Chemistry, Biology & Health Sciences

Our Chemistry and Biology programs offer strong foundations in scientific principles while encouraging innovation and specialization. Chemistry majors 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.
The Pre-Professional Health Sciences program provides a flexible pathway for students pursuing 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 build the scientific and humanistic skills needed to excel in a variety of health-related professions.
Department Overview
A seminar series is in development; individuals from other departments or interested parties from the general public are welcome to attend.
We encourage the students in our department to be active in the American Chemical Society (ACS) student chapter, Student Biological Professional Society, Future Health Science Professionals, as well as join other campus organizations and activities.
The 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 South Dakota Mines Student Affiliates 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 national'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. Find out more at the Beta Phi Chapter website.
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