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INTEGRATED-M-SC in Chemistry at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Chemistry at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Paschim Medinipur?
This Integrated M.Sc. Chemistry program at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of chemical sciences. It integrates fundamental principles with advanced research methodologies, preparing students for cutting-edge challenges in various industries. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical applications, making it highly relevant to India''''s growing chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for ambitious 10+2 science graduates with a strong aptitude for chemistry and mathematics, aspiring for a research-oriented or industrial career. It also suits those aiming for higher studies (PhD) in specialized chemical fields or seeking roles in R&D, quality control, and manufacturing within the Indian chemical industry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as research scientists, analytical chemists, material scientists, or process development chemists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, with significant growth potential in R&D and specialized sectors. The holistic curriculum prepares students for leadership roles in both academia and industry.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Foundational Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus rigorously on understanding core principles of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Utilize online platforms like NPTEL and Khan Academy for supplementary learning and practice problem-solving consistently to solidify concepts.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Khan Academy, Textbooks recommended by faculty, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A robust foundation is critical for excelling in advanced chemistry topics and lays the groundwork for research and analytical roles.
Develop Essential Laboratory Skills Early- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in all laboratory sessions, paying close attention to experimental procedures, safety protocols, and data analysis. Document observations meticulously in lab notebooks and seek feedback from TAs/professors to refine practical skills.
Tools & Resources
Laboratory manuals, Lab instructors, Mentorship from senior students, Online chemistry experiment simulations
Career Connection
Strong practical skills are indispensable for R&D, quality control, and process development roles in the chemical industry.
Cultivate Scientific Communication and Programming- (Semester 1-2)
Improve English communication skills through technical writing and presentations. Simultaneously, develop basic programming proficiency (e.g., C/Python) from courses like Programming and Data Structures, as computational skills are increasingly vital in modern chemistry.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, LaTeX, Online coding platforms (HackerRank), University writing centers
Career Connection
Effective communication is key for publishing research and presenting findings, while programming skills enable data analysis and computational chemistry.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Core Chemistry Specializations- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond mandatory courses, explore diverse fields like Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry by attending department seminars and engaging with faculty research. Identify areas of personal interest to guide future elective choices and project work.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research groups, Faculty office hours, Chemical society workshops, Advanced textbooks
Career Connection
Specializing early helps in identifying niche career paths in research, pharmaceuticals, or materials science, providing a competitive edge for internships.
Seek Research Opportunities and Internships- (Semester 4-5 (especially during summer breaks))
Actively pursue summer research internships (SRI) or short-term projects within IIT Kharagpur or other Indian research institutions (e.g., IISc, TIFR). These experiences offer hands-on research training and valuable industry exposure.
Tools & Resources
Internship cells, Faculty connections, Research project advertisements, Online portals for summer research programs
Career Connection
Internships are crucial for building a professional network, gaining practical experience, and often lead to pre-placement offers in Indian companies.
Participate in Chemical Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Engage in inter-IIT technical competitions, chemical olympiads, or hackathons focused on chemical problems. Attend workshops on advanced instrumentation (e.g., NMR, Mass Spectrometry) to enhance practical and problem-solving skills beyond the curriculum.
Tools & Resources
Chemical Society clubs, Departmental newsletters, Conference announcements, Online resources for chemical problem-solving
Career Connection
Such participation demonstrates initiative, enhances problem-solving abilities, and makes a student more attractive to recruiters in R&D and analytical roles.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Research Project and Thesis Development- (Semester 6-8 (with significant work in Semesters 7 & 8))
Dedicate significant effort to your integrated M.Sc. project, working closely with your supervisor. Aim for high-quality research that could lead to publications in peer-reviewed journals, which is a strong differentiator for higher studies or R&D roles.
Tools & Resources
Research labs, University library (for literature search), Research software (e.g., Origin, ChemDraw), Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
A strong thesis/project is a direct testament to research capabilities, essential for PhD admissions and high-end R&D positions in India and globally.
