Program: Medicinal Chemistry BS - University at Buffalo

Mar 30, 2025

2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Want to make a big impact? Start by thinking small-at the molecular level, to be precise. As a chemistry student, you’ll get a whole new perspective on everything around us as you study the composition of matter, then use your knowledge to make our lives better. How? By developing pharmaceuticals that are more effective, making sure our water is safe to drink, developing new materials for longer-lasting products … the list goes on and on.

Visit the Chemistry academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.

Visit the Chemistry department page for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.

Admission Criteria

Current UB students seeking admission to the Medicinal Chemistry BS will be added to the major upon request by completing the College of Arts and Sciences Major/Minor Change Request Form.

Course Requirements

Medicinal Chemistry Core (67-68 credits)

BIO 201LEC - Cell Biology Credits: 3
BIO 211LAB - Cell Biology Lab Credits: 1
AND

Select one of the following Chemistry sequences:
Sequence 1:
CHE 101LR - General Chemistry Credits: 4
CHE 113LAB - General Chemistry Credits: 1
CHE 102LR - General Chemistry Credits: 4
CHE 114LAB - General Chemistry Credits: 1
Sequence 2:
CHE 105LLR - Chemistry: Principles and Applications Credits: 5
CHE 106LLR - Chemistry: Principles and Applications Credits: 5
AND
MTH 141LR - College Calculus I Credits: 4
MTH 142LR - College Calculus 2 Credits: 4
PHY 107LR - General Physics I Credits: 4
PHY 108LR - General Physics II Credits: 4
PHY 158LAB - General Physics II Lab Credits: 1
AND
Select one of the following Organic Chemistry sequences:
Sequence 1:
CHE 203LR - Organic Chemistry Credits: 4
CHE 205LAB - Organic Chemistry 1 LAB Credits: 1
CHE 204LR - Organic Chemistry Credits: 4
CHE 206LAB - Organic Chemistry 2 LAB Credits: 1
Sequence 2:
CHE 251LLR - Contemporary Organic Chemistry Credits: 5
CHE 252LLR - Contemporary Organic Chemistry Credits: 5
AND
CHE 301LLR - Intermediate Organic Chemistry Credits: 3
AND
CHE 312LEC - Chemistry of Biological Systems Credits: 3 (recommended) OR
BCH 403LEC - Biochemical Principles Credits: 4
AND
CHE 314LEC - Introduction to Analytical Chemistry Credits: 3
CHE 315LAB - Introduction to Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 2
CHE 319LEC - Physical Chemistry Credits: 3
CHE 320LEC - Physical Chemistry Credits: 3
CHE 321LEC - Inorganic Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHE 455LEC - Advanced Organic Chemistry Credits: 3
MCH 401LEC - Drug Discovery Principles Credits: 3

One Chemistry Laboratory Elective Course (2-3 credits)

CHE 322LLB - Inorganic Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHE 329LAB - Physical Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 2
CHE 330LAB - Physical Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 2

Science Electives at the 300/400 Level (15 credits)

See AAR for list of course options
MCH 498 is recommended, not required.

Total Credits Required for Major: 84-86

Additional Degree Requirements Include:

Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
Elective courses as needed to complete the 120 credit hour total

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 120

Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA of 2.000 overall required.

Program Distinction

A student in this major is eligible for Program Distinction upon degree conferral if the criteria are met. Criteria are found under Academic Honors in the Policy and Procedure section of this Catalog. Program Distinction is noted on the official transcript.

Curricular Plan

A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

YEAR 1

Fall Semester

UB Seminar Credits: 3
CHE 101LR - General Chemistry Credits: 4
CHE 113LAB - General Chemistry Credits: 1
MTH 141LR - College Calculus I Credits: 4
ENG 105LEC - Writing and Rhetoric Credits: 4 OR Pathway Credits: 3
Total Credits: 15 or 16

Spring Semester

CHE 102LR - General Chemistry Credits: 4
CHE 114LAB - General Chemistry Credits: 1
MTH 142LR - College Calculus 2 Credits: 4
PHY 107LR - General Physics I Credits: 4
ENG 105LEC - Writing and Rhetoric Credits: 4 OR Pathway Credits: 3
Total Credits: 16 or 17

YEAR 2

Fall Semester

CHE 203LR - Organic Chemistry Credits: 4
CHE 205LAB - Organic Chemistry 1 LAB Credits: 1
CHE 314LEC - Introduction to Analytical Chemistry Credits: 3
PHY 108LR - General Physics II Credits: 4
PHY 158LAB - General Physics II Lab Credits: 1
Pathway Credits: 3
Total Credits: 16

Spring Semester

CHE 204LR - Organic Chemistry Credits: 4
CHE 206LAB - Organic Chemistry 2 LAB Credits: 1
CHE 315LAB - Introduction to Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 2
BIO 201LEC - Cell Biology Credits: 3
BIO 211LAB - Cell Biology Lab Credits: 1
Pathway Credits: 3
Pathway Credits: 3
Total Credits: 17

YEAR 3

Fall Semester

CHE 319LEC - Physical Chemistry Credits: 3
CHE 321LEC - Inorganic Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHE 301LLR - Intermediate Organic Chemistry Credits: 3
Pathway Credits: 3
Communication Literacy 2 Credits: 3
Total Credits: 15

Spring Semester

Pathway Credits: 3
Elective Credits: 3
CHE 312LEC - Chemistry of Biological Systems Credits: 3
CHE 320LEC - Physical Chemistry Credits: 3
CHE 322LLB - Inorganic Chemistry II Credits: 3
Total Credits: 15

YEAR 4

Fall Semester

MCH 401LEC - Drug Discovery Principles Credits: 3
Science Elective 300/400-leve Credits: 3
Science Elective 300/400-leve Credits: 3
UBC 399MNT - UB Curriculum Capstone Credits: 1
Elective Credits: 2
Total Credits: 12

Spring Semester

CHE 455LEC - Advanced Organic Chemistry Credits: 3
Science Elective 300/400-leve Credits: 3
Science Elective 300/400-leve Credits: 3
Science Elective 300/400-leve Credits: 3
Elective Credits: 1
Total Credits: 13

TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED: 120

Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge to:

Demonstrate knowledge in the basic sub-divisions of the science (organic, inorganic, analytical, physical and biological chemistry).
Are able to use modern instrumentation and classical laboratory techniques.
Are able to design and conduct scientific experiments for the purpose of solving a scientific problem and to record and analyze the results.
Understand the proper procedures for safe use of chemicals and can follow the proper procedures for chemical waste disposal.
Are able to use modern library searching and retrieval methods to obtain information about a topic, chemical, chemical technique, or an issue relating to chemistry.
Are able to identify and solve chemical problems and explore new areas of research.
Understand the chemical basis for the rational design, synthesis, and mechanism of action of drugs, and selective metabolic inhibition.
Can find employment in industry or government or be accepted at graduate or professional schools (pharmacy, medicine, etc.).

(HEGIS: 19.10 PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY, CIP: 40.0599 Chemistry, Other)