Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry’s history can be traced back to as early as 1968 when Chemistry was taught as a subsidiary subject of Home Science. It became a full-fledged department with the launching of B.Sc. Chemistry in 1998.The first faculty of the department was Sr.Lourdes C.S.N., who retired in 1995 as the Principal of the institution. The Department has produced several university ranks and a number of distinctions and first classes. M.Sc. in Chemistry was started in 2013. The department has a well-equipped laboratory to cope with the present needs of higher education and a departmental library. The alumni of the department are active and vibrant.

Chethana, an endowment programme for the mothers of our students, started in 1995 to remember the services of Sr. Lourdes, former Principal and HOD of Chemistry is organized by the department.

Courses

M.Sc. Chemistry
No of Seats : 12 Course Stream : Post Graduate
B.Sc. Chemistry (Model II)
No of Seats : 24 Course Stream : Under Graduate

Faculty

Dr. Sindhu K. S.

  • M.Sc
  • B.Ed
  • UGC-JRF/NET
  • Ph.D.
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Dr. Navya Antony

  • M.Sc
  • B.Ed
  • Ph.D.
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Dr. Marilyn Mary Xavier

  • M.Sc
  • CSIR-JRF/NET
  • Ph.D.
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Dr. Sr. Jennees Mathew

  • M.Sc
  • Ph.D.
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Ms. Rosmin Maria John

  • M.Sc
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Ms. Remya R.

  • M.Sc
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Ms. Aswathy S.

  • M.Sc
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Ms. Reshma Mathew

  • M.Sc
  • M.Phil
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Facilities

ICT Classrooms

The incorporation of ICT classrooms, equipped with Information and Communication Technologies and Wifi connectivity, has significantly transformed the learning experience within the field of chemistry. In these modern classrooms, students have access to a wealth of digital resources, interactive simulations, and multimedia presentations that bring complex chemical concepts to life.


UG Chemistry Laboratory

The Department takes pride in offering two well-equipped Chemistry laboratories for our Undergraduate students, ensuring a seamless and efficient environment for their practical sessions. These laboratories boast ample space and an array of state-of-the-art equipment, facilitating students in conducting their experiments promptly and with ease. The department meticulously maintains and calibrates all the instruments, guaranteeing their accuracy and reliability. Regular replenishment of chemicals is a priority, ensuring that students have access to the necessary resources for their experiments


PG Chemistry Laboratory

The Postgraduate Department of Chemistry is equipped with advanced laboratories that encompass a wide range of essential tools required for conducting experiments aligned with the curriculum. These laboratories dedicated to Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry are well-equipped with the necessary instruments for sample preparation and the standardization of various analysis tests. The equipment undergoes regular maintenance and calibration, guaranteeing precision and accuracy in experiments. Safety protocols are diligently followed, with ample precautions taken to protect students and prevent accidents during laboratory activities.

Activities

All Kerala Science Quiz, 29th October 2024

On 29th October 2024, the Department of Chemistry, in association with Akhila Kerala Balajanasakyam and Malayala Manorama, organized the All Kerala Science Quiz for Higher Secondary School students. The event saw enthusiastic participation from 24 teams across the state. The first prize was awarded to Bhadra A Nair and P P Muhammed Yazeen from GBHSS Aluva for their outstanding performance. The quiz fostered a spirit of scientific inquiry and knowledge among the students.

Ozone Layer Protection – World Ozone Day 2024

On 28th September 2024, a talk on Ozone Layer Protection was held in conjunction with a documentary screening to mark World Ozone Day. The event focused on raising awareness about the importance of the ozone layer and the critical need to protect it from harmful substances. The documentary highlighted global efforts and strategies for ozone layer conservation, educating students on the environmental impact of ozone depletion and the steps they can take to contribute to its protection.

Session on “Learning Chemistry through Molecular Visualization Tools”

A session on “Learning Chemistry through Molecular Visualization Tools” was organized to familiarize students with the use of drawing software in Chemistry. The session aimed to enhance students’ understanding of molecular structures and chemical reactions through interactive visualization, helping them to grasp complex concepts more effectively and apply them in their studies.

Fresher’s Day Celebrations 2024

On 21st August, the Department of Chemistry warmly welcomed its new students with a heartening Fresher’s Day celebration. The event was a gesture of extending a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, making everyone feel at home as they began their journey with the department.

Career Orientation Programme

On 9th August 2024, the Department of Chemistry organized a Career Orientation Programme, where Dr. Shalumon K T, Assistant Professor at S H College Thevara, delivered an insightful lecture on “Research and Opportunities in Chemistry.” The session provided valuable guidance to students on various career prospects and research opportunities in the field of Chemistry, inspiring them to explore new avenues for their future.

