Full-Time Faculty: Mariusz M. Kozik, Chair; Jessica L. Childs-Disney, Frank J. Dinan, Timothy M. Gregg, Mary O’Sullivan, Peter M. Schaber, Phillip M. Sheridan, 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. In addition, the School of Education and Human Services offers Chemistry Education degree for grades 7-12 (Adolescence Education with Certification in Chemistry).
The Health Professions Track and the Chemistry Professional Track both lead to the degree of bachelor of science in chemistry. 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. A strong emphasis is placed on laboratory experience in all program tracks.
Modern laboratories with a variety of sophisticated equipment for student use provide the majors with hands-on experience that is necessary to be competitive in today’s job market.
The Chemistry Professional Track is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and leads to the chemistry degree certified by the ACS. This track is ideal for students who intend to pursue graduate studies in chemistry or employment in industry or academia. The Health Professions Track is for students who intend to pursue careers in clinical medicine, dentistry and other related health professions. Chemistry graduates 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. The Biochemistry Program Track is interdisciplinary in nature and provides excellent preparation in both disciplines by requiring upper level courses in both chemistry and biology. Biochemistry graduates may enter a variety of fields, including 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.
All three tracks can be completed with a business minor. 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 offers a chemistry minor. In addition, the department 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: Early Assurance Program with SUNY Buffalo Medical School or Syracuse Medical School: Qualified students may apply to the State University of New York at Buffalo Medical School or Syracuse University 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 at Buffalo 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. 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. Students also have 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 and biochemistry 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 and for work in chemical industry. 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 credits) | |
| 2. Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII 1 (12 courses) |
(36 credits) | |
| 3. Major course requirements (20 courses) | (75 credits) | |
| CHM 111-112 + lab General Chemistry | (8 credits) | |
| CHM 227-228 + lab Organic Chemistry | (8 credits) | |
| CHM 230 + lab Analytical Chemistry | (4 credits) | |
| CHM 301-302 + lab Physical Chemistry I and II | (8 credits) | |
| CHM 334 + lab Spectrometric Analysis | (4 credits) | |
| CHM 430 + lab Analytical Chemistry II | (4 credits) | |
| CHM 444 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | (3 credits) | |
| CHM 381-480-481 Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar | (3 credits) | |
| BCH 301 Introduction to Biochemistry | (3 credits) | |
| BIO 101 + lab Introduction to Cellular/Subcellular Biology | (4 credits) | |
| MAT 111-112 Calculus I & II | (8 credits) | |
| PHY 201-202 + lab General Physics | (8 credits) | |
| Chemistry electives: three courses, one with lab CHM 450 (research in chemistry) can be taken instead of one advanced elective. CHM450 is strongly recommended for A.C.S. certification)2 |
(10 credits) | |
| 4. Electives: MAT 211 is recommended (2 courses) | (6 credits) | |
| TOTAL (38 courses) |
|
(129 credits) |
Chemistry Health Professions Track:
| 1. ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) | (12 credits) | |
| 2. Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII 1 (12 courses) |
(36 credits) | |
| 3. Major course requirements (21 courses) | (76 credits) | |
| CHM 111-112 + lab General Chemistry | (8 credits) | |
