Xi’an Jiaotong – Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a new international university jointly founded by Xi’an Jiaotong University China and the University of Liverpool UK as a joint venture. As an independent Sino-Foreign cooperative university, it captures the essence of both prestigious parent universities and is the first and only one of its kind approved by the Ministry of Education in China.

The University offers undergraduate degree programmes in the fields of science, engineering and management, and awards both its own Chinese degree and a degree from the University of Liverpool.

Overview

• MRes Medicinal Chemistry combines life science, chemistry, medicine and computational science in order to study the structure and biological activity of drugs. This discipline focuses on the discovery, development and utilisation of leading compounds by studying the mechanism of drug actions in vivo and in vitro as well as their metabolic process in the human body.

• This masters programme, provided by the XJTLU Wisdom Lake Academy of Pharmacy, integrates academic development strategies with industry needs for high-quality medicinal chemists. Through the University of Liverpool’s educational discipline and superior resources, students can obtain practical experience to better support the needs of industrial enterprises.

Our aim is to train the professionals who will receive a broad base of chemical knowledge, including but not limited to:

• • Exploring the critical role of chemistry in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries
• • Solving key chemical challenges such as antibacterial resistance and human ageing
• • Obtaining extensive practical experience and familiarity with modern instrumental, laboratory, and computational techniques
• • Engaging in the design and synthesis of novel drug candidates
• • Carrying out independent and creative R&D of new drugs in academic and industrial settings
• • Understanding pertinent regulatory affairs, intellectual property regulations and related aspects of pharmaceutical manufacturing and development.

XJTLU-JITRI Joint-Supervision Pathway

This programme also offers XJTLU-JITRI joint supervision pathway which leverage the strength from both XJTLU and the research institutes and leading enterprises of Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI) to promote in-depth integration between industry, education and research. Through the unique training model integrating specialised module study, industrial research practice and dual supervision mechanism, we aim to cultivate cross-disciplinary talents who are innovative, application-oriented and with high-level international perspective.

Why should I study Medical Chemistry at XJTLU?

• • The Medicinal Chemistry programme is a key component of the Wisdom Lake Academy of Pharmacy’s contribution to the “Pharmaceutical Valley of China”, promoting the strategic cooperative relations of pharmaceutical companies and XJTLU in accordance with regional and national goals
• • The curriculum is designed to combine advanced knowledge with practical skills to meet the needs of society and enterprise
• • Our faculty boasts outstanding professional knowledge, profound teaching experience in medicinal chemistry and life sciences, and includes experts with solid industry experience
• • Flexible semester terms: 24 months for full-time students, 36 months for part-time students
• • Personalised study plans for students with different backgrounds and future career plans
• • Convenient location near Suzhou Biological Nano Park and Suzhou Biomedicine Industrial Park (BioBAY), with over 400 pharmaceutical companies nearby providing extensive internship and job opportunities
• • All modules are taught in English to cultivate global talents with solid theoretical foundations and comprehensive skillsets
• • Graduates of this programme will have broad-ranging employment prospects and opportunities

Knowledge and skills

By the time you graduate from the MRes Medicinal Chemistry programme, you will:

• • be familiar with the chemical structures and common uses of various important drugs
• • have advanced and systematic education and training in the areas of structure-activity relationship (SAR), drug design, and chemical modification of leading compounds
• • be familiar with the discovery and development process of various important drugs, understand the latest progress, and be able to design and evaluate the synthetic routes of commonly used chemical drugs
• • develop better understanding of improved treatment solutions for hard-to-treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and cancer
• • be able to critically evaluate the current state and future of modern technologies in drug design and development
• • have a deep understanding of the theoretical background behind research projects and develop the skills to engage in scientific research in medicinal chemistry and related fields
• • develop key skills in project planning, time management, report writing, and effective communication, as well as other comprehensive and professional abilities.

Careers

• Medicinal Chemistry is an exciting, rapidly expanding area within the broad discipline of chemistry. This MRes Medicinal Chemistry programme aims to build a solid foundation for graduates to continue their research and advanced studies, as well as prepare them well for future career opportunities A career in medicinal chemistry has nearly limitless potential. There is a huge global demand for medicinal chemistry professionals, especially in China, which will continue to grow over the coming years. Graduates have numerous employment opportunities in many areas of the pharmaceutical discipline, such as universities, government service, consulting and investment companies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, etc; other emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and new energy are looking for Medicinal Chemistry professionals as well.

Core Modules:

Semester 1
Advanced Medicinal Chemistry
Modern Instrumentation Analytical Technologies
Advanced Organic Chemistry

Semester 2
Advanced Pharmacology
Advanced Drug Formulation
Computer-assisted Drug Development

Semester 3
Thesis Research Project

Semester 4
Thesis Research Project

Optional Modules:

Semester 1
Modern Pharmaceutical Activity Screening
Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis

Semester 2
Modern Separation Techniques and Applications
Applications of Organic Chemistry in Drug Synthesis

For the latest information regarding programmes, please refer to the official XJTLU website.