Laboratory Visit

On March 25, 2024, the Department of Chemistry organized a laboratory visit to MCAR. Ten II B.Sc Chemistry students explored laboratories in Botany, Chemistry, and Plant Tissue Culture. They learned instrument handling, including spectrophotometric methods, from Dr. Kayeen. Mr. Devnarayan Patel demonstrated the workings of Autoclaves, Hot Air Ovens, and Incubators.

Session on Virtual lab

The department of Chemistry conducted a session on “Practicing virtual labs” on 15th March 2024. The session is based on the idea that lab experiments can be taught using the Internet, more efficiently and less expensively. Ms. Reshma Mathew gave a demonstration class and after that the students practiced the experiments by their own.

Alumni Lecture

Department organized an alumni lecture on Recent research trends in Green Composites 18th March 2024. Ms. Mary V J, our alumni and currently working as a Project Associate at ICAR-Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram served as the resource person. The lecture mainly focuses on the research trends in starch green composites.

Seminar on “Introduction to Entrepreneurship for chemistry graduates”

On March 15, 2024, the Department of Chemistry and the Institution’s Innovation Council co-organized a seminar on “Introduction to Entrepreneurship for Chemistry Graduates.” Mrs. Krishnapriya Varun, Technical Director at Adlux Paints and Allied Products Pvt. Ltd., Kodakara, delivered a keynote encouraging students to commercialize their chemistry innovations, become job creators, and positively impact the national economy.

Seminar on Environment and Sustainability

On March 14, 2024, the Department of Chemistry, in collaboration with OISCA International, Aluva Chapter, organized a seminar on Environment and Sustainability. Dr. C M Joy, Retd. Associate Professor from S H College Thevara and Former Registrar of Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, inaugurated the event. Mr. Sasidharan M.K, Vice President of OISCA International, Aluva Chapter, facilitated the session.

Seminar on “A Tale of Research: insights from Chemistry” 

On March 1, 2024, the Department of Chemistry hosted a seminar titled ‘A Tale of Research: Insights from Chemistry’. Dr. Jesitha K, Assistant Professor and Research Guide from Sree Sankara College, Kalady, introduced students to crucial research concepts, emphasizing theoretical framework development and analytical approaches in chemistry.

Study Tour

From February 2nd to 5th, 2024, staff and 15 students from II and III BSc Chemistry went on a three-day study tour to Mysore and Wayanad. They enjoyed the outing and visited factories of significant industrial importance.

Demonstration class to higher secondary school students

On January 19, 2024, a demonstration class on chemistry equipment and experiments was held for higher secondary school students from Nirmala Open School, Angamaly. Faculty members from the Department of Chemistry showcased various experiments, explaining the underlying chemistry of each reaction. The students had the opportunity to experience laboratory experiments firsthand, relating them to their textbook studies.

Industrial visit

Industrial visit was organized on 19.01.2024 to Centre for Biopolymer Science & Technology, Kochi, a unit of CIPET.  13 students of III DC Chemistry visited the facilities and labs of CBST. They were introduced to various plastic processing and polymer testing techniques. The programme also included the practical demonstration of various plastic processing equipments, characterization and product checking.

Community Lab Programme

On January 15, 2024, the Department of Chemistry organized a Community Lab Programme at Pakalveedu, Nazreth Nagar, Angamaly. Dr. Sr. Jennes Mathew and 10 students of III BSc Chemistry assessed the drinking water quality in nearby homes, analyzing parameters like pH, turbidity, and hardness. Recommendations were provided to ensure water met standard requirements, emphasizing clean water sources and hygiene practices to prevent waterborne diseases.

Christmas Celebration

The Chemistry department celebrated Christmas, fostering a sense of community and festive spirit among faculty members.

Beyond Ideas: An overview of IPR

The Chemistry department hosted a webinar titled “Beyond Ideas: An Overview of IPR” on [date]. Ms. Nidhi Antony, Senior Patent Associate at Ediplis Counsels, Bangalore, provided faculty members and students with insights into Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), specifically highlighting its applications in Chemistry.

Skill training session

On November 8, 2023, the Chemistry department conducted a Soap Making Training for II BSc Chemistry students. This session aimed to impart hands-on skills in soap making, demonstrating practical applications of chemistry.

