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BSC in Chemistry at Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Chemistry at Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College Kolkata?
This BSc Chemistry (Honours) program at Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College, affiliated with the University of Calcutta, focuses on foundational and advanced aspects of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. The curriculum is designed to provide a deep theoretical understanding coupled with extensive practical laboratory experience. It prepares students for diverse scientific roles and higher studies, addressing the growing demand for skilled chemists in various Indian industries.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong interest in fundamental sciences and a keen aptitude for problem-solving in a laboratory setting. It suits those aspiring for careers in research, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, or environmental analysis. Working professionals seeking to transition into scientific roles or upskill in specific chemical disciplines will also find the comprehensive curriculum beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in India, including roles as R&D chemists, quality control analysts, lab technicians, or scientific writers in sectors like pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and food processing. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5-4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential up to INR 8-15+ LPA for experienced professionals. The degree also provides a strong foundation for pursuing M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Chemistry.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Chemical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on understanding fundamental principles of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Regularly review lecture notes, solve textbook problems, and clarify doubts promptly. Join study groups to discuss complex topics and reinforce learning.
Tools & Resources
NCERT textbooks, Standard reference books (e.g., Clayden, Atkins, Lee & Lee), Online chemistry forums, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for advanced courses and forms the basis for all chemical industries and research, ensuring success in entrance exams for higher studies or entry-level technical roles.
Excel in Laboratory Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay meticulous attention during practical sessions to develop precision, accuracy, and safety protocols. Understand the theoretical basis of each experiment and meticulously record observations and results. Seek feedback on lab reports to improve scientific documentation.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Demonstrations by faculty, Online videos for specific techniques, Safety data sheets
Career Connection
Practical proficiency is highly valued in all chemistry-related jobs, from quality control to research and development, making graduates immediately employable in lab-centric roles.
Develop Problem-Solving Aptitude- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with numerical problems and conceptual challenges in all subjects. Practice solving a variety of problems beyond classroom examples, especially from previous year question papers. Participate in academic quizzes and competitions to sharpen analytical skills.
Tools & Resources
Question banks, Competitive exam preparation books (JEE Advanced, NEET chemistry sections), Online platforms for problem-solving
Career Connection
Strong problem-solving skills are essential for R&D roles, process optimization, and cracking competitive exams for government jobs or higher education admissions.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Specialization Pathways- (Semester 3-5)
Begin exploring different branches of chemistry like analytical, industrial, polymer, or medicinal chemistry through optional courses (DSEs) and independent study. Engage with faculty mentors to understand career prospects in these niche areas and align your learning.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Guest lectures by industry experts, Advanced textbooks and review articles, Career counseling sessions
Career Connection
Early specialization helps in focusing skill development, making you a more attractive candidate for specific industry roles or for advanced research programs.
Undertake Mini-Projects and Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Seek opportunities for short-term research projects under faculty guidance or apply for summer internships at research institutions or chemical companies in Kolkata or nearby industrial hubs. This provides real-world exposure and hands-on experience.
Tools & Resources
Faculty research projects, Internship portals (Internshala, LinkedIn), Industry contacts, Research journals
Career Connection
Internships build practical skills, expand professional networks, and are crucial for gaining industry insights and securing pre-placement offers in companies like TCS, Cognizant, or local pharmaceutical firms.
Enhance Analytical and Spectroscopic Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Gain proficiency in operating and interpreting data from advanced instruments such as UV-Vis, IR, NMR spectrometers, and chromatographic techniques. Understand their theoretical basis and practical applications in chemical analysis. Actively participate in advanced lab practicals.
Tools & Resources
Instrument manuals, Specialized software for data analysis, Online tutorials (e.g., spectroscopy principles), Workshops on analytical instruments
Career Connection
Expertise in analytical techniques is highly sought after in pharmaceutical, food, environmental, and material science industries for quality control and R&D positions.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Post-Graduation/Job Placements- (Semester 6)
Dedicate time for preparing for national-level entrance exams like JAM, GATE, or university-specific M.Sc. entrance exams. Simultaneously, refine your resume, practice interview skills, and attend campus placement drives. Network with alumni for insights and opportunities.
Tools & Resources
JAM/GATE coaching materials, Mock interview sessions, Career services cell, LinkedIn for professional networking
Career Connection
This stage directly leads to securing admission in top M.Sc./Ph.D. programs or landing jobs in reputed companies with competitive packages, leveraging the foundational and specialized knowledge gained.
Undertake a Research Dissertation/Project- (Semester 6)
Work on a significant research project or dissertation under a faculty mentor. This involves literature review, experimental design, execution, data analysis, and scientific writing. Present your findings at departmental seminars or local conferences.
Tools & Resources
Research databases (Scopus, Web of Science), Research software (ChemDraw, OriginPro), Scientific writing guides, Mentorship from professors
Career Connection
A strong research project enhances your profile for postgraduate admissions, showcases independent research capabilities, and can be a significant talking point in job interviews for R&D roles.
Develop Soft Skills and Professional Ethics- (Semester 6)
Actively participate in seminars, workshops, and extracurricular activities to enhance communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. Understand the ethical considerations in chemical research and industrial practices. Practice presenting scientific concepts clearly and concisely.
