.png&w=1920&q=75)
B-SC-HONS in Chemistry at Parameswar Mahavidyalaya
South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Chemistry at Parameswar Mahavidyalaya South 24 Parganas?
This Chemistry Honours program at Parameswar Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with the University of Calcutta, provides a comprehensive education in the core areas of chemistry: inorganic, organic, and physical. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory skills, preparing students for diverse roles in India''''s dynamic chemical and allied industries. It is designed to foster scientific inquiry and analytical thinking among students.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong foundation and keen interest in science, particularly Chemistry. It caters to students aspiring to pursue higher education, research, or direct entry into sectors like pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, materials science, and environmental management. Individuals passionate about experimentation, problem-solving, and scientific innovation will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect promising career opportunities in India as R&D chemists, quality control analysts, production chemists, or environmental consultants. Entry-level salaries generally range from INR 2.5 to 4 LPA, with substantial growth potential to INR 8-15 LPA for experienced professionals. The program also serves as an excellent foundation for competitive postgraduate entrance exams such as IIT JAM and CSIR-NET.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts and Laboratory Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate extensive effort to thoroughly understand the foundational theories across inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Simultaneously, gain proficiency in basic laboratory skills, ensuring safe handling of chemicals, accurate data recording, and precise execution of experiments. Consistent practice of numerical problems and qualitative analysis is vital for strong academic performance.
Tools & Resources
NCERT science textbooks for conceptual clarity, University-prescribed textbooks and reference books, Chemistry lab manuals and safety guidelines, Online educational platforms like Khan Academy or NPTEL for supplementary learning
Career Connection
A robust understanding of chemical fundamentals and initial lab expertise is crucial for building advanced knowledge, excelling in subsequent semesters, and securing entry-level positions in analytical or research roles.
Cultivate Scientific Communication and Critical Thinking- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions, present findings from lab experiments, and practice writing scientific reports. Focus on articulating complex chemical concepts clearly, logically, and concisely. Engage in critical analysis of scientific literature to develop independent thought and problem-solving abilities, especially through environmental studies.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Peer review sessions for lab reports, Science magazines and online articles for reading comprehension, College debate clubs or Toastmasters for public speaking practice
Career Connection
Strong communication and critical thinking are essential for collaborating in scientific teams, writing research proposals, presenting findings, and advancing into leadership roles in both academia and industry.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections via Generic Electives- (Semester 1-2)
Strategically choose Generic Elective courses from other science disciplines, such as Physics or Mathematics, to broaden your scientific perspective. Understand how principles from these fields apply to chemical problems, enhancing your analytical and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills, which are highly valued in modern scientific research.
Tools & Resources
Online courses from Coursera or edX in related fields, Science journals and popular science books, Discussions with faculty and students from other departments, University interdisciplinary workshops
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary approach is increasingly important for careers in emerging fields like materials science, bioinformatics, and environmental chemistry, providing a competitive edge in a diverse job market.
Intermediate Stage
Intensify Practical Skills and Instrumental Training- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond standard curriculum, seek out opportunities for advanced practical training, focusing on instrumental methods of chemical analysis and complex synthesis. Participate in departmental mini-projects or faculty-guided experiments to gain hands-on experience with sophisticated equipment. This builds technical competence beyond theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Advanced Chemistry lab equipment (e.g., spectrophotometers, chromatographs), Specialized lab manuals, Online tutorials for instrumental techniques, Summer research programs or internships if available
Career Connection
Proficiency in instrumental analysis and advanced lab techniques is a direct pathway to roles in analytical laboratories, quality control, and R&D divisions of pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
Build a Professional Network and Industry Awareness- (Semester 3-5)
Attend chemistry-focused webinars, seminars, and local conferences to stay updated on industry trends and connect with professionals. Join college chemistry clubs or student chapters of professional bodies to interact with peers, alumni, and potential mentors. Actively follow news from Indian chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, Local scientific societies and associations, College career development events, Industry newsletters and publications
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internship opportunities, industry insights, and potential job referrals, significantly enhancing employability and providing a clearer vision for career growth.
Develop Data Analysis and Computational Chemistry Acumen- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on enhancing skills in data interpretation, statistical analysis, and basic computational chemistry, especially through courses like Basic Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Methods. Utilize software for data processing, modeling, and visualization. Explore basic programming for chemical applications.
Tools & Resources
MS Excel, OriginLab (or similar graphing software), Python with chemical libraries (e.g., RDKit, NumPy), Online resources for computational chemistry basics, Statistical analysis textbooks for chemists
Career Connection
These skills are highly valuable in modern R&D, quality assurance, and process optimization roles, where data-driven decision-making and molecular simulations are increasingly common in Indian industries.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Industry Internships and Applied Projects- (Semester 6)
Actively seek and complete internships in chemical or pharmaceutical industries, analytical laboratories, or research institutions within India. Engage in a substantial project or dissertation under faculty guidance, applying accumulated knowledge to solve real-world problems. This practical exposure is crucial for industry readiness.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell for internship assistance, Online internship portals like Internshala, Direct company applications (e.g., Dr. Reddy''''s Laboratories, Reliance Industries), Research funding opportunities from UGC or state science councils
Career Connection
Internships often lead to pre-placement offers, build a strong professional network, and provide invaluable practical experience, making graduates highly desirable candidates for full-time employment.
