

MSC in Chemistry at University of Lucknow


Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Chemistry at University of Lucknow Lucknow?
This MSc Chemistry program at University of Lucknow focuses on a comprehensive understanding of chemical principles across inorganic, organic, and physical domains. It aims to equip students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills crucial for research, industry, and academia. In the Indian context, the program is vital for addressing the growing demands in pharmaceuticals, material science, environmental management, and chemical manufacturing sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Science graduates with a strong foundation in Chemistry, seeking to delve deeper into advanced chemical concepts. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for research careers, R&D roles in chemical industries, or academic pursuits. Working professionals in related fields looking to specialize or upskill can also benefit, leveraging their practical experience with advanced theoretical knowledge.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as Research Scientists, Analytical Chemists, Quality Control Managers, or academicians. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in sectors like pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals. The program also effectively prepares students for competitive examinations like NET/GATE, essential for research and teaching positions.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Deepen Fundamental Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry principles through regular study, problem-solving, and concept mapping. Utilize textbooks and reference materials recommended by faculty.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL lectures, Standard chemistry textbooks (e.g., Atkins, Clayden, Huheey), Department library resources
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for excelling in entrance exams (NET/GATE) and for tackling complex challenges in advanced research or industrial R&D roles.
Master Laboratory Techniques- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in all practical sessions, focusing on precise experimental execution, data recording, and error analysis. Understand the theoretical basis of each experiment and aim for independent troubleshooting.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Online resources for experimental procedures and safety guidelines, Peer discussions
Career Connection
Proficiency in lab techniques is highly valued in analytical laboratories, quality control, and R&D positions across various chemical industries.
Cultivate Scientific Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Practice writing clear and concise lab reports, summarizing experimental findings, and effectively presenting results. Actively participate in discussions and seek feedback from professors to improve communication abilities.
Tools & Resources
University writing center, Scientific journal articles, Presentation software
Career Connection
Essential for publishing research, presenting at conferences, and effectively communicating technical information in any professional scientific role.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Elective Specializations- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose elective papers (e.g., Green Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry) based on career interests. Supplement classroom learning with independent research on the chosen area and its industrial applications.
Tools & Resources
Industry reports, Specialized journals, Faculty consultations, Online courses on specific chemical technologies
Career Connection
Specializing early helps in identifying niche career paths and makes candidates more attractive for roles requiring specific expertise in emerging areas.
Initiate Research Exposure- (Semester 3)
Look for opportunities to engage in short-term research projects with faculty members, even before the final project. This could involve literature reviews, data analysis, or preliminary experimental work.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research groups, Faculty profiles, Research paper databases
Career Connection
Early research exposure builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are invaluable for higher studies (PhD) and R&D roles.
Prepare for National Level Examinations- (Semester 3)
Begin systematic preparation for competitive exams like CSIR-UGC NET and GATE, which are crucial for entry into research, teaching, and certain public sector jobs in India.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Online coaching platforms, Study groups, NPTEL courses
Career Connection
A strong performance in these exams can lead to prestigious fellowships, academic positions, and scientist roles in government research organizations.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation/Project Work- (Semester 4)
Invest significant effort in the final semester''''s project/dissertation. Focus on rigorous experimental design, meticulous data collection, critical analysis, and producing a high-quality written report and presentation.
Tools & Resources
Research labs, Advanced instrumentation, Statistical software, Academic writing guides, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
A strong project demonstrates independent research capability, a key requirement for R&D roles and for admission to PhD programs.
Strategize for Placements and Higher Studies- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in campus placement drives, tailor your resume and cover letter to specific job requirements, and practice interview skills. Simultaneously, explore PhD opportunities and application processes if higher studies are desired.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Placement cells, Alumni network, Online job portals, University admission websites for PhD programs
Career Connection
Effective preparation maximizes chances for securing desirable placements in core chemistry industries or gaining admission to reputable PhD programs.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 4)
Leverage the final semester to actively connect with professionals in your target industries through LinkedIn, professional organizations, or university alumni events. Seek informational interviews and advice.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry-specific forums, Professional body memberships (e.g., Indian Chemical Society)
Career Connection
Professional networking often leads to job referrals, mentorship, and a deeper understanding of industry trends, facilitating a smoother transition into the workforce.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Sc. with Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry as a subject, with at least 45% marks in aggregate (40% for SC/ST candidates).
