Full-Time Faculty: Mariusz M. Kozik, Chair; Thomas D. Corso, Frank J. Dinan, Timothy M. Gregg, Mary O’Sullivan, Peter M. Schaber, Steven H. Szczepankiewicz.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has three program tracks: the Professional Track in Chemistry, the Health Professions Track in Chemistry, and the Interdisciplinary Program Track in Biochemistry. The Health Professions Track and the Chemistry Professional Track both lead to the degree of bachelor of science in chemistry. The Chemistry Professional Track is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and leads to the chemistry degree certified by the ACS. The Biochemistry Track leads to the degree of bachelor of science in biochemistry. All three tracks are excellent preparation for students interested in ultimately pursuing advanced degrees such as an M.S., Ph.D., PharmD., D.D.S., M.D., D.O., or an M.D./Ph.D. There is a strong emphasis on laboratory experience in this program. Modern laboratories with a variety of sophisticated equipment provide the majors with the experience that is necessary to be competitive in today’s job market.

The Biochemistry Program Track is an interdisciplinary program with upper level requirements in both chemistry and biology. This program provides excellent preparation for careers in medical research, the newly emerging fields in biotechnology and bioinformatics, as well as the traditional fields of pharmacy, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, nutrition and other life-science disciplines.

The Health Professions Track is for students who intend to pursue careers in clinical medicine, dentistry and other related health professions.

All three tracks can be completed with a business minor. The department also offers a chemistry minor.

The chemistry graduate may enter a variety of fields, including research, teaching, commercial chemical production and development, technical writing, sales, patent law and civil service. A major in chemistry has long been recognized as an excellent preparation for medical school. It may also serve as a background for graduate study in chemical engineering. Students with a business minor are very well prepared for graduate studies in the field of business and administration, and for sales and management positions in industry.

The department also provides basic and elective courses in chemistry for students in the physical and biological sciences, medical technology, pre-engineering, pre-environmental sciences and pre-pharmacy. Courses designed for non-science majors communicate fundamental insights into the nature of the physical world, the development of scientific ideas and the impact of science and technology on humankind.

Special Programs
Early Assurance Program with SUNY Buffalo Medical School or Syracuse Medical School: Qualified students may apply to the State University of New York Medical School or Syracuse Medical School during their sophomore year. Those accepted will be admitted into Medical School freshman class after their graduation from Canisius.

Early Assurance Program with SUNY Buffalo Dental School: Qualified students may apply to the State University of New York Dental School during their sophomore year. Those accepted will be admitted into the Dental School freshman class after their graduation from Canisius.

Pre-Pharmacy: For students who are planning to apply to pharmacy school after their sophomore year. The pre-pharmacy students will be listed as biochemistry majors, since the first two years of the biochemistry program track satisfy most pharmacy school admission requirements. A student also has the option of completing a 4-year degree in any major before starting pharmacy school, as long as the required courses are taken. Students applying to most pharmacy schools must take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). Information about this test is available from the Psychological Corporation, 555 Academic Court, San Antonio, Texas 78204-2498; Phone: 1-800-622-3231.

Other Programs
Following their sophomore year, and sometimes earlier, chemistry and biochemistry majors may do summer work in the department in research or applied projects. Stipends for qualified students are often available through work-study, research grants, or industrial support. Summer work in industrial laboratories is also available, and our close relationship with local industries aids in job placement after graduation.

Membership in the Canisius College student-affiliate chapter of the American Chemical Society is open to all chemistry students.

Chemistry Curriculum
This curriculum has two tracks. The Professional Track is for students who wish to enter the field of chemistry as a profession. It is an excellent preparation for doctoral programs in chemistry. The Health Profession Track is for students who intend to pursue careers in medicine, dentistry and related health professions. Both tracks can also be completed with a business minor.

