

B-SC-HONS-CHEMISTRY in Chemistry at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College


Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Chemistry at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College Delhi?
This B.Sc Hons. Chemistry program at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, affiliated with the University of Delhi, focuses on providing a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of chemical sciences. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with extensive practical training, preparing students for diverse roles in India''''s burgeoning chemical, pharmaceutical, and research sectors. It emphasizes advanced analytical techniques and fosters critical thinking for real-world chemical challenges and solutions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong aptitude for science, particularly chemistry, who are seeking entry into cutting-edge research, industry, or further academic pursuits. It also suits those aspiring for careers in quality control, R&D, environmental monitoring, or teaching, requiring a robust theoretical and experimental background in chemistry for professional growth.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in chemical industries, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, materials science, and environmental agencies across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 8-15 LPA. The program aligns with requirements for competitive exams and higher studies (M.Sc, PhD) in chemistry and related fields, offering strong growth trajectories in various scientific domains.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Conceptual Core- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on understanding fundamental principles of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Utilize textbooks, reference books, and online resources like NPTEL lectures to clarify concepts, practicing numerical problems regularly to solidify theoretical knowledge and prepare for assessments.
Tools & Resources
NCERT textbooks, Standard Chemistry textbooks (e.g., Atkins, Morrison & Boyd, Shriver & Atkins), NPTEL, Khan Academy
Career Connection
Essential for competitive exams (e.g., JEE Advanced, NET, GATE) and higher studies (M.Sc, PhD), forming the bedrock for advanced chemical concepts.
Master Laboratory Techniques- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to developing precision and accuracy in practical experiments. Understand the theoretical basis of each lab procedure, maintain detailed lab notebooks, and learn to troubleshoot common issues. Seek additional practical exposure beyond the mandated curriculum, if possible, to enhance hands-on skills.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Online videos of experimental procedures, Departmental lab facilities and demonstrators
Career Connection
Crucial for R&D, quality control, and analytical roles in industry, demonstrating practical proficiency highly valued by employers.
Engage in Peer Learning and Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex topics, solve problems collaboratively, and prepare for internal assessments. Teaching peers reinforces your own understanding and exposes you to different perspectives, enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Tools & Resources
College library discussion rooms, Online collaborative platforms (e.g., Google Meet, WhatsApp study groups), Departmental tutors
Career Connection
Develops communication, teamwork, and leadership skills vital for scientific collaboration and professional success in any field.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Interdisciplinary Electives- (Semester 3-5)
Strategically choose Generic Electives (GE) from other science disciplines (e.g., Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology) to broaden your scientific perspective. This interdisciplinary approach can open doors to emerging fields like computational chemistry, chemical biology, or materials science.
Tools & Resources
University of Delhi prospectus for GE options, Faculty advisors and senior student mentors
Career Connection
Enhances versatility and problem-solving abilities for roles in interdisciplinary research and application areas, making you a more adaptable professional.
Seek Summer Internships and Projects- (Summer breaks after Semester 2 and Semester 4)
Actively search for summer research projects or internships at national research institutions (e.g., CSIR labs, IISc, TIFR) or local industries. These experiences provide invaluable hands-on exposure to advanced research and industrial processes, complementing classroom learning with real-world application.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Direct applications to research labs/companies, Platforms like Internshala, LinkedIn, Faculty connections
Career Connection
Builds practical experience, strengthens your resume, aids in career path identification, and provides networking opportunities for future jobs.
Participate in Academic Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Engage in quiz competitions, poster presentations, and workshops organized by the department or other colleges. This hones presentation skills, allows networking with peers and experts, and keeps you updated on recent advancements and innovative research in chemistry and allied fields.
Tools & Resources
Department notices and bulletin boards, College science societies, National chemistry conferences/symposia websites
Career Connection
Improves soft skills, enhances academic profile for higher studies, and builds a professional network crucial for career growth and opportunities.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project- (Semester 8)
Dedicate significant effort to your 16-credit final year research project/dissertation. Choose a topic that aligns with your career interests, work closely with your faculty mentor, and aim for publishable quality research. This capstone experience is a demonstration of independent scientific inquiry and critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
University research labs and advanced analytical instruments, Research databases (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar), EndNote or Zotero for reference management
Career Connection
Provides a strong foundation for M.Sc./Ph.D. programs, R&D roles, and demonstrates independent research capability, a key requirement for advanced scientific careers.
Focus on Skill Enhancement and Professional Certifications- (Semester 6-8)
Specialize through your Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) choices and consider additional certifications in areas like advanced analytical instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS), quality assurance (GLP/GMP), or chemical safety. These practical, industry-relevant skills are highly valued by Indian companies and research organizations.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (e.g., Coursera, edX, Udemy for specialized skills), Industry-led workshops and training programs, NPTEL advanced courses in specific chemical domains
Career Connection
Directly improves employability in specialized chemical sectors, compliance roles, and provides a competitive edge in a demanding job market.
