Science
The most recent manifestation of Manhattan College’s commitment to Science education was the establishment of the School of Science in 1993. While maintaining its traditional ties with the School of Arts, the School of Science will serve to assure the continuation of Manhattan’s tradition of excellence in Science education — a tradition which is reflected in the success of Manhattan’s Science graduates and has led to Manhattan’s membership in the Oberlin Group, a select number of colleges recognized as one of the nation’s most important sources of professional scientists.
Curriculum
Undergraduate studies in the Sciences are most challenging but provide an almost unique opportunity to learn and develop problem-solving and analytical skills while gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of physical laws and their applications. The choice of a Science major is based upon the individual’s interests, educational and career goals, and abilities. Majors may be chosen from several areas: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics. Elective components of the major curricula provide the opportunity to explore other areas of interest, enhance knowledge in a specialized area of the major, or to construct minor sequences in other disciplines. Minors may be earned in all of the departments of the School of Science. At Manhattan, our Science curricula contain a strong core component in the Arts to provide a foundation for our graduates to contend with the humanistic and ethical issues they will face after graduation. Once a student is admitted to Manhattan College, all major, minor, and Core courses must be taken at Manhattan College. Certain non-resident courses, with the approval of the Dean and major department Chair, may be exceptions to this requirement. Under unusual circumstances, and with the approval of the Dean after consultation with the Chair of the student’s major department, courses may be taken at another College.
Honor Societies and Research Opportunities
A number of national honor societies have been established on campus in order to encourage and recognize the achievements of Manhattan College students.
Phi Beta Kappa, founded in 1776, is dedicated to the idea of excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. The Manhattan College chapter, the Upsilon of New York was established in 1971. Election to Phi Beta Kappa is generally regarded as a mark of the highest distinction.
Sigma Xi is a national honor society founded in 1896 to encourage research in the sciences. Students are elected to membership on the basis of their accomplishments in research and their enthusiasm for continued scientific investigation.
Departments of the School of Science sponsor local chapters of national honor societies in their disciplines; Beta Beta Beta (Biology), Gamma Sigma Epsilon (Chemistry), Pi Mu Epsilon (Mathematics), Sigma Pi Sigma (Physics).
The Science faculty are dedicated to encouraging student research efforts. Manhattan’s small classes and close student-faculty interactions generate an atmosphere which has produced many important student-faculty research collaborations.
Professional and Career Development
Prelegal Advisory Committee
Students interested in entering law school may receive information and guidance through the Prelegal Advisory Committee. In addition to personal interviews, the Committee conducts group meetings to advise students on specialized fields of law. The Committee makes information available on requirements for admission to law schools, the availability of scholarships, and special opportunities in the legal profession. Further information is available from Professor June Dwyer of the Department of English.
Health Professions Advisory Committee
The Health Professions Advisory Committee is a body of faculty members who give guidance to students interested in preparing for careers in medicine, dentistry, and allied fields. Students are advised of the requirements established by the Association of American Medical Colleges, the American Dental Association, and other professional associations in the health field. Further information is available from the Office of the Chair of the Health Advisory Committee, Ann Marie Della Pizzi.
Preparation for Medicine and Dentistry
Students preparing for professional school admission may major in any discipline in the College. Their preparation must include, at a minimum, the following courses.
BIOL 111-112
BIOL 113-114
CHEM 101-102
CHEM 319-320
CHEM 323-324
ENGL 110
MATH 103-104
PHYS 101-102 or 107-108
Specific professional schools may require additional courses. Pre-professional students are expected to maintain an average of at least B in their science courses.
Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity
An undergraduate chapter of Phi Delta Epsilon, the International Medical Fraternity, has been established on campus and is open to all students desiring a professional career in the health sciences. Phi Delta Epsilon assists pre-professional students in making informed decisions when seeking health professions careers, conducts discussions with local health care professionals and current professional school students, holds regional and international conventions and helps develop community service programs. Phi Delta Epsilon is the largest and only medical fraternity of students and practicing physicians, active on over 40 medical school campuses. Interested students must be entering sophomore year and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Cooperative Program with the New York Chiropractic College
Manhattan College and the New York Chiropractic College sponsor a Joint Degree Affiliation Agreement. While enrolled at Manhattan College, students will complete all prerequisite course work for entrance into the NYCC professional program, with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 and individual grades of C or higher in all science courses required for entrance into NYCC, and will complete Manhattan College’s general requirements. Students will complete all additional course work which can be used, in addition to the above, to place joint degree students in proper position to complete their Manhattan College degree requirements upon completion of the first year (three trimesters) of professional study at NYCC. The acceptance of credits via transfer or testing toward completion of degree requirements shall be governed by current policies of Manhattan College. However, no more than 20 credits of required courses, and none of the science credits required for admission to NYCC, may be earned via examination. This is a requirement of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). New York Chiropractic College shall accept, for the entrance date of their choice, all students who successfully complete the Pre-Chiropractic Program with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and meet all other criteria for admission. Students who earn less than a 3.25 GPA, but at least a 2.25 GPA, will be eligible for admission to NYCC, and will receive appropriate consideration in the admission process for having completed the Manhattan College Pre-Chiropractic program, but will not receive the assurance of a seat reserved for students earning a 3.25 or higher GPA. Students will make application to NYCC one year in advance of their desired entrance date and will complete all required application procedures thereafter in a timely manner, including submission of recommendations and a satisfactory review. Students enrolled in the “3+1” program who successfully complete all course work in the first three trimesters at New York Chiropractic College with C’s or better will be granted the Bachelor of Science degree from Manhattan College, provided they have met all other graduation requirements.
Cooperative Program with the New York University College of Dentistry
Manhattan College and the New York University College of Dentistry sponsor a joint articulation program in dental education. Interested students must apply early in the fall semester of junior year. An index of at least 3.2 or higher for all science courses and an acceptable score on the DAT are required. The curriculum of the combined B.S./D.D.S. program requires completion of at least 98 credits at Manhattan College. Upon successful completion of the first year of study at Dentistry, the B.S. degree will be awarded by Manhattan College. The D.D.S. degree will be awarded upon completion of the seventh year of study by New York University College of Dentistry. Final admission to the program resides with the Office of Enrollment Services of the College of Dentistry.
Cooperative Program with the New York College of Podiatric Medicine
Manhattan College and the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCOPM) sponsor a joint articulation program in podiatric education. Interested students must apply early in the fall semester of junior year and must take the MCAT in April of their junior year. An index of 3.2 at Manhattan College and an acceptable MCAT score are required. The curriculum of the combined B.S./D.P.M. program requires the completion of at least 98 credits at Manhattan College. Upon successful completion of the first two years of study at NYCOPM, the B.S. degree will be awarded by Manhattan College. The D.P.M. degree will be awarded upon completion of the seventh year of study at NYCOPM. Final admission to the program resides with the Admissions Office of the NYCOPM.
Cooperative Program with the State University of New York (SUNY) State College of Optometry
Manhattan College and the SUNY State College of Optometry sponsor both a Joint Degree Affiliation Agreement and an Early Assurance Program Agreement for students interested in pursuing the field of optometry.
Students interested in the Joint Degree Affiliation Program must apply early in the fall semester of their junior year and must take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) in the spring of junior year. An index of 3.2 at Manhattan College and an acceptable OAT score are required. The curriculum of the combined B.S./O.D. program requires the completion of at least 98 credits at Manhattan College with no science or math grade below a C. Upon successful completion of the first year at SUNY-State College of Optometry, the B.S. degree will be awarded by Manhattan College. The O.D. degree will be awarded upon completion of the seventh year of study at SUNY-State College of Optometry. Final admission to the program resides with the Office of Student Affairs at SUNY-State College of Optometry.
Students interested in the Early Assurance Program apply by the end of their sophomore year, with a minimum of 60 college credits, and must have completed at least 70% of the prerequisite science and math courses. Following submission of all appropriate application materials, interviews will be conducted by SUNY-State College of Optometry and candidates will be notified in writing of their status by August 31. If accepted, in the student’s final two years at Manhattan College, a minimum of 3.2 overall GPA and a minimum of 3.2 in science and math must be maintained. In addition by February of senior year the OAT must be taken and a minimum science score of 320 must be attained.
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