What is Chemistry?
We are immersed in chemistry all day, every day. A vehicle rusting, cooking a meal, detecting contaminants in drinking water, designing a new drug to treat disease; all of these examples use chemistry.Chemistry at Augustana
When studying chemistry, you'll get hands-on experience both in the lab and the classroom. You'll get the chance to conduct original research and will learn how to communicate chemistry concepts to a wide variety of audiences, from school children to pioneers of chemical research.
Program Information
Chemistry is available as a:
- Major in Bachelor of Science
- Major in Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Education
- Area of Study in Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Minor in any program
Academic Innovations
All programs at Augustana include a wide-ranging liberal arts Core, taught within our unique “3-11” calendar
Careers
An undergraduate degree studying Chemistry at Augustana can prepare you for careers both in the lab environment and beyond! Some opportunities include:
- Cancer Researcher
- Food and Drug Inspector
- Forensic Laboratory Analyst
- Toxicologist
Chemistry AlumnUS
Davin Martinson
Chiropractor
Chiropractor
Just six years after beginning his sciences program at Augustana, Davin Martinson hung his Doctor of Chiropractic degree on the wall of his own practice in Camrose.
Course Highlights
220 - Analysis
Theoretical and practical aspects of chemical analysis. Topics include titrimetry, separations, acid-base equilibria, chromatography, and spectrophotometry. Examples emphasize the utility and limitations of analytical techniques.
230 - Structure and Bonding
An introduction to the principles of molecular structure and chemical bonding. Topics include: the electronic structure of atoms, bonding models and Molecular Orbital Theory, symmetry and point groups, structure and bonding of ionic solids, structure and bonding of transition metal complexes, stereochemistry and conformational isomerism.
250 - Synthesis
An introduction to bonding and functionality in organic compounds. Qualitative factors affecting acidity and basicity will be introduced, as well as the concept of aromaticity. A mechanistic approach to learning reactions will be emphasized, with discussion of the nucleophilic acyl additions and substitutions, nucleophilic reactions adjacent to carbonyls, simple substitutions, and electrophilic aromatic substitutions. The three-dimensional structure of molecules and the concept of stereochemistry will also be examined.
341 - Environmental Chemistry
This course serves as an introduction to the chemical processes responsible for natural environmental phenomena and anthropogenic environmental sampling, climate change, pollution, waste management, fossil fuels and alternative energy technologies, toxic organic compounds and the principles of green chemistry.
450 - Enzymes
Study of the mechanism of different classes of enzymes along with experimental techniques used in enzymology.
Related Information
James Kariuki, PhD
James Kariuki teaches analytical, physical and general chemistry courses. His research is focused on low-cost electrodes.
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Elizabeth McGinitie, PhD
Elizabeth McGinitie teaches general, physical and inorganic chemistry courses. Her research focuses on catalyst development and continuous-flow chemistry.
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Brian Rempel, PhD
Brian Rempel teaches in the areas of general and organic chemistry. His research interests are in the synthesis and enzymatic evaluation of enzyme inhibitors and inactivators.
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