
M-SC in Chemistry at SRM Institute of Science and Technology


Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Chemistry at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This M.Sc. Chemistry program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on providing a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of advanced chemical principles across organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. The curriculum is designed to equip students with strong theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for diverse roles in India''''s growing chemical, pharmaceutical, and materials industries. The program emphasizes research methodology and application of modern analytical techniques.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for ambitious science graduates holding a B.Sc. degree in Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry, aiming for a robust career in scientific research, academia, or industrial sectors. It caters to fresh graduates seeking entry into R&D departments, quality control, or manufacturing in the chemical domain. Additionally, working professionals looking to upskill or career changers transitioning into specialized chemical industries will find this program beneficial due to its blend of fundamental and applied learning.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding India-specific career paths as research scientists, analytical chemists, production chemists, or quality assurance specialists in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to agrochemicals. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3.5 to 6 LPA, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals. The strong foundation also prepares students for higher studies like Ph.D. or for roles requiring advanced problem-solving in Indian and multinational chemical companies.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts with Active Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Consistently attend lectures, engage in active note-taking, and regularly revise fundamental concepts in Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and solve problems collaboratively. Focus on understanding the ''''why'''' behind reactions and theories.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses for chemistry, Chemistry textbooks by renowned Indian authors (e.g., Puri, Sharma, Kalia for Physical; Bahl & Bahl for Organic; J.D. Lee for Inorganic), Institutional library resources
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is crucial for excelling in entrance exams for higher studies (e.g., CSIR NET, GATE) and for analytical roles in R&D, where problem-solving relies on core principles.
Excel in Laboratory Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand the principles and procedures behind each experiment in Chemistry Labs I-IV. Maintain detailed lab records, meticulously analyze results, and actively seek feedback from instructors. Practice precise handling of chemicals and instruments.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Online videos for experimental techniques, Guidance from lab assistants and faculty
Career Connection
Proficiency in practical skills is directly transferable to roles in quality control, analytical labs, and production, making graduates job-ready for India''''s booming manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors.
Develop Scientific Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Participate actively in classroom discussions and present experimental findings clearly during lab sessions. Practice writing concise and accurate scientific reports. Start reading research papers related to topics of interest to familiarize yourself with scientific language and structure.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing workshops (if offered by the institution), Online resources for technical report writing, Peer review of assignments
Career Connection
Effective communication is vital for research scientists, project managers, and even sales roles in the chemical industry, enabling clear dissemination of ideas and results to diverse audiences.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Elective Specialization- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully choose electives (e.g., Analytical Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Nano Materials) based on career aspirations and personal interest. Deep dive into the chosen area through additional readings, online courses, and exploring current research trends. Aim to master the specific techniques and applications of your chosen specialization.
Tools & Resources
Specialization-specific journals, Advanced textbooks, MOOCs (Coursera, edX) in specialized chemistry fields, Faculty mentors in the chosen area
Career Connection
Specializing early helps in building a niche skill set, making you a more attractive candidate for targeted roles in areas like drug discovery, material science, or environmental analysis in Indian industries.
Undertake Intensive Research Project- (Semester 3-4)
Approach Project Work – Phase I and II with genuine curiosity. Identify a research problem, conduct a thorough literature review, design experiments meticulously, and execute them with precision. Seek regular guidance from your project supervisor, learn to troubleshoot, and critically analyze your results.
Tools & Resources
Institutional research labs, Advanced analytical instruments, Research databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar), Statistical software for data analysis
Career Connection
A well-executed project demonstrates independent research capability, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills – highly valued attributes for R&D positions and academic research roles in India.