| CHM 227-228 + lab Organic Chemistry | (8 credits) | |
| CHM 230 + lab Analytical Chemistry I | (4 credits) | |
| CHM 301 Physical Chemistry I | (3 credits) | |
| CHM 381-480-481 Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar | (3 credits) | |
| BCH 301 Introduction to Biochemistry | (3 credits) | |
| BIO 101 + lab Introduction to Cellular/Subcellular Biology | (4 credits) | |
| BIO 102 + lab Organismal Biology | (4 credits) | |
| MAT 111 Calculus I | (4 credits) | |
| MAT 141 Inferential Statistics and Computers for Science | (4 credits) | |
| PHY 201-202 + lab General Physics | (8 credits) | |
| 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 credits) | |
| 4. Electives (1 course) | (3 credits) | |
|
TOTAL (38 courses) |
(127 credits) | |
Chemistry Professional Track with Business Minor:
| 1. ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) | (12 credits) | |
| 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 credits) | |
| 3. Major course requirements (19 courses) | (72 credits) | |
| CHM 111-112 + lab General Chemistry | (8 credits) | |
| CHM 227-228 + lab Organic Chemistry | (8 credits) | |
| CHM 230 + lab Analytical Chemistry I | (4 credits) | |
| CHM 301-302 + lab Physical Chemistry I and II | (8 credits) | |
| CHM 334 + lab Spectrometric Analysis | (4 credits) | |
| CHM 430 + lab Analytical Chemistry II | (4 credits) | |
| CHM 444 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | (3 credits) | |
| CHM 381-480-481 Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar | (3 credits) | |
| BCH 301 Introduction to Biochemistry | (3 credits) | |
| BIO 101 + lab Introduction to Cellular/Subcellular Biology | (4 credits) | |
| MAT 111-112 Calculus I & II | (8 credits) | |
| PHY 201-202 + lab General Physics | (8 credits) | |
| Chemistry electives: two courses, one with lab (CHM 450 Research in Chemistry) can be taken instead of one advanced elective. CHM450 is strongly recommended for A.C.S. certification) |
(7 credits) | |
| 4. Business Requirements | ||
| Five courses in addition to ECO 101-102 | (15-16 credits) | |
| MGT 101 Introduction to Management | (3 credits) | |
| MKT 201 Principles of Marketing | (3 credits) | |
| ACC 201 Financial Accounting | (3 credits) | |
| FIN 201 Introduction to Finance | (3 credits) | |
| MAT 141 or ECO 255 Inferential or Business Statistics | (3 or 4 credits) | |
| TOTAL (40 courses) | (135-136 credits) | |
Chemistry Health Professions Track with Business Minor:
| 1. ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) | (12 credits) | |
| 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 credits) | |
| 3. Major course requirements (19 courses) | (69-70 credits) | |
| CHM 111-112 + lab General Chemistry | (8 credits) | |
| CHM 227-228 + lab Organic Chemistry | (8 credits) | |
| CHM 230 + lab Analytical Chemistry I | (4 credits) | |
| CHM 301 Physical Chemistry I | (3 credits) | |
| CHM 381-480-481 Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar | (3 credits) | |
| BCH 301 Introduction to Biochemistry | (3 credits) | |
| BIO 101 + lab Introduction to Cellular/Subcellular Biology | (4 credits) | |
| BIO 102 + lab Organismal Biology | (4 credits) | |
| MAT 111 Calculus I | (4 credits) | |
| MAT 141 or ECO 255 Inferential or Business Statistics | (4 or 3 credits) | |
| PHY 201-202 + lab General Physics | (8 credits) | |
| 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 credits) | |
| 4. Business Requirements 4 courses in addition to ECO 101-102 |
(12 credits) | |
| MGT 101 Introduction to Management | (3 credits) | |
| MKT 201 Principles of Marketing | (3 credits) | |
| ACC 201 Financial Accounting | (3 credits) | |
| FIN 201 Introduction to Finance | (3 credits) | |
| TOTAL (39 courses) | (129-130 credits) | |
Recommended Schedule (Chemistry Professional Track)
| Fall | Spring | |||||
| Freshman Year | ||||||
| ENG 101 | 3 credits | ENG 102 | 3 credits | |||
| CHM 111/111L | 4 credits | CHM 112/112L | 4 credits | |||
| MAT 111 | 4 credits | MAT 112 | 4 credits | |||
