Student Resources
As a chemistry and biotechnology student at UWRF, you are part of a dynamic learning environment that extends beyond the classroom. Our student resources are designed to support your success by providing hands-on research opportunities, connections to industry internships and access to cutting-edge lab technology. Whether you're refining your lab skills, collaborating with faculty on innovative projects or seeking career guidance, these resources equip you to excel academically and professionally. Explore the possibilities and take full advantage of the support available to help you achieve your goals.

Student Opportunities
Education is more than just your coursework. We provide opportunities for the kinds of hands-on learning that will help you in your future career. These opportunities include undergraduate research, internships, scholarships and student organizations.
Explore information about internships, research experiences for undergraduates and other opportunities to get experience in the field.
Student Involvement
Chem Demons is a student organization that learns how to perform and present chemical demonstrations in a safe manner. Throughout the academic year, the Chem Demons perform demonstrations or host activities at UWRF and in the local community.
Recent shows and events include:
- Haunted Laboratory: an annual Halloween event at UWRF for students and families. Cohosted with the Society of Physics Students.
- UWRF Chemistry and Biotechnology Department Family Day
- Making Bonds: frozen ice-cream
If you're interested in being in the club, check out FalconsConnect or contact Sam Alvarado or Dustin Andert.
Making Bonds is a great way of making connections to faculty members with grants to support undergraduate research, making connections with other students in the program and asking questions!
The UWRF Pre-Pharmacy club is currently looking for student leaders. If you are a student in biotechnology, chemistry, biology or just have a keen interest in pharmacy and are interested in being a club leader, please contact the Chemistry and Biotechnology Department at cas@uwrf.edu.
The UWRF Biotechnology Club is currently looking for student leaders. If you are a student in biotechnology, chemistry, biology or just have a keen interest in biotechnology and are interested in being a club leader, please contact the Biotechnology Program Director Ross Jilk at ross.jilk@uwrf.edu.
Internships
There are many opportunities for chemistry majors to earn money and valuable experience during the summer. Several faculty have ongoing research projects during the summer - contact individual faculty to learn more! Many of our chemistry majors are accepted into research projects at other institutions and laboratories. Examples include the University of California-Berkeley and Argonne National Laboratories. Additionally, many of our students find full-time employment with companies like 3M during the summer.
Careers
Chemistry is a fundamental science that has a wide application in all of the physical sciences, the biological sciences and the social sciences. Chemistry and its applications are found in all aspects of our environment and society. The solutions to many of our current problems will be found using chemistry. Today, the employment outlook for chemists is excellent and projections indicate it will be even better in the near future.
Many other opportunities exist for chemists in agriculture, business, law and in forensic laboratories. Graduate education in chemistry, chemical engineering, molecular or cell biology, environmental sciences, life sciences and oceanography are some of the many opportunities open to chemistry graduates. Many UWRF chemistry graduates go directly to graduate school to earn advanced degrees, while others enter employment in government or industry. Many are admitted to medical, veterinary or pharmacy study and some choose to enter the teaching field.
Careers in government or private industry include...
- New Materials: Chemists have played a historic role in the development of polymers and today are finding new polymers, new ceramics, superconductors and new combinations of materials for applications in aerospace, electronics, medicine, building and transportation industries.
- Energy: Chemists are playing an important role in the development of materials for solar energy cells, new lasers, nuclear fusion research and in batteries and fuel cells for energy storage.
- Health: The development of chemotherapy reagents, pharmaceuticals and time release drugs are areas for chemists. Chemists also play an important role in recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering.
- Forensics: A chemistry degree provides an excellent background for the wide variety of chemical analyses used in forensics.
- Environment: Monitoring the environment and the development of recycling processes for waste and reusable resources are chemical problems.
- Education: The United States is confronted with an urgent need for improving science education at the pre-college level. The challenge is great and the rewards for good teachers at the high school level are personally satisfying.
Scholarships
UWRF offers scholarships that you can apply for annually. The scholarships are funded by the UW-River Falls Foundation through contributions from alumni, faculty and staff, friends, parents, campus organizations and corporations. Over 800 scholarships totaling more than $900,000 are typically awarded.