Specialize through Discipline Specific Electives- (Semester 6)
Choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) like Green Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry based on your career interests. Delve deeply into these specialized areas through advanced coursework and dedicated project work. This focused learning allows for expertise development in a niche area, differentiating you in the job market.
Tools & Resources
Specialized textbooks and research papers, Advanced laboratory facilities for DSE-related projects, Mentorship from faculty specializing in your chosen DSE area, Industry reports on specific chemical sectors
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge gained through DSEs directly qualifies students for roles in specific sectors such as environmental compliance, sustainable manufacturing, or chemical process development, enhancing career progression.
Intensive Placement and Higher Education Preparation- (Semester 6)
Prepare rigorously for campus placements by polishing interview skills, crafting a compelling resume, and enhancing technical aptitude. Simultaneously, if planning for postgraduate studies, prepare for competitive exams like IIT JAM, GATE, or university-specific entrance tests. Focus on revising the entire curriculum thoroughly and practicing previous year question papers.
Tools & Resources
Mock interview panels and group discussion practice, Resume and cover letter workshops, Online test series and study materials for entrance exams (e.g., Byju''''s, Unacademy), Career counseling services
Career Connection
Dedicated and strategic preparation directly correlates with successful placement in reputable companies or admission into esteemed postgraduate programs, laying a strong foundation for a rewarding career in chemistry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 (or equivalent) examination with Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics/Biology and English, with a minimum aggregate percentage (typically 45-50%) and a specific percentage in Chemistry (e.g., 50-55%) as per University of Calcutta norms for Honours programs. Specific cut-offs may apply at the college level.
Duration: 3 years / 6 Semesters
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20% (Internal Assessment, Viva Voce, Continuous Evaluation), External: 80% (End-Semester Examinations, Theory and Practical)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-A-CC-1-1-TH | Inorganic Chemistry - I (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, s-Block Elements, p-Block Elements, Acids and Bases |
| CHEM-A-CC-1-1-P | Inorganic Chemistry - I (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Qualitative Inorganic Analysis, Preparation of Inorganic Compounds, Titrimetric Analysis |
| CHEM-A-CC-1-2-TH | Physical Chemistry - I (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Gaseous State, Liquid State, Solid State, Ionic Equilibria, Distribution Law |
| CHEM-A-CC-1-2-P | Physical Chemistry - I (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Thermochemistry Experiments, Viscosity & Surface Tension, Conductometry Experiments |
| ENVS-AECC-1-1-TH | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its Conservation, Environmental Pollution |
| GE-1-TH/P | Generic Elective - I | Generic Elective | 6 | Topics chosen by students from other disciplines, Fundamental concepts of the chosen subject, Analytical and problem-solving skills in interdisciplinary context |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-A-CC-2-3-TH | Organic Chemistry - I (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Basics of Organic Chemistry, Stereochemistry, Alkanes & Cycloalkanes, Alkenes & Alkynes, Aromatic Hydrocarbons |
| CHEM-A-CC-2-3-P | Organic Chemistry - I (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Qualitative Organic Analysis, Organic Preparations, Crystallization and Melting Point Determination |
| CHEM-A-CC-2-4-TH | Physical Chemistry - II (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Chemical Kinetics, Catalysis, Colloids & Surface Chemistry, Thermodynamics - I, Electrochemistry Introduction |
| CHEM-A-CC-2-4-P | Physical Chemistry - II (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Kinetic Experiments, Colloidal Systems, Adsorption Studies |
| ENGC-AECC-2-1-TH | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Theory of Communication, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Listening and Speaking Skills, Grammar and Vocabulary |
| GE-2-TH/P | Generic Elective - II | Generic Elective | 6 | Topics chosen by students from other disciplines, Core principles of the chosen area, Application of scientific methods and logical reasoning |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-A-CC-3-5-TH | Inorganic Chemistry - II (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Transition Elements (d-block), Coordination Compounds, Non-aqueous Solvents, Bio-inorganic Chemistry, Oxidation states |
| CHEM-A-CC-3-5-P | Inorganic Chemistry - II (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Synthesis of Coordination Compounds, Colorimetric Analysis, Inorganic Mixture Analysis |
| CHEM-A-CC-3-6-TH | Organic Chemistry - II (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution, Alcohols & Phenols, Ethers & Epoxides, Aldehydes & Ketones, Carbonyl Compounds |
