two chemistry tudent wear goggles at a lab bench while dealing with pharmaceuticals at UC Davis

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

College of Letters and Science

  • Bachelor of Science

Do you want to be on the forefront of modern pharmaceuticals? The demand for pharmaceutical chemists is high and is anticipated to grow as modern chemistry and biology provide us with increasingly accurate tools to develop unique therapies. The pharmaceutical chemistry major provides students with an in-depth understanding of the processes and societal issues surrounding the design and development of modern pharmaceuticals. Students in this major will learn how drugs work and how to synthesize, design and deliver them, as well as the ethical issues surrounding pharmaceutical development.

Major Requirements

The pharmaceutical chemistry program at UC Davis provides a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. The major focuses on design principles and experimental methods used in pharmaceutical and medical chemistry. Undergraduate research and study abroad are strongly encouraged and may apply to major requirements.

Contact Information

Degree Outcomes

Careers

  • Analyst
  • Research Associate
  • Facilities TCM Engineer
  • STEM Educator
  • Junior Specialist of Pathology and Lab Medicine

Graduate Study

  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Medicinal chemistry
  • Pharmaceutical sciences
  • Chemical physics

Alumni Employers

  • Origin Materials
  • Terracon Consultants Incorporated
  • Gilead Sciences
  • Genentech, Inc.
  • California Department of Justice, Santa Rosa
Two students inspect a photo on a window.
Internship opportunities

Explore internships and jobs on campus and beyond.

Learn more

 

Students smile and listen in a lecture.
Your course roadmap

Find the detailed course requirements for your program and map out your path to graduation.

Learn more

 

Two people in safety goggles inspect a test.
The faculty you will work with

Our undergraduates work directly with our faculty through research projects and labs.

Learn more

 

study abroad student explores europe
Global learning programs

Expand your horizons by studying abroad or pursuing global learning on campus.

Learn more

 

rebecca hernandez examines plants as part of her energy ecology work
Undergraduate research

Get hands on with your interests. Participate in one of our hundreds of research opportunities.

Learn more

 

A student wears a cap and gown.
What can I do with my pharmaceutical chemistry major?

Learn how to connect your pharmaceutical chemistry major to career opportunities.

Learn more