Medicinal chemistry is an interdisciplinary field that approaches important biological and health-related problems through application of fundamental principles of organic chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular pharmacology. Graduates of the program are expected to be thoroughly familiar with the chemistry of organic compounds, including their synthesis and biosynthesis, their reactivity, and their interactions with and alteration by living systems. Each student selects a primary research area for exploration in depth, and studies in related areas of biological or bioorganic chemistry broaden the educational experience.
Research is at the heart of the program.
As summarized below, the research activities of the department encompass many areas of modern medicinal chemistry. The M.S. degree and postdoctoral training are also available. With this background, required graduate courses, including advanced organic and medicinal chemistry, usually can be completed in four semesters. The final steps in the Ph.D. degree program are the presentation and defense of an original research proposal and a dissertation describing original research work carried out by the candidate. All laboratories and student desk areas are provided with direct connections to the Internet.