Administrative Information | Search Terms | Background Note | Scope and Contents Note | Arrangement | PDF of Finding Aid
 

COLLECTION SUMMARY

Title:     College of Arts and Science, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department records

Dates:     1974-2007, [n.d.] (bulk 1974, 1978-1987, 1998, 2004, 2007)

Creator:     Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, College of Arts and Science, South Dakota State University

Physical description:   0.21 linear feet—1 container

Collection number:     UA 6.5

Language:     Collection material in English.

Repository:     South Dakota State University Archives, Hilton M. Briggs Library, South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D.

Abstract:     Collection is composed mainly of newsletters produced by the Chemistry Department. Also included are programs for various lecture series sponsored by the department.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Provenance: The bulk of this collection was found in the Archives in 1997. There is no indication of where they came from or how they came to be here.

This is an on-going collection with material arriving through departmental records transfers, the university campus mail, or random donation by various individuals.

Access Restrictions: This collection is open to research without restriction. Items in this collection do not circulate and may be used in-house only.

Copyright Status: Copyright 2008 by South Dakota State University and SDSU Archives. Please credit the SDSU Archives if you copy or reproduce material from this finding aid.

It is the responsibility of anyone reproducing material to determine the copyright holders and obtain permission from them if necessary. Archives staff will provide available copyright information on request. Please note that most collections, especially those received before 1997, may not have complete information on file. (Revised 15 SEP 2003)

Preferred citation: [Identification of item]. College of Arts and Science, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department records, UA 6.5, South Dakota State University Archives, South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D.

Processing information: This collection was processed by Crystal J. Gamradt on February 26, 1999 with revisions on August 12, 2008 (cjg).

SELECTED SEARCH TERMS

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the subject guide. They are grouped by name of person or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed alphabetically therein.

Subjects:

• Chemistry and Biochemistry Department—South Dakota State University.

• Chemistry and Biochemistry Department—Awards—South Dakota State University.

• Chemistry and Biochemistry Department—Lectures and lecturing—South Dakota State University.

• Chemistry and Biochemistry Department—Newsletters—South Dakota State University.

• Chemistry and Biochemistry Department—Pamphlets—South Dakota State University.

• Chemistry and Biochemistry Department—Seminars and workshops—South Dakota State University.

• Henry A. Lardy Distinguished Lecture Series in Chemistry—South Dakota State University.

BACKGROUND NOTE

In the 1884-85 catalog, chemistry was listed as a course of study in agriculture as part of the Department of Natural Sciences.  There were three chemistry courses: elementary chemistry, analytical chemistry and agricultural chemistry.  By 1892, all students were required to take three terms of elementary chemistry with analytical chemistry and agricultural chemistry as electives.

In the 1897-98 catalog, chemistry was first listed as an independent department.  By this time the course offerings had greatly expanded and included many additions to the curriculum.  Expansion of the chemistry department continued over the years with courses being added nearly every three to five years.  By 1944, the professional curriculum was approved by the American Chemical Society.

After World War II, enrollment increased, prompting an increase in staff.  By 1958, the department was authorized to offer a Ph.D. in biochemistry and in 1965 was authorized to offer Ph.D.'s in most branches of chemistry.

The Biochemistry Experiment Station was established in 1887 and was separate from the Chemistry Department until July 1, 1974 when the chemistry department and the Station Biochemistry Department merged.

In the 1998-2000 catalog, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is listed as approved by the American Chemical Society for training professional chemists.  Since chemistry is so closely related to other fields of study, a number of courses are offered to provide sufficient chemical background to meet professional needs.  A minor in chemistry is provided for students who want more extensive chemistry without majoring in chemistry.  Student may receive a BS in chemistry, or may pursue graduate work toward an MS or Ph.D.

Related material:

South Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, History of S.D.S.C., Brookings, S.D., South Dakota State College, 1930.  [Archives: S537.S6 H47]

SCOPE AND CONTENTS NOTE

This collection is composed of composed mainly of the newsletter “Beaker Breaker” produced by the Chemistry Department from 1978 to 1987. Also included are programs for various lecture series sponsored by the department such as the Henry A. Lardy Distinguished Lecture Series in Chemistry, and the Joseph F. Nelson Mentorship Seminar in Chemistry and Biology.

ARRANGEMENT of the RECORDS 

Folders are arranged in alphabetical order.

Box 1.

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Updated 12 August 2008 by cjg

Email questions or comments to: arcrefs@sdstate.edu

Copyright 2008 by South Dakota State University and SDSU Archives.
Please credit the SDSU Archives if you copy or reproduce material from this page.