Chemistry Labs
Expand your practical skills in our state-of-the-art laboratories in the Science Teaching Hub (STH).
Drug Design and Discovery
Interactive Learning
The STH is a digitalised space, designed to offer flexible laboratory spaces and an inspiring and engaging environment in which to learn.
Direct interaction with leading researchers
Modern, industry-standard instruments ensure that you gain knowledge and experience in a range of experimental methods.
Explore the North-East of Scotland
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the North-East of Scotland.
Join us for the opportunity to further your studies in chemistry and develop your laboratory and computational skills relevant to drug design and discovery. The programme will cover elements of molecular modelling, basic synthetic skills and analytical techniques used for structural characterisation. Students will also benefit from the chance to immerse themselves in the life and culture of the North-East of Scotland, participate in a number of social/cultural activities organised alongside the programme, and explore an area of the world they might never have thought to visit.
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- Programme Dates
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Sunday 28 June to Saturday 11 July 2026
- Entry Requirements
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Academic Entry Requirements:
The programme is intended for students on an undergraduate chemistry or related science programme, who have completed year 2 (pre-Honours)
English Language Entry Requirements:
Applicants will need to demonstrate that they meet the necessary English language requirements.
We will accept a Statement of Language Level Form signed by their home institution, confirming that the student’s level of English is B2 or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for languages in line with requirements for the Standard Visitor Visa.
Alternatively, we also accept any formal certification from the approved range of official qualifications listed at Undergraduate Degrees - English Requirements | Study Here | The University of Aberdeen (abdn.ac.uk).
These must have been issued within two years prior to planned commencement at Aberdeen.
- Fees
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£2,250
Price Includes:
- Tuition
- Lab materials
- Transport costs to and from field sites.
- 13 nights accommodation (uncatered) in University halls of residence.
- Leisure and Social activities
Not included:
- International travel to and from the UK.
- Travel or health insurance.
- Visa costs, where applicable.
- Subsistence costs
- Credits
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10 University of Aberdeen academic credits.
This is roughly equivalent to 5 ECTS or 2-3 US Semester credits.
- Application Deadline
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Receiving applications up until March 31st 2026
- Course Topics
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Over two weeks the programme will cover the following topics, all with a focus on drug design and discovery. Each topic will be covered by lectures and practical exercises:
- Analytical chemistry
- Basic aspects of synthetic chemistry
- Computational techniques in chemistry
- Structural characterisation and spectroscopy
- Medicinal chemistry
- Biological chemistry
- Programme Timetable
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Find out more about what your summer school programme might look like by viewing our Drug Design and Discovery Timetable 2026.*
If you have any questions about the details included here, don't hesitate to contact us at goabroad.incoming@abdn.ac.uk.
*For illustrative purposes only, subject to change.
- Extra-curricular Activities
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As part of the social activities, we are offering two full-day trips to sites of interest in north-eastern Scotland. One day will focus on the Scottish Highlands, the other one on the North Sea coast.
You will need to bring clothes suitable for the changeable weather conditions we have, for example, warm clothes, a rainproof jacket and a good pair of walking shoes or boots.
If you have limitations in regards to mobility, please let us know at goabroad.incoming@abdn.ac.uk so that we can make suitable arrangements.