Chemistry Professional Track:

1. ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) (12)
2. Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII 1 (12 courses) (36)
3. Major course requirements (20 courses) (85)
CHM 111-112 + lab General Chemistry (10)
CHM 227-228 + lab Organic Chemistry (10)
CHM 230 + lab Analytical Chemistry (5)
CHM 301-302 + lab Physical Chemistry I and II (10)
CHM 334 + lab Spectrometric Analysis (4)
CHM 430 + lab Analytical Chemistry II (4)
CHM 444 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3)
CHM 381-480-481 Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar (3)
BCH 301 Introduction to Biochemistry (4)
BIO 101 + lab Introduction to Cellular/Subcellular Biology (5)
MAT 111-112 Calculus I & II (8)
PHY 201-202 + lab General Physics (10)
Chemistry electives: three courses (CHM 450 (research in chemistry) can be taken instead of one advanced elective. CHM450 is strongly recommended for A.C.S. certification)2 (9)
4.  Electives: MAT 211 is recommended  (2 courses) (6)
TOTAL (38 courses)
 
 (139)

Chemistry Health Professions Track:

1. ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) (12)          
2. Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas:
II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII 1 (12 courses)		 (36)
3. Major course requirements (21 courses) (87-88)
CHM 111-112 + lab General Chemistry (10)
CHM 227-228 + lab Organic Chemistry (10)
CHM 230 + lab Analytical Chemistry I (5)
CHM 301 Physical Chemistry I (4)
CHM 381-480-481 Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar (3)
BCH 301 Introduction to Biochemistry (4)
BIO 101 + lab Introduction to Cellular/Subcellular Biology (5)
BIO 102 + lab Organismal Biology (5)
MAT 111 Calculus I (4)
MAT 141 Inferential Statistics and Computers for Science (4)
PHY 201-202 + lab General Physics (10)
Science electives: 7 courses, including at least 4 courses in Chemistry/Biochemistry and at least 2 laboratory courses.
(CHM 450 (Research in Chemistry) can be taken instead
of one advanced elective.		 (23)
4. Electives  (1 course) (3)
TOTAL (38 courses)
 (138-139)

Chemistry Professional Track with Business Minor:

1. ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) (12)          
2. Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: 
III, IV, V, VI, VIII, and ECO 101 and ECO 102 to fulfill AS II requirement 1 (12 courses)		 (36)
3. Major course requirements (19 courses) (82)
CHM 111-112 + lab General Chemistry (10)
CHM 227-228 + lab Organic Chemistry (10)
CHM 230 + lab Analytical Chemistry I (5)
CHM 301-302 + lab Physical Chemistry I and II (10)
CHM 334 + lab Spectrometric Analysis (4)
CHM 430 + lab Analytical Chemistry II (4)
CHM 444 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3)
CHM 381-480-481 Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar (3)
BCH 301 Introduction to Biochemistry (4)
BIO 101 + lab Introduction to Cellular/Subcellular Biology (5)
MAT 111-112 Calculus I & II (4)
MAT 141 Inferential Statistics and Computers for Science (8)
PHY 201-202 + lab General Physics (10)
Chemistry electives: two courses (CHM 450 Research in Chemistry) can be taken instead of one advanced elective. CHM450 is strongly recommended for A.C.S. certification) (6)
4. Business Requirements   
Five courses in addition to ECO 101-102 (15-16)
MGT 101 Introduction to Management (3)
MKT 201 Principles of Marketing (3)
ACC 201 Financial Accounting (3)
FIN 301 Introduction to Finance (3)
MAT 141 or ECO 255 Inferential or Business Statistics   (4,3)
TOTAL (40 courses)  (145-146)

Chemistry Health Professions Track with Business Minor:

1. ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) (12)          
2. Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: 
III, IV, V, VI, VIII, and ECO 101 and ECO 102
to fulfill AS II requirement 1 (12 courses)		 (36)
3. Major course requirements (19 courses) (80-82)
CHM 111-112 + lab General Chemistry (10)
CHM 227-228 + lab Organic Chemistry (10)
CHM 230 + lab Analytical Chemistry I (5)
CHM 301 + lab Physical Chemistry I (4)
CHM 381-480-481 Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar (3)
BCH 301 Introduction to Biochemistry (4)
BIO 101 + lab Introduction to Cellular/Subcellular Biology (5)
BIO 102 + lab Organismal Biology (5)
MAT 111 Calculus I (4)
MAT 141 or ECO 255 Inferential or Business Statistics (4,3)
PHY 201-202 + lab General Physics (10)
Science electives: 5 courses, including at least 4 courses in Chemistry/Biochemistry and at least 2 laboratory courses.
(CHM 450 - Research in Chemistry) can be taken instead of one advanced elective.)		 (17-18)
4. Business Requirements
Four courses in addition to ECO 101-102		 (12)
MGT 101 Introduction to Management (3)
MKT 201 Principles of Marketing (3)
ACC 201 Financial Accounting (3)
FIN 301 Introduction to Finance (3)
TOTAL (39 courses) (140-142)

