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Pharmaceutical Chemistry

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry is designed for students to become immersed in chemistry and biology and gain an understanding of how the two fields can be leveraged to improve patient outcomes through drug discovery and optimization.

To see a sample plan of study, download the Pharmaceutical Chemistry program profile.

About the Program

The program will provide a thorough background in chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics as well as a broad, general education in the liberal arts and social sciences. Students who choose this major will gain the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for health care scientists and professionals to understand the chemistry associated with drug design and synthesis.

The curriculum culminates in group and individual research experiences that allow students to develop their skills both within and beyond their coursework experiences.

Student Outcomes

After completing the program, students may choose to continue on to graduate or professional study, or they can immediately enter the workforce. Graduates will be well-prepared for positions as laboratory assistants and technicians, and they will be able to gain employment in fields where training in chemical sciences is necessary.

Graduates of the pharmaceutical chemistry program will:

Demonstrate an interdisciplinary understanding of the fundamentals of biology, chemistry and physics
Design experiments and understand the limitations that come with the experimental approach
Use oral, written and visual presentations to present their work to both a scientifically literate audience and the general public
Demonstrate basic quantitative literacy skills, basic laboratory and research skills

Collaborative Research

At University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, we believe innovative research is vital to improving patient care. We’re creating opportunities for students and faculty to engage in research that pushes the boundaries of our knowledge and builds healthier communities. Students at every level have opportunities to engage in meaningful research alongside expert faculty and clinicians.

Research at the University includes work in the Center for Clinical Pharmacology that seeks to improve the treatment of pain. Researchers at the University are creating better uses for existing pain medication and creating new drugs with less risk of addiction.