Environmental Science and Medicinal Chemistry

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Studying a combined honours degree at Keele will include some modules from both of the single honours degrees. In this case, your programme will be made up of a combination of modules from both Environmental Science and Medicinal Chemistry.

For the Environmental Science element of the course, you will develop the scientific understanding and practical skills needed to tackle many of the world’s major environmental (and societal) problems such as climate change, food security, water resources, pollution and conservation.

Our Environmental Science course at Keele draws on the expertise of scientists within the disciplines of life sciences, chemical sciences and geosciences to emphasise the role and importance of scientific understanding and practical skills in the analysis and management of environmental problems. Alongside studying topical global environmental issues, you will have the opportunity to develop a broad range of practical, laboratory and field-based skills to take into future employment. You’ll also have the opportunity to do fieldwork overseas, gain valuable work experience or study abroad at one of our partner institutions.

This programme is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). Students enrolled on IES accredited programmes may apply for Student Membership of the institution. This programme is also accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). Students on IEMA accredited programmes may apply for free Student Membership of the IEMA which provides a range of benefits.

For the Medicinal Chemistry element of the course, you’ll develop deep understanding of the complex chemical and biological processes involved in the design and manufacture of drugs and other therapies for treating disease.

This course prepares you to help solve problems at the intersection of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology. The goal of medicinal chemistry is to support the search for new drugs to treat conditions such as heart disease and cancer. You’ll work in well-equipped laboratories, and learn to conduct effective independent research. Keele also offers support to find an industrial or research placement for a summer. You’ll develop essential skills for employment, such as problem solving, presentation and communication.

Studying Environmental Science and Medicinal Chemistry puts you in an excellent position to pursue a career in many areas including environmental consultancy and regulation, water resource management, geospatial analysis, conservation, or to become a scientific writer, research scientist or teacher. This course also provides excellent training for further postgraduate study and research. If you take our work placement year you’ll graduate with a significant level of environmental work experience.

Alongside Environmental Science, Medicinal Chemistry provides excellent employment prospects, whether at the cutting edge of drug discovery or in a wide range of related fields, with options such as working for a pharmaceutical company, either as a research scientist or in a more business related role. Alternatively, you might work in an organisation as a development chemist, a research assistant, or a site chemist.