Chemistry

Bachelor of Science | B.Sc.

Chemistry is an incredibly fascinating field of study. It plays an important role in everyone's life and touches almost every aspect of our existence in some way. Apart from being an integral part in meeting the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, it plays important role in health, energy, environmental issues. Chemical technologies enrich our quality of life by providing new solutions to problems in health, material energy usage. Hence study of Chemistry prepares the students for the world. The chemistry department offers following courses at undergraduate level: 1. B.Sc. Chemistry (6 Units) 2. B.Sc. in Chemistry and Biochemistry (3 Units)

B.Sc. Program is a six semester choice based credit program. Typical modules studied during this program include core chemistry topics in Physical, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical methods. This program also offers elective courses which may be completed choosing MOOCs of your interest. Skill enhancement courses like Research methodology, Business Skills for Chemists, Polymer chemistry, Radiochemistry, Instrumental methods of analysis, Environmental Chemistry have been introduced to enable the chemistry graduates to determine their career path in either research institution, Chemical Industry or academics.

Curriculum

First Year (Semester- I)

In this course, Module I focuses on Atomic structure with respect to quantum mechanics, atomic orbitals and quantum numbers. Module II helps to understand periodic table and periodicity. Module III focuses on chemical bonding including valence bond theory and VSEPR theory.

This course is intended to focus on the fundamentals of organic chemistry. Module I covers physical effect and electronic displacement in the organic compounds. Natural resources, methods of preparation, reactions and applications of aliphatic hydrocarbons are explored in Module II. Further Module III covers principles of qualitative and quantitative analysis, Various types of titrations and indicators used.

First Year (Semester- II)

In this course, the basic concepts of thermodynamics, chemical and ionic equilibrium is introduced. The course emphasis on important thermodynamics principles and thermochemistry, different types of energies, enthalpies and its calculation, carnot engine, law of mass action, Gibb's free energy, VantHoff equation, Lechatelier's principles, equilibrium constants, Electrolytes, Buffer concept, pH scale, Solubility & solubility product, various applications in day to day life.

This course explores natural resources, methods of preparation, reactions and applications of various organic compounds. Module I deals with alkyl halide and aryl halide. Module II covers aromatic hydrocarbons and carboxylic acid derivatives. Module III includes alcohol, phenol, aldehyde and ketone.

Second Year (Semester- III)

The course aims to introduce Interaction of light with matter which is the basis of several photochemical reactions, analytical methods like spectroscopy, cutting edge technologies like lasers etc.

It identifies the different electrical properties of electrolytes. Introduces the titrimetric and instrumental methods of quantitative analysis.

This course involves the study of main group elements and transition elements which is covered over modules 1 and 2 .Module 3 focuses on the study of classical methods of quantitative analysis such as Gravimetry and titrimetry.

This course includes reactive intermediates in organic reaction mechanisms and mechanism of aromatic electrophilic substitution reactions. Module II includes stereochemistry of organic compounds. Chemical industry, sources of organic compounds and manufacture of bulk chemicals are included in Module III.

Second Year (Semester- IV)

This course focuses on the study of elements of Group 17 and 18 , organometallic compounds which is covered over two modules and the remaining module involves the study of theories of chemical bonding.

Module I covers the study of aromatic nitrogen compounds and aromatic aldehydes and ketones. The reactivity and synthesis of aromatic carboxylic acids, aromatic sulphonic acids epoxides is included in Module II along with structure determination and multistep synthesis. Module III gives an insight into Green Chemistry, Newer methods of synthesis and environmental aspects.

Third Year (Semester- V)

The course intends on the different concepts of Thermodynamics and Chemical Kinetics. Recognizes different types of electrochemical cells like concentration and chemical cells and their applications. The module on Nuclear chemistry is introduced to learn the application of radioactivity for peaceful purposes like future energy generation and applications of radioisotopes in various fields like research,medical ,agriculture and industry.

This course focuses on the study of structure and bonding in molecular solids. This is covered over modules I and II which involves the study of molecular symmetry, metallic bonding, bonding in coordination compounds and molecular orbital diagrams for polynuclear molecules. Module III deals with the study of f-block elements.

This course covers the mechanisms involved in chemistry of carbonyl compounds, IUPAC nomenclature of bicyclic compounds and chemistry of carbohydrates. The second module deals with synthesis of heterocyclic compounds It also gives insight into the designing of organic synthesis using principles of retrosynthesis. The third module covers stereochemical aspects of organic compounds.

This course covers basics of Quality in Analytical chemistry with help of relevant statistical parameters. In module II, two important titration methods are discussed in detail. Last module introduces Atomic spectroscopy techniques in Analytical chemistry.

Module I includes introduction to drug, routes of drug administration and drug metabolism.

Module II focuses on pharmacodynamic agents study with respect to their chemical structure, chemical class, therapeutic uses, and side effects whereas Module III includes chemotherapeutic agents with respect to their chemical structure, chemical class, therapeutic uses, and side effects.

The course helps the learner to understand research terminology, be aware of the ethical principles of research, ethical challenges and approval processes and describe quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches to research.

Module II covers the importance and use of statistical treatment of research data.

The principles of chemical safety covered in module III enables students to apply these concepts when working in a laboratory and encourages them to keep safety a high priority.

This is a short standalone course developed by Royal Society of chemistry (recommended by UGC) for online delivery that guides the student through key topics without the need for formal taught sessions making it ideal for distance learning. It will include mini-lecture videos and interactive case studies that students can work through to improve their business skills. There will be interactive sessions with resources persons from different chemical industries to interact with the students on various aspects and opportunities for business in chemical industries such as paint, pharma, surfactants, petrochemical, agrochemicals ,textile ,polymer etc.

