Chemistry

The Degree course in Chemistry was started in 1957, affiliated to the University of Kerala. The Masters programme was introduced in 1961. In 1978, University of Calicut approved the Department of Chemistry and its Laboratory as a recognised Research Centre. The Head of the Department Prof. Jose Mechery (receipt of Humboldt Research Fellowship, Germany) played a pivotal role in shaping the research division of the department. The department was one of the first departments to be recognized as DST-FIST sponsored department during 2009-2014. In 2013-2018, UGC has supported the Department under Innovative Programme to conduct P.G. Diploma course in Industrial Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry. From its inception the Department has maintained an excellent academic record and is highly acclaimed for the performance of its students and teachers alike. Our post graduate students have consistently been among the top university rank holders. The faculty of chemistry has also undertaken initiatives such as JAM, GATE and UGC-NET coaching to promote students to pursue higher education. Special attention is given to weak students by providing remedial coaching. The department also offers Certificate course in Industrial Chemistry for UG and Certificate course in Catalysis & Green Chemistry for PG students. Apart from the academic activities, the Department is also keenly involved in research and extension activities. The department has 5 Research guides and has more than 100 publications in National and International journals to its credit.

The Department is proud of its prestigious alumni which includes Prof. E. D. Jemmis, Former Director, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thriruvananthapuram (Padmasree Awardee and Recipient of Shanthi Swaroop Bhatnagar Award), and Prof. Dr. T. Pradeep, Faculty at Indian Institute of Technology Chennai, (Padmasree Awardee and Recipient of Shanthi Swaroop Bhatnagar Award), Prof. A. Jayakishnan (former Vice Chancellor of Kerala University) and Prof. Sebastian C. Peter at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore (Swarna Jayanti Fellowship Awardee). Our former faculty member, Prof. C. Ravindranath was the Education Minister of Kerala state. Former Head of the Department, Dr. Joby Thomas K. was awarded INSA award for the best teacher in 2016 and M. M. Ghani Award for the Best Teacher in the University of Calicut in 2015. Since 2016, Dr. Joshy C. L. is a member of Technical support group of RUSA, Govt. of Kerala and member of Syndicate, University of Calicut from 2017 to 2019. He has also worked as Registrar, University of Calicut during 2019-2021. Presently he is a member of Exam Reform Commission, Govt. of Kerala since November 2021.