Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science for Pharmaceutical Applications

The objective of the Degree Course is to train qualified figures with a background in biomolecular, pharmaceutical, and advanced technological scientific research that synergistically integrates i) a solid set of theoretical skills in basic cultural disciplines, ii) extensive skills in the biomolecular, medicinal chemistry, technological-applicative, and IT fields, and iii) critical scientific assessment competences and information and communication skills.

The amalgamation and intertwining of these skills is aimed at training graduates capable of successfully facing at national and international level the challenges posed by the growing needs of the universe of biologically active compounds (drugs, food supplements, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals) including the contemporary challenge of comprehending how molecular biology, medicinal chemistry and information technologies are already transforming and will continue to transform the drug discovery and development process in the future.

Graduates in Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science for Pharmaceutical Applications will have a solid multi- and transdisciplinary basic cultural background and a strong foundation in the three reference areas (molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, and information technologies) that in this educational process blend in a balanced, harmonious, and synergistic way.

This training will enable graduates to understand and keep pace with the continuous progress of technology and with the profound transformation of the biomolecular/pharmaceutical research areas that we are witnessing in recent years.

Graduates in Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science for Pharmaceutical Applications will be able to access next-to-first graduate levels in the biological, chemical, medicinal, pharmaceutical, and applied computer science disciplines.

Alternatively, the solid scientific and technical preparation acquired in the three years of studies will allow them to quickly enter the labor market (industries and research institutions), in the sector of medicinal chemistry, (bio)pharmaceutical and biological disciplines, even in the most innovative aspects related to the extensive use of information technologies.

As an added value, the Degree Course has a strong international vocation; for this purpose, it is delivered entirely in English, it also makes use of international lecturers and strongly promotes the international mobility of both students and lecturers. It aims to attract international students and to become a European reference point in the highly innovative training field of biomolecular/pharmaceutical and technology-information technology. This Degree Course is the only one in Europe to present a solid interdisciplinary framework based on the three pillars of molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, and information technology. There is a similar one only in the United States at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), (Computer Science and Molecular Biology), but which is limited to integrating molecular biology with computer science without introducing medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry.

Access to the Degree Course requires the possession of a high school diploma or other qualification obtained abroad, recognized as suitable. Basic knowledge of Physics, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry which is normally provided by the cycle of studies of first and second grade secondary schools, is important to successfully complete the Degree Course. Logical and comprehension skills of written texts and speech are also required, as well as mastery of expression through writing. The student must have adequate knowledge of the English language (level B2).

The study plan is divided into 3 years: in the first-year, basic preparation is provided in chemical, biological, mathematical, statistical, physical, and IT disciplines. The first year is completed by two courses selected by the student that are aligned with the educational path. In the second year, expertise in the biomedical and biomolecular disciplines as well as further knowledge in chemical and computer disciplines are provided. In the third year, computer-based training is completed, both in ​​computational biology and machine learning, and courses in the disciplines of clinical biochemistry, pathology and immunology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutical technology are offered. The third year is completed by a mandatory internship, an eligibility test certifying the achievement of Advanced English Skills, and the final graduation exam.

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