Bachelor of Science (Molecular and Drug Design) B.Sc(M&DD)

2010

Program Outline

Rapid advances are currently being made in new areas of science such as structure-based drug design, proteomics, and pharmaco-genetics. Now that the mapping of the human genome has been completed, characterising the function of every protein encoded in the human genome is the next challenge. Students will gain an understanding of how these proteins work, and how their function can be influenced and this knowledge will place graduates at the forefront of this innovative field. The investigation of protein-protein and small molecule-protein interactions has become a significant area of research which promises to provide new approaches to the development of safe and effective drugs to treat a range of human diseases.

Program Structure

This program consists of core training in chemistry and biochemistry that will provide students with expertise in understanding how proteins interact with each other and with other small molecules, such as enzyme inhibitors and pharmaceuticals (drugs). A number of case studies will be considered to help understand the process of drug development within the pharmaceutical industry.  A focus of the program is to develop an understanding of the molecular aspects of these processes.  Students will develop an advanced understanding of chemical synthesis and areas of chemistry that impact on biological systems.   

Admission Information

Domestic applicants

Not a domestic applicant?

2009 CSP IB	27
SATAC Code	324161
2009 CSP TER	79.15
HESS group	General
Annual tuition fees	Commonwealth-supported place: $4,249
Mid-year entry?	Subject to availability
Enquiries	Student Centre

Selection Criteria

Year 12 applicants

You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent (48 units) university study. You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER). Applicants who have studied Chemistry 1 and/or Molecular and Cell Biology 1 at the University of Adelaide (or equivalent) must have achieved at least a credit grade average for these courses.

Prerequisites

SACE Stage 2: Chemistry plus one of Physics, Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Biology, Geology, Psychology IB: Chemistry (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) and one other Science subject (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) or Mathematics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3)

For midyear entry, applicants should contact the Student Centre before applying to ensure that an appropriate study pathway is available.

Assumed Knowledge

SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Studies, Physics

Alternative entry pathways

• Higher Education applicants
  You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent university study. Applicants who have studied Level I Chemistry and/or Level I Biology at the University of Adelaide (or equivalent) must have achieved at least a credit grade average for these courses. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You are ranked on the basis of your best GPA.
• Special Entry applicants
  You must be 18 years or over before February 1st of the year that you will be studying, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent higher education in the last 2 years and you must not hold a completed higher education level award. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
• Without formal qualifications?
  You may be eligible for our special access schemes.

How to Apply

SATAC Code: 324161

Apply through SATAC SATAC application dates Application and Admission

International applicants

Not an international applicant?

International TER	80
IB	26
IELTS Total	6 [more info]
Annual tuition fees	International student place: $23,100
Mid-year entry?	No
Enquiries	Student Centre

Selection Criteria

Prerequisites

Chemistry and one other Science subject chosen from Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Geology or Psychology.

Assumed Knowledge

Mathematics and Physics an advantage

Equivalent Scores

International TER	80
IB	26
IELTS Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing	6 5.5 5.5 6 6

How to Apply

Application information for international students

Important application deadlines for international students

International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results?

International TER	80
Annual tuition fees	International student place: $23,100
Mid-year entry?	No
Enquiries	Student Centre

Selection Criteria

Prerequisites

SACE Stage 2: Chemistry plus one of Physics, Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Biology, Geology, Psychology IB: Chemistry (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) and one other Science subject (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) or Mathematics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3)

Assumed Knowledge

SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Studies, Physics

Study Plans

The study plans given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program can expect to find employment in:

•  Biotechnology

•  Medical research

•  Pharmaceutical industries

•  Universities

Potential careers

Medical Scientist, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Biotechnology, Lecturer, Medical Technician, Biochemist, Chemist, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Research Assistant, Research Associates, Research Scientist, Science Communicators, Science Educators, Scientific Data Analyst, Scientific Officer, Forensic Science, Forensic Scientist, Teacher, Tutor, Wine Making

Program Rules

Faculty of Sciences Undergraduate Program Rules

Further Information

Useful Links

Faculty of Sciences