MChem Biological and Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in North America

Recent landmark developments in biology, such as mapping of the human genome, have led to a resurgence of interest in biological chemistry – the determination of chemical properties of biological molecules, development of methods for studying them, and their chemical synthesis.

These subjects are closely related to the multidisciplinary science of chemical biology, which draws from both chemistry and biology in its attempt to explain biological phenomena in molecular detail. Medicinal chemistry is a closely related subject in which molecules are designed to interact with biological processes in order to alleviate particular diseases. At UEA we provide four undergraduate courses designed to equip chemistry students with a wide range of techniques and knowledge in these areas, including: drug design, chemical synthesis, protein chemistry, bioinformatics, genetics and spectroscopy. All of these subjects build on areas of research strength within the University, and involve collaboration between staff in the School of Chemistry, the School of Biological Sciences, the Biomedical Research Centre on campus and the Norwich Research Park which includes the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. To facilitate this collaboration some teaching and research staff have joint positions between departments.

The MChem Biological and Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in North America offers you the option of spending a year abroad. Going to a university in another country will allow you to experience other cultures and by studying in other chemistry departments, you will broaden your academic and personal horizons.

We now have over 30 years experience of offering degrees with a year abroad and it has proved very popular with UEA students. Most students find the experience rewarding and enjoyable. The school also hosts a number of exchange students each year enjoying their study in Norwich.

To take a year abroad, students must maintain a good standard of academic performance during the first two years of the degree programme. In placing you at your overseas university we take into account your field of interest and do our best to place you at the university of your choice. The costs involved to you include transport to and from your overseas destination and living costs, including medical insurance.

We have a number of reciprocal exchange arrangements in the United States of America and Canada. We are always reviewing the universities we have exchanges with. Those currently involved in the exchange programme are the Universities of British Columbia (Vancouver) and Calgary (Alberta) in Canada
and the universities of California, Illinois, Massachusetts and Colorado in the USA.

Students on a North American exchange programme will be expected to pay 50% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year abroad and we will pay the North American university.

Course Organiser:Prof Andy Cammidge

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Entry Requirements A Level: AAB including Chemistry and a second science International Baccalaureate: 33 points to include HL Chemistry at grade 6 and one other HL Science or Maths at grade 6 Scottish Highers: AAAAB including Higher Level Chemistry and a second science Scottish Advanced Highers: AAB including Advanced Higher Level Chemistry and a second science Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAABB including Chemistry and a second science at Higher Level Access Course: See below HND: Please contact institution for further information European Baccalaureate: Overall 80% to include Chemistry and a second science Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
• PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

We ask all our applicants to have A2-level or equivalent Chemistry and A2 in a second science subject from Physics, Mathematics and Biology.

Applicants with Access or BTEC qualifications who receive an offer will also be asked to complete a chemistry test at the University in Summer 2013. Information concerning the content of the chemistry test will be made available to such applicants.

General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.

Offers made to applicants with Access or BTEC qualifications will also include the requirement to pass a chemistry test at the University in Summer 2013. Information concerning the content of the chemistry test will be made available to such applicants.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English Language at Grade C or above.

During your first week at UEA, our staff will welcome you and provide a full induction programme; we aim to help our students settle in as quickly as possible. At the School of Chemistry we believe in offering each student individual care and guidance.

On your arrival at UEA you will be assigned to an adviser who will provide both academic and pastoral guidance. You will normally have the same adviser throughout your degree. We maintain an ‘open door policy’ so that students can see their adviser (or other members of staff) at any mutually convenient time. Your adviser will guide you through your academic career and provide a sympathetic ear during difficult times. If you study abroad for a year you will also be assigned an adviser at your host institution.

The University has excellent provision of specialist support services. Whatever the issue, be it financial, personal, academic or administrative - the University’s Dean of Students Office and the Union of UEA Students’ support services have experienced and sympathetic people, support groups and advice centres to help you.

Top-rated research

Research is a key activity in any major academic institution. It offers scope for advanced thinking, helps attract the keenest minds, and ensures that the institution’s work is at the cutting edge of the discipline. Most importantly, the creativity, resourcefulness and authority fostered by first class research feeds directly into the quality of teaching at the University. UEA’s School of Chemistry has an enviable reputation for its long and distinguished tradition of high quality research. In the latest RAE (Research Assessment Exercise) the School was ranked among the top 20 Chemistry departments. Our research work is currently financed by a grant holding of over £11 million won competitively from sources including the National Research Councils, charitable trusts (including the Wellcome and Wolfson Trusts), industrial companies (especially from the pharmaceutical industry) and the European Union. We have over 70 postgraduate research students, many of whom completed their undergraduate studies at UEA.

Key research in the School includes Physical and Analytical Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Biological and Biophysical Chemistry, Nanoscience, Biomedicinal Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry.

Many of our core MChem degrees are accredited, and all other Chemistry programmes are recognised, by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the professional body for career chemists, or the Institute of Physics (IoP).

Reasons to choose us:

• A top 20 research school (RAE 2008)
• Research led, up-to-date teaching
• The University has consistently been voted top five of English mainstream Universities for Student Satisfaction
• Enthusiastic and friendly staff
• Superb laboratory and IT facilities
• Excellent academic and student support services
• Varied and comprehensive range of degree programmes
• A warm, welcoming campus environment
• Active student social scene within the school
• At the forefront of interdisciplinary research

UniStats Information Fees and Funding Undergraduate University Fees

We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases. Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,400. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.

Year Abroad Fees

For Home/EU students opting for a Year Abroad the tuition fee is currently £1,350. The Year Abroad tuition fee will be subject to an annual increase. International Students are required to pay 25% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year Abroad and will be calculated based on the current tuition fee for that year.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Home/EU - The University of East Anglia offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships. To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support

International Students - The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international