Whether you’re a dreamy astronomy major or die hard chemistry lab student, there are all kinds of science apps waiting to be discovered and make college life a little bit more interesting. Some of these apps are just helpful resources, while others really allow you to absorb what’s new and interesting about different fields of science. These are the highest rated apps spanning all smart devices, and most of them are free.

Science Glossary

Who was Francis Crick? What’s a covalent bond again? What did Marie Curie do exactly? The answers to these questions and more can be found with the Science Glossary, an app made for iPhone and iPad from VisionLearning. With a long list of scientific terms and biographies, you can find just about anything you want to know in the science world and quickly with this app. It’s also free.

The Elements: A Visual Exploration

There are tons of periodic table apps out there, but of them all, the top rated of its kind is The Elements: A Visual Exploration, an app for iPad. This app is updated regularly and produced by Element Collection. This chemist’s tool uses the elements in a graphic expression, allowing you to bond with elements by understanding exactly what they are and how they build our world. It’s $13.99 on the iTunes store, but Stephen Fry claims “Alone worth the price of an iPad.”

Mother TED

There are a few awesome science apps for Android devices as well, like Mother TED. You may have heard of TED talks, which focus on everything from business to molecular biology. You can find a lot of beginner, innovative and cutting edge science information from notable professors, scientists, doctors and physicists waiting to teach you something totally different. Another good reason to download this app is that it’s totally free.

Molecules

If you love 3D models, Molecules is an app designed to show renderings of different molecules that can also be manipulated with your fingers. Rotate the molecule, zoom in or out, or just spin the screen around. New molecules are also added from the RCSB Data Bank. The app is free and compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.

Monster Anatomy

For biology majors, human anatatomy can get rather complex, and it’s one of the first things that any medical student has to learn in college. With Monster Anatomy, you can see various human limbs and their radiology scans, getting an up close and vibrant view of all the bones, ligaments, muscles, tendons and tissues. This app is a little expensive at $18.99 for iOS devices but worth it if you need some help or want to quiz yourself on human anatomy.

Star Walk for iPad

The winner of the Apple Design Award in 2010 and an app with over 6 million users, Star Walk for iPad is an incredible tool for budding astronomers. Vito Technology Inc made this app to take a walk on the starry side with a 3D adventure through space. They also make other astronomy favorites like Star Walk, which is available for iPhones and iPod Touches too.

Popular Science

What’s going on in the science world today? The Popular Science app can keep you updated on any new scientific movements, whether you’re a chemistry major or physicist. Popular Science magazine has long been one of the major science and technology publications out there. You can check out the latest magazines or older versions. This app is optimized for iPad with special features that you won’t find in other editions.