Organic Synthesis/Medicinal Chemistry – (M.Sc.)

The Master’s programme Organic Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry aims to provide students with knowledge on the design, synthesis and evaluation of low-molecular weight biologically active organic substances. This programme offers an advanced level of knowledge with regard to organic synthesis and pharmaceutically active compounds, as well as supplementary knowledge of medicinal chemistry.

Low-molecular weight biologically active substances are at the core of Life Science Research. Knowledge of molecular structures and their properties is crucial to our understanding of a vast cross section of science, ranging from pharmaceutically active compounds to organic electronics and their incorporation into diagnostic tools as biosensors.

The main focus of this programme is the comprehension of organic synthesis pertaining to biologically active compounds. The programme begins with courses in organic chemistry and organic synthesis, building from the basic concepts to the advanced level, followed by an introduction in medicinal chemistry. It also covers protein chemistry, which broadens the students’ knowledge in the field of bioorganic chemistry.

The programme culminates by bringing together the skills and knowledge acquired in a longer thesis project, in either a research group or industry. Our research facilities are well equipped with all the necessary analytical/diagnostic equipment you would normally find in many industrial research facilities.

Employment and Career Opportunities

Following the final examination you will have gained the theoretical knowledge and the practical experience you require to work with organic synthesis in the pharmaceutical industry at companies ranging from research intensive start-ups to major pharmaceutical companies with large R&D departments.

Alternatively, another option may be to continue to conduct research leading to a doctoral degree. Research positions include a broad span of work; ranging from diagnoses of diseases to the detection of chemical compounds. Examples of the latter include biosensors for early stage detection of Alzheimer’s disease.