PROGRAM - Medicinal & Bioorganic Chemistry (MedBioChem)

  • Science and Technology
PROGRAM - Medicinal & Bioorganic Chemistry (MedBioChem)

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Résumé

In this master’s program,students master the medicinal and bioorganic chemistry essential for innovative healthcare solutions, and prepare to become engineers, project managers, or scientists. Read more

Objectifs

Initial training / Executive Education Program /
Master
1-2 years
Portail Sciences et Technologies / École Universitaire de Recherche Sciences Fondamentales et Ingénierie
Nice Campus Valrose
English

Details

Student Experience

Special day of meetings with pharmaceutical companies

As part of their Master's programme, MedBioChem students have the opportunity to meet professionals from major pharmaceutical companies, including Novartis, Servier and Johnson & Johnson.

These meetings allow students to explore career opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, discover different professional roles and career paths, and gain a better understanding of the skills and expectations of the sector.

More information >

Program highlights

  • International focus: courses taught 100% in English.
  • Weekly seminars led by international scientists.
  • 6-month research internship in academia or industry.
  • Collaboration in pairs on a supervised bibliography project.
  • Interdisciplinary curriculum to prepare students for career opportunitities.

Apply now!

Are you interested in making a direct contribution to therapeutic innovation?

Join the MedBioChem program at first-year master’s level, by enrolling in the Molecular Chemistry program and submitting your application on the Mon Master platform.

  • Closed → Additional application period

Applying directly at the second-year master’s level?
If you are not a Université Côte d’Azur student or wish to change your program, submit your application on the Université Côte d’Azur eCandidat platform

  • Closed → External applications open for second-year students

Examples of career opportunities:
- Doctoral studies in medicinal, organic, or bioorganic chemistry
- Positions in industry: scientist, engineer, project manager
- Sectors: pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology industries
 

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Introduction

Welcome to our new master's program in Medicinal and Bioorganic Chemistry, where science meets innovation to contribute to tomorrow's discoveries and meet future healthcare challenges.

This master’s program offered by SPECTRUM Graduate School, specializing in Formal, Physical and Engineering Sciences, is both dynamic and comprehensive, inviting you to harness the potential of organic chemistry to meet the challenges of modern medicine. The program is based on 3 scientific pillars: Bioorganic Chemistry, Modern Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry. These are complemented by a set of courses focusing on cross-disciplinary skills including management and communication, to provide you with the tools you need for your future career as a medicinal or bioorganic chemist.
 

Join us in this educational program of excellence, where you will not only master the intricacies of medicinal and bioorganic chemistry, but also help shape future drug discoveries and healthcare by providing innovative solutions.

A 6-month internship in a laboratory or company is required to provide you with your first professional experience.

In addition, the MedBioChem program prepares students for high-demand careers, including:
- R&D researcher in medicinal chemistry.
- Project manager in pharmaceutical chemistry.

These roles are in high demand in both the private and public sectors of research and the pharmaceutical industry. The program develops cross-disciplinary skills relating to preclinical and clinical development processes, and addresses industrialization and commercialization issues.

Employment rate

Employment rate

Data not currently available (program recently launched).

Success rate

55%* (of 9 second-year students)

*Data provided by the Student Services Department of Université Côte d'Azur (2025)

This master’s program complements and refines the theoretical and practical education of chemistry students by providing them with the cross-disciplinary knowledge needed to be prepared for future career opportunities.

Building on a solid foundation in organic chemistry, students develop skills at the interface between chemistry and biology, that prepare them to pursue doctoral studies in medicinal or bioorganic chemistry, or a career as a researcher or project manager in the therapeutics industry.

This program is also part of a comprehensive academic program, designed to offer a natural progression locally after the chemistry-biology bachelor's degree that has been in place for several years, leading to opportunities for doctoral research in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry or therapeutics within a laboratory of the Nice Institute of Chemistry, or elsewhere.

To find the student satisfaction, contact the head of the program

 

Note: There is no option to recognize individual components in this program.

Commitment to inclusion: Université Côte d’Azur has a disability officer on every campus to support students with disabilities.

On the Valrose campus:

 

Formation accessible aux personnes en situation de handicap.
Consultez le site Mission Handicap

Formation éligible à MON COMPTE FORMATION
moncompteformation.gouv.fr

Classes for the MedBioChem master’s program are held on the Valrose campus in Nice.

The Valrose campus is home to the headquarters of Université Côte d'Azur and the departments of Science and Engineering.

Discover the Valrose campus

 

Academic heads of the Medicinal & Bioorganic Chemistry (MedBioChem) program:

  • Pr. Cyril Ronco
  • Pr. Véronique MICHELET
  • Pr. Nadia PATINO

If you have any questions, please feel free to send an e-mail to the following address: medbiochem@univ-cotedazur.f

Partnership

The Master in Medicinal & Bioorganic Chemistry (MedBioChem) is affiliated with the Institute of Chemistry of Nice (UMR 7272 CNRS), located on the Valrose Campus in Nice.