Foundation Building and Employment Advisory Programme

On November 13, 2023, the Chemistry department organized a “Foundation Building and Employment Advisory Programme” in collaboration with ithinkchemistry India. The initiative focused on enhancing foundational skills for chemistry graduates. Mr. Athul, a chemistry content developer and MSc graduate from ISER Bhopal, provided guidance on competitive exams such as IIT JAM, CSIR, NET, etc.

Career Guidance Programme

On November 9, 2023, the Chemistry department organized a Career Guidance Programme focusing on opportunities in Chemistry and the chemical industry. Mr. Prasobh Prasad, Head of R&D at Mane Kancor Ingredients Pvt. Ltd., Kochi, shared insights and experiences with students.

CHEMMARVELS

The Department of Chemistry joined the education expo Educere 2023, conducted by the college, on 26th and 27th of October 2023. The chemistry exhibition, CHEMMARVELS has fetched excellent reviews from the spectators.

World Ozone Day 2023

On September 14, 2023, as part of Ozone Day 2023, Dr. Navya Antony, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, delivered a lecture titled “Montreal Protocol: Fixing the Ozone Layer and Reducing Climate Change”. She discussed global studies on ozone layer depletion and climate change, emphasizing preservation measures. Additionally, a slogan writing competition was held on the theme of the event.

Two day Hands-on Training Workshop on Drug Design with Molecular Docking and QSAR Tools

On September 15-16, 2023, the Department of Chemistry and Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment jointly organized a two-day workshop on “Drug Design with Molecular Docking and QSAR Tools”. Dr. Abi T. G., Assistant Professor & Research Guide from Sacred Heart College, Thevara, served as the resource person. The workshop was attended by 39 participants from colleges across Kerala, with Dr. Sindhu K.S. as the convenor.

Bridge Course 2023

Bridge course for first year students was conducted from 31st July 2023 to 4th August 2023. Aptitude Test was conducted for I year UG Chemistry students on 4th August 2023. 

Career Guidance program: IGNITE 2023

Department of Chemistry in association with Chemistry Association conducted a career guidance programme exclusively for UG and PG Chemistry Students. The program IGNITE 2023 was held on 9th March 2023 at conference hall. Dr. Ajith James Jose, Asst. Professor, S.B College Changanassery handled the “Be a Professional” session. The session discussed various career and higher studies options for chemistry graduates and post graduates.

World Ozone Day 2022

Ozone Day 2022 was observed by Department of Chemistry on 16th September 2022. Keynote address was presented by Dr. Marilyn Mary Xavier, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry. Caption writing competition was conducted in connection with Ozone Day and Noufiya T. A. of I M.Sc Chemistry won the prize.

Virtual Lab

The department of Chemistry conducted a session on “Practicing virtual labs” on 28th October 2022. The session is based on the idea that lab experiments can be taught using the Internet, more efficiently and less expensively. Dr. Sindhu K S gave a demonstration class using Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Virtual Lab and after that the students practiced the experiments by their own. The experiments can be accessed anytime and anywhere, overcoming the constraints on time felt when having access to the physical lab for only a short period of time.

Exhibition for school students

An exhibition on chemistry equipments and experiments for high school students from St. Francis Assissi were conducted on 8th November 2022.  The degree students from the department of chemistry exhibited various chemistry experiments and explained the chemistry behind every reaction. The exhibition was very informative to the students. The students could experience the lab experiments which they had studied in their text books.

Research Methodology

Department of Chemistry organized a seminar on ‘Fundamentals of Research Methodology’ on 26th October 2022. The purpose of the seminar is to introduce students to the most important conceptual approaches of research as well as to explore and formulate the theoretical framework for the analysis of the topic. 

Mole Day 2022

On 23rd October International MOLE Day was observed. Based on the theme Avagadro numbers a poster presentation and letter writing competition was conducted. Varsha P V and Rency Itteera from II M.Sc Chemistry won the first prize for poster presentation and Athira Santhosh and Athira Vijayan from I M.Sc. Chemistry won the second prize. Karthika Devi from I M.Sc. Chemistry and Surya Suresh from II M.Sc.Chemistry   won the first and second position respectively for letter writing competition.

Onam 2022

Department of Chemistry celebrated Onam with a great splendour. Department arranged an intricately designed pookkalam, aromatic onasadya which represented a remarkable display of culture.

Chemistry Association Inaugration

Chemistry Association is inaugurated by Dr. June Cyriac, Assistant professor, Department of Chemistry, Sacred Heart College, Thevara on 17th October 2022. She delivered a talk on “Feel Chemistry around us” and the session was well appreciated by the students.

