CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT

     In the year 1924, Rev.Fr. Hartenstein took the initiative to draw up the curtains to let in the department of Chemistry at the intermediate level. His foresightedness coupled with the zeal of dedicated Fathers and Professor A.Srinivasan it was elevanted as a B.Sc. Chemistry major department in 1955. Under the guidance of Prof.P. Gnanaraj, Prof.S. Narasimhon,Prof.K. Pattan , Prof.D. Felix Packianathan, Prof.V. Rajadurai, the department has flourished thus far.

During the leadership of Prof.D. Felix Packianathan, the department took a giant leap and the M.Sc Chemistry course was started under self-financing scheme. The department celebrated its goldern jubilee during Prof.V. Rajadurai’s headership.

At present under the leadership of Dr.S. Jesu Antony Diravium, the department enjoys the services of nine facultry members. Dr.S.Jesu Antony Diraviam and Dr.S.Augustine Thomas are doctorate degree holders, who have completed one minor research project each, presented, research papers in national conferences. Dr.S.Augustine Thomas has published research papers in both national and international journals. Mr.V.Jeyabal and Mr.M. Nicho Demus are working for their Ph.D.degree. While Mr.T.Bhaskar and Mr.S.Stanly John Xavier will soon receive their M.Phil. Mr.V.Jeyabal is being guided by Dr. Augustine Thomas in his thesis in the area of phytochemistry.

The under-graduate, with a strength of 184 students has, pass percentage of 90% in the overall performance.

Thirty six PG students, under the able guidance of the faculty members, have excelled in research project, a part of their curriculum. The department receives six national level research journals to assist the PG students in their project. The overall pass percentage in the PG class is 86%.

With five non-teaching staf to aid, the department has two well equipped laboratories sporting instruments like UV-Vis spectrophotometer (Systronics), Vacuum desicator, electronic balance with 0. 1 mg accuracy etc.