Recommended Schedule (Chemistry Professional Track)

Fall                 Spring      
Freshman Year      
ENG 101 3 ENG 102 3
CHM 111/111L 5 CHM 112/112L 5
MAT 111 4 MAT 112 4
BIO 101/101L 5 AS 3
Total 17 AS 3
    Total 18
Sophomore Year      
RST 101 3 PHI 101 3
CHM 227/227L 5 CHM 228/228L 5
PHY 201/201L 5 PHY 202/202L 5
CHM 230/230L 5 Elective (MAT 211
recommended)		 3
Total 18 Total 16 
   
Junior Year      
CHM 301/301L 5 CHM 302/302L 5
CHM 334/334L 4 CHM 430/430L or AS 4
AS or CHM 444 3 CHM 381 1
AS 3 AS 3
AS 3 AS 3
Total 18 AS 3
    Total 19
Senior Year      
CHM 444 or AS 3 Chemistry elective 3
CHM 480 1 Chemistry elective 3
BCH 301 4 CHM 481 1
Chemistry elective
(CHM 450 recommended
for A.C.S. certification  		3 AS or CHM 430/430L 3
AS 3 AS 3
Elective 3  AS 3
Total 17   Elective 3
Total 16

 
TOTAL
 121
Recommended Schedule (Chemistry Health Professional Track)

Fall             Spring     
Freshman Year      
ENG 101 3 ENG 102 3
CHM 111/111L 5 CHM 112/112L 5
MAT 111 4 MAT 141 or 112 4
BIO 101/101L 5 BIO 102/102L 5
Total 17 Total 17
       
Sophomore Year      
RST 101 3 PHI 101 3
CHM 227/227L 5 CHM 228/228L 5
PHY 201/201L 5 PHY 202/202L 5
AS 3 AS 3
    AS 3
Total 16 Total 19
 
Junior Year      
CHM 301 4 Science elective + Lab 4 or 5
Science elective + Lab 4 Science elective 3
BCH 301 4 CHM 381 1
AS 3 AS 3
AS 3 AS 3
Total 18 AS 3
    Total 17-18
Senior Year      
CHM 230/230L 5 Science elective 3
Science elective 3 Science elective 3
Science elective 3 CHM 481 1
CHM 480 1 AS 3
AS 3 AS 3
Elective 3  AS 3
Total 18  Total 16

 
TOTAL
 138-139
Recommended Schedule (Chemistry Professional Track with Business Minor)

Fall             Spring      
Freshman Year      
ENG 101 3 ENG 102 3
CHM 111/111L 5 CHM 112/112L 5
MAT 111 4 MAT 112 4
BIO 101/101L 5 BIO 102 (AS II) 3
AS 3
Total 17 Total 18
       
Sophomore Year      
RST 101 3 PHI 101 3
CHM 227/227L 5 CHM 228/228L 5
PHY 201/201L 5 PHY 202/202L 5
CHM 230/230L 5 AS 3
AS 3 AS 3
Total 21 Total 19
 
Junior Year      
CHM 301/301L 5 CHM 302/302L 5
CHM 334/334L 4 CHM 430/430L or AS 4
AS or CHM 444 3 CHM 381 1
ACC 201 3 MAT 141 or ECO 255 3 or 4
ECO 101 (AS II) 3 AS 3
  AS 3
Total 18 Total 19-20
 