Network with Industry Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 6-8)
Attend industry conferences, seminars, and alumni networking events. Connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn to understand current industry trends, job market requirements, and potential career opportunities in India''''s chemical sector.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, IIT Kharagpur Alumni Association, Industry-specific conferences (e.g., Indian Chemical Society meetings), Career fairs
Career Connection
Networking often leads to job referrals, mentorship opportunities, and insights into the specific skills Indian employers value for advanced chemistry roles.
Prepare for Placements and Higher Studies- (Semester 7-8)
Meticulously prepare for placement interviews, focusing on subject knowledge, problem-solving, and soft skills. For higher studies, prepare for competitive exams like CSIR NET/GATE or GRE/TOEFL, and start the application process for PhD programs or specialized master''''s degrees.
Tools & Resources
Career Development Centre, Mock interviews, Resume/CV workshops, Previous year question papers for competitive exams
Career Connection
Strategic preparation ensures successful placements in top Indian and international companies, or admission to prestigious PhD programs in chemistry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) and qualification in JEE Advanced Examination.
Duration: 5 years (10 semesters)
Credits: 400 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS10001 | ENGLISH FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY | Humanities & Social Sciences (HS) | 2 | Grammar and usage, Technical report writing, Presentation skills, Reading comprehension, Vocabulary building |
| MA11001 | MATHEMATICS – I | Basic Science (BS) | 4 | Single variable calculus, Sequences and series, Functions of several variables, Partial derivatives, Applications of derivatives |
| PH11001 | PHYSICS – I | Basic Science (BS) | 4 | Classical mechanics, Oscillations and waves, Thermal physics, Special theory of relativity, Electromagnetism basics |
| PH19001 | PHYSICS LABORATORY – I | Basic Science (BS) Lab | 2 | Experiments in optics, Mechanics, Properties of matter, Electrical measurements |
| CH10001 | CHEMISTRY – I | Basic Science (BS) | 4 | Atomic structure, Chemical bonding, Solid state chemistry, Thermodynamics, Chemical equilibrium |
| CH19001 | CHEMISTRY LABORATORY – I | Basic Science (BS) Lab | 2 | Volumetric analysis, Inorganic synthesis, Qualitative analysis, pH measurements |
| CS10001 | PROGRAMMING AND DATA STRUCTURES | Engineering Science (ES) | 4 | Introduction to C, Data types, Control flow, Arrays and strings, Functions and pointers |
| CS19001 | PROGRAMMING AND DATA STRUCTURES LAB | Engineering Science (ES) Lab | 2 | C programming exercises, Implementation of basic algorithms, Debugging, Data handling |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE11001 | ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY | Engineering Science (ES) | 4 | DC circuits, AC circuits, Transformers, Induction motors, Power systems basics |
| EE19001 | ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY | Engineering Science (ES) Lab | 2 | Experiments on DC/AC circuits, Transformers, Electrical machines |
| MA11002 | MATHEMATICS – II | Basic Science (BS) | 4 | Linear algebra, Vector calculus, Ordinary differential equations, Laplace transforms, Fourier series |
| ME11001 | ENGINEERING MECHANICS | Engineering Science (ES) | 4 | Statics of particles and rigid bodies, Kinematics of rigid bodies, Dynamics of particles, Work-energy principle, Impulse-momentum |
| PH11002 | PHYSICS – II | Basic Science (BS) | 4 | Quantum mechanics, Atomic and molecular physics, Statistical mechanics, Nuclear physics, Condensed matter physics |
| PH19002 | PHYSICS LABORATORY – II | Basic Science (BS) Lab | 2 | Experiments on quantum phenomena, Modern physics, Optics, Electronics |
