field that explores chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, and how these fields interact to develop drugs. Medicinal chemists are required to find and improve the molecules we need for understanding, treating and preventing disease. This course has been specifically developed to support the growing biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries in Australia and internationally. It aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a wide range of science-based industries, research laboratories, and emerging biotechnology industries. Students can major in chemistry, biochemistry or microbiology, with an additional specialisation in drug design, and additional core studies in human physiology and pharmacology.
English Language Requirements
Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at undergraduate (EFS5 (60%) UG) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 550 with a score of 5 or better in the Test of Written English; or TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 213 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 80 with no individual score less than 20; or Satisfactory completion of an English language subject at Year 12 or equivalent level. This must have been completed in the last two years and at an academic level acceptable to the University; or Approved equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 70 Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2011 (indicative only) - 70.60 International Baccalaureate - 24 GCE A Levels - 8 Hong Kong A Levels - 7 HKDSE - 8,4 Sri Lankan A Levels - BCC STPM - 8 MICSS (UEC) - 4A 2B Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 73 Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.7 Sweden Slutbetyg - G/VG All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 70 Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.4 Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 2.8 GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.6 GAOKAO - see: the website If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Subject prerequisite
Mathematics determined to be equivalent to the Australian VCE Units 3 & 4 Mathematical Methods (either) or Specialist Mathematics, English (any) and Chemistry.
Additional costs
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30, and a dissecting kit - A$40. Prices are approximate and subject to change. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs for field trips - food, accommodation and travel - may also apply.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).
Course details
Medicinal ChemistryMelbourne
2012 Bachelor of Science (022039C) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
3 years Semester 1 (February) $23 360

Bachelor of Science continued…

Year
2012
Course description
This degree is a building block for a multitude of careers, because it gives you an internationally-recognised broad grounding in many areas of science  providing a foundation which can lead to specialised postgraduate studies or a range of careers. La Trobe offers a highly flexible degree structure, with 14 subject areas to choose from  as well as the opportunity to include subjects from other faculties as part of your degree. Because La Trobe has strong links to industry, students routinely enjoy guest lectures and work placement opportunities with leading government and research organisations  as well as volunteering opportunities which will help build your CV. Students can also access a wide range of support programs within the faculty, making transition to university much less challenging. La Trobe is one of the fastest-growing science research organisations in Australia, with work currently underway on AgriBio, the centre for AgriBioscience, a $288-million public private partnership between the Victorian government and La Trobe University, and the $94-million La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science at the Melbourne campus. Once completed, these Centres will expand laboratory facilities as well as teaching and research opportunities for La Trobe science students. Please note that students who enrol in the first year of this degree at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to the Melbourne campus to complete the degree.
English Language Requirements
Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at undergraduate (EFS5 (60%) UG) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 550 with a score of 5 or better in the Test of Written English; or TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 213 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 80 with no individual score less than 20; or Satisfactory completion of an English language subject at Year 12 or equivalent level. This must have been completed in the last two years and at an academic level acceptable to the University; or Approved equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 60 Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2011 (indicative only) - 65.25; 60.05 Bendigo; 58.65 Albury-Wodonga. International Baccalaureate - 24 GCE A Levels - 8 Hong Kong A Levels - 6 HKDSE - 8,3 Sri Lankan A Levels - BCC STPM - 8 MICSS (UEC) - 3A 3B Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 70 Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.5 Sweden Slutbetyg - G All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 65 Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.2 Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 2.6 GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.3 GAOKAO - see: the website If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Subject prerequisite
Mathematics determined to be equivalent to the Australian VCE Units 3 & 4 Mathematical Methods (either) or Specialist Mathematics.
Additional costs
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs for fieldtrips - food, accommodation and travel - may also apply.
Additional information
Students enrolled at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to either the Melbourne or Bendigo campus after successfully completing their first year. Please note academic records and testamurs of students who complete specialisations in environmental science, space science, or statistics are annotated accordingly (e.g. Bachelor of Science (Statistics).
Professional recognition
Membership of professional associations is available according to the major studies chosen.
Course details
Science Melbourne
Science Bendigo
Science Albury-Wodonga

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. We have partnerships with over 100 universities in more than 30 countries in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. See education abroad.

Student and graduate profiles

Find out about the experiences of one of our students.

Lori Ferrins

I completed the Cadetship Program which gave me valuable experience in a commercial lab.

Ms Lori Ferrins, Science Technology and Engineering

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering or focus on staff in Medicinal chemistry.

Medicinal chemistry events

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