| BIO 101/101L | 4 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 17 credits | |||||
| Sophomore Year | ||||||
| RST 101 | 3 credits | PHI 101 | 3 credits | |||
| CHM 227/227L | 4 credits | CHM 228/228L | 4 credits | |||
| PHY 201/201L | 4 credits | PHY 202/202L | 4 credits | |||
| CHM 230/230L | 4 credits | Elective (MAT 211 recommended) |
3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 17 credits | |||||
| Junior Year | ||||||
| CHM 301/301L | 4 credits | CHM 302/302L | 4 credits | |||
| CHM 334/334L | 4 credits | CHM 430/430L or AS | 4 or 3 credits | |||
| AS or CHM 444 | 3 credits | CHM 381 | 1 credit | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 17 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 17-18 credits | |||||
| Senior Year | ||||||
| CHM 444 or AS | 3 credits | Chemistry elective + lab | 4 credits | |||
| CHM 480 | 1 credit | Chemistry elective | 3 credits | |||
| BCH 301 | 3 credits | CHM 481 | 1 credit | |||
| Chemistry elective (CHM 450 recommended for A.C.S. certification |
3 credits | AS or CHM 430/430L | 3 or 4 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | Total | 14-15 credits | |||
| Total | 16 credits | |||||
| TOTAL | 129 credits |
Recommended Schedule (Chemistry Health Professional Track)
| Fall | Spring | |||||
| Freshman Year | ||||||
| ENG 101 | 3 credits | ENG 102 | 3 credits | |||
| CHM 111/111L | 4 credits | CHM 112/112L | 4 credits | |||
| MAT 111 | 4 credits | MAT 141 or 112 | 4 credits | |||
| BIO 101/101L | 4 credits | BIO 102/102L | 4 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Sophomore Year | ||||||
| RST 101 | 3 credits | PHI 101 | 3 credits | |||
| CHM 227/227L | 4 credits | CHM 228/228L | 4 credits | |||
| PHY 201/201L | 4 credits | PHY 202/202L | 4 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | |||||
| Total | 14 credits | Total | 17 credits | |||
| Junior Year | ||||||
| CHM 301 | 3 credits | Science elective + Lab | 4 credits | |||
| Science elective + Lab | 4 credits | Science elective | 3 credits | |||
| BCH 301 | 3 credits | CHM 381 | 1 credit | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 16 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 17-18 credits | |||||
| Senior Year | ||||||
| CHM 230/230L | 4 credits | Science elective | 3 credits | |||
| Science elective | 3 credits | Science elective | 3 credits | |||
| Science elective | 3 credits | CHM 481 | 1 credit | |||
| CHM 480 | 1 credit | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 17 credits | Total | 16 credits | |||
|
|
TOTAL |
127 credits | ||||
| Fall | Spring | |||||
| Freshman Year | ||||||
| ENG 101 | 3 credits | ENG 102 | 3 credits | |||
| CHM 111/111L | 4 credits | CHM 112/112L | 4 credits | |||
| MAT 111 | 4 credits | MAT 112 | 4 credits | |||
| BIO 101/101L | 4 credits | BIO 102 (AS II) | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 18 credits | Total | 17 credits | |||
| Sophomore Year | ||||||
| RST 101 | 3 credits | PHI 101 | 3 credits | |||
| CHM 227/227L | 4 credits | CHM 228/228L | 4 credits | |||
| PHY 201/201L | 4 credits | PHY 202/202L | 4 credits | |||
| CHM 230/230L | 4 credits | MGT 101 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 18 credits | Total | 17 credits | |||
| Junior Year | ||||||
| CHM 301/301L | 4 credits | CHM 302/302L | 4 credits | |||
| CHM 334/334L | 4 credits | CHM 430/430L or AS | 4 or 3 credits | |||
| AS or CHM 444 | 3 credits | CHM 381 | 1 credit | |||
| ACC 201 | 3 credits | MAT 141 or ECO 255 | 4 or 3 credits | |||
| ECO 101 (AS II) | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 17 credits | Total | 14-16 credits | |||
| Senior Year | ||||||
| CHM 444 or AS | 3 credits | Chemistry elective + Lab | 4 credits | |||
| BCH 301 | 3 credits | Chemistry elective or AS | 3 credits | |||
| CHM 480 | 1 credit | CHM 481 | 1 credit | |||
| AS or Chemistry elective |
3 credits | AS or CHM 430/430L | 3 or 4 credits | |||
| FIN 201 | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| MKT 201 | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||