The Medicinal Chemistry option encompasses the design and synthesis of candidate drug molecules, in silico and high-throughput screens for candidate drug molecules, the isolation of bioactive molecules from complex plants or other natural materials, and the development and validation of techniques to detect drugs in bodily fluids. Thus, medicinal chemists frequently collaborate with scientists of other disciplines in studies of drug mechanism of action and drug biodistribution.

This program enables students to obtain training and become credentialed in the field of medicinal chemistry. This field encompasses the study of drug mechanisms of action and biodisposition (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination), the design and synthesis of bioactive molecules, the detection and quantification of bioactive molecules, and the chemistry of natural products. Thus, the knowledge base and credentialing available through this program will enhance the ability of graduate students to obtain employment, particularly, but not exclusively, in the pharmaceutical industry. This program is being jointly administered by the Harrison School of Pharmacy and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.