Chemistry and Biochemistry

Chemistry and Biochemistry Department
Hagen Hall 407, (218) 477-2136
Chair: Richard Lahti
Faculty: Landon Bladow, Jeff Bodwin, Craig Jasperse, Richard Lahti, 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. Four different degrees are available:

• B.S. degree in Chemistry (ACS certified);
• B.A. degree in Chemistry with emphasis in pre-health & biochemistry or business;
• B.S. degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology with emphasis in biochemistry and molecular biology or emphasis in biological chemistry (ACS certified);
• B.S. degree in Chemistry Education.

There are also minors offered in biochemistry and biotechnology and chemistry.

The B.S. degree in Chemistry is a rigorous four-year course of study designed for those students who plan to enter graduate programs in chemistry and its related fields, a career in chemical industries, or other 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 either pre-health & biochemistry or business. The degree can also be taken without an emphasis, which allows flexibility for 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 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.

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 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, 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.

Engineering/Chemistry Dual Degree
Students have the option of obtaining a dual degree in chemistry (from MSUM) and engineering by completing the engineering curriculum at a university of their choice. The student completes the core chemistry and liberal arts and sciences curriculum requirements in their first three years at MSUM. The student then completes a final two years at a university completing coursework in their chosen engineering field. It is expected students in the dual degree program will obtain both a chemistry and engineering degree in five years. The dual degree advisor will work with individual students to ensure requirements are met for both programs. Information on the engineering dual degree can be found HERE.