Duration: 4 semesters (2 years)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE-101 | Inorganic Chemistry-I | Core | 4 | Symmetry and Group Theory, Molecular Orbital Theory, Inorganic Reaction Mechanism, Metal-Ligand Bonding (CFT, LFT), Bioinorganic Chemistry (Hemoglobin, Myoglobin) |
| CHE-102 | Organic Chemistry-I | Core | 4 | Reaction Mechanism (Electrophilic, Nucleophilic), Stereochemistry (Chirality, Optical Isomerism), Aliphatic Nucleophilic Substitution, Aromaticity, Addition Reactions (Electrophilic, Nucleophilic) |
| CHE-103 | Physical Chemistry-I | Core | 4 | Quantum Chemistry (Postulates, Schrodinger Equation), Thermodynamics (Partial Molar Quantities, Activity), Chemical Kinetics (Complex Reactions, Catalysis), Photochemical Reactions, Colligative Properties |
| CHE-104 | Analytical Chemistry | Core | 4 | Analytical Errors and Statistical Treatment, Separation Techniques (Chromatography, Extraction), Electroanalytical Methods (Potentiometry, Voltammetry), Spectroanalytical Methods (Atomic Absorption), Sampling and Sample Preparation |
| CHE-105P | Inorganic/Organic/Physical Chemistry Practical - I | Lab | 4 | Volumetric and Gravimetric Analysis, Organic Preparations, Kinetic Experiments, Conductometric Titrations, Inorganic Qualitative Analysis |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE-201 | Inorganic Chemistry-II | Core | 4 | Coordination Chemistry (Werner, VBT, CFT, LFT), Electronic Spectra of Transition Metal Complexes, Reaction Mechanism of Coordination Compounds, Organometallic Chemistry (18-electron rule, Metal Carbonyls), Hard and Soft Acids and Bases |
| CHE-202 | Organic Chemistry-II | Core | 4 | Pericyclic Reactions (Cycloaddition, Sigmatropic), Photochemistry (Norrish Type I & II), Reagents in Organic Synthesis (Grignard, Organolithium), Protecting Groups, Biomolecules (Carbohydrates, Amino Acids) |
| CHE-203 | Physical Chemistry-II | Core | 4 | Electrochemistry (Debye-Huckel Theory, Fuel Cells), Spectroscopy (Rotational, Vibrational, Raman), Electronic Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Surface Chemistry (Adsorption Isotherms, Catalysis), Thermodynamics of Solutions |
| CHE-204 | Applied Analytical Methods | Core | 4 | Mass Spectrometry, NMR Spectroscopy, IR and UV-Vis Spectroscopy, X-ray Methods (Diffraction, Fluorescence), Thermal Methods (TGA, DTA, DSC), Pollution Monitoring Techniques |
| CHE-205P | Inorganic/Organic/Physical Chemistry Practical - II | Lab | 4 | Inorganic Synthesis and Characterization, Organic Estimations, Potentiometric and pH Metry Experiments, Spectrophotometric Experiments, Chromatographic Separations |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE-301 | Inorganic Chemistry-III | Core | 4 | Advanced Coordination Chemistry (Electron Transfer, Photoinorganic Reactions), Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysis, Inorganic Polymers, Solid State Chemistry (Crystal Defects, Superconductivity), Metal Clusters |
| CHE-302 | Organic Chemistry-III | Core | 4 | Asymmetric Synthesis and Catalysis, Drug Design (Lead Compound, SAR), Chemistry of Natural Products (Terpenoids, Alkaloids), Polymer Chemistry (Polymerization techniques), Retrosynthetic Analysis |
| CHE-303 | Physical Chemistry-III | Core | 4 | Statistical Thermodynamics (Partition Function, Ensembles), Polymer Chemistry (Molecular Weight, Solution Properties), Colloidal and Nanomaterials (Preparation, Characterization), Molecular Reaction Dynamics (Transition State Theory), Electrochemical Sensors |
| CHE-304(A) | Green Chemistry | Elective | 4 | Principles of Green Chemistry, Green Solvents and Catalysis, Green Synthesis Methodologies, Renewable Feedstocks, Atom Economy and Waste Minimization |
| CHE-304(B) | Industrial Chemistry | Elective | 4 | Unit Operations in Chemical Industry, Chemical Plant Design and Safety, Petrochemicals and Polymers, Fertilizers and Cement Industry, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing |
| CHE-305P | Inorganic/Organic/Physical Chemistry Practical - III | Lab | 4 | Inorganic Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis, Organic Synthesis and Purification, Phase Equilibria Experiments, Adsorption Isotherms, Calorimetry |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE-401 | Inorganic Chemistry-IV | Core | 4 | Bioinorganic Chemistry (Nitrogen Fixation, Oxygen Transport), Advanced Organometallic Chemistry and Catalysis, Nuclear Chemistry (Radioactivity, Fission, Fusion), Inorganic Photochemistry, Materials Chemistry |
| CHE-402 | Organic Chemistry-IV | Core | 4 | Advanced Spectroscopy in Organic Chemistry (2D NMR), Drug Development Process and Clinical Trials, Heterocyclic Chemistry, Chemistry of Lipids and Nucleic Acids, Green Synthetic Methodologies |
| CHE-403 | Physical Chemistry-IV | Core | 4 | Photochemistry (Electronic Transitions, Lasers), Solid State Chemistry (Band Theory, Semiconductors), Electrochemical Energy Systems (Batteries, Fuel Cells), Computational Chemistry (Ab initio, DFT, Molecular Dynamics), Reaction Dynamics and Chemical Lasers |
| CHE-404(A) | Environmental Chemistry | Elective | 4 | Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Pollution, Water Pollution and Treatment, Soil Pollution and Remediation, Environmental Toxicology, Waste Management and Recycling |
| CHE-404(B) | Polymer Science | Elective | 4 | Types of Polymerization, Polymer Characterization Techniques, Properties of Polymers, Polymer Applications, Biodegradable Polymers |
| CHE-405P | Project/Dissertation & Viva Voce | Project | 4 | Research Methodology, Literature Review, Experimental Design and Execution, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Scientific Report Writing and Presentation |