Intensive Placement and Higher Studies Preparation- (Semester 7-8)
Begin early preparation for job interviews, group discussions, and aptitude tests for placements or entrance exams for M.Sc./Ph.D. programs (e.g., JAM, GATE, CSIR-NET). Refine your resume, practice mock interviews, and leverage alumni networks and career services for guidance and support.
Tools & Resources
College career services and placement cell, Online test prep platforms (e.g., Byju''''s, Unacademy for competitive exams), Alumni mentors and LinkedIn professional network
Career Connection
Maximizes chances of securing desired employment in leading Indian and multinational companies or admission to top postgraduate programs in India and abroad, shaping a successful career trajectory.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- As per University of Delhi Admission Guidelines for B.Sc. Hons. Chemistry (typically 10+2 with Science stream)
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 176 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-DSC-1 | Inorganic Chemistry I: Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding | Core | 6 | Quantum mechanical model of atom, Schrödinger equation, Chemical bonding theories (VSEPR, VBT, MOT), Ionic and covalent bonding, Hydrogen bonding and weak interactions |
| CHEM-DSC-2 | Physical Chemistry I: States of Matter and Ionic Equilibria | Core | 6 | Gaseous state and kinetic theory, Liquid state and intermolecular forces, Solid state and crystal structures, Acids and bases, Buffer solutions and solubility product |
| EVSC-AEC-1 | Environmental Science | Ability Enhancement Course (AEC) | 4 | Ecosystems and biodiversity, Natural resources management, Environmental pollution (air, water, soil), Global environmental challenges, Environmental ethics and policies |
| Varies | Value Added Course 1 (Choice-based: e.g., Constitutional Values and Fundamental Duties, Digital Empowerment, Art of Being Happy) | Value Added Course (VAC) | 4 | Constitutional principles, Digital literacy and cyber hygiene, Well-being and emotional intelligence, Indian heritage and culture, Social responsibility |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-DSC-3 | Organic Chemistry I: Basics and Hydrocarbons | Core | 6 | Bonding and hybridization, Reaction mechanisms and intermediates, Stereochemistry and chirality, Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes reactions, Aromaticity and electrophilic substitution |
| CHEM-DSC-4 | Physical Chemistry II: Chemical Thermodynamics | Core | 6 | First law of thermodynamics, Thermochemistry and enthalpy changes, Second law of thermodynamics, entropy, Gibbs and Helmholtz energy, Chemical potential and partial molar quantities |
| Varies | Generic Elective 1 (Choice-based: e.g., Mathematics, Physics, Botany, Zoology, Computer Science) | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Fundamental concepts of chosen discipline, Basic principles and theories, Problem-solving techniques, Experimental methodologies, Applications in science |
| Varies | Skill Enhancement Course 1 (Choice-based: e.g., Green Chemistry, Basic Analytical Chemistry) | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 4 | Principles of green chemistry, Introduction to analytical techniques, Spectroscopic methods, Chromatographic separation, Data analysis and interpretation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-DSC-5 | Inorganic Chemistry II: s- and p-Block Elements | Core | 6 | Chemistry of alkali metals, Alkaline earth metals, Group 13 elements (Boron, Aluminium), Group 14 elements (Carbon, Silicon), Chemistry of noble gases |
| CHEM-DSC-6 | Organic Chemistry II: Oxygen Containing Functional Groups | Core | 6 | Alcohols and phenols, Ethers and epoxides, Aldehydes and ketones, Carboxylic acids and derivatives, Reactions and synthesis of oxygenates |
| CHEM-DSC-7 | Physical Chemistry III: Solutions, Phase Equilibrium, Conductance and Electrochemistry | Core | 6 | Ideal and non-ideal solutions, Colligative properties, Phase rule and phase diagrams, Electrolytic conductance, Electrochemical cells and Nernst equation |
| Varies | Ability Enhancement Course 2 (Choice-based: e.g., English Language, MIL Communication) | Ability Enhancement Course (AEC) | 4 | Grammar and composition, Reading comprehension and writing skills, Effective communication, Presentation skills, Language proficiency |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-DSC-8 | Inorganic Chemistry III: Coordination Chemistry | Core | 6 | Werner''''s theory and nomenclature, Isomerism in coordination compounds, Valence bond theory, Crystal field theory, Magnetic properties and electronic spectra |
| CHEM-DSC-9 | Organic Chemistry III: Nitrogen Containing Functional Groups and Spectroscopy | Core | 6 | Amines and their reactions, Diazonium salts, Nitro compounds, Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, UV-Visible and NMR spectroscopy, Mass spectrometry |
| CHEM-DSC-10 | Physical Chemistry IV: Chemical Kinetics, Catalysis and Surface Chemistry | Core | 6 | Rate laws and reaction order, Collision and transition state theory, Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, Adsorption isotherms, Colloids and their properties |
