Loras College

Chemistry / Biochemistry

Chemistry is fundamental to understanding materials, the environment and living systems.  Important applications of the discipline include the creation of improved materials, synthesis of new medicines and finding better ways to protect the environment.  Loras' Chemistry and Biochemistry programs provide students with the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in chemical principles and apply them to laboratory applications.  

Loras offers students hands-on learning and access to opportunities not seen elsewhere. The faculty is comprised of experienced professors trained in each of the four major areas of chemistry: organic, inorganic, physical and analytical, plus biochemistry and polymer chemistry.  Majors available in: Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemistry for Secondary Education. There is also an optional specialization in chemistry for secondary teaching. Within the chemistry degree there is the option of specializing in biochemistry or polymer chemistry.

Why Choose Loras College?  

• Dedicated Chemistry Faculty. In order to adequately cover the four major areas of chemistry a college should have at least four chemistry areas of expertise; organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry. Loras has qualified chemistry faculty trained in each of the four major areas including biochemistry and polymer chemistry. * Over 50% of all working chemists are involved with polymer chemistry.
• At Loras, students make use of modern facilities including the MAHP Recombinant DNA lab, NMR lab, Carver Foundation Molecular Biology lab, and modern instrumentation including recent acquisitions of an FTIR, Fluorometer and Sonicator.  Loras has added major pieces of equipment worth over $300,000 during the last 5 years. Every student in the program (graduate and undergraduate) has the opportunity to use every instrument that we have.
• Choose a program which offers you opportunities to use what you know. The Loras Chemistry Club has won national awards for student involvement, for tutoring and demonstration shows on campus and in local schools. 
• Loras' library is one of the largest in Iowa with online access to hundreds of journals.
• With smaller class sizes, professors are able to give each student individual attention.  Our upper level chemistry courses seldom have more than ten students in them.
• Students conduct research with Loras faculty or at other institutions during the summer, and present the results of their research at local, regional and national undergraduate seminars and conferences. Helping you prepare for your career after college, all Loras chemistry and biochemistry students conduct a research project during their senior year, or during summers.
• At Loras all courses and laboratories are taught by professors with Ph.D.'s in chemistry. Choose a school in which all of your courses, including laboratories, will be taught by professors with Ph.D.'s in chemistry. We do not have graduate student assistants teaching undergraduate courses.
• Loras has been recognized as a "best buy" by Barron's Magazine precisely because of our strong science program. We also have scholarships reserved for science majors including one that only new Chemistry students may apply for. Over 90% of Loras student receive financial aid. See for yourself how affordable Loras can be for you.

• Division of Molecular and Life Sciences
• Chemistry Site
• Program Requirements / Course Descriptions