Build Professional Network & Internships- (Semester 3-4)
Attend chemistry conferences, workshops, and industry seminars (both online and offline) to connect with professionals and researchers. Actively seek out internship opportunities in relevant chemical or pharmaceutical companies during semester breaks to gain real-world industrial exposure.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Career fairs, Departmental notice boards for internship postings, Faculty contacts
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to potential job opportunities and mentorship. Internships provide invaluable industry experience, often leading to pre-placement offers, significantly boosting career prospects upon graduation.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in B.Sc. Degree examination with Chemistry as Main/Major subject or Industrial Chemistry as main/Major subject with not less than 60% of marks in aggregate or 6.0 CGPA from any recognized University.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 85 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCH18101 | Organic Chemistry – I | Core | 4 | Reaction mechanism, Stereochemistry, Aliphatic Nucleophilic Substitution, Elimination Reactions, Aromatic Nucleophilic Substitution |
| PCH18102 | Inorganic Chemistry – I | Core | 4 | Concepts of Acids and Bases, Main Group Elements, Organometallic Compounds, Co-ordination Chemistry, Reaction mechanism of Co-ordination Compounds |
| PCH18103 | Physical Chemistry – I | Core | 4 | Quantum Mechanics, Chemical Thermodynamics, Statistical Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry |
| PCH18104 | Spectroscopic Techniques – I | Core | 4 | UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Infrared Spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H NMR), Mass Spectrometry, Optical Rotatory Dispersion |
| PCH181L1 | Chemistry Lab – I (Organic & Inorganic) | Lab | 2 | Semi-micro qualitative analysis, Estimation of Metal Ions, Organic preparation, Multi-step synthesis |
| PCH181L2 | Chemistry Lab – II (Physical) | Lab | 2 | Electrochemistry experiments, Chemical kinetics experiments, pH metry, Conductometry |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCH18201 | Organic Chemistry – II | Core | 4 | Chemistry of natural products, Pericyclic Reactions, Photochemistry, Asymmetric Synthesis, Green Chemistry |
| PCH18202 | Inorganic Chemistry – II | Core | 4 | Advanced concepts of bonding, Bioinorganic Chemistry, Solid State Chemistry, Magnetic Properties, Electronic Spectra of Transition Metal Complexes |
| PCH18203 | Physical Chemistry – II | Core | 4 | Molecular Spectroscopy, Photochemistry, Electrochemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Group Theory |
| PCH18204 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research Problem, Literature Review, Research Design, Data Collection & Analysis, Research Ethics & Report Writing |
| PCH182L1 | Chemistry Lab – III (Organic & Inorganic) | Lab | 2 | Quantitative organic analysis, Preparation of complexes, Estimation of functional groups, Chromatographic techniques |
| PCH182L2 | Chemistry Lab – IV (Physical) | Lab | 2 | Spectrophotometry experiments, Viscometry, Surface tension, Distribution law, Thermochemical experiments |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCH18301 | Organic Chemistry – III | Core | 4 | Heterocyclic Chemistry, Reagents in Organic Synthesis, Aromaticity, Carbenes and Nitrenes, Free Radical Reactions |
| PCH18302 | Inorganic Chemistry – III | Core | 4 | Nuclear Chemistry, Instrumental Methods of Analysis, Crystal Field Theory, Metal Clusters, Catalysis |
| PCH18303 | Physical Chemistry – III | Core | 4 | Reaction Dynamics, Chemical Bonding, Molecular Orbital Theory, Computational Chemistry, Phase Equilibria |
| PCH183E01 | Analytical Chemistry | Elective (One of six options) | 4 | Separation techniques, Electro analytical methods, Thermal methods, Spectroscopic methods, Quality control |
| PCH183L1 | Chemistry Lab – V (Organic, Inorganic & Physical) | Lab | 2 | Advanced organic synthesis, Inorganic preparations, Physical chemistry experiments |
| PCH183P1 | Project Work – Phase I | Project | 4 | Literature survey, Problem identification, Methodology planning, Preliminary experimental design, Report writing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCH18401 | Advanced Organic Chemistry | Core | 4 | Modern synthetic methods, Protecting groups, Advanced pericyclic reactions, Organometallic reagents, Retrosynthetic analysis |
| PCH18402 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | Core | 4 | Advanced organometallic chemistry, Bioinorganic chemistry, Inorganic reaction mechanisms, Symmetry and group theory, Industrial inorganic chemistry |
| PCH18403 | Advanced Physical Chemistry | Core | 4 | Advanced quantum chemistry, Chemical applications of group theory, Statistical mechanics, Advanced electrochemistry, Polymer kinetics |
| PCH184E01 | Advanced Materials Chemistry | Elective (One of six options) | 4 | Nanomaterials, Smart materials, Biomaterials, Polymeric materials, Characterization techniques |
| PCH184P1 | Project Work – Phase II | Project | 8 | Experimental execution, Data analysis, Interpretation of results, Thesis writing, Presentation and viva-voce |




