Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry

Prepare for careers in drug discovery, pharmaceutical development and biomedical research with the Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry in the College of Science and Technology at Temple University. Medicinal chemistry combines chemistry, biology and pharmacology, and it focuses on the design, development and advancement of pharmaceutical drugs. By combining rigourous coursework in organic synthesis, biochemistry and pharmacology, this undergraduate program addresses the growing demand for skilled chemists in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. 

Why study medicinal chemistry in the College of Science and Technology? 

• Temple’s Department of Chemistry: The Department of Chemistry in the College of Science and Technology has a long-standing history of successful research collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, Merck and Johnson & Johnson. Graduates of the department’s current chemistry and biochemistry programs frequently secure roles in pharmaceutical and biotech firms, reflecting the department's strong reputation in the region.
• Hub for pharmaceutical innovation: The Greater Philadelphia region is a hub pharmaceutical innovation, with companies significantly expanding their presence and operations in the area. This growth has created a surge in job opportunities for medicinal chemists, particularly at the bachelor’s level.
• Demand for medicinal chemistry professionals: You’ll be prepared for your career through a focused curriculum tailored for students aspiring to work in the rapidly growing fields of drug discovery, pharmaceutical development and biomedical innovation. Specialized coursework in drug discovery, advanced organic synthesis and pharmacology means students graduate with the skills necessary to meet the increasing demand for chemists trained in organic synthesis, pharmacology and related disciplines. 

Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of the Medicinal Chemistry program, graduates will be prepared to

• demonstrate a strong understanding of core principles in organic, inorganic, analytical and biochemistry;
• apply principles of medicinal chemistry to the design, synthesis and analysis of therapeutic compounds; 
• proficiently use instrumentation and techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography and molecular modeling;
• understand the pharmacological and biochemical mechanisms of drug action;
• collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams to solve problems in drug discovery and development; 
• conduct original research in medicinal chemistry, demonstrating the ability to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and analyze results; 
• uphold ethical principles and regulatory standards in pharmaceutical research and production; 
• demonstrate mastery of organic chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacokinetics and molecular pharmacology; 
• explain the complete drug discovery lifecycle, from target identification to clinical evaluation; 
• apply chemical and biological principles to determine mechanisms of disease and drug action; and 
• understand the regulatory, intellectual property and economic frameworks of the pharmaceutical industry. 

Related Graduate Degrees

• Chemistry MS
• Chemistry PhD
• Forensic Chemistry PSM
• Pharmaceutical Sciences MS *
• Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD (School of Pharmacy)