| CE10001 | ENGINEERING DRAWING AND COMPUTER GRAPHICS | Engineering Science (ES) | 3 | Engineering curves, Orthographic projections, Sectional views, Isometric views, Computer-aided drafting |
| ME19001 | WORKSHOP PRACTICES | Engineering Science (ES) Lab | 2 | Machining, Welding, Carpentry, Foundry, Sheet metal work |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CY20001 | INORGANIC CHEMISTRY – I | Core Chemistry (CC) | 4 | Main group elements, Transition metals, Coordination chemistry, Organometallic compounds, Bioinorganic chemistry |
| CY20003 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY – I | Core Chemistry (CC) | 4 | Reaction mechanisms, Stereochemistry, Alkanes and alkenes, Aromatic compounds, Alcohols and phenols |
| CY20005 | PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY – I | Core Chemistry (CC) | 4 | Quantum chemistry, Spectroscopy, Chemical kinetics, Surface chemistry, Colloids |
| CY29001 | INORGANIC CHEMISTRY LAB – I | Core Chemistry (CC) Lab | 2 | Inorganic qualitative analysis, Synthesis of coordination complexes, Spectroscopic characterization |
| CY29003 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LAB – I | Core Chemistry (CC) Lab | 2 | Organic qualitative analysis, Organic synthesis, Separation techniques, Purification methods |
| CY29005 | PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LAB – I | Core Chemistry (CC) Lab | 2 | Thermochemistry, Kinetics experiments, Electrochemistry, Refractometry, Viscometry |
| ID20001 | SCIENCE OF LIVING SYSTEM | Basic Science (BS) | 3 | Cell biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Physiology, Immunology |
| MA20001 | MATHEMATICS – III | Basic Science (BS) | 4 | Partial differential equations, Complex analysis, Probability theory, Statistics, Numerical methods |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CY20002 | INORGANIC CHEMISTRY – II | Core Chemistry (CC) | 4 | Advanced coordination chemistry, Reaction mechanisms of complexes, Catalysis, Solid state inorganic chemistry, Nanomaterials |
| CY20004 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY – II | Core Chemistry (CC) | 4 | Carbonyl compounds, Carboxylic acids and derivatives, Amines, Heterocyclic compounds, Pericyclic reactions |
| CY20006 | PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY – II | Core Chemistry (CC) | 4 | Chemical thermodynamics, Statistical thermodynamics, Phase equilibria, Solutions, Transport phenomena |
| CY29002 | INORGANIC CHEMISTRY LAB – II | Core Chemistry (CC) Lab | 2 | Quantitative analysis of alloys, Ion exchange chromatography, Magnetic measurements, Spectrophotometric determination |
| CY29004 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LAB – II | Core Chemistry (CC) Lab | 2 | Multi-step organic synthesis, Spectroscopic identification of compounds, Chromatography techniques |
| CY29006 | PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LAB – II | Core Chemistry (CC) Lab | 2 | Chemical kinetics experiments, Surface tension measurements, Conductometry, pH metry |
| ID20002 | INTRODUCTORY ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE | Basic Science (BS) | 3 | Atmospheric composition, Structure, Weather phenomena, Climate change, Atmospheric pollution |
| HSS Elective 1 | Elective - 1 (HSS) | Humanities & Social Sciences (HS) Elective | 3 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CY30001 | QUANTUM CHEMISTRY AND SPECTROSCOPY | Core Chemistry (CC) | 4 | Quantum mechanics principles, Atomic and molecular orbitals, Group theory in chemistry, Electronic spectroscopy, Vibrational and rotational spectroscopy |
| CY30003 | INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY | Core Chemistry (CC) | 3 | Petrochemicals, Polymers, Fertilizers, Agrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Green chemistry |
| CY30005 | ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | Core Chemistry (CC) | 4 | Retrosynthesis, Asymmetric synthesis, Natural products, Photochemistry, Organometallic reagents in organic synthesis |