Why Choose XJTLU?

• Two Degrees: 1 from the University of Liverpool & 1 from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (Bachelor's students)
• The University of Liverpool degree (Master's and PhD students)
• All degree courses are taught 100% in English.
• No knowledge of the Chinese language is required to apply to XJTLU.
• Learn free of charge Chinese alongside your course.
• A friendly international community.
• International Opportunities: "2+2" study route to the University of Liverpool, UK for undergraduate students (more than 3,500 XJTLU students are now studying at the University of Liverpool, UK through "2+2")
• International Opportunities: Wide range of study abroad opportunities in partner institutions in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, the UK, the USA, South Korea, Russia, etc.
• International Opportunities: Partnerships with multinational companies in the likes of HSBC, Standard Chartered, Siemens, KPMG, Alstom, Schneider, ICBC, etc.

About Suzhou

You have the opportunity to live in one of the most culturally rich areas of China, with Suzhou’s UNESCO World Heritage gardens and canals famous around the world.

Suzhou combines its rich 2,500-year-old history with a drive to become one of the most modern cities in China. It has a population of more than six million and a GDP of a trillion RMB – far larger than those of many entire countries!

Alongside its beautiful tourist spots, Suzhou has many excellent learning resources and sports facilities, a great choice of shopping malls, cinemas and restaurants, and a variety of bars and nightclubs.

Today, the city’s canals, stone bridges, pagodas, and meticulously designed gardens have contributed to its status as one of the top tourist attractions in China. The classical gardens in Suzhou were added to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997 and 2000.

Suzhou is located in the southeast of Jiangsu Province in eastern China. Within Suzhou is Suzhou Industrial Park, one of the most competitive development zones in China. This area also contains the Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District (home to XJTLU), which sits beside Dushu Lake, one of two lakes in SIP.

Central Shanghai can be reached from Suzhou in just 30 minutes by high-speed train.

Library

XJTLU students have access to a wide range of library resources, from books and journals to electronic databases and articles. The library plays a key role as a research support and learning centre for the University, developing its collection by focusing on subject development and research requirements.

The library currently holds over 500,000 books, which are added to and updated throughout the year in response to requests from academic departments. It provides 22,000 square metres of space, housing 300 PCs and 2,500 seats for studying, discussion and computer and studio work.

Campuses

North Campus

Full of striking, architecturally impressive buildings, our North Campus provides state-of-the art teaching, laboratory, research and support facilities. This includes the award-winning and iconic Central Building, which houses our library.

The campus also has sports facilities, world class-fully equipped science and engineering laboratories, International Business School Suzhou, and design studios, as well as a variety of catering facilities, including Subway, Pacific Coffee Company, and many canteen-style fast-food options.

Landscaped gardens complement pieces of modern art to create a campus environment that has become one of the striking features of Suzhou Industrial Park.

South Campus

The first phase of our South Campus was opened to the public on 26 July 2016, as a major part of the University’s 10th anniversary celebrations.

Architecturally it contrasts our North Campus and features modern designs that complement the surrounding area. Eventually, the South Campus will satisfy the learning and teaching needs of approximately 6,000 XJTLU students as well as the University’s academic exchanges and research development plans. It will consist of eight buildings and be developed over two further phases:

Phase II: International Business School Suzhou at XJTLU

This phase will see the completion of a new building for International Business School Suzhou, set to open by the end of 2017.

PHASE III: XJTLU-GF School of Film and Television Arts and XJTLU Gym

Phase III consists of two buildings – the construction of the XJTLU-GF School of Film and Television Arts and a gym. Both buildings are expected to open by the end of 2018. The development of the School, in collaboration with financial services provider Gold Finance Group, is a significant part of XJTLU’s academic development strategy. It will mix digital media arts and film and television production and technology with performance and acting. The gym will provide improved and diversified sports facilities for students and staff on campus.

Living in University

When you come to XJTLU, you will have the opportunity to try a whole range of different sports and activities as well as developing any existing skills you already have.

Student clubs and societies

Student clubs and societies play an important part of student life. XJTLU has many organisations with themes such as art, sports, music, entrepreneurship, dance to name but a few. Some of the more established groups include a Model United Nations and the Student Union.

Another society, Intercom, provides a platform for all international students to arrange activities and events, and share ideas and experiences with the wider student body.

Catering

3 canteens, 3 coffee shops, Bar, Restaurants

Sports 

Currently, 21 sports are offered through PE classes at XJTLU, including badminton, basketball, belly dancing, billiards, boxing, bridge, Chinese martial arts, football, free combat, body building, golf, popping, roller-skating, sport dancing, table tennis, taekwondo, tai chi, tai chi sword, tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and yoga.

We have outside sport facilities that include basketball and tennis courts as well as indoor facilities, such as a golf training venue, gym, dance room, and table tennis room. There is also a football field located next to the new South Campus.