Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Medicinal Chemistry and Forensic Science

at Keele University United Kingdom

Biology at Keele focuses on the amazing world of organisms – from how they’ve evolved to their relationships with the environment and each other. Keele takes a broad approach to biology, examining the diversity of life and its evolution from the geological past. You’ll consider a range of biological concepts which may include the complexity of biological processes and mechanisms at molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem levels, and the related philosophical and ethical issues. You’ll engage in activities to strengthen your skillset which may include sampling, recording and analysing data in the field and in our well-equipped labs.

BSc (Hons) Geography Combined Honours at Keele allows you to focus specifically on your preferred area of physical geography. This course explores the Earth's varied landscapes and the complex, potentially fragile, global systems that connect them. As a student at Keele you will learn about the rapidly evolving science at the heart of global environmental change and discover new ways of understanding and appreciating the natural world around us. 

Our focus on climate change, global responsibility, sustainability, and the application of professional geographical skills to real-world situations will prepare you for a wide range of careers and for life as a responsible global citizen. What you learn here will equip you for future employment and for a lifelong appreciation of the world around you.

In Astrophysics, you will learn to formulate and tackle problems – from below the level of the atomic nucleus to astronomical scales. Astrophysics is active wherever the laws of physics are being tested to the limit – and beyond. Keele will help you to use astronomical observations, mathematical models and computer simulation to develop theories explaining some of the most complex phenomena.

You’ll learn to use technology to create new opportunities and to solve a wide range of problems, benefiting every aspect of society from the home to business, government and beyond. Our teaching is informed by research and also reflects what’s happening now in industry. You’ll have access to our own computing labs, based on Microsoft Windows and Linux, plus a wide range of software.

The course may cover a set of modules providing a specialism in information systems, evolutionary systems, or creative computing. There’s a strong emphasis on programming – but don’t worry if you don’t have A Level Mathematics, because the course covers what you need to know. 

Geology is a science fundamental to modern day living, with geologists discovering society’s major resource needs including metals, minerals, energy and groundwater. The combined honours Geology course covers a range of topics which may include looking at rocks, minerals and fossils and geological processes. Geology is a practical subject with applied problem-solving laboratory classes and field courses where you will learn how to interpret and map geological features, and explore for future geological resources. 

Keele takes a broad approach to biology, examining the diversity of life and its evolution from the geological past. You’ll consider a range of engaging biological topics which may include the  complexity of biological processes and mechanisms at molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem levels, philosophical and ethical issues. You’ll develop your practical skill set through a range of activities which may include sampling, recording and analysing data in the field and in our well-equipped labs.

Through your study of computer science, you’ll learn to use technology to create new opportunities and to solve a wide range of problems, benefiting every aspect of society from the home to business, government and beyond. You'll consider how biology and computer science have influenced each other, as is evident from the success of evolutionary algorithms, which you may explore through topics which could include Natural Computation and Computational and Artificial Intelligence.

The study of International Relations covers key issues of international threats, conflict, competition, cooperation, development and globalisation, provides a solid understanding of international organisations such as the UN and
the European Union. IR as a discipline also covers structures of power and influence. Our IR experts specialise in a broad range of topics, which currently include security and terrorism studies, the environment, gender, development, peace and conflict, international history, political economy, international organisation, and IR and political theories. We currently have regional expertise in the politics of Europe, Eurasia, Africa, China and the Middle East.

Our programme develops a range of analytical skills to help you interpret and explain the processes at work in unfolding current events. In a world of complex interdependence, such skills are of increasing relevance to many areas of business, industry and government. 

As an English Literature and Psychology student at Keele, you'll be encouraged to delve deep into a range of literary works, which may include authors such as Emily Bronte, Aphra Behn, Tsitsi Dangarembga and J M Coetzee whilst considering human behaviour from social, developmental, biological and cognitive perspectives.

Our intellectually stimulating and engaging approach to exploring novels, poetry, drama, graphic novels and other types of literature produce intelligent, perceptive, socially aware and compassionate individuals who are able to make a real impact. You'll tackle a range of issues and unprecedented challenges of our cultural moment, which could include decolonisation, sustainability and the environment, gender and sexuality, migration, political extremism, or the role of literature as an arbiter of truth in an era of information overload and fake news. You'll also learn how to design and conduct your own psychological studies in our well-equipped labs using a range of techniques including interviews, surveys and experiments.

