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How much chemistry in pharmacy?

Hey,

I was just wondering how much chemistry is in the pharmacy course and how hard the chemistry is.
Practising pharmacists don't seem to use chemisty alot

Is it only a bit harder than a level chemistry or a lot harder? or is it the same sort of content?

Reply 1

fizzerz

in first year there was one module which was basically just like a level but a little bit more advanced. We did titrations and stuff in the practical classes.
in second year i'd say its about a third chemistry. But its not so much like organic chem where you have to do all the molecules and stuff, its like analytical and phamraceutical stuff - obviously with a little bit of organic thrown in there. Lots of practical work which you have to write up which is a bit challenging. but then theres quite easy bits where you have to just learn about how to make tablets and machinery stuff. nothing too taxing there!! Physical chemistry was the main bit i struggled with.
I have no idea what third and fourth year will bring.
I only got a C in a level chemistry and I am finding it alright. So I'm sure if youre worried you wont be able to cope then you will. I even got an A in the chemistry module summer exam!

Reply 2

speedstacker

when i was at school i hated chemistry, but now im actually enjoying the chemistry in pharmacy. It's not really that hard i think. Kinda similar to higher and advanced higher chemistry.

Reply 3

pharmgirl

LOL you will use it in practice! Just when you think you've answered all the questions about medicines you are ever going to answer someone will land you with one that makes you go all the way back to your 1st year chemistry. Usually its about "me-too" drugs, e.g. why is this one stronger? When you have no idea what the trial data was you can look like a really great pharmacist by looking up its structure and saying something like "its because it has an extra hydrogen atom so it dissolves more quickly in the body." I once got this one from a vet...I need to know what pH this drug is in solution as I want to see if it will stick around for long enough in a cow's rumen. Be warned......