The Institute of Chemistry of Nice is structured into six distinct research teams:

  • SPACE: Simulations, Fragrances, Flavors, Cosmetics, Evolution
  • SPICE: Synthesis, Properties, Innovation, Catalysis, Environment
  • Bioactive Molecules
  • Molecular Diversity, Metabolomics, Synthesis
  • Human and Environmental Radiochemistry
  • Eco-Compatible Materials and Polymers

The Institute also incorporates a Technological Platform, consisting of three common services (NMR, mass spectrometry, and molecular modeling).

Discover the Institute of Chemistry of Nice >

Admission

Prerequisite

Graduate level, Undergraduate level

To be accepted into the Medicinal & Bioorganic Chemistry (MedBioChem) master's program, students must have a solid foundation in:

  • Organic chemistry.
  • General chemistry.
  • Analytical chemistry. 

Conditions of applications

Application procedures For French or European applicants*

Click here to apply for the first (Master 1) or second year (Master 2)

Master 1

If you are a French or European applicant

For first-year applications to the master’s degree in Chemistry: submit your application on the national MonMaster platform.

Find the complete schedule on Mon Master >

If you are a first-year master’s student at Université Côte d’Azur and are continuing with the second year of the same program, no application is necessary.

Master 2

If you are a French or European applicant

For second-year applications: If you are not a Université Côte d’Azur student and wish to apply for the second year, or if you are a first-year student and wish to change your program, submit your application on the Université Côte d’Azur eCandidat platform and select the program M2 Medicinal & Bioorganic Chemistry (MedBioChem).

If you are a first-year master’s student at Université Côte d’Azur and are continuing with the second year of the same program, no application is necessary.

*Countries concerned

European applicants include nationals of countries in the European Union, the European Economic Area (EU + Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), Switzerland, Monaco and Andorra.

First-year application: required documents

List of required documents on the Mon Master platform:
- CV.
- Cover letter (in English).
- Certificate of English language proficiency.
- Post-baccalaureate transcripts.
- Proof of internships, if applicable.

If your application is accepted, your enrollment must then be confirmed by student services.

Second-year application: required documents

List of required documents on the eCandidat platform:
- CV.
- Cover letter (in English).
- Certificate of English language proficiency.
- Post-baccalaureate transcripts.
- Proof of internships, if applicable.

If your application is accepted, your enrollment must then be confirmed by student services.

Conditions of specific applications

If you are a non-European applicant

  • If you reside in one of the countries or regions listed below*, submit your application on the Etudes en France platform. 

Etudes en France

  • If you are a non-European candidate who does not reside in a country covered by the Etudes en France procedure, submit your application for the first year (Master 1) in Molecular Chemistry via the MonMaster platform once the application phase opens.
  • Second-year applications (Master 2) must be submitted via the Université Côte d'Azur eCandidat platform. Choose the "Molecular Chemistry" program, then select the “M2 Medicinal & Biooganic Chemistry (MedBioChem)” track.

*List of countries and regions concerned:

South Africa, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Bahrain, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ecuador, United States, Ethiopia, Gabon, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Mauritania, Mexico, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Qatar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, United Kingdom, Russia, Senegal, Singapore, Taiwan, Chad, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Vietnam

Program

The first semester is dedicated to theoretical teachings in English while the second semester is dedicated to a paid six-month research internship at an academic or industrial laboratory. All classes are held at the Valrose campus in Nice.

Theoretical classes, conducted in English, are organized during the first semester, while the second semester is dedicated to a 6-month research internship (paid) in an academic or industrial laboratory.
 


First-year program

 
Semester 1

Analysis: Spectroscopy and Spectrometry - 6 ECTS credits
➢ 2D nuclear magnetic resonance
➢ Atomic spectroscopy
➢ Mass spectronomy
➢ Combined use of methods for structural determination (UV, IR, CD, MS, and NMR)
➢ Fluorescence/Raman/Circular dichroism

Analysis: Separation techniques - 6 ECTS credits 
➢ Fundamental concepts of chromatographic separation (partition theory, physical quantities and measurable data)
➢ Gas chromatography (equipment and applications)
➢ Liquid chromatography (equipment and applications)
➢ Rheology, thermal analysis

Reactivity in Organic Chemistry - 6 ECTS credits
➢ Basic reactivity in organic chemistry (review of bachelor’s program)
➢ More advanced reactivity

Organic chemistry: Methodology and Heterocycles - 6 ECTS credits
➢ Synthesis strategy and methodology
➢ Heterocycles

Formulation Analysis and Quality - 6 ECTS credits
➢ Introduction to analytical sciences
➢ Chemometrics (statistics, hypothesis testing and multivariate analysis)
➢ Sample preparation
➢ Quantitative analysis (calibration methods and applications)
➢ Metrology
➢ Macromolecules (size, charge, electrophoresis, dialysis, ultrafiltration, LR interactions, etc.)

