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
Recommended Schedule (Chemistry Professional Track with Business Minor)

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