The Pharmaceutical Chemistry Specialist, also called the “Pharm Chem Program”, combines knowledge of the biological, medical and physical sciences in the study of the scientific aspect of drug therapies, with an emphasis on the chemical nature of the drug formulations, biological pathways, and interactions involved. The program is offered jointly by the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Arts & Science, and the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. Students in the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Specialist program will receive a solid background in physical, organic and analytical chemistry. They will learn the fundamental aspects of the synthesis, formulation, manufacture, use, and mode of action of drugs. This program is fully accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry.
The important Pharmaceutical Chemistry Specialist program objectives are as follows:
- to provide a program that is interdisciplinary in design such that students will focus their studies in areas of chemistry, biology, physics, biochemistry, pharmaceutics and pharmacology during first and second year.
- to give second-year and third-year students opportunities for hands-on learning through laboratory work in organic, pharmaceutical, and analytical chemistry.
- to facilitate students taking four third-year theoretical courses in areas of molecular pharmacology, drug discovery and pharmaceutics.
- to mount a capstone experience in pharmaceutical chemistry, where students gain autonomy in running laboratory experiments and documenting their results. Selected activities require students to synthesize their own steps and develop their own protocols, while taking into account pharmaceutics concepts such as stability, rheology, particle size distribution, and organoleptic properties. Assessments will take place via formal laboratory reports in the form of research manuscripts, laboratory worksheets, and written tests.
- to give students the option to obtain professional development skills and direct work experience through the Arts & Science Internship Program.
- to give students the opportunity to participate in an undergraduate research project course that is geared towards the pharmaceutical sciences. Assessments include a mid-point course interview, final written formal thesis, and final oral research presentation.
- to provide excellent preparation for graduate-level studies in pharmacy or pharmaceutical chemistry, and/or for careers in these fields (e.g., as chemists in pharmaceutical industries, scientists working in regulatory health agencies, graduate programs in chemistry- and health-related sciences, medical science liaisons, and regulatory affairs).
Students enrolled in the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Specialist program are eligible to complete the departmental Focus in Green Chemistry and/or the Focus in Practical Chemical Analysis if the appropriate courses are taken.
Students who successfully complete this program will receive a Bachelor of Science degree from the Faculty of Arts and Science. Prospective students interested in pursuing graduate studies in this field should refer to the Graduate Department of Chemistry or the Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Program for more information.
Pharmaceutical Chemistry Specialist Information
Admissions Requirements and Application Process
PharmChem Disciplines
Program Requirements
Course Information
Sessional Dates
Examinations
Registration Instructions & Timetable
Academic Rules and Regulations
Academic Calendar
Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP)
Pharmaceutical Chemistry Student Union (PCSU)
Contact Us