Chemistry, Biology & Health Sciences
At South Dakota Mines, the Department of Chemistry, Biology, & Health Sciences empowers students to explore the building blocks of life while tackling some of today's most pressing challenges in health, sustainability, and the environment. Students gain a deep understanding of the natural world through rigorous coursework, extensive lab experience, and hands-on research opportunities that prepare them for impactful careers.
Chemistry majors at Mines can pursue concentrations in biochemistry or green chemistry, blending core chemical knowledge with biological systems and sustainable technologies. Biology students explore areas such as molecular biology or environmental biological sciences, applying biological and biotechnological approaches to health and environmental solutions.
Students in Mines' pre-professional health sciences program find a flexible pathway to advanced degrees in healthcare, from medicine and dentistry to physical therapy and optometry. With a curriculum grounded in biology, chemistry, physics, and math, along with interdisciplinary electives, students develop the scientific and humanistic skills needed to excel in a variety of health-related professions.
Department Overview
Presentations in the department's seminar series are typically held on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters. Individuals from other departments or interested parties from the general public are welcome to attend. Details are sent via email to the campus community.
We encourage the students in our department to be active in the American Chemical Society student chapter, Student Biological Professional Society, Future Health Science Professionals, and other campus organizations and activities.
American Chemical Society (ACS)
The American Chemical Society is a self-governed individual membership organization
that consists of more than 163,000 members at all degree levels and in all fields
of chemistry.
The organization provides a broad range of opportunities for peer interaction, career
development, community service, and leadership skills regardless of professional or
scientific interest.
The purpose of ACS is to meet the needs of its members, foster scientific advancement,
and promote the public understanding of chemistry.
There are many benefits, technical and nontechnical, to joining ACS. These include
reduced fees to national and regional meetings, access to ACS journals and chemical
abstracts, continuing education opportunities, insurance programs, travel programs,
auto rental discounts, and much more.
The student chapter at South Dakota Mines is actively involved in many activities
such as National Chemistry Week, chemistry magic shows, and other social events.
South Dakota Mines is home to the Beta Phi Chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma, the nation's oldest professional chemical fraternity.
Membership is open to students from a variety of academic disciplines, including metallurgical engineering, geology, geological engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, mining engineering and management, environmental engineering, pre-health, and atmospheric sciences.
For more information, email AlphaChiSigma@mines.sdsmt.edu.
Research Labs & Centers
Contact Us
Amber Seidel
Program Assistant I
CBEC 2205, (605) 394-1233
Amber.Seidel@sdsmt.edu
Zhengtao Zhu
Department Head/Professor
CBEC 2206, (605) 394-2447
CBHS@sdsmt.edu
Department Head/Professor
CBEC 2206, (605) 394-2447
CBHS@sdsmt.edu
Biology Program Coordinator
CBEC 3316, (605) 394-2260
CBHS@sdsmt.edu
Rajesh K. Sani
Graduate Program Coordinator
CBEC 2211, (605) 394-1240
Rajesh.Sani@sdsmt.edu
Have more questions?
Dr. Zhengtao Zhu