Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1974-2007 (Creation)
Extent
0.42 linear feet (1 document case), photographs
Name of creator
Administrative history
In the 1884–85 catalog, chemistry was listed under the Department of Natural Sciences as part of the agriculture curriculum. Three courses were offered: elementary chemistry, analytical chemistry, and agricultural chemistry. By 1892, all students were required to complete three terms of elementary chemistry, while analytical and agricultural chemistry were available as electives.
Chemistry first appeared as an independent department in the 1897–98 catalog, with a significantly expanded curriculum. Course offerings continued to grow, with new courses added regularly every few years. In 1944, the department’s professional curriculum received approval from the American Chemical Society.
Following World War II, increased enrollment led to the expansion of departmental staff. By 1958, the department was authorized to offer a Ph.D. in biochemistry, and in 1965, Ph.D. programs were approved in most branches of chemistry. The Biochemistry Experiment Station, established in 1887, remained separate until it merged with the Chemistry Department on July 1, 1974.
In the 1998–2000 catalog, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry was listed as approved by the American Chemical Society for training professional chemists. In addition to the B.S. in chemistry, the department offers coursework to support other disciplines, a minor in chemistry, and graduate programs leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection is composed primarily of issues of the Beaker Breaker, a newsletter published by the Chemistry Department from 1978 to 1987. It also includes departmental publications such as the Chemistry Newsletter and Notat-IONS, as well as informational pamphlets, news releases, and program materials related to departmental events and lecture series. Featured events include the Henry A. Lardy Distinguished Lecture Series in Chemistry and the Joseph F. Nelson Mentorship Seminar in Chemistry and Biology. Additional materials include biographical files, correspondence, and documentation on departmental history, student awards, and specialized laboratories such as the Ice Core and Environmental Chemistry Lab.
These records offer insight into the academic culture, outreach, and scientific community of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at South Dakota State University during the late 20th century. The newsletters and lecture series reflect departmental priorities in education, research, and public engagement, while the historical and biographical materials contribute to a broader understanding of the department’s development and impact.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
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In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)
The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.
Please contact us in advance so we can prepare for your visit.
If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.
In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.
If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
- Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
- Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
- Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
- Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
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Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.
For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.
Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.