Department Profile

Chemistry opens the door to many different pursuits including a numerous of positions as a chemist in private industry, government or education; pursuing professional training in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or other health-related fields; or working in areas such as environmental science and engineering, forensics, business etc.

Department of Chemistry was established in 1924 under the leadership of eminent chemist, Prof. Alim Chandani and Prof.K.S.Naragund. Department grew to the greater height. Since then it has trodden the path of more than nine decades.

Department offers a wide range of degree options to suit the interests and future plans of our diverse and multi-talented students. The various subject combinations having chemistry as one of the optional are PCM, CBZ, CZBT, CBBT, CBGen, CBMicro, CBIF, CBGeo, CZGen, CZMicro, CZIF, CZFSc, CGeoGeog, CAnthFsc etc.,

Biotechnology division, the Dream Child of Chemistry Department was established in 2002 with necessary infrastructure and equipments catering to the needs of students. Five students of Biotechnology have won the prizes in the National Level Symposium on Recent Advances in Biotechnology and more than 15 students have participated in National level Seminars and presented models in state level Science Exhibition. Two students have won the State level Bioscience quiz, conducted by department of Science and Technology, Govt. of Karnataka.

In addition to the undergraduate Chemistry and Biotechnology, the department has Post Graduate studies in General Chemistry, established in 2009 with 40 students intake capacity under self finance scheme having a moderate fees of Rs. 50,000-/ per annum. There is a provision of 50% concession in the annual fees for SC, ST and Cat-I students as a policy to words social justice to the weaker section.. The course is taught by well qualified Teachers. The services of teaching faculty from Karnatak University are also obtained which is rarely available to PG courses in other colleges.

The department has a sufficient number of well arranged 05 class rooms with ICT facility for presentation of curricular activities during the class. It has well managed and adequately equipped 04 laboratories with sufficient area to accommodate about 60 to 70 students in a batch for B.Sc Course and 03 independent laboratories for M.Sc. Chemistry Course.

From the day of inception, the department has a group of committed teachers who have been trying to instill interest in learning chemistry and inspire the students to take up higher studies and research in chemistry.

Now, the department is enriched with 10 Scholarly Teachers with doctoral degree, two faculty members have experienced with post doctoral from USA. Faculty members progressively involved in various research areas viz., Metal complexes, Reaction Dynamics, Electrochemistry, Organic Synthesis, Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry, Polymer science, Analytical Chemistry, Oleo chemistry, Bio-fuel, Electrochemistry - Corrosion Science, Biomedical research etc. The teachers have the zeal and enthusiasm in expanding their knowledge to maintain a good academic standard and the results have been excellent.

The department has a committed and skilled supporting staff. The staff has adapted to cater to the needs of the department and have developed basic skills. They actively share along with faculty members. Most of the in-house maintenance is done by the supporting Staff.

Apart from teaching, faculties are actively involved in research activities. Eight out of ten faculty members are guiding the students under Ph.D. programme. Department possesses several sophisticated instruments like U.V-Visible Spectrophotometer having Peltier cooled temperature controlling system( 02 units), Electrochemical Work Station, Rota evaporators, Universal Testing Machine etc. along with basic research amenities required for research activities. Karnatak University’s University Scientific Instrument Centre (USIC) is another major source for technical support. Department is rated as one of the best for its teaching and research activities. Department received research project funds by VGST, UGC, DST, etc. Faculty members published their research work in reputed and high impact factor journals.

Dr. S.M.Tuwar and Dr.Rajesh G. Kalkhambkar received the Best Research paper publication Award from VGST, DST, Bangalore and Young Scientist awards from ICS, Kolkata in the conference held at Chandigarh respectively. This reflects the recognition of promise, creativity and excellence in their research work and scientific zeal.

Recently, department has conducted UGC-KSTA sponsored national level conference entitled “Present Scenario of Chemical Sciences and its Technological Perspectives-2014” (PSCSTP-14) on Oct.10th & 11th 2014. Dr. S. D. Dhumwad and Dr. K. S. Katagi were as Convener and Organizing Secretary respectively.

Department has also conducted a workshop in association of Chem- Forum on 22-06-2018 entitled “U.G. Chemistry Practical Techniques, Performance, Evaluation and Guidelines” for Chemistry Teachers of Karnatak University Affiliated Colleges.

Hence, department always strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully to flourish and excel in the academics both in teaching-learning for 750, 960 and 80 students at B.Sc. PUC and M.Sc. Levels respectively in Chemistry and 75 in Biotechnology; and 12 students pursuing their Ph. D. under 08 Recognized Research Guides from Karnatak University from this department.