Senior Year      
CHM 444 or AS 3 Chemistry elective 3
BCH 301 4 Chemistry elective 3
CHM 480 1 CHM 481 1
AS or Chemistry
elective		 3 AS or CHM 430/430L 3
FIN 301 3 AS 3
MKT 201 3  AS 3
Total 17  Total 16

 
TOTAL
 145-146
Recommended Schedule (Chemistry Health Professions Track with Business Minor)

Fall             Spring      
Freshman Year      
ENG 101 3 ENG 102 3
CHM 111/111L 5 CHM 112/112L 5
MAT 111 4 BIO 102/102L 5
BIO 101/101L 5 ECO 102 (AS II) 3
AS 3
Total 17 Total 19
       
Sophomore Year      
RST 101 3 PHI 101 3
CHM 227/227L 5 CHM 228/228L 5
PHY 201/201L 5 PHY 202/202L 5
ECO 101 (AS II) 3 AS 3
AS 3 AS 3
Total 19 Total 19
 
Junior Year      
BCH 301 4 Science elective 3
CHM 301 4 Science elective + Lab 4 or 5
Science elective + Lab 4 CHM 381 1
ACC 201 3 MAT 141 or ECO 255 4 or 3
MKT 201 3 AS 3
Total 18 AS 3
  Total 17-19
Senior Year      
CHM 230/230L 5 Science elective 3
Science elective or AS 3 AS or Science elective 3
CHM 480 1 CHM 481 1
FIN 301 3 AS 3
AS 3 AS 3
Total 15  AS 3
Total 16

 
TOTAL
 140-142

Biochemistry Curriculum

Thomas D. Corso, Director.

This program provides an interdisciplinary approach to the sciences of biology and chemistry. Successful completion of this program leads to the bachelor of science degree in biochemistry, which is an appropriate preparation for a variety of areas. Most biochemistry majors go on to pursue advanced degrees. The following list shows all of the various degrees that former students have pursued: MD (medicine), DO (osteopathic medicine), PharmD (pharmacy), DDS (dentistry), PhD (in fields such as biochemistry, medicinal chemistry and forensics), MBA (business) and JD (law).

There are three tracks in biochemistry: the biochemistry professional track, the biochemistry business track, and the 2-year pre-pharmacy biochemistry track for students transferring to pharmacy school after two years. The courses that are recommended for biochemistry major in the first two years match closely the courses required by majority of pharmacy schools for students transferring from Canisius College after two years. Therefore, pre-pharmacy students who decide to continue their education at Canisius after sophomore year, are on track for the biochemistry major.

Biochemistry Professional Track

1.  ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 10 (4 courses)
(12)         
2.  Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas:
II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII1 (12 courses) 		(36)

3.  Major course requirements: (20 courses)

 (87-89)
(Note: Labs are required for all classes that have labs, except science elective)
BIO 101/101L Introduction to Cellular/Subcellular Biology (5)
BIO 102/102L Organismal Biology (5)
CHM 111-112 General Chemistry (10)
CHM 227-228 Organic Chemistry (10)
MAT 111-112 Calculus I & II (8)
PHY 201-202 General Physics  
 OR
PHY 223-224 General Physics for Science Majors (10)
BCH 301-302 Biochemistry (10)
CHM 380-480-481 Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar Biochemistry Elective: one course (BCH 405, BIO 440 or CHM 448) (3)
Biochemistry Elective: one course (BCH 405, BIO 440 or CHM 448)  (3)
Molecular Genetics Elective: one course (BIO 304, 450, 408, 432, or 435) (4)
Cellular Biology Elective: one course (BIO 418, 419, 425, 426 or 455) (4)
Physical Chemistry/Instrumentation: two of the following three (CHM 302/302L, CHM 430/430L, CHM 334/334L) (8 or 9)
Science elective: one class at or above the following levels (BIO 303, BCH 303, CHM 303, PHY 225, MAT 211, CSC 110) or one of the following (CHM 230, CHM 232, CSC 107, MAT 141 or PSY 201). (3 or 4)

