Chemistry and Biochemistry Department
From lab to life: Chemistry and biochemistry
Are you curious about the science behind crime scene investigations? Passionate about protecting the environment? Interested in how new medicines are developed? At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, a degree in chemistry or biochemistry is more than science — it’s a purpose. And that purpose opens doors to countless career paths.
Here, you won’t just study science, you’ll experience it. Our expert faculty will guide you through hands-on research, lab work, and real-world applications that bring chemistry principles to life.
Plus, immerse yourself in real-world projects at leading research and medical facilities such as the Mayo Clinic Summer Lab Science Program or the Gundersen Medical Foundation Summer Research Fellowship.
At Saint Mary’s, your education is more than coursework — it’s an exploration of science, discovery, and your future.
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Built on standards.
Saint Mary’s offers accredited programs in chemistry and biochemistry, preparing students with a strong foundation for graduate study or professional careers. See details.
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Faculty Spotlight
Heidi Dahlmann, D.S., assistant professor of chemistry
Heidi has dedicated a decade to teaching chemistry, with four of those years spent at Saint Mary’s. Throughout the academic year and summer months, she collaborates with students on chemistry research projects, focusing on developing new reactions for synthesizing complex molecules.
Built to Discover
At Saint Mary’s, you’ll learn in Aquinas Hall’s Science and Learning Center — with modern classrooms, cutting-edge labs, 24/7 access, and hands-on support from faculty every step of the way.
Instrumentation
Start your journey with cutting-edge instruments right from year one. Dive into modern, research-grade tools like:
Spectroscopy
- Agilent 4210 Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer
- StellarNet 785 nm Raman Spectrometer
- Varian EM360 with Anasazi EFT-60 Upgrade NMR Spectrometer
- Thermo Evolution 300 UV-Vis Spectrometer
- Thermo XXX UV-Vis Spectrometer
- Thermo Nicolet 380 IR Spectrometer
Chromatography
- Thermo 1300/ISQ700 GC-MS with TriPlus Robotic Sample Handling
- Thermo P2000 HPLC system
Even more
- 10-node Linux Beowulf computer cluster
- Instrument Specialists Inc. 550 Differential Scanning Calorimeter