Options:
➢ Formulation
➢ Quality assurance

Semester 2

Analytical chemistry lab (TP) - 6 ECTS credits
➢ Lab work: "Routine analytical techniques" (GC, GC/MS, HPLC, CI, Fluo, UV/Vis, IR, AAS, NMR, etc.) - 45 hours
➢ Lab work: Thermal analysis - 10 hours

Computational chemistry - 3 ECTS credits
➢ Ligand-receptor interactions
➢ Drug design, QSAR

Organic chemistry lab (TP) - 3 ECTS credits
➢ Lab work: 45 hours

Bio-inorganic chemistry - 6 ECTS credits

Professional development - 6 ECTS credits
➢ English
➢ Knowledge of company operations
➢ REACH, Ecotox, regulatory standards
➢ CV and cover letter preparation
➢ Individual project
- Internship report (Bibliography and results)
- 2-month internship (company or laboratory)
- Oral presentation of results

Chemistry in everyday life - 6 ECTS credits
➢ Flavors & fragrances
➢ From chemistry to medicine
➢ Sustainable development


Second-year program

Number of hours:
University courses: 220 hours
Lab work (TP): 100 hours
Total hours for the second academic year: 220 hours

Semester 3

Theoretical courses, taught in English, are held during the first semester.

Modern chemistry (60 hours - 2 teaching units) - 9 ECTS credits
➢ Modern chemistry and catalysis (45 hours - UE1, 6 ECTS credits)
➢ Sustainable and green chemistry (15 hours - 2 teaching units, 3 ECTS credits)

Bioorganic chemistry - (60 hours - 2 teaching units) - 9 ECTS credits
➢ Biomolecules: structure, functions and synthesis (20 hours - UE1, ECUE 1, 3 ECTS credits)
➢ Biomolecule/ligand interactions (20 hours - UE1, ECUE 2, 3 ECTS credits)
➢ Analysis of biomolecule/ligand interactions (17 hours - 2 teaching units, 3 ECTS credits)

Medicinal chemistry (60 hours - 2 teaching units) - 9 ECTS credits
➢ In Silco drug design (20 hours - 1 teaching unit, 3 ECTS credits)
➢ Advanced medicinal chemistry & pharmacology (22 hours - 2 teaching units, ECUE#1, 3 ECTS credits)
➢ Formulation & drug delivery (18 h - 2 teaching units, component #2, 3 ECTS credits)

Management, quality & communication (33 hours - 1 teaching unit) - 3 ECTS credits
➢ Bibliography
➢ Project management
➢ Scientific communications
➢ Intellectual property

Semester 4

This semester consists of a 6-month (paid) research internship in an academic or industrial laboratory.


 

  • Pr. Cyril RONCO
  • Pr. Véronique MICHELET
  • Pr. Nadia PATINO
  • Pr. Serge ANTONCZAK
  • Dr. Marc GAYINSKI
  • Prof. Anthony ROMIEU
  • Dr. Christophe DI GIORGIO
  • Pr. Elise DUMONT
  • Dr. Jade DUSSART-GAUTHERET
  • Dr. Sebastien FIORUCCI
  • Pr. Mohamed MEHIRI
  • Pr. Alice MIJA
  • Prof. Lionel MASSI
  • Dr. Nicolas PAPAICONOMOU
  • Dr. Kristina PLEVOVA
  • Pr. Nicolas SBIRRAZZUOLI

  • Total number of internship hours: 910 hours
  • Total duration of internship: 6 months
  • Internship period (Semester No.): 4

Conditions:

Mandatory, in an academic or industrial research laboratory, covering the entire fourth semester.
 

Find all the services (internship offers, internship agreements, etc.) in your dedicated space 

Final assessment: internship report and defense, evaluations by internship supervisors. No possibility to repeat except in exceptional cases which will be reviewed by a committee.

See the assessment procedures fort the MedBioChem program

What's next ?

Year of highschool graduation

Degree equivalent to 4 or 5 years' higher education (Bac +4 & Bac +5)

Level of education obtained after completion

Degree equivalent to 4 or 5 years' higher education (Bac +4 & Bac +5), Graduate level

RNCP URL of content

The professional skills acquired in this program are listed in entry number 38706 of the National Directory of Professional Certifications.