Studying English Literature and Psychology at Keele enables you to develop key skills in reading, writing and critical thinking. You will be encouraged to explore and interpret resources that will challenge your views, advance your tastes, prompt your creativity, and give you the opportunity to become a versatile graduate. Through a range of activities and assessments, our diverse course will equip you with a wide array of attributes that employers are looking for, including problem solving, creativity, emotional intelligence, and digital literacy. You will pursue your passions, grow in confidence, and gain a unique set of transferable skills that will be invaluable for your future career in a variety of sectors.

You will learn a range of analytical and quantitative skills including practical experience using professional software such as Bloomberg and Stata. You will explore the economic behaviour of households, businesses and governments, the functioning of markets and the effects of fiscal and monetary policies. You will examine topics like, the behaviour of financial institutions, such as banks, hedge funds and portfolio managers, their instruments and how they interact in markets. Wider contemporary issues such as the ethics of banking and lending markets will also be analysed.

The course will equip you with a range of skills and capabilities, both subject-related and more general lifelong skills of analytical ability, critical thinking and advanced numeracy. You will develop an awareness in using professional software tools, such as Bloomberg and Stata. These tools will enable you to analyse and interpret economic and financial data.

Our Data Science graduates are trained from first principles in computer science and mathematics. The two disciplines are blended seamlessly throughout your degree.

You will study fundamental mathematical and statistical techniques alongside modern software development methods. You will have the opportunity to apply your learning using authentic datasets in our computing laboratories. You will undertake significant development projects, including a final year data science dissertation led by academics with research specialities which currently include artificial intelligence, big data and statistical modelling. You'll explore a range of advanced technical topics which may include cloud computing, academic research, industry-focused professional skills and practical problem-solving ensure you are fully equipped for an exciting and intellectually stimulating journey as a data scientist.

Keele takes a broad approach to biology, examining the diversity of life and its evolution from the geological past. You’ll consider a range of biological topics which may include the complexity of biological processes and mechanisms at molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem levels and related philosophical and ethical issues. You’ll explore topics such as how bodies work, how animals behave and the uses to which we can put plants. You'll develop your practical skill set by engaging in activities which may include sampling, recording and analysing data in the field and in our well-equipped labs. 

On this course you will follow the Single Honours Psychology course structure, however you will take a year out to work within a psychology setting between level 5 and 6. This could be adult mental health, learning difficulties or a research environment, allowing you to apply your psychological knowledge and skills in a practical setting relevant to developing a professional psychology career.

During your time studying at Keele you will be fully immersed in the subject with abundant choice across compulsory and elective modules in psychology. You will share the excitement of discovering new psychological knowledge working alongside our enthusiastic and supportive academic staff. You will also benefit from the psychology-specific learning support on offer from our Academic Support Team. You will graduate ready to use your psychology skills and knowledge to make a real difference.

The goal of medicinal chemistry is to support the search for new drugs to treat conditions such as heart disease and cancer. You’ll work in well-equipped laboratories, and learn to conduct effective independent research. This course prepares you to help solve problems at the intersection of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology. You’ll develop essential skills for employment, such as problem solving, presentation and communication.

For the Forensic Science element of the course, you will be taught by academics and forensic professionals, as well as gaining valuable lab and crime scene experience, helping you to stay ahead in this fast-moving science. You will be taught in our modern laboratory facilities and have access to equipment and our dedicated Crime Scene House.

This course will provide you with a broad education in the core areas of forensic science. Your studies will explore key topics in forensic chemistry, analytical science, forensic biology and criminalistics science. You will develop your analytical science skills, enabling you to analyse a variety of forensic of evidence.

This is complemented by additional emphasis on professional practice and an understanding of the roles of the crime scene investigator and the forensic scientist as an expert witness in the court. You may be able to study abroad for a semester (dependant on subject scheduling) or a year at one of our partner universities.