The Department of Chemistry is associated with the teaching of chemistry to the students of all science streams of the college, ever-since the college has started science stream in 1973-1974, initially for B.S.c (G) Gr. B with additional Physics and subsidiary chemistry for B.Sc.(H) Botany, Zoology, Stats and Maths.. The department was given an opportunity to start B.Sc. (H) Chemistry with a capacity of 40 students during 1983-1984 and then B.Sc (H) Bio-Chemistry with a capacity of 25 students during 1989-1990. In addition to these courses the department imparts knowledge of chemistry to the students of B.Sc. () Physics and B.Sc Restructured Course.
The results of students of chemistry have been excellent for the past 34 years. More than 95% of the B.Sc. (H) Chemistry students have been securing first divisions and also procuring ranks and positions in the University year after year. Students of B.Sc. (H) Chemistry, Ms. Radhika secured IInd Position in 2000 and Ms. Pallavi Verma secured Ist Position in 2005 in Delhi University, just to name a few. The feed back of alumni of chemistry students is heartening, Students have been excelling in their respective careers such as IT, environmental sciences, biotechnology, civil services, management services and research activities.
The Department of Chemistry has three well equipped laboratories with required chemicals for conducting regular practical classes, spot tests, project reports as well as research activities. These labs are also equipped with instruments like Spectrophotometer, Coductometers, pH meters, Flame Photometers, Muffle Furnaces, Centifuge Machines, Digital Balances etc. The software “Hyperchem version 7.52 release” has been installed in one of the systems of Chemistry Department. The software helps the students in assimilating the subject and visualizing three dimensional models of molecules and understanding stereochemistry and confirmations. The instruments in the labs are being extensively used for carry8ing out various experiments prescribed in the syllabi as well as training the students in the improvement of experimental techniques. Teachers and students are able to carry out their research and project works, utilizing these facilities. Projects such as “Determination of P, N, K in the roots, biomass of various medicinal plants inoculated with mycorriza” were carried out by students of B.Sc. (H) Chemistry. The department wishes to profusely thank UGC for providing the facilities under CPE.
The chemistry division of library has a vast collection of text books, reference books and research journals. Reference books such as Comprehensive Organic Chemistry by Ferguson (Barton series – 6 volumes) and Organic Synthesis (Collective Volumes) have been procured for the purpose of encouraging research.
A research lab was established in the year 1974 in the Department of Chemistry of the College. Dr S.K. Khurana successfully completed his research for Ph.D. from this research lab of the College. Dr. Y.K. Bhoon obtained research projects titled “Structured activity correlation for transition metal complexes of thio-semicarbazones and selno-semicarbazones” by INSA in 1980-1983 and “Biodiversity of AMF in the medicinal plants of Saraswati Forest and Aravali Ranges, Distt. Gurgaon, inoculation of medicinal plants and comparative physiochemical studies” by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GOI in 2002-2005. Dr Bhoom published five research papers based on his investigations in the above projects. Mr. H.C. Tandon made extensive use of Hyperchem software facility and published sixteen research papers in reputed national and international journals. Mr. Tandon has been delivering lectures on “Hyperchem and its Applications” at various institutes, IISc.(Bangalore), IIT (Powai), IIT (Kanpur) etc. Dr. S.K. Khurana, Dr. V.C. Rao and Dr.R.P. Singh were granted minor research projects in 1974, 1977 and 1979 by the UGC. Dr. V.C. Rao was awarded Teacher Fellowship under the Faculty Improvement Programme by UGC during 1981-1983. Dr Rao has successfully completed his Ph.D. Programme. Dr S K Khurana and Dr V C Rao were on deputation under Columbo Plan, GOI at Sherubtse College, Bhutan during 1992-1994 and 1994-1998 respectively. Dr S K Khurana, Dr V C Rao, Dr R P Singh, Dr (Ms) Sharda Jaspal and Dr B Rupini have participated in International Symposium on Green Chemistry during the period 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Dr. R P Singh pariticipated in a workshop on ‘Forensic science’ held at Khalsa College in 2005.
The Department also conducts workshops, seminars, educational/industrial tours and arranges lectures by eminent personalities in their respective fields for the benefit of students and staff members. The teaching faculty of the Chemistry Department have been actively participating in the corporate life of the college. They have been sharing responsibilities such as Vice Principal, Burser, Secretary (Staff Counsel) President (Staff Association), Proctor and Conveners of various committees.
