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What the difference between medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and pharmaceutical chemistry?
I want to study chemistry and like the idea of medicine, but I want to avoid going down a path that is somewhat like biochemistry since I am not a fan of biology. #medicine #chemistry #pharmaceuticals #pharmacy #medicinal-chemistry #pharmacology #pharmaceuticals #career-details
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Erika’s Answer
Funny you should say that. I am a biochem. major, who also does not like biology. The thing about that major is that there is really no biology involved. Look at you local university and check the program out. You'll be surprised. FYI, you will need to have several calculus courses and physics courses.
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James’s Answer
Usually the various fields vary depending on actual synthesis of a drug is accomplished or whether the effects of an already derived substance are investigated. You can also move into areas involving direct patient care such as pharmacy.
Lisa Misiewicz, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy at Independent Physical Therapy Consultant
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Lisa’s Answer
There are a number of path's to explore, I have experience not only as a clinician, but also as a recruiter for high level chemistry, biology and regulatory affairs scientists in biotechnology including Amgen, Genentech, Squibb, and Amoco Technology company. Current research in gene based therapies call for expertise both in chemistry in cell biology. Organic Chemistry and even chemical engineers are also in high demand. I agree with the prior advice, on level of education - Be prepared to obtain doctorate level credentials. Another interesting avenue once you have some experience are those scientists that have Ph.D's and knowledge of regulatory affairs. These professionals are involved with getting new products through FDA clinical trials.
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Sesha Arathi’s Answer
In simple terms,
Medicinal and Pharmaceutical chem-involves synthesis, design of Pharmaceutical ingredients
Pharmacology-involves the study of how a drug affects human body-- This does include lots of biology
Now, if you want to study medicine by itself (i.e., medical school), it will definitely include lots of biology, chem and biochem. Look it this way, you can't really treat patients without knowing how the human body works
You have an option of going through the research route. If this works for you, try doing lab rotation or for undergraduate research credits in an organic or medicinal Chemistry research labs and see if you like the idea of pursuing a research career.
P.S: Not all biochemistry labs do biology. Sometimes, they deal with more chemistry than biology side of it
Medicinal and Pharmaceutical chem-involves synthesis, design of Pharmaceutical ingredients
Pharmacology-involves the study of how a drug affects human body-- This does include lots of biology
Now, if you want to study medicine by itself (i.e., medical school), it will definitely include lots of biology, chem and biochem. Look it this way, you can't really treat patients without knowing how the human body works
You have an option of going through the research route. If this works for you, try doing lab rotation or for undergraduate research credits in an organic or medicinal Chemistry research labs and see if you like the idea of pursuing a research career.
P.S: Not all biochemistry labs do biology. Sometimes, they deal with more chemistry than biology side of it
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Michael’s Answer
If you like chemistry, then organic chemistry is what pharmaceutical chemists use. Pharmacology is the study of how medicines affect human biology. If you want to work on discovering new medicinces then organic chemistry is the ticket. You'll need to get at a minimum a Masters preferably a Doctorate if you want to have a career in Industry..