UB Programs At-A-Glance

Medicinal Chemistry

Department of Chemistry
College of Arts and Sciences
363 Natural Sciences Building
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-3000

Phone: 716.645.6800, ext. 2035
Fax: 716.645.6963
Web: www.chem.buffalo.edu
Email: chemug@buffalo.edu

Frank Bright
Chair

James W. McIver
Director of Undergraduate Studies

About the Program

The bachelor of science degree program in medicinal chemistry provides (1) a basic chemical understanding of life processes and biological control; (2) a chemical basis for the rational design, synthesis, and mechanism of action of drugs, and selective metabolic inhibition; (3) the basic laboratory skills necessary for research in medicinal chemistry; (4) an appreciation of medicinal chemistry and the chemical aspects of pharmacology; and (5) a chemically oriented foundation for postbaccalaureate research and study in medicinal chemistry and professional studies in the health sciences.

Depending upon the choice of electives, this program can provide an optimum background for employment as a B.S.-level medicinal chemist in research institutes, industry, and government; for entrance to graduate school in this or related areas; and for entrance to professional school in the health sciences.

About Our Degrees

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.

Acceptance Information

Deadlines: Rolling
Number of applicants/year: 30
Number of accepted majors/year: 30
Total number of majors currently enrolled: 70

Degree Requirements

See the Undergraduate Catalog.

About Our Courses

The typical class size for:

Freshman/introductory courses is: 50-300
Sophomore/intermediate courses is: 50-300
Upper level/advanced courses is: 15-30

Suggested Introductory Courses

  • BIO 200 Evolutionary Biology and BIO 201 Cell Biology
  • CHE 105 Chemistry: Principles and Applications I (preferred) or CHE 101 General Chemistry I
  • MTH 141 College Calculus I (preferred) or MTH 121 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications 1


For course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.

About Our Faculty

The chemistry faculty includes a number of Ph.D. scientists who maintain active research programs in medicinal chemistry. Many of these have grants and contracts awarded in competitions with other scientists to support their research. The majority of outside support is from the National Institutes of Health. Faculty also hold memberships in various national organizations and several have been honored for their contributions to science.

Practical Experience and Special Academic Opportunities

Notable Program Features

The Medicinal Chemistry program offers an accelerated, 5-year B.S./M.S. for qualified students. Medicinal chemistry majors apply in the junior year. Please contact the Department of Chemistry Graduate Office at 716-645-6800 for more information.

Honors, Awards, and Scholarships

Medicinal chemistry students are eligible for the same awards as chemistry students; for a list of these awards, see the Undergraduate Catalog page for Chemistry.

Extracurricular Activities

Medicinal chemistry students are welcome to join the chemistry undergraduate club, the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society.

See the UB Student Association.

Complementary Programs and Courses

Majors that complement Medicinal Chemistry


Minors that complement Medicinal Chemistry


Courses outside Medicinal Chemistry that would improve employment opportunities:
Chemistry, especially synthetic and organic chemistry courses.

Career Information and Further Study

Career Choices

  • Government scientist
  • Medicinal chemist in the pharmaceutical industry
  • Organic chemist
  • Pharmaceutical sales representative
  • Teacher
  • Technical librarian


Alumni in Medicinal Chemistry have found employment in the following fields:

  • Academe (Professor of Medicinal Chemistry)
  • Government (Food & Drug Administration)
  • Medicinal chemistry (pharmaceutical industry)
  • Pharmaceutical sales (pharmaceutical industry)


What percentage of graduates goes on to graduate school?

Variable; in 1998, 20%; in 1999, 10%

What percentage of graduates goes on to find related employment?

Approximately 100% (The department knows of no graduate who is unemployed.)

Salary Trends

Beginning salaries paid by the major pharmaceutical firms generally range between $38,000 and $44,000, depending on qualifications of the applicants. The industry seeks to hire graduates who have good laboratory experience. In this regard, M.S. graduates are good prospects for employment in the pharmaceutical industry and are paid correspondingly more and given more responsibility.

Links to Further Information About This Program


Last Modified: Tuesday, 7-Nov-2006 10:26:12 EST