Challenging but rewarding (Medicinal And Biological Chemisty at University of Nottingham)

Member Name: captainraz

Product:	Medicinal And Biological Chemisty at University of Nottingham
Date:	03/08/09 (12 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wide range of knowledge and skills gained, interesting

Disadvantages: Can be difficult at times, a definate challenge

Currently I am on the four year MSci Hons version of this course and am just about to start my third year. It is also available as BSc Hons and MSci with an assessed year in industry.

So far I have really enjoyed this course. I won't lie to anyone; it is a challenge. There have been points during this year when I've contemplated quitting, but it has been worth fighting through that. I've a feeling that we get a few failed medics on this course thinking it'll be an easy ride, when in fact it is far from it. The fact that the usual offer when I got in was BBB and now is ABB says a fair amount about the course I think.

During the first two years of the course an MBC student can expect to take core modules in Chemistry, as well as in physiology and pharmacology and microbiology. There is an emphasis on practical laboratory work; in my first year I spent 8 hours a week in the lab for fifteen weeks as part of my chemistry modules. I also spent a few afternoons during the summer term taking part in practical classes for one of my physiology and pharmacology modules. In second year my lab time was increased to nine hours per week for fifteen weeks in chemistry and several all day sessions for a pharmacy module.

A word of warning to people who are good at/enjoy the more biological side of science; in the first two years of this course you can expect to cover module in physical chemistry, and indeed have lab sessions on them. From year three and onwards the physical chemistry disappears as the course focuses more on drugs and drug design. Don't panic though if you're not a fan of physical chemistry; I found the physical chemistry labs some of the more enjoyable, and dare I say, easiest. There is a lot of help available in the lab, and write ups are done in lab time, so no homework from this lab.

In my third year I can expect to cover modules in organic and inorganic chemistry, drug delivery and design and protein folding and spectroscopy. Year four involves a sixty credit research project.

Please don't go away from this review thinking this course is all doom and gloom though, that is not my intention. This course is challenging, but very fulfilling. It requires you to learn a great range and knowledge and skills, which can be hard sometimes, but gives a greater sense of accomplishment at the end.

This course is suitable for people considering careers in pharmaceutical, agrochemical and biotechnology industry. It is also suitable for people seeking postgraduate higher research, and will give many skills necessary for any chemistry related vocation.

Summary: Not for the faint of heart, but ultimately rewarding for those interested