Biochemistry BA, (Pre-DPT Specialization)

College of Arts and Sciences
Department Chair Charles Saladino, Jr., PhD

Faculty

Anna Fedor, Associate Professor of Chemistry/Biochemistry , BS Pennsylvania State University; PhD Syracuse University

John Morgan, Associate Professor of Chemistry/Biochemistry, BS Haverford College; PhD California Institute of Technology

Charles Saladino, Jr., Professor of Chemistry/Biochemistry, BA, MA Hofstra University; PhD Iowa State University

Biochemistry is an exciting and challenging field of study that combines the worlds of chemistry and biology into a science that explores the chemistry of biomolecules and those biological processes that support a living system. Today’s biochemistry operates in the world of life on earth described by biology and probes the complexities of this world on the molecular scale using the concepts and analysis techniques derived from the field of chemistry.

The mission of the Chemistry/Biochemistry Department is to educate students in the multifaceted fields of chemistry and biochemistry, so as to prepare them to advanced scientific knowledge and practice in a variety of academic, industrial, and health-related professions.

The biochemistry major reflects the fusion of the biological and chemical fields as a hybrid of both departments’ curricula, combining the essential areas of chemistry knowledge of biology at the molecular level. We believe that students must first be good chemists before they can be good biochemists. Thus, the program is designed to be highly interdisciplinary. The biochemistry program at Misericordia University prepares students for graduate studies in chemistry and biochemistry, as well as the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and bio-technology industries.

At the end of their sophomore year and thereafter, biochemistry majors must have and maintain a GPA of 2.5 in courses required for the major in order to remain in good standing in the program, and a GPA of 3.0 to be recommended for graduate or professional schools. Students must earn a minimum of three (3) credits of research (CHM 460 ) before, or during, the first semester of their senior year. Research can be replaced with a summer internship (CHM 490 , up to 3 credits) before, or during, their junior year.

Program Goals and Outcomes

The following are program goals for the Biochemistry major:

1. To prepare students in the area of biochemistry for careers in industry or for study in graduate or professional programs.
2. To teach students to solve problems, to think critically, and to interpret and report data with the use of technology
3. To familiarize students with chemical literature in multiple formats, including print and electronic references and chemical databases
4. To help students develop skills for independent and collaborative laboratory practices, including lab safety, analytical instrumentation, chemical synthesis, and quantitative analysis
5. To promote students’ understanding of professional, ethical, and social responsibilities in the practice of chemistry and biochemistry
6. To prepare students to communicate effectively through written reports and oral presentations, including preparation of professional quality visual aids

The Biochemistry major program goals are realized in the following student learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory techniques in lower-level courses and proficiency in reporting advanced research in upper-level courses
2. Demonstrate proficiency in researching, completing, and reporting advanced disciplinary research
3. Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory techniques and in preparing formal laboratory reports
4. Illustrate professional, ethical, and social responsibilities in the practice of chemistry and biochemistry in advanced disciplinary research
5. Present advanced disciplinary research in paper, poster, and oral presentation to the university’s consortium group

The Pre-Doctor of Physical Therapy (pre-DPT) curriculum is specifically designed for students admitted to the pre-DPT program. The Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry degree option allows pre-DPT students to complete the degree and all pre-DPT program prerequisites in 3-1/2 years. Students in the BA Biochemistry program are required to complete at least three credits of Chemistry electives from the following list:

CHM 324 Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis  

CHM 356 Physical Chemistry II  

CHM 360 Principles and Biochemical Mechanisms of Pharmacology  

CHM 410 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry  

CHM 420 Polymer Chemistry  

CHM 450 Special Topics  

CHM 460 Research in Chemistry  (no more than three credits)

CHM 490 Chemistry Internship  (no more than three credits)