Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemistry and Biochemistry Department
Hagen Hall 103, (218) 477-2136
Chair: Richard Lahti
Faculty: Gary Edvenson, Shawn Garrett, Craig Jasperse, Michelle Tigges
Minnesota State University Moorhead’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Department is on the Approved List of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Less than half of the nation’s chemistry departments meet the rigorous standards set by the ACS Committee on Professional Training for faculty, library resources, laboratory space, equipment, and curriculum. A major strength of the chemistry program is its emphasis on undergraduate research. Five different degrees are available:
- B.S. degree in Chemistry (ACS approved);
- B.A. degree in Chemistry with emphasis in biological chemistry, business, chemical physics, computational chemistry or mathematics;
- B.S. degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology with emphasis in biochemistry and molecular biology or emphasis in biological chemistry (ACS approve);
- B.S. degree in Chemistry Education.
There are also minors offered in biochemistry and biotechnology and chemistry, and a certificate in biochemistry and biotechnology.
The B.S. degree in Chemistry is a rigorous four-year course of study designed for those students who plan graduate programs in chemistry and its related fields, a career in chemical industries, or chemical professions. ACS is an organization of professional chemists that, among other activities, sets standards for chemistry education.
The B.A. degree in Chemistry can be earned with emphases in a number of areas such as biological chemistry, business, chemical physics, computational chemistry or mathematics. This flexibility allows students to include the related field courses in their chemistry program that best fit their future career, graduate school or professional school needs.
The B.S. degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology is a degree that combines studies in both biology and chemistry. This major is designed to teach advanced laboratory skills in the major areas of biochemistry and biotechnology. It provides a laboratory-rich, research-based experience that emphasizes hands-on learning. It includes the application of techniques used in the study of enzymology, cellular physiology, molecular biology and immunology.
The B.S. degree in Chemistry Education is part of the certification process to teach chemistry in Minnesota high schools. Students completing this major may also be certified to teach middle school science, grades 5-8. In addition to completing the chemistry core curriculum and middle school science coursework, students must also complete courses in professional (teacher) education.
Biochemistry is the study of chemistry and living systems. Biotechnology is the use of cellular and biomolecular processes to solve problems and make useful products. The different emphases, minor, and certificate offered in Biochemistry and Biotechnology are designed to prepare students for a wide array career and educational opportunities.
The Biochemistry and Biotechnology Degree has two emphases: 1) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and 2) Biological Chemistry. All students completing a BCBT Major must complete one of the two emphases.
The BCBT Major is designed to be a research-based, laboratory-intensive program focusing on training undergraduates in both the theories and practices of the discipline. All BCBT majors are required to participate in a small-group, senior-year research project mentored by one of the BCBT faculty members. Upon graduating with a BCBT Major approximately 30% of students attend medical school, 30% go directly to work in industry, and 40% attend graduate school.
BCBT Majors are strongly encouraged to participate in research outside of their coursework as early as possible in their academic career.
The Biochemistry and Biotechnology Industries are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The BCBT Industry Certificate is a unique, advanced training opportunity, that prepares people to work in the highly regulated bioscience, pharmaceutical, and chemistry industries. The Certificate Program prepares undergraduates to enter the workforce, provides training to incumbent workers for career advancement, and retrains displaced workers for new careers.