| Varies | Generic Elective 2 (Choice-based: e.g., Mathematics, Physics, Botany, Zoology, Computer Science) | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Advanced topics in chosen discipline, Applications of core concepts, Analytical and computational skills, Experimental design, Interdisciplinary problem solving |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-DSC-11 | Inorganic Chemistry IV: Transition and Inner Transition Elements | Core | 6 | Chemistry of first transition series, Properties of d-block elements, Oxidation states and stereochemistry, Lanthanides and actinides, Applications of transition metals |
| CHEM-DSC-12 | Organic Chemistry IV: Biomolecules and Heterocyclic Compounds | Core | 6 | Carbohydrates (monosaccharides, disaccharides), Amino acids and peptides, Proteins and nucleic acids, Vitamins and hormones, Heterocyclic compounds (pyrrole, pyridine, indole) |
| Varies | Discipline Specific Elective 1 (Choice-based: e.g., Analytical Methods in Chemistry, Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis, Industrial Chemistry) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Principles of chemical analysis, Advanced instrumental techniques, Industrial chemical processes, Quality control and assurance, Chemical product development |
| Varies | Skill Enhancement Course 2 (Choice-based: e.g., Intellectual Property Rights for Chemists, Chemoinformatics) | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 4 | Intellectual property and patents, Chemical information systems, Drug discovery and design, Data mining in chemistry, Patent search and analysis |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM-DSC-13 | Inorganic Chemistry V: Organometallics and Bioinorganic Chemistry | Core | 6 | Organometallic compounds (synthesis, bonding), Catalysis by organometallic compounds, Essential and trace elements in biology, Metalloproteins and enzymes, Biological roles of metal ions |
| CHEM-DSC-14 | Physical Chemistry V: Quantum Chemistry, Spectroscopy and Photochemistry | Core | 6 | Introduction to quantum mechanics, Atomic and molecular orbitals, Rotational and vibrational spectroscopy, Electronic spectroscopy, Photochemical processes and kinetics |
| Varies | Discipline Specific Elective 2 (Choice-based: e.g., Polymer Chemistry, Advanced Organic Chemistry, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Polymer synthesis and properties, Advanced organic reaction mechanisms, Advanced inorganic compounds, Materials chemistry, Computational chemistry |
| Varies | Generic Elective 3 (Choice-based: e.g., Mathematics, Physics, Botany, Zoology, Computer Science) | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Specialized topics in chosen non-chemistry discipline, Advanced theories and models, Research methodologies, Data interpretation, Applications in real-world scenarios |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Discipline Specific Elective 3 (Choice-based: e.g., Supramolecular Chemistry, Chemistry of Natural Products) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Non-covalent interactions, Host-guest chemistry, Isolation and characterization of natural products, Biosynthesis pathways, Medicinal chemistry applications |
| Varies | Generic Elective 4 (Choice-based: e.g., Mathematics, Physics, Botany, Zoology, Computer Science) | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Advanced practical applications, Interdisciplinary project work, Analytical problem-solving, Emerging trends in chosen field, Critical evaluation of scientific literature |
| Varies | Value Added Course 2 (Choice-based: e.g., Culture & Communication, Swachh Bharat) | Value Added Course (VAC) | 4 | Cultural diversity, Effective interpersonal communication, Sustainable waste management, Community health and hygiene, Civic engagement and responsibility |
| CHEM-INT-7 | Internship/Apprenticeship/Project | Project | 4 | Practical exposure in industry/research lab, Application of chemical principles, Report writing and presentation, Problem-solving in a professional setting, Networking and career exploration |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Discipline Specific Elective 4 (Choice-based: e.g., Green Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, Nano Chemistry) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Principles of sustainable chemical synthesis, Chemical analysis in forensic science, Synthesis and properties of nanomaterials, Environmental remediation technologies, Drug design and discovery |
| Varies | Value Added Course 3 (Choice-based: e.g., Ethics and Values, Financial Literacy) | Value Added Course (VAC) | 4 | Moral philosophy and ethical decision-making, Integrity in scientific research, Personal finance management, Investment strategies, Digital financial services |
| Varies | Value Added Course 4 (Choice-based: e.g., Yoga and Well-being, NCC/NSS) | Value Added Course (VAC) | 4 | Holistic health and wellness, Stress management techniques, Community service and social impact, Leadership development, Physical fitness and discipline |
| CHEM-RPROJ-8 | Research Project / Dissertation | Project | 16 | Independent research design and execution, Literature review and hypothesis formulation, Data collection and analysis, Scientific writing and presentation, Contribution to chemical knowledge |