Awarded to a student who has graduated from a Wisconsin High School and who is pursuing a major in chemistry. The student must show strong performance academically and demonstrate a financial need.
One awarded per year.
Awarded to a student who graduated from Goodhue, Chetek or Cameron High School. Student must have attained sophomore, junior or senior status, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major field of study. Preference given but not limited to students majoring in mathematics, physics, chemistry or any science area.
One awarded per year.
Awarded to a chemistry major of at least sophomore status with high academic standing and an interest in conducting research in chemistry. The recipient is expected to participate in a research project in chemistry under the direction of a member of the chemistry faculty during the year for which the award is made. The recipient will be chosen by the chair of the chemistry department in consultation with the faculty who teach the chemistry majors' organic chemistry laboratory.
One awarded per year.
This scholarship is awarded in memory of a long-time chemistry faculty member. Awarded to a sophomore (during the year of the award) majoring in chemistry who has demonstrated a high degree of excellence in the field of chemistry through academic performance and participation in extracurricular activities associated with chemistry.
Two awarded per year.
Awarded to a sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student pursuing a degree in chemistry who plans to continue at UWRF. Also awarded in biology and physics. In addition, there are many scholarships for students in pre-professional programs related to chemistry.
One awarded per year.
Awarded to a student who has graduated from a Wisconsin High School, and who is pursuing course work in the pre-veterinary medicine curriculum and who has plans to enter the field of veterinary medicine. The student must show strong performance academically and demonstrate a financial need.
Two awarded per year.
Awarded to a high-ranking first year student in the pre-pharmacy or science curriculum.
One awarded per year.
Awarded to a sophomore with a pre-medicine major.
One awarded per year.
Presented to a student who has completed 90 credits toward the pre-medicine curriculum as established by the university, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.5, and has demonstrated potential for admission to medical school.
One awarded per year.
Awarded to a pre-dental or pre-pharmacy major who has earned at least 60 credits and plans to continue at UWRF.
One awarded per year.
Awarded to a junior or senior pre-medical student with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Preference will be given to a graduate of a high school in Pierce or St. Croix counties in Wisconsin.
One awarded per year.
Awarded to sophomores, juniors, or seniors in the pre-veterinary medicine program. Preference will be given to Chemistry and Biology majors. Financial need will also be considered.
Award schedule varies.
Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL)
Peer-Led Team Learning, more often called PLTL, is a workshop model for teaching and learning science and math subjects. In a PLTL workshop, a small number of students in the course (8-12) work together on a packet with a peer leader who was recently successful in taking the same course.
At UW-River Falls, PLTL is used to supplement our General Chemistry I course (Chem 111). When students sign up for Chem 111, they sign up for four total credits - three credits for lecture and one credit for discussion. The discussion section is where PLTL in implemented.
PLTL leaders are usually recommended to the PLTL coordinator by their chemistry instructors or by the PLTL leader they had for General Chemistry I. Students who are recommended are contacted by the PLTL coordinator to fill out a short application and participate in an interview to determine fit and schedule availability for the program.
If you are interested in being a PLTL leader, you can reach out to your chemistry instructor.
Permission Numbers
Permission numbers are required for enrolling in certain chemistry and biotechnology courses at UWRF. These numbers ensure that students meet the necessary prerequisites and secure a spot in high-demand classes. Below is a guide on how to request permission numbers and additional information to help you navigate the process smoothly.
- Please email CAS@uwrf.edu
- Include the following details:
- First and Last Name
- Falcon ID W#
- Chemistry or biotechnology catalog number and section number
*Please note if asking for permission for Chem 111 or Chem 112, include the discussion class you wish to have.
*If asking for permission number for Chem/Biot 495: Undergraduate Research or Chem/Biot 295: Intro to Undergraduate Research please include in email the name of professor that will be instructing you in the research.
If having trouble enrolling in Chem 111 or Chem 112, please check to make sure you have the co-requisite lab in the cart when checking out.
- Chem 111-General Chemistry I and Chem 116-General Chemistry Laboratory I
- Chem 112-General Chemistry II and Chem 117-General Chemistry Laboratory II
If you need more information about chemistry or biotechnology courses, please email CAS@uwrf.edu. We are happy to work with you on determining the best plan for you!