Third Year (Semester- VI)

The course aims to introduce the principles of three key spectroscopic methods- Rotational, Infra-Red and Raman spectroscopies. Focusses on colligative properties of dilute solutions. Helps to understand phase rule and its applications to one and two component systems. The course on quantum mechanics is introduced to learn the theoretical aspects of atomic structure.

The fundamental principles and instrumentation Nuclear Magnetic Spectroscopy will be dealt with briefly.

In continuation with Semester V, the course focuses on the study of structure of solids and superconductivity which is covered in module I. Module II involves the study of spectra of complexes, stability of complexes and substitution reactions in octahedral complexes. Module III deals with the study of solution chemistry involving aqueous chemistry and non-aqueous solvents.

This course gives an understanding of chemistry of natural products and biomolecules in the first module. The second module covers organic reactions using organometallic reagents and catalysts. Understanding principles of spectroscopy and elucidation of the structure of simple organic compounds using U.V, I.R and NMR spectra will be dealt with in the last module.

This course begins with a module on classical separation technique of solvent extraction. Next module discusses most important separation techniques of GC and HPLC and their applications. Last module comprises of DC polarography as a classical electro analytical technique and its applications.

This course covers the landmarks of the dye industry, nomenclature, properties, relation of colour and constitution, the classification of dyes based on application and constitution, organic pigments, optical brighteners, syntheses of certain dyes and hazards of dyes.

The course examines the use of polymers and explains how their properties are controlled by their molecular structure. The course helps to understand how the structure determines which polymer to use for a particular product. It explores different recycling technologies used and explains the how the use of polymerisation can be used to control the structure of polymers.

Learners can set up their own tissue culture laboratory and propagate the plants through the module of Plant Tissue culture, Micropropagation. The Module of Biotechnology will be giving approaches for crop improvement.

The course deals with techniques of cultivation of commercial flowers. Learner will learn techniques of breeding and importance of cut flower and dry flowers.

Food, one of the most important sources of energy needed for survival whereas cosmetics comprise a range of products that are used to care or enhance or change the appearance of the face or body part.

In the modern era, analytical methods are applied to study the constituents, additives and contaminants and their interactions and reactions during uses, processing and storage of food and cosmetics.

Various tests which are important and mandatory before marketing the food and cosmetics are covered in Analytical techniques.

For detail curriculum please refer below link

Programme outcomes

At the end of the Programme student will be able to :

  • Understand the fundamental concepts in Physical, Inorganic, Organic and Analytical Chemistry.
  • Relate Cutting-edge Knowledge acquired in different fields of chemistry such as mechanisms of organic and inorganic reactions, thermodynamics, Nanoscience, and Nuclear Chemistry to develop state of art technologies for improving the quality of life.
  • Develop analytical skills, problem solving skills requiring applications of chemical principles.
  • Analyse and interpret data to produce meaningful conclusions and recommendations by studying various Instrumental methods and characterisation techniques.
  • Acquire ability to synthesize, separate and characterize compounds using laboratory and instrumental techniques.
  • Apply good laboratory practices and safety principles and create awareness about environmental issues.
  • Construct a research problem and communicate the results of scientific work in oral, written and e- formats.
  • Recognize the importance of Individual and team work in collaborative projects.
  • Commit to professional ethics and responsibilities of the chemical science practice.
  • Appreciate the central role of chemistry in society and have preparedness in lifelong learning of technological change.

Eminent Alumni

Career Prospects

  • The main employers of chemistry graduates are in the chemistry related industries: Forensic Science, Agrochemicals, Metallurgical, Petrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Plastics and polymers, Food and drink industry etc.
  • Government Jobs: Scientific Assistant post in the labs of Defense Research Development and Organization (DRDO), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) (www.barc.gov.in).
  • Administrative Post: Competitive Exams conducted by UPSC (www.upsc.gov.in), MPSC (www.mpsc.gov.in), Combined Defence Services (CDS), Staff Selection Commission (SSC).
  • Academics: Students can pursue B.Ed. and join as a teacher in National and International Schools. Higher Education:
  • Other Educational opportunities: Students can pursue various degree and diploma courses in the field of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Law (LLB), Library Sciences, Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Clinical Research, Bioinformatics, Quality Assurance, Instrumental Analysis, Packaging, Food and Drugs Analysis, Cosmetics and Perfumery Analysis, Solar Energy.
  • Students can do M.Sc. (Chemistry, Environmental Science, Nutraceutical Science, Biochemistry, Industrial Chemistry and integrated M.Sc-Ph.D in top institutions like : (i) Somaiya Vidyavihar University (ii) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) (iii) Indian Institute of Sciences Education and Research (IISER) (iv) Homi Bhabha National Institute (BARC) (v) Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) (v) Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) (iv) University of Mumbai, University Affiliated Colleges, Deemed Universities.

Pedagogy

Teachers use an array of effective teaching strategies because there is no single, universal approach that suits all students. Following strategies are used in combinations with different groups of students to improve their teaching-learning experience.

  • Blended Learning through Flipped classes with interactive learning strategies like Jigsaw Activity, Round Robin and Think Pair Share
  • Experiential Learning -Giving way for creativity and innovation
  • Development of soft skills and communication skills through organization of Inter collegiate Departmental Festival by students – RASAYAN
  • Students planning their Research Based Pedagogical Tools for UG projects.
  • LMS such as Google Classroom and Moodle are being used, Industrial Visits.
  • Demonstrations of Cutting Edge technologies like GC, HPLC, HPTLC used for Quality Assurance in Industry and Research Institutions.

Differentiators

B.Sc. Chemistry Programme at KJSSC is unique because it offers :

Head of the Department

Dr. Bright O' Philip
bright@somaiya.edu