Medicinal Chemistry PhD Curriculum
Training the Next Generation of Drug Hunters
A program designed to train and mentor the next generation of leaders in medicinal chemistry. A curriculum that gives you access to the many research areas you can specialize in to determine your research foci. As an inherently interdisciplinary science, our research scope is broad and includes the fields of synthetic chemistry, chemical biology, computational chemistry, structural biology and molecular pharmacology.
Medicinal Chemistry
Didactic course topics range from chemical biology in drug discovery, drug design, responsible conduct of research and scholarship.
Organic Chemistry
Students must complete one course in organic chemistry.
Biology
Students must complete one elective course in biology.
Electives
Students must complete six credits of electives, choosing from bioinformatics, biophysics, chemistry, and pharmacology.
Coursework is completed within the first two years prior to candidacy.
Research Rotations
During your first two years, you will complete at least three research rotations to determine both your dissertation mentor and research area of interest.
Pre-Candidacy Research
In your second year, you will begin your pre-candidacy research.
Independent Research Proposal
During your second year, you will complete an independent research proposal on a topic distinct from but related to your dissertation work.
Candidacy Exam
Graduate students in medicinal chemistry present and defend a proposal for their dissertation research in the area of medicinal chemistry. This requirement should be fulfilled before the beginning of the third year in the program.
Advancing to Candidacy
Upon successful completion of coursework, research rotations, original research proposal, and the qualifying exam, students advance to candidacy, marking the transition from (largely) classroom learning to mentored research.
Research Publication
Students are required to have at least one first-authored peer-reviewed research article accepted by a reputable journal before defending their PhD dissertation.
Dissertation and Defense
A dissertation committee must be formed within two months of admission to candidacy. You will spend years three to five (approx.) conducting your research leading up to your dissertation defense.
I Went From PhD Student to Candidate, Now What?
In your second year, you will focus on your research, participate in our weekly departmental seminars and present once per semester on your research project to faculty and students.
During your time as a candidate, you will have the opportunity (not required) to participate in our three-minute thesis (3MT1) competition, where you will compete against your peers to describe your research in three minutes, using simple terms anyone can understand. And yes, there is a prize!
1 – 3MT was developed by the University of Queensland
How Does Dissertation Work?
Supporting You Through to a Successful Dissertation Defense is our Focus
Dissertation Committee
You meet annually with your dissertation committee at the third-year seminar and during the fall term of the fourth and subsequent years. The committee’s role is to monitor progress and help you keep on track for the timely completion of your medicinal chemistry PhD.
Dissertation Defense
The dissertation defense includes a public seminar presentation, normally given during the regularly scheduled Medicinal Chemistry seminar program. This public presentation is followed by a private session with the dissertation committee, who must approve the dissertation for degree conferment.
Get to Know Our Faculty and Their Labs
Be Mentored and Learn From Faculty Who Are:
- Leaders in Their Field
- Internationally Recognized
- Chosen to Advise Governmental Agencies
- Entrepreneurs and Have Successful Start-Up Companies
- Creating Learning Environments That Encourage Diversity in Thought, Background and Viewpoint
Ready to Apply?
Learn about admission requirements and view next steps toward earning a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Michigan.
