The Master of Science is a two-year full-time program providing graduates with the opportunity to undertake advanced study and research. This program is designed to provide students with a thorough training in applied scientific research and methodology and will also prepare students for higher degree studies and professional employment. The program consists of both theoretical and practical coursework, as well as a research dissertation. Students complete advanced coursework and specialist laboratory classes prior to completing their research project. The coursework will provide a critical evaluation of research and presentation, develop the student's knowledge and understanding of statistical analyses techniques as applied to scientific research, and develop an awareness of research proposal design and background. Students will have the opportunity to develop a research proposal including aims, methodology and a literature review. The dissertation involves applied research on a specific project, a seminar and thesis describing the research in detail. The Medicinal Chemistry major is designed for students interested in natural product discovery and drug design. Students will undertake coursework in advanced chemistry and have access to broadening courses in biology. My career opportunities This program will provide students with advanced cutting-edge theoretical knowledge in their chosen area of specialisation together with the practical and research skills necessary for employment in the industry and/or research laboratories. Medicinal Chemistry: Medicinal chemistry is principally involved in the design, chemical synthesis and development of pharmaceutical agents. It is the branch of the chemical sciences that operates at the interface with the biological sciences, especially structural biology and pharmacology. Medicinal chemistry encompasses most of the chemical sub-disciplines but is most often associated with synthetic organic chemistry and aspects of natural product chemistry, computational chemistry and inorganic/physical chemistry. With numerous infectious diseases evolving resistance to current therapies, and an aging population looking for solutions to neurological diseases and cancers, medical chemistry is a growing field in both basic and applied areas of research. Pathways to further study Students who successfully complete the Master of Science program at the required level will be eligible to apply for entry to Doctoral Research programs.