State Level Seminar on Research Methodology

Department of Chemistry organized a State Level Seminar on Research Methodology “QUALITATIVE RESEARCH: METHODS AND METHODOLOGY “on 29th July 2022 for UG and PG Students. The programme was conducted in two sessions. Dr. Surendran Cherukodan, Assistant Librarian, School of Engineering Library, CUSAT and Dr. Rejimon P.K. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Maharajas College Ernakulam was the resource persons. 65 students attended the programme.

Nurturing Future Entrepreneurs

Department of Chemistry and Institution’s Innovation Council jointly organized a seminar on Entrepreneurship and skill development “Nurturing Future Entrepreneurs” on 1st September 2022. Ms. Dolly Maria, Managing Director, IGNIST Enlightenment PVT Ltd, Kochi delivered a lecture on the topic and encouraged the students to think and act in an entrepreneurial way by imparting technical and business skills at an early stage in their career.

Achievements

Achievements in National Space Day Celebrations

During the National Space Day celebrations on 29th August, students from the Department of Chemistry excelled in the competitions organized by the Department of Physics.

  • Ms. Jennifer Jojo (I B.Sc Chemistry) secured first position in both the Short Story Writing and Essay Writing competitions, showcasing her exceptional creativity and writing skills.
  • Ms. Joyna Johnson (I M.Sc Chemistry) earned the third position in the Short Story Writing competition, demonstrating her literary talent.

Their achievements added to the success of the event, reflecting the department’s commitment to fostering academic and creative excellence.

Rank Holder 2024

In the University Exam of March 2024, the Department of Chemistry proudly celebrates the outstanding performance of Nehla C Mohammad Rafi, who secured the 6th position in the B.Sc Chemistry Model II program. With a remarkable pass percentage of 92.3% , Nehla’s achievement stands as a testament to her hard work and dedication. The department congratulates her on this exceptional success and wishes her continued excellence in her academic journey.

Rank Holders 2023

Department of Chemistry bagged three university ranks in final year university B.Sc Chemistry (Model II) examinations.

Power Quiz 2022

Ms.Anakha PM from II M.Sc. Chemistry secured second position(preliminary round) in Power Quiz organized by KSEB.

Rank Holders 2022

M.G. University Rank holders in 2022

Rank Holders 2021

M.G. University Rank holders in 2021

Rank Holders 2020

M.G. University Rank holders in 2020

Scholarships

  • Sr. Lourdes and Sr. Layola Endowment Prize : Given to the 2nd year student who scores the highest marks in the subsidiary Chemistry in the university examinations. 
  • Merit Award: Prize instituted by Prof. Lisue Xavier, Department of Chemsitry, to the student in III year B.Sc who scores highest total for vocational subjects in the university examination.
  • Merit Award: Prize instituted by Prof. Salomy Joseph, Department of Chemistry, to the student who passes out with highest marks in M.Sc Chemistry University examination
  • Merit Award: Prize instituted by Prof. Lalitha A.V., former Head of the Department of Chemsitry, to the student who passes out with the highest marks in B.Sc Chemsitry in the university examination.

Best Practices

SRISHTI

The department actively encourages students to unleash their creativity by crafting items from waste materials, emphasizing the importance of recycling and sustainability. Through workshops and initiatives, students are motivated to transform discarded items into useful and reusable products. These creations are proudly showcased in exhibitions, raising awareness about the potential of upcycling. Moreover, the funds generated from selling these items are thoughtfully distributed among the students involved, fostering a sense of entrepreneurship and environmental responsibility. This approach not only promotes innovative thinking but also instills a strong sense of environmental consciousness among the student body, creating a positive impact within the campus community.


Star Bathing Soap‘ and ‘Star Fresh‘ Liquid Hand Wash

As a valuable component of the Skill Training Programme, second and third-year BSc Chemistry students participate in practical sessions where they learn to create bathing soap named ‘Star Bathing Soap’ and liquid hand wash called ‘Star Fresh.’ These hands-on training sessions empower students with essential soap-making skills. To showcase their creations, the department organizes an Exhibition cum Sale event, providing students with a platform to display and sell their products. Furthermore, the soaps and hand wash prepared by the students find practical use within the chemistry laboratory, promoting sustainable practices and enhancing the learning experience for all.


Many Hands One Heart

The Department of Chemistry demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility through the annual charity program, ‘Many Hands One Heart.’ In this initiative, students actively participate by collecting daily usage items across fifty different categories over the course of a week, typically at the start of the academic year. These essential items are then distributed to impoverished individuals and families, emphasizing the department’s dedication to making a positive impact on the community. By fostering empathy and generosity, this program instills a strong sense of social awareness and compassion among the students, encouraging them to contribute meaningfully to society.