Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Douglas Raynie, Department Head
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Avera Health and Science Center 131
605-688-5151
E-mail: douglas.raynie@sdstate.edu
chembiochem.sdstate.edu

Faculty

Associate Research Professor Raynie, Head; Professors Cole-Dai, Halaweish, Logue, Rice; Professors Emeriti Emerick, Gehrke, Grove, Hecht, Hilderbrand, Jensen, Palmer, Rue, Spinar, Wadsworth; Associate Professors Hoppe, Miller, Shore; Assistant Professors Chakravarty, Dianovsky, Gupta, Iram, Van Slambrouck, Zhang; Lecturers Grove, Hirko, Leibold, Jewell, Madsen, Williams.

Overview

The mission of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is to provide high-quality, technologically relevant educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in chemistry, biochemistry, and related scientific areas through degree programs at the baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral levels. In addition, the Department provides support to other academic majors and programs on campus through the coursework it offers. In both its major’s and service curricula, the Department provides a robust and challenging program of instruction that addresses the needs of students by broadening their perspectives and enabling them to continue the learning process as scientifically educated citizens. Further, the SDSU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is a founding signatory to the Green Chemistry Commitment. Specific examples of green chemistry are presented in general chemistry, organic chemistry laboratory experiments, a chemical toxicology course, and graduate and undergraduate research. Through the courses and training offered by the Department, students will be:  proficient in oral and written communication; technologically literate; globally informed; and prepared to function in a diverse world. The Department seeks to assist the University in its goal of attracting and retaining quality students by providing courses of high academic standards. The Department also maintains strong research efforts in areas appropriate to the broad goals and objectives of a land-grant institution. The Department will continue to meet the service and formal educational needs of its various constituencies through selected service programs that are continually being refined to meet changing needs, both on-campus and throughout the state of South Dakota, the region, and the world.

Departmental Objectives

• To address the needs of a scientifically literate citizenry in South Dakota, the upper midwest, nationally, and globally;
• To facilitate students’ communication skills in both oral and written formats;
• To encourage the technological literacy of students such that they become highly competitive in the global workforce;
• To provide opportunities for professional development of students at the baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral levels;
• To provide premier leadership in the chemical sciences dedicated to excellence in learning, discovery, and outreach.

Programs

Majors
Biochemistry (B.S.)  
Chemistry (B.S.)  
Chemistry Education (B.S.)  
Minors
Chemistry Minor  
Graduate Programs*
Chemistry (M.S.)
      Chemical Education Specialization
Biochemistry (Ph.D.)
Chemistry (Ph.D.)
* Graduate degrees are offered in collaboration with the Graduate School. For details, see the Graduate Catalog.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities

The Department offers opportunities for student engagement through research and student organizations. For additional information refer to the Research Opportunities page and the Student Organization page on the University’s webpage.