  • Certifier: Université Côte d'Azur
  • Expiry date for RNCP entry: April 30, 2029

Target activities / attested skills

RNCP (National Directory of Professional Certifications)

• Practical and theoretical skills in organic chemistry and its interface with biology: professionalization of cross-disciplinary skills (block 4).
• Practical and theoretical skills in organic chemistry at the interface with biology; professional cross-disciplinary skills (block 4).

  • MedBioChem career prospects

  • Specialized doctoral research in organic, medicinal, or bioorganic chemistry.
  • Career path: career opportunities as a scientist, engineer, or project manager in the pharmaceutical, therapeutic, or chemical industry sectors.

Business sector or job

Employment sectors and types of employment

  • Doctoral studies in organic, medicinal, or bioorganic chemistry.
  • Researcher position in chemistry.
  • Chemical engineer.
  • Project manager in a start-up or biotech company.

The French Observatory of Student Life and Professional Integration (OVE-IP) conducts regular surveys on the transition to the workforce:

  • National survey of master’s and professional bachelor’s degree holders, 30 months after graduation.
  • Local surveys of master’s, professional bachelor’s, and bachelor’s degree holders, 6 months or 1 year after graduation.

Find the employment rate with the Student Life Observatory (OVE) at Université Côte d'Azur by clicking 

Submission

Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC)

The CVEC is a mandatory contribution for all students pursuing their education in a public higher education institution, according to article L. 841-5 of the Education Code.

Before registering at the university, you must obtain a receipt of payment of the CVEC.
This contribution must be made each academic year.

A receipt specifying your CVEC number is issued upon payment. This number is essential to proceed with your registration, either online or in person.

This contribution is mandatory for:

  • Students in initial education, as well as those in apprenticeship contracts, preparatory courses (CPGE), and in medical and paramedical programs (nurses, physiotherapists, speech therapists, etc.).
Exemptions

The following students may qualify for an exemption:
- Scholarship recipients.
- Students with refugee status.
- Students with subsidiary protection status.
- Students seeking asylum with the right to remain in the country, etc.

As a future scholarship recipient at Université Côte d’Azur, you are also exempt from:
· University registration and library fees.

 Once you have paid the CVEC and received the receipt, you can register for the program to which you have been accepted.

If at the time of enrollment you are unsure whether you qualify for an exemption, you can later request a reimbursement of the CVEC from CROUS.

For further details about all fees, exemptions, and non-eligibility rules, refer to the Order of 19 April 2019 regarding registration fees.


Registration fees

In addition to the CVEC, students must pay registration fees to the institution.

  • For the 2026-2027 academic year, the fee for students with French or European Economic Area nationality enrolled in a master’s program at Université Côte d’Azur is €255.

For more information, see the dedicated page: Registration fees 

Non-European students

For the 2026-2027 academic year, non-European students are not eligible for an exemption from tuition fees.

You are required to pay differentiated fees, which amount to approximately €3,950. In addition, all students — including non-European students — must pay the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC) of €105, before registering at the university. A receipt showing your CVEC number will be required to complete your enrollment.

Financial Support: Excellence Scholarships

As part of its commitment to academic excellence and international attractiveness, the Graduate School for Fundamental Sciences and Engineering (SPECTRUM) may provide financial support for your studies through the awarding of excellence scholarships.


Financial support: Excellence scholarships

As part of its policy for attracting students, SPECTRUM Graduate School, specializing in Formal, Physical and Engineering Sciences, offers financial support through excellence scholarships.
 

Continuing education

For professionals returning to studies or seeking Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), find more information on the dedicated page: continuing education

Specific registration fees for those returning to study are available for download directly from the dedicated page >

Have you been accepted into the MedBioChem program?

Whether you are a new student or currently enrolled at Université Côte d’Azur, administrative registration is mandatory. This process activates your student account and provides access to the student intranet.

Before beginning the registration process at Université Côte d’Azur:

  • Pay your Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC) and obtain your receipt by clicking here >
  • Prepare your supporting documents in digital format (click here for a non-exhaustive list of required documents). Accepted formats are: .PDF, .JPG, .JPEG, or .PNG, except for ID photos which must be in .JPG, .JPEG or .PNG (not .PDF). Maximum size: 5 Mb.
  • If you are already a student at Université Côte d'Azur, ensure that your 2024-2025 academic committee has completed its deliberations and that you have your academic transcript showing you have achieved the required level.


Registrations open: date available soon
 

If you are beginning the first or second year of a master’s program in initial education (via the Etudes en France procedure)

Do not register online. Contact student services on the Valrose campus: campus-valrose.scolarite@univ-cotedazur.fr

If you are beginning the first or second year of a master’s program in initial education (not via the Etudes en France procedure)

You need to register online before:

- First year (M1):
New students to the university or re-enrollments: date to be announced

 - Second year (M2): date to be announced