| CHEM-A-CC-3-6-P | Organic Chemistry - II (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Functional Group Identification, Separation of Organic Mixtures, Qualitative Tests for Organic Compounds |
| CHEM-A-CC-3-7-TH | Physical Chemistry - III (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Electrochemistry, Conductance, Phase Equilibria, Chemical Equilibrium, Reaction Rates |
| CHEM-A-CC-3-7-P | Physical Chemistry - III (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | pH Metry, Potentiometry, Phase Diagram Studies |
| CHEM-A-SEC-3-1-TH | Basic Analytical Chemistry | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Sampling and Data Analysis, Titrimetric Analysis, Gravimetric Analysis, Chromatographic Methods, Spectrophotometric Methods |
| GE-3-TH/P | Generic Elective - III | Generic Elective | 6 | Topics chosen by students from other disciplines, Interdisciplinary scientific concepts, Quantitative and qualitative reasoning |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-A-CC-4-8-TH | Inorganic Chemistry - III (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Oxidation and Reduction, Chemistry of f-block elements, Metallurgy, Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms, Metal Carbonyls |
| CHEM-A-CC-4-8-P | Inorganic Chemistry - III (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Quantitative Analysis of Alloys, Ion Exchange Chromatography, Redox Titrations |
| CHEM-A-CC-4-9-TH | Organic Chemistry - III (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Carboxylic Acids and their Derivatives, Amines, Diazonium Salts, Polymers, Active Methylene Compounds |
| CHEM-A-CC-4-9-P | Organic Chemistry - III (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Qualitative Analysis of Polysubstituted Compounds, Multi-step Organic Synthesis, Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds |
| CHEM-A-CC-4-10-TH | Physical Chemistry - IV (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Quantum Chemistry, Molecular Spectroscopy, Photochemistry, Statistical Thermodynamics, Group Theory |
| CHEM-A-CC-4-10-P | Physical Chemistry - IV (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Spectrophotometric Experiments, Quantum Mechanical Calculations, Photochemical Studies |
| CHEM-A-SEC-4-2-TH | Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | UV-Vis Spectroscopy, IR Spectroscopy, NMR Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry, Chromatographic Techniques |
| GE-4-TH/P | Generic Elective - IV | Generic Elective | 6 | Topics chosen by students from other disciplines, Cross-disciplinary problem-solving, Advanced concepts in non-Chemistry fields |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-A-CC-5-11-TH | Organic Chemistry - IV (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Heterocyclic Compounds, Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Nucleic Acids |
| CHEM-A-CC-5-11-P | Organic Chemistry - IV (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Quantitative Analysis of Organic Compounds, Isolation of Natural Products, Synthesis of Pharmaceutical Intermediates |
| CHEM-A-CC-5-12-TH | Inorganic Chemistry - IV (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Organometallic Chemistry, Catalysis by Organometallic Compounds, Main Group Chemistry, Symmetry and Group Theory, Polymeric Inorganic Compounds |
| CHEM-A-CC-5-12-P | Inorganic Chemistry - IV (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Complexometric Titrations, Analysis of Ores and Alloys, Ion Exchange Separations |
| CHEM-A-DSE-5-1-TH | Applications of Computers in Chemistry (Theory) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Basic Computer Programming (C/Python), Spreadsheet Applications in Chemistry, Molecular Modeling and Simulations, Chemical Databases and Software, Data Visualization |
| CHEM-A-DSE-5-1-P | Applications of Computers in Chemistry (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective | 2 | Programming for Chemical Calculations, Molecular Visualization, Data Plotting and Analysis |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-A-CC-6-13-TH | Physical Chemistry - V (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Chemical Thermodynamics - II, Solutions and Colligative Properties, Phase Rule, Statistical Mechanics, Irreversible Processes |
| CHEM-A-CC-6-13-P | Physical Chemistry - V (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Colligative Properties Experiments, Phase Diagram Construction, Reaction Kinetics in Solution |
| CHEM-A-CC-6-14-TH | Inorganic Chemistry - V (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Inorganic Spectroscopy (NMR, ESR, Mossbauer), Reaction Mechanism of Transition Metal Complexes, Inorganic Polymers, Hard and Soft Acids and Bases, Catalysis |
| CHEM-A-CC-6-14-P | Inorganic Chemistry - V (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Magnetic Susceptibility Measurements, Spectroscopic Characterization of Complexes, Electrochemical Studies of Inorganic Species |
| CHEM-A-DSE-6-2-TH | Green Chemistry (Theory) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Principles of Green Chemistry, Green Solvents and Reagents, Catalysis in Green Chemistry, Green Chemical Synthesis, Environmental Impact Assessment |
| CHEM-A-DSE-6-2-P | Green Chemistry (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective | 2 | Green Synthesis of Organic Compounds, Use of Environmentally Benign Catalysts, Waste Minimization Techniques |