4. Free electives: two courses (6)
TOTAL: (38 courses) (141-143)

Biochemistry Track with Business Minor
1.  ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 10 (4 courses)
(12)         
2.  Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas:
II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII, and ECO 101 and 102 to fulfill Area II1
(12 courses) 		(36)
3.  Major course requirements: (19 courses) (82-85)
(Note: Labs are required for all classes that have labs, except science elective and CHM 301)
BIO 101/101L Introduction to Cellular/Subcellular Biology (5)
BIO 102/102L Organismal Biology (5)
CHM 111-112/L   (10)
CHM 227-228/L Organic Chemistry (10)
MAT 111 Calculus I (4)
MAT 141 or ECO 255 Inferential or Business Statistics (4 or 3)
PHY 201-202/L General Physics  
 OR
PHY 223-224 General Physics for Science Majors (10)
BCH 301-302/L Biochemistry (10)
CHM 380-480-481 Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar Biochemistry Elective: one course (BCH 405, BIO 440 or CHM 448) (3)
Biochemistry Elective: one course (BCH 405, BIO 440 or CHM 448)  (3)
Molecular, Genetics or Cell Biology Elective: one course (BIO 304, 450, 408, 432, 435, 418, 419, 425, 426 or 455) (4)
CHM 301 Physical Chemistry I (4)
Physical Chemistry/Instrumentation: two of the following three (CHM 302/302L, CHM 430/430L, CHM 334/334L) (8 or 9)
Science elective: one class at or above the following levels (BIO 303, BCH 303, CHM 303, PHY 225, MAT 211, CSC 110) or one of the following (CHM 230, CHM 232, CSC 107, MAT 141 or PSY 201). (3 or 4)

4. Business Requirements: four courses in addition to ECO 101-102 (12)
MGT 101 Introduction to Management (3)
MKT 201 Principles of Marketing (3)
ACC 201 Financial Accounting (3)
FIN 301 Introduction to Finance (3)
TOTAL: (39 courses) (142-145)

Biochemistry Pre-Pharmacy Track

YEAR 1    

#  of
sem

         
ENG 101-102 English I & II 2 (6)
BIO 101-102 (with labs) Biology I & II 2 (10)
CHM 111-112 (with labs) General Chemistry I & II 2 (10)
MAT 111-112 Calculus I & II* 2 (8)
       
YEAR 2      
PHY 201-202 (with labs) General Physics I & II* 2 (10)
CHM 227-228 (with labs) Organic Chemistry 2 (10)
MAT 141, PSY 201 or ECO 255 Statistics (Science elective)    1 (3-4)
ECO 102 (preferred) or ECO 101 Economics (ASII) 1 (3)
PSY 101 (preferred) or SOC 110 Psychology or
Sociology (ASII)		 1 (3)
SOC 110 Sociology (ASII) 1 (3)
HIS 123, HIS 124, PSC 320, American History or SOC 290 or SOC 341 Politics* (ASIV)   1 (3)
Two of the following:      
    Art course** (ASIII)      
    World Civilization I** (HIS111) Two Pre-Pharmacy    
    World Civilization II** (HIS108) Electives*    
    Computer course (CSC110)      
    Nutrition (BIO109)      
    Microbiology (BIO307)***   2 (6)

(Note: The specific requirements for each pharmacy school should be checked for which courses should be taken and may include courses other than those listed here.)

* The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Pharmacy School requires 5 “general education” electives but does not specifically require Calculus II, Physics II or American History.

** Three elective courses are required for graduation from UB Pharmacy School, and can be taken at Canisius College before transfer or at UB Pharmacy School after transfer. If taken at Canisius College, the courses need to be pre-approved by UB Pharmacy School. It is recommended that the student takes only two of these courses before transfer to the UB Pharmacy School. If a student wishes to take all three before transfer, he/she may choose to take the third course during a summer semester. Students that complete a 4-year degree at Canisius College before starting at UB are exempt from these three requirements.

***The University of Cincinnati requires microbiology.

Recommended Schedule (Biochemistry Professional Track)

Fall              Spring      
Freshman Year      
ENG 101 3 ENG 102 3
CHM 111/111L 5 CHM 112/112L 5
BIO 101/101L