Chemistry/Biochemistry

Misericordia Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry strives to engage students in teaching and research activities from the moment they arrive on campus. Recent graduates have gone on to graduate programs in chemistry and the biomedical sciences, teaching positions, professional school, and a range of industrial positions.

We take pride in our small classes and strong faculty-student interaction in the classroom and the lab.

Why Misericordia Chemistry/Biochemistry?

Small introductory classes: 24–30 students; upper-level classes: 6–12 students
Independent research
Hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation
Collegiality among students, faculty and staff
Academic and career advising from faculty with experience in chemistry and biochemistry
A supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth and independence
Professional development built into the curriculum

Small Class Sizes

Hands-On Experience & Professional Development

Research Opportunities

Dr. Anna Fedor — Chemistry has been called the “central science” because it has applications in so many fields. Graduates with a major in chemistry can select from a variety of jobs in the chemical industry, in government laboratories, or in medical or agricultural research. In addition, they are prepared for graduate studies in chemistry or biochemistry and, with the proper selection of elective courses, for professional studies in medicine, veterinary medicine, and related fields.

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Dr. Charles Saladino — 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.

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Chem Lab Male Student — 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.

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.

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David Schnable — The secondary education program in Chemistry (CHM/SECED) is designed to prepare teachers of Chemistry for Grades 7-12. Our CHM/SECED program has been continually refined to keep pace with developments in the profession. A unique aspect of the program is that it prepares teachers to effectively deal with students with disabilities who are likely to be included in their classes.

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Chemistry Female Student — The Chemistry minor is most often selected by biology majors, but is appropriate for any student with an interest in the physical sciences. Majors in business, English or pre-law, for example, may find a background in chemistry useful in such specialties as patent law or scientific journalism.

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Featured Academic Programs

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B.S. in Chemistry (Pre-Professional Track Option)
B.S. in Biochemistry (Pre-Professional Track Option)
B.A. in Biochemistry (Pre-DPT Specialization)
B.A. in Chemistry (Secondary Education Certification)
Minor in Chemistry

Student Opportunities

Student Research

Students majoring in Chemistry and Biochemistry participate in research projects with one-on-one mentoring from faculty members in the department. Students learn to work independently using a wide variety of techniques and instrumentation, present their work at local, regional, and national conferences, and they even publish scientific papers in chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical education journals.

In addition to carrying out research during the school year, students can complete an internship outside of the university to earn their research credits.

Research Funds

Research Funds

Dead Alchemist Society

Our student chemistry club, the Dead Alchemist Society, involves the local community in fun and education science activities. At the annual fall event, Boom in the Night, students put on a lively science show complete with “puking pumpkins,” electric pickles, and other spooky science.

Students also lead several safe and fun hands-on demonstrations for children. The club has recently added an Earth Day event in the spring to highlight environmental chemistry and the chemistry of everyday life.

Meet Kyle, Chemistry major and student athlete

Hear why Kyle chose MU!

Student Testimonials

Community Realized

Ricky Averil

The chemistry program at Misericordia has a great family atmosphere. The faculty truly care about the success of all of their students and they all go the extra mile to ensure every student has a great educational experience here at Misericordia.

Shelby Burke

Working in a research group prepared me for the national conference I attended and made talking to colleagues in my field easier.

Catherine Falzone

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program allowed me to conduct research and expanded my ability to think abstractly and critically. This research was accepted to present at the American Society for Cell Biology 2018 Meeting in San Diego, California.

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Meet a Student

Fast Facts and Outcomes

Fast Facts and Outcomes

Chemistry and Biochemistry strives to engage students in teaching and research activities from the moment students arrive on campus. Recent graduates have experienced success in moving onto Ph.D. programs in the biomedical sciences and chemistry related programs, teaching positions, professional school, and a range of industrial positions. We take pride in our small class sizes and strong faculty-student interaction in the classroom and in research projects. The department’s faculty are well-published scholars with extensive teaching experience and focus on individual mentoring and faculty-supervised research.

What makes Misericordia’s Chemistry program stand out from all the rest:

The Chemistry program integrates mathematics, physics, and chemistry courses, allowing students to explore upper-level courses in the fundamental fields of chemistry. The Biochemistry program reflects the fusions of the fields of chemistry and biochemistry, and integrates both the biological and chemical sciences into its curriculum. These programs have prepared students for entry into professional school, graduate school, and employment in the pharmaceutical sciences. Students will have the opportunity to conduct research projects, publish with faculty, and present at conferences nationally. Minor in Chemistry is most often selected by biology majors, but is appropriate for any student with an interest in the physical sciences. Majors in Business, English or Pre-Law, for example, may find a background in chemistry useful in such specialties as patent law or scientific journalism.

Program degree options:

Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Pre-Professional Specialization)
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry (Secondary Education Teaching Certification)
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Pre-Professional Specialization)
Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry (Pre-DPT)

Students have gone to graduate school at:

University of Pennsylvania
University of Louisville
Princeton University
Syracuse University
Stony Brook University
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Clemson University
University of Delaware

Students have gone to professional school at:

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
VCOM (Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Penn State Hershey PA program
LECOM (Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine)

Students have attended national and regional meetings at:

Boston
Hershey
Philadelphia
New Orleans
Binghamton
Anaheim
San Diego
Washington D.C.

Alumni have been employed at:

Glaxo Smithkline
Agilent
Zotos International
Johnson and Johnson
Sanofi Pasteur
Eurofins Scientific

Research/Internship opportunities available:

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program at Misericordia University
Student Internships obtained at:
- University of Connecticut
- Polysciences, Inc.
- Clemson University
- James Madison University
- University of Tennessee
- University of Oregon
- TechBIO REU in Pittsburgh

Contact

For more information about the Chemistry/Biochemistry program, contact Charles Saladino, Ph.D., Chairperson of the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department & Chemistry Professor at 570-674-8017 or email at csaladino@misericordia.edu