Chemistry

Why study chemistry?

Students will become highly-qualified, experienced chemists who pursue graduate studies or a variety of in-demand careers thanks to individualized, rigorous curriculum and research.

  • The chemistry and biochemistry department values critical thinking, research, mentoring and safety to provide a comprehensive foundation that well prepares students.
  • Students research with highly-skilled faculty from the beginning in individualized programs of study based on student interest.
AU Chemistry Lab

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Latest News

Beginning in the fall, Augustana University will offer a major in neuroscience. The major will be in addition to the neuroscience minor, which launched in Fall 2022, as well as a neuroscience emphasis for psychology majors.

Augustana is excited to once again host its annual Arthur Olsen Student Research Symposium, set to take place on Saturday, April 13, at the Froiland Science Complex, located on the university’s campus.

Dr. Michael Amolins ‘07 has made a wealth of Augustana connections in his life. He always remembers where it all started and why he stays connected.

Highlights

Summer Internship: Noah Hovorka '22

Summer Internship: Noah Hovorka '22

Careers

Graduates have secured careers as veterinarians, researchers, physicians, genetic counselors, environmental or patent lawyers and quality control specialists.

Hands-On Learning

Many students in biochemistry undertake paid research, engage in mentorship in research, internship and personalized advanced courses, present at national conferences and co-author peer-reviewed publications.

Internship opportunities include:

  • Antimicrobial Materials, Inc.
  • Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN)
  • Cardiovascular Research Institute
  • Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
  • SAb Biotherapeutics
  • Sioux Falls Water Reclamation Facility
  • POET

Students conduct primary research in Augustana’s science labs containing quality equipment for students, including cutting-edge microscopy and chemical detection instrumentation. 

Chemistry students study away in:

  • Japan — The Chemistry of Japanese Culture — a course that focuses on industrial, academic, research and cultural chemistry.
  • Florida and the Gulf Coast — focusing on marine biology with AU faculty
  • Kenya — focusing on global food insecurity and education with AU faculty
  • Guatemala and Belize — focusing on tropical ecology and Spanish immersion with AU faculty

Courses & Organizations

Those interested in majoring in chemistry should consider whether to pursue the classic track (44 credit hours) or the American Chemical Society (ACS) track (60 credit hours). The ACS track is highly recommended for those interested in graduate school.

In courses and research, Augustana’s lab equipment includes:

  • Infrared, UV-visible, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Raman, emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy instrumentation
  • Liquid and gas chromatography instrumentation
  • JEOL 400 MHz NMR spectrometer, which allows access to 1D and 2D NMR methods of analysis

Chemistry students often participate in:

  • Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS)
  • Paid laboratory assistantships and tutoring positions
  • Volunteering at Sanford or Avera
  • Women in STEM
  • Society of Physics Students
  • Augie Green