Tools & Resources
Communication skills workshops, Team projects, Professional body memberships (e.g., Chemical Society), Case studies on chemical ethics
Career Connection
Beyond technical expertise, strong soft skills are critical for career progression, effective collaboration, and leadership roles in any scientific or industrial setup, improving overall employability.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed Higher Secondary (10+2) or equivalent with 45% marks in aggregate or 50% marks in Chemistry at the previous qualifying examination.
Duration: 3 years (6 Semesters)
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-C-1-T | Inorganic Chemistry-I (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Atomic Structure and Quantum Numbers, Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry, General Principles of Metallurgy, Concepts of Acids and Bases |
| CHEM-C-1-P | Inorganic Chemistry-I (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Inorganic Qualitative Analysis, Volumetric Analysis (Acid-Base, Redox), Preparation of Simple Inorganic Compounds |
| CHEM-C-2-T | Organic Chemistry-I (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Stereochemistry of Organic Compounds, Organic Reaction Mechanisms, Chemistry of Alkanes and Alkenes, Alkynes, Dienes and Aromaticity |
| CHEM-C-2-P | Organic Chemistry-I (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Organic Qualitative Analysis, Melting Point and Boiling Point Determination, Crystallization and Distillation |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Ecosystems and Natural Resources, Environmental Pollution and Control, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Ethics and Human Population |
| GE-1-T | Generic Elective-I (Theory) | Generic Elective (from other discipline) | 4 | Fundamentals of chosen discipline, Basic principles and theories, Introductory analytical methods, Applications in real-world contexts |
| GE-1-P | Generic Elective-I (Practical) | Generic Elective (from other discipline) | 2 | Laboratory techniques specific to discipline, Data collection and basic analysis, Experimental procedures, Report writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-C-3-T | Physical Chemistry-I (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Gaseous State and Kinetic Theory, Liquid State and Intermolecular Forces, Solid State (Crystal Systems, Defects), Chemical Thermodynamics (Laws, Spontaneity) |
| CHEM-C-3-P | Physical Chemistry-I (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Viscosity and Surface Tension Measurements, Thermochemical Experiments, Studies on Chemical Kinetics |
| CHEM-C-4-T | Inorganic Chemistry-II (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Chemical Periodicity and Trends, Chemistry of s-Block Elements, Chemistry of p-Block Elements, Introduction to Transition Elements |
| CHEM-C-4-P | Inorganic Chemistry-II (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Gravimetric Analysis of Metal Ions, Complexometric Titrations, Synthesis of Inorganic Compounds |
| AECC-2 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Grammar and Usage in English, Reading and Listening Comprehension, Formal and Informal Writing Skills, Presentation and Speaking Skills |
| GE-2-T | Generic Elective-II (Theory) | Generic Elective (from other discipline) | 4 | Concepts and theories of elected subject, Problem-solving methodologies, Historical development of the field, Applications and societal relevance |
| GE-2-P | Generic Elective-II (Practical) | Generic Elective (from other discipline) | 2 | Practical skills and experimentation, Data interpretation and inference, Use of specific tools/software, Mini-project work |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-C-5-T | Organic Chemistry-II (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Aromatic Electrophilic Substitution, Alkyl and Aryl Halides (SN1, SN2, E1, E2), Chemistry of Carbonyl Compounds (Aldehydes, Ketones), Carboxylic Acids and their Derivatives |
| CHEM-C-5-P | Organic Chemistry-II (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Organic Preparations (e.g., Aspirin, Benzanilide), Qualitative Analysis of Bifunctional Compounds, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) |
| CHEM-C-6-T | Physical Chemistry-II (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Solutions and Colligative Properties, Electrochemistry (Conductance, EMF), Chemical Equilibrium, Phase Equilibrium (One and Two-Component Systems) |
| CHEM-C-6-P | Physical Chemistry-II (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Electrochemistry Experiments (pH-metry, Potentiometry), Phase Diagram Construction, Distribution Law Studies |
| CHEM-C-7-T | Inorganic Chemistry-III (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Coordination Chemistry (Nomenclature, Isomerism), Bonding Theories in Coordination Compounds, Electronic Spectra and Magnetism of Complexes, Bioinorganic Chemistry (Metals in Biological Systems) |
| CHEM-C-7-P | Inorganic Chemistry-III (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Preparation of Coordination Complexes, Estimation of Metal Ions in Complexes, Colorimetric Estimation |
| SEC-1 | Analytical Methods in Chemistry | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Basic Analytical Techniques, Separation Techniques (Chromatography), Spectroscopic Methods (UV-Vis), Quality Assurance and Data Analysis |
| GE-3-T | Generic Elective-III (Theory) | Generic Elective (from other discipline) | 4 | Advanced topics in elected subject, Methodologies and research trends, Interdisciplinary connections, Societal and ethical implications |
| GE-3-P | Generic Elective-III (Practical) | Generic Elective (from other discipline) | 2 | Advanced practical skills, Project implementation and analysis, Scientific writing and presentation, Critical evaluation of results |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-C-8-T | Organic Chemistry-III (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Nitrogen Containing Functional Groups, Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds, Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins, Carbohydrates (Structure, Reactions, Synthesis) |
