HISTORY
The vital figure behind the steady development of the Chemistry Department was the gentle and kind German missionary Fr. Hass S.J – lovingly referred to as the God Father of the Chemistry Department. As a Professor of Chemistry, he initiated the Chemistry course and equipped the laboratory in Holy Cross College with meticulous care.
TIMELINE
In the year 1935, the Chemistry Department was established at the intermediate level. B.Sc. Chemistry programme was started in the year 1952. To meet the increasing demand for the course, B.Sc. Chemistry (shift-II) was started in the year 1993. The Department of Chemistry was elevated as PG Department in 1995, with the inception of M.Sc. Chemistry. The Department is now offering B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes. The PG & Research Department of Chemistry comes under DBT- STAR College Scheme. At present, the Department has 18 vibrant faculty members.
INFRASTRUCTURE
All the classrooms are digitalized and fitted with LCD projectors. An overall restructuring of the laboratory practices has been done and green chemistry practicals have been carried out to date. At present the Department has three large and well-equipped laboratories for regular classes and one laboratory for research.
RESEARCH
The Department has published more than 300 research papers in many Journals of National and International repute. The important research fields concentrated on Phytochemistry, Nanochemistry, Green chemistry, Corrosion, Kinetics, Electrochemistry and Adsorption studies. At present, there are around 20 research scholars carrying out research in various fields. Our PG students have completed their summer internship at IGCAR, Kalpakkam, IISc, Bangalore, IIT Madras and IISER Trivandrum. The department has linkages with various reputed institutes and industries like Laboratory of Aquabiotics/ Nanoscience, Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Trichy, High Energy Batteries, Mathur, Kothari Sugars and Chemicals Ltd., Kattur, Lalgudi, Dalmia cement Bharath Limited, Dalmiapuram, Trends Academy, Trichy, Payir Trust, Perambalur, Trichy Research Institute of Biotechnology Pvt. Ltd., Trichy and Beauty Guru School of Cosmetology, Trichy.
Being members of the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), MHRD, II UG students initiated a project “SWACHATHA URINTRICITY” in which urine is converted into electricity. It is in the process of being filed for a patent.
UNIVERSITY RANK
Our department has achieved 3 Gold medals in UG and university ranks in PG from the first batch onwards. Till now our department achieved 8 Gold medals and 38 University ranks in UG and PG programmes. The courses offered by the Department equip students with the necessary knowledge concerning Chemistry. It prepares the students to compete in various state and central- level tests. The students will be able to pursue their career objectives in advanced education, industry, scientific research and teaching. The students at the PG level also undertake six-month research work to familiarize them with research. Courses are designed in conformity with the UGC-NET curriculum.
BEST PRACTICES
Under the banner of Lavoisier Chem Association, the Department is organizing theme-based exhibition Chem-Expo, Inter-collegiate Chemistry Competitions Chem-Fest, Conglomeration of International Scientists, Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, Career guidance programs every academic year. These best practices add value to the student’s life and help the Department to support the much-needed social responsibility. The Department adopts Green Chemistry practical, a novel endeavor of Chemistry, that attempts to minimize or eliminate the utilization of hazardous chemicals in the lab. Curie Chemistry Forum is the forum run by the students for the students, which aims at enhancing Chemistry skills. The critical thinking skills of the students are developed by Interactive Bulletin Boards in the Department. Annual Newsletter-Chem.Com is published every academic year. An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. The Department provides financial assistance to the needy students, towards the payment of fees through student welfare fund-Chem Luminescent. Educating the mind, without educating the heart is no education at all. Spiritual well- being of the students is taken care of, by organizing regular prayer meetings for the students.
CURRICULUM
The curriculum adopted by the Chemistry Department makes the students acquire knowledge and skills in the advancing global scenario and to apply them effectively and ethically for professional and social development. Along with the regular Chemistry papers, the Department also offers papers on Food and Dietetics, Cosmetics and personal grooming, Nutri-cosmetics, Instrumental methods of Chemical analysis Entrepreneurial skills in Chemistry. Through the innovative curriculum, the students can involve in research endeavors and share their findings for the wellbeing of the society. The students can also develop a range of generic skills related to self-employment and entrepreneurship in areas related to Chemistry. The Science disciplines are cross-linking with each other and chemistry is one of the centers of this network, linking with many disciplines such as life sciences, information sciences and materials science. The PG and Research Department of Chemistry, creates an engaging and effective learning environment, that fosters curiosity and critical thinking, while helping the student community to develop a deeper understanding of the most wonderful subject- Chemistry
Vision
To explore fundamental and applied chemistry concepts in response to challenges and problems faced by sciences, society and industry.
Mission
To awaken young minds of chemists to discover their talents both in theory and practical through dedication to teaching, commitment to students and innovative instructional methods.
UNIQUENESS
Faculty with strong research potential
Organization of International scientist meet, International conference on collaboration with other institution every year.
Well ventilated, Well equipped laboratory and well trained laboratory assistants
Sufficient Research instruments and facilities
Well-equipped Department Library
Preparation of lab manual for Chemistry students.
Faculty members receiving Seed grant for Research from the Management
Industrial visit for all the classes, every year.
Crossian Chemistry Entrepreneurial Development Unit (CCEDU)
Through Lavoisier chem association seminars, conferences, workshops related to research, IPR, skill training, Entrepreneur development programme, idea generation workshop, mental wellbeing, physical wellbeing, career guidance, interview facing skills, fellowships and job opportunities in Govt. and private sectors are conducted on regular basis.
Curie chemistry Forum, Chem Research Forum, Wellness Club & Chem Chrome Crafters Club- To help the students acquire various skills.
Industry-Institution collaboration – Seven Functional MoUs.
6 patents published.
Dr. P. Christina Ruby Stella, Assistant Professor of Chemistry has published a patent titled “Sustainable and Effective Treatment Technology for Removing Organic pollutants in waste water treatment using Nano-Bubbles” (Patent No. 202141040195).
Dr. J. Felicita Florence, Assistant Professor of Chemistry has published a patent titled “A Formulation for Facilitating Depositing of Amalgamations onto a Backbone” (Patent No. .202341038454,202341038455, 202341038456).
Dr. J. Rosaline Vimala, Assistant Professor of Chemistry has published a patent titled “Formulation of Novel Flavonoids- Based Nano- Encapsulated Ointment for Wound Healing (Patent No. 202341061466) and “Wound Healing Device” (Patent No. 395385-001).
Dr.M.Kavitha , Assistant Professor of Chemistry owns a Copyright for the article titled “Method for producing a Catalyst material for an electrode of an Electrochemical cell” (Reg. No. L-119147/2022).