Careers
Graduates secure careers as researchers in any chemical or scientific discipline, physicians, medical and clinical laboratory technicians, research and development managers, as well as public health officials. Many also attend some of the country’s top graduate schools.
Hands-On Learning
Many students in biochemistry undertake paid research, engage in mentorship in research, internship and personalized advanced courses, present at national conferences and co-author peer-reviewed publications.
Internship opportunities include:
- Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN)
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Plains Undergraduate Research Center
- Medical facilities, such as Avera and Sanford Health, and Veterans Affairs hospitals and research centers
- Sioux Falls Crime Lab
- Sioux Falls Water Reclamation Facility
- Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
- POET
Students conduct primary research in Augustana’s science labs containing quality equipment for students, including cutting-edge microscopy and chemical detection instrumentation.
Biochemistry students study away in:
- Japan — The Chemistry of Japanese Culture — a course that focuses on industrial, academic, research and cultural chemistry.
- Florida and the Gulf Coast — focusing on marine biology with AU faculty
- Kenya — focusing on global food insecurity and education with AU faculty
- Guatemala and Belize — focusing on tropical ecology and Spanish immersion with AU faculty
Courses & Organizations
In courses and research, Augustana’s lab equipment includes:
- Infrared, UV-visible, NMR, Raman, emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy instrumentation
- Liquid and gas chromatography instrumentation
- JEOL 400 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer, which allows access to 1D and 2D NMR methods of analysis
Biochemistry students often participate in:
- Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS)
- Paid laboratory assistantships and tutoring positions
- Volunteering at Sanford or Avera Health
- Biology Club
- Women in STEM
- Pre-Medicine Club
- Society of Physics Students
Students considering biochemistry are encouraged to talk with their advisor early on about when to participate, as these curricula are rigorous and sequence-driven.