| CHEM-C-8-P | Organic Chemistry-III (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Separation of Organic Mixtures, Quantitative Estimation of Organic Compounds, Preliminary Spectroscopic Identification |
| CHEM-C-9-T | Physical Chemistry-III (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Quantum Chemistry (Postulates, Atomic Orbitals), Molecular Spectroscopy (IR, UV-Vis, NMR), Photochemistry (Jablonski Diagram, Quantum Yield), Symmetry Elements and Point Groups |
| CHEM-C-9-P | Physical Chemistry-III (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Spectrophotometric Experiments, Quantum Chemistry Calculations (Basic), Experiments in Photochemistry |
| CHEM-C-10-T | Inorganic Chemistry-IV (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Organometallic Chemistry (Synthesis, Bonding), Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysis, Solid State Chemistry (Crystal Defects, Band Theory), Introduction to Nanochemistry |
| CHEM-C-10-P | Inorganic Chemistry-IV (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Synthesis of Organometallic Compounds, Characterization Techniques (FTIR), Experiments Related to Solid State Materials |
| SEC-2 | Green Chemistry | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Principles of Green Chemistry, Green Solvents and Catalysis, Atom Economy and Waste Minimization, Designing Environmentally Benign Chemical Processes |
| GE-4-T | Generic Elective-IV (Theory) | Generic Elective (from other discipline) | 4 | Specialized topics in elected field, Current research and innovations, Societal impact of the discipline, Future trends and career prospects |
| GE-4-P | Generic Elective-IV (Practical) | Generic Elective (from other discipline) | 2 | Advanced project-based learning, Independent research and investigation, Presentation of findings, Critical evaluation of methodologies |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-C-11-T | Organic Chemistry-IV (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Pericyclic Reactions and Woodward-Hoffmann Rules, Retrosynthesis (Disconnection Approach), Natural Products (Terpenes, Alkaloids), Steroids and their Chemical Properties |
| CHEM-C-11-P | Organic Chemistry-IV (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Multi-step Organic Synthesis, Spectroscopic Identification (NMR, IR), Chromatographic Separation Techniques |
| CHEM-C-12-T | Physical Chemistry-IV (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Surface Chemistry (Adsorption, Catalysis), Colloids and Macromolecules, Polymer Chemistry (Polymerization, Properties), Advanced Concepts in Nanochemistry |
| CHEM-C-12-P | Physical Chemistry-IV (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Adsorption Isotherm Studies, Polymer Synthesis and Characterization, Micelle Formation and Critical Micelle Concentration |
| CHEM-DSE-1-T | Industrial Chemistry (Theory) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Industrial Chemical Processes, Petrochemicals and Fertilizers, Polymer and Plastics Industry, Dyes, Pigments, and Pharmaceutical Industry |
| CHEM-DSE-1-P | Industrial Chemistry (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective Practical | 2 | Synthesis of Industrial Chemicals, Quality Control Tests for Products, Process Optimization Experiments |
| CHEM-DSE-2-T | Polymer Chemistry (Theory) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Basic Concepts of Polymers, Polymerization Techniques and Mechanisms, Structure and Properties of Polymers, Polymer Characterization Methods |
| CHEM-DSE-2-P | Polymer Chemistry (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective Practical | 2 | Synthesis of various polymers, Viscosity average molecular weight determination, Thermal analysis of polymers |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-C-13-T | Inorganic Chemistry-V (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Main Group Elements (Advanced), Analytical Chemistry (Atomic Absorption, Chromatography), Ion Exchange Chromatography, Nuclear Chemistry (Radioactivity, Applications) |
| CHEM-C-13-P | Inorganic Chemistry-V (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Flame Photometry, Ion Exchange and Solvent Extraction Experiments, Spectrophotometric Determination of Metal Ions |
| CHEM-C-14-T | Physical Chemistry-V (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Advanced Chemical Thermodynamics, Statistical Thermodynamics (Introduction), Electrochemical Cells and Corrosion, Kinetics of Electrode Processes |
| CHEM-C-14-P | Physical Chemistry-V (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Calorimetry (Heat of Neutralization, Solution), Conductometric and Potentiometric Titrations, Verification of Electrochemical Laws |
| CHEM-DSE-3-T | Medicinal Chemistry (Theory) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Drug Discovery and Development, Principles of Drug Action, Common Drug Classes and their Synthesis, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics |
| CHEM-DSE-3-P | Medicinal Chemistry (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective Practical | 2 | Synthesis of common drug intermediates, Assay of active pharmaceutical ingredients, Spectroscopic analysis of drugs |
| CHEM-DSE-4-T | Environmental Chemistry (Theory) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Air Pollution and Control Technologies, Water Pollution and Treatment Methods, Soil Chemistry and Contamination, Waste Management and Recycling Strategies |
| CHEM-DSE-4-P | Environmental Chemistry (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective Practical | 2 | Analysis of Pollutants in Water (DO, BOD, COD), Heavy Metal Analysis in Soil, Air Quality Monitoring Experiments |