| CY39001 | INSTRUMENTAL METHODS OF CHEMICAL ANALYSIS LAB | Core Chemistry (CC) Lab | 2 | UV-Vis spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, Chromatography, Potentiometry, Conductometry |
| DE Elective 1 | Elective - 2 (DE) | Departmental Elective (DE) | 3 | |
| OE Elective 1 | Elective - 3 (OE) | Open Elective (OE) | 3 | |
| HSS Elective 2 | Elective - 4 (HSS) | Humanities & Social Sciences (HS) Elective | 3 |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CY30002 | BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY | Core Chemistry (CC) | 3 | Biomolecules structure, Thermodynamics of biological systems, Enzyme kinetics, Membrane biophysics, Spectroscopic techniques in biochemistry |
| CY30004 | POLYMER CHEMISTRY | Core Chemistry (CC) | 3 | Polymer synthesis, Polymerization mechanisms, Polymer characterization, Polymer properties, Applications of polymers |
| CY30006 | CHEMICAL KINETICS AND ELECTROCHEMISTRY | Core Chemistry (CC) | 4 | Reaction rate theories, Complex reactions, Catalysis, Electrochemical cells, Corrosion, Fuel cells |
| CY39002 | ADVANCED PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LAB | Core Chemistry (CC) Lab | 2 | Spectroscopic analysis, Calorimetry, Surface adsorption, Polymer characterization |
| CY39004 | ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LAB | Core Chemistry (CC) Lab | 2 | Stereoselective synthesis, Natural product isolation, Advanced chromatographic separations |
| DE Elective 2 | Elective - 5 (DE) | Departmental Elective (DE) | 3 | |
| OE Elective 2 | Elective - 6 (OE) | Open Elective (OE) | 3 |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CY40001 | ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY | Core Chemistry (CC) | 4 | Advanced topics in coordination chemistry, Inorganic reaction mechanisms, Catalysis, Materials chemistry, Bioinorganic chemistry |
| CY49001 | ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY LAB | Core Chemistry (CC) Lab | 2 | Synthesis of novel inorganic materials, Characterization using modern techniques, Magnetic properties |
| CY49003 | PROJECT – I | Chemistry Project (CP) | 4 | Research methodology, Literature review, Experimental design, Data analysis, Scientific report writing |
| DE Elective 3 | Elective - 7 (DE) | Departmental Elective (DE) | 3 | |
| DE Elective 4 | Elective - 8 (DE) | Departmental Elective (DE) | 3 | |
| OE Elective 3 | Elective - 9 (OE) | Open Elective (OE) | 3 |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CY40002 | ADVANCED PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY | Core Chemistry (CC) | 4 | Advanced quantum mechanics, Statistical mechanics, Advanced spectroscopy, Photochemistry, Surface science |
| CY49002 | PHYSICAL METHODS IN CHEMISTRY LAB | Core Chemistry (CC) Lab | 2 | X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, Mass spectrometry, Electron microscopy, Computational chemistry |
| CY49004 | PROJECT – II | Chemistry Project (CP) | 4 | Advanced experimental techniques, Data interpretation, Scientific communication, Thesis preparation |
| DE Elective 5 | Elective - 10 (DE) | Departmental Elective (DE) | 3 | |
| OE Elective 4 | Elective - 11 (OE) | Open Elective (OE) | 3 |
Semester 9
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CY59001 | PROJECT – III | Chemistry Project (CP) | 8 | In-depth research, Independent problem-solving, Advanced experimental methods, Critical analysis, Publication-ready manuscript preparation |
| DE Elective 6 | Elective - 12 (DE) | Departmental Elective (DE) | 3 | |
| DE Elective 7 | Elective - 13 (DE) | Departmental Elective (DE) | 3 | |
| OE Elective 5 | Elective - 14 (OE) | Open Elective (OE) | 3 |
Semester 10
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CY59002 | PROJECT – IV | Chemistry Project (CP) | 8 | Research culmination, Thesis defense preparation, Advanced data visualization, Impact assessment, Innovation and entrepreneurship |
| DE Elective 8 | Elective - 15 (DE) | Departmental Elective (DE) | 3 | |
| DE Elective 9 | Elective - 16 (DE) | Departmental Elective (DE) | 3 |
