Medicinal Chemistry
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry
Length
3 years
Campuses
Melbourne
Course description
Medicinal chemistry is the design, synthesis and development of pharmaceutical drugs. It is a rapidly growing field that explores chemistry, biochemsitry, molecular biology, and how they work together to design and produce medicinal drugs. This course has been specifically developed to support the growing biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries in Australia and internationally. The Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry 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.
La Trobe is one of the fastest-growing science research organisations in Australia, with work currently underway to build 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 (LIMS) at the Melbourne campus. Once completed, these Centres will expand laboratory facilities as well as teaching and research opportunities for La Trobe's science students.
Course structure
First-year subjects include chemistry and biology, and electives from other science or non-science areas.
Later-year studies can include biochemistry and molecular biology, microbiology, chemistry, molecular design, pharmacology for medicinal chemists, human and molecular genetics, spectroscopy, and medicinal chemistry.
Contact hours
24 hours a week (average) in first year
Subject details
Major areas of study
Biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry, drug design, medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, organic chemistry, physiology, pharmacology.
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Annual (or Total) Tuition Fee (AUD)
23 360
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesAdditional costs (AUD)
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.
Selection
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.
Prerequisites
Mathematics determined to be equivalent to the Australian VCE Units 3 & 4 Mathematical Methods (either) or Specialist Mathematics, English (any) and Chemistry.
Semester starts
Semester 1 (February)
Career opportunities
Graduates may qualify for employment in a wide range of science-based industries and research laboratories, and can join in the emerging biotechnology industries. Opportunities may be available in biotechnology, medicinal chemistry, research and development, biochemistry-based organisations and the chemical industries.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).