Chemistry (CHEM) Minor

James A. Rice
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Shepard Hall 121
605-688-5151
e-mail: james.rice@sdstate.edu
            chembiochem.sdstate.edu

Including the areas of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences (MedT) also known as Medical Technology

Faculty

Professor Rice, Head; Professor Utecht; Professors Emeriti Emerick, Gehrke, Hecht, Hilderbrand, Palmer, Rue, Spinar, Wadsworth; Associate Professors Cole-Dai, Halaweish, Shore; Assistant Professors Cartrette, Cervantes-Laurean, Logue, Mayo, Miller, Pravecek, Raynie, You.

Programs

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society for training professional chemists. Graduates are certified to the American Chemical Society as being eligible for full membership following two years of graduate work or other experience in chemistry, biochemistry, or related area. Department courses serve three general purposes. First, you can major in chemistry or biochemistry by choosing one of the following curricula. Second, a chemistry minor can be obtained by students wanting a more extensive chemistry background without majoring in chemistry. Third, since chemistry and biochemistry are so closely related to other fields of study, a number of courses are offered to provide sufficient chemical and biochemical background to meet professional needs.

Biochemistry
The American Chemical Society (ACS) approved curriculum in biochemistry is a truly interdisciplinary degree intended for students planning to pursue careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, or optometry. It is also an ideal major for students intending to pursue graduate study in biochemistry, molecular biology or similar fields emphasizing the molecular aspects of the biological sciences. Numerous careers are available to students with a biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry laboratories, and government service. Nontraditional career paths that a student can follow include law (particularly patent law), bioethics, and entrepreneurship. Agrade of “C” or better is required in all courses required for the major.

Chemistry
The American Chemical Society in chemistry approved curriculum is intended for students planning to pursue graduate work in chemistry or for positions in research, industrial or governmental laboratories. The Department also offers a B.S. degree program for persons wishing to emphasize applications of chemistry to agriculture, business, quality control, environmental regulation, education or preparation for professional schools of medicine, dentistry or optometry. Those considering teaching should consult with the College of Education and Counseling by their sophomore year. SEED 413, 7-12 Science Methods, is a requirement to be certified to teach high school chemistry. A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses required for the major.

Emphases
The ACS-certified chemistry specialization offers optional emphases in environmental chemistry and chemical physics. These emphases are developed through the selection of elective courses and undergraduate research experiences that provide expertise appropriate to one of these three areas.

Minor in Chemistry
A minor in chemistry is offered for students wanting extensive chemistry coursework without majoring in chemistry. A grade of “C” or better in all courses proposed for the minor is required. At least 50% of chemistry courses applied toward a minor must be completed at SDSU.

Graduate Study
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers instruction leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Chemistry. See Graduate Catalog or contact the Department for details.

Clinical and Laboratory Sciences (MedT) also known as Medical Technology
Deborah Pravecek, Coordinator

Medical Directors of Affiliated Schools of Medical Technology: Askae Qalbani, M.D., Mercy Medical Center, Sioux City, IA; Susan Eliason, M.D., Rapid City Regional Hospital, Rapid City, SD; David W. Ohrt, M.D., Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD; Gene N. Herbek, M.D., St. Luke’s Medical Center, Sioux City, IA; Dorryl I. Buck, M.D., St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, IA; Vijaya Dhanwada, M.D., Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines, IA.

Program Directors/Education Coordinators of Affiliated Schools of Medical Technology: Renee Rydell, MT (ASCP), Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD; Pam Briese, MT (ASCP), St. Luke’s Medical Center, Sioux City, IA; Pam Keiffer, MT (ASCP), Rapid City Regional Hospital, Rapid City, SD; Mary Smith, MT(ASCP), Mercy Medical Center, Sioux City, IA.; Sr. Rose V. Brown, MT (ASCP) Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, Colorado Springs, CO; Nadine Sojka, MT (ASCP), St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, IA; Kyla Deibler, MT (ASCP), Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines, IA; Karen Myers, MT (ASCP) Health One Alliance, Denver, CO.

The University offers the first three years of an educational experience that provides scientific background in the chemistry and the biological sciences required for entrance into the clinical training program. The professional internship program, a 12 month experience at an approved hospital laboratory school, qualifies a student for the Bachelor of Science degree. The clinical training can be obtained at the affiliated hospitals listed above or at other approved schools. Internships are awarded on the basis of academic performance, recommendations and interviews. A minimum 2.50 GPA is required by most hospitals. A GPA of 2.80 or higher is recommended. A grade of “C” or better in all courses proposed for the major is required. SDSU cannot guarantee every student an intern position. The University has affiliation agreements with the hospitals listed above to assist you in finding an internship.

The clinical laboratory scientist is an indispensable member of the modern health team. He/she makes use of hundreds of scientific procedures devised to disclose the subtle changes that diseases produce in the body. By studying cells under the microscope, analyzing the chemical composition of body fluids and secretions, he/she can pinpoint clues to illness that might not be detected any other way. Conclusive evidence for the presence of disease as well as monitoring the success of treatment depends on laboratory findings. The clinical laboratory scientist also needs to be competent in areas such as personnel and resource management, administration, teaching and research.