DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

The Department of Chemistry of St. Teresa's College was founded in 1966, under the charismatic leadership of Dr. (Sr.) Bertille. The Department offers B.Sc. Chemistry Main course, as well as Chemistry as a subsidiary subject for B.Sc. Botany, Zoology and Home Science courses. All the faculty members are Ph.D. holders with postdoctoral experience in reputed institutes such as IIT-Delhi, Cochin University of Science and Technology and University of Minnesota (USA). They are highly supportive and always open to innovative practices. Each faculty has specialized knowledge in different branches of Chemistry. Members of the faculty of Chemistry are active in educational circles across the State and contribute to various seminars and workshops conducted both nationally and internationally.

The Department includes two large and well equipped B.Sc. (Main) and B.Sc. (Subsidiary) laboratories and a spacious storeroom for the chemicals, which is always kept well stocked. The laboratory facilities include hot air oven, vacuum pump, electronic balance, voltage stabilizer, conductometer, potentiometer, pH meter, deionizer, refrigerator, hot plate, suction pump, electric centrifuge, rotovapouriser, chromatography facility, hot water bath and computers. The laboratory is well maintained and constantly updated.

List of Faculty

OUR STARS

Late Dr. (Sr.) Bertille, Founder HOD, M.Sc, PhD (1963-1991)  

Prof. K. A. Annakkutty, M.Sc., M.Phil (1964-1997)  

Prof. Agnes Mathew, M.Sc (1969-2002)  

Prof. Thresiamma Sebastian, M.Sc (1969-2001)  

Prof. Kunjamma Varghese, M.Sc (1969-2003)  

Prof. Nancy Joseph, M.Sc (1969-2003)  

Prof. Aleyamma Leni Oommen, M.Sc (1970-2003)  

Prof. Celine V. A., M.Sc (1972-2004)  

Prof. Radha L., M.Sc (1979-2004)  

Prof.  Anna K. J., M.Sc (1986-1999)  

Vision

 

The Department of Chemistry endeavors to be a recognized model for educating and graduating students, prepared to compete in and contribute to the ever-changing, technology-centered world of the 21^st century by delivering high quality teaching, research and community services.

 Mission  

The Department of Chemistry pledges itself to encourage in the broadest and most liberal manner towards the advances in chemistry through education by providing them with quality classroom, projects, research and service opportunities. With a high standard for excellence in all three areas, the Department will produce students who are knowledgeable in chemistry and can think critically.

 In support of our mission, the Chemistry Department faculty members strive to:

Promote innovative curriculum development while exposing students to advanced technology, To develop a sense of intellectual curiosity concerning chemical theory and an appreciation of the practical role of chemistry in life, Serve as good role models to students for safe and ethical professional behavior, Act as mentors to students by offering guidance in academics and value oriented life skills, Inspire students about the value of cross-disciplinary thinking by providing them with educational and research opportunities between chemistry and other fields of study.

Courses offered

BSc Chemistry with Physics and Mathematics as Complementary Courses

The Department offers Environmental Chemistry as Open Course in the V Semester of the BSc Chemistry Programme

 DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES

Department Activities (2011-12)  

More snaps

The celebrations of the International Year of Chemistry of the Department came to an end on 20 December, 2011 with a Key note address on BT crops by Dr. Prakash Kumar B., Associate Professsor in Biochemistry, School of BioSciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. The prizes of Chemlore-2011 were distributed afterwards. The retired Professors of the Department were honored during Guruvandanam with a trophy and 'ponnada' by Principal Rev. Sr. Dr. Helan A. P.

Guruvandanam

Guruvandanam

A Science Orientation Programme for students Chemexplore was conducted on 13 December 2011. It consisted of the following talks:

Chemistry of Life in the Extreme by Dr. Sherine Sonia Cubelio, Scientist, CMLRE, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Kochi

Science Communication by Smt. Sudha Nampoothiri, Special Correspondent, Times of India

Food Safety by Dr. Robin Jacob Paul, State Laboratory for Livestock, Marine and Agricultural Products, Maradu, Kochi

The Chemistry Association organized a competition 'Chemlore 2011 for school students form classes 8^th to Plus Two as a part of the International Year of Chemistry Celebrations during October- November. The topic of the competitions was 'Chemistry-our life, our future' The competitions were held in the following categories

Cartoons, Paintings, Pencil drawings, Stories, Poems, Essays

Cash prizes will be distributed during the Valedictory function scheduled to be on 21 December, 2011.

Prize distribution of Chemlore 2011

Chemistry Association organized a Lecture series on 'Chemistry-Our life, Our future' as a part of the International Year of Chemistry Celebrations (IYC 2011) funded by the University Grants Commission; 27 & 30 September 2011. The series consisted of six lectures, three of them discussing the applications of Chemistry in industry, medicine and energy production & three of them discussing the theoretical aspects of some of the hot topics in Chemistry. The following were the resource persons and their topic:

 ·         Dr. P. Unnikrishnan, Head, Quality Assurance Laboratory, Sud-Chemie India Private Limited- Heterogeneous Catalysts in Chemical Industry

 ·         Dr. Pradeep V. M., Professor & Head, Nuclear Medicine, Regional Cancer Centre-Nuclear Medicine in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

 ·         Dr. M. S. Bindu (Fullbright IAELP Fellow-2008, Environment and Social Safe Guard Specialist, World Bank Project Management Unit, Govt. of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram- Algae Biofuels- Energy for future

 ·         Dr. P. Jelaja, Associate Professor, Dept. of Chemistry, Maharaja's College, Ernakulam- Basics of Quantum Mechanics

 ·         Dr. Sunny Kuriakose, Associate Professor, Dept. of Chemistry, St. Thomas College, Pala- Structure Elucidation using Spectroscopic Techniques

 ·         Dr. Lovely Mathew, Associate Professor, Dept. of Chemistry, Newman College, Thodupuzha- Molecular and Crystal Symmetry

Lectures on 30 September 2011

Inaugural session

Invited talks

Inauguration of activities of the Chemistry Association for the year 2011-12 by Dr. Leela  Manjooran and Fresher's Day Celebrations; 13^th July 2011.

Department Activities (2010-11)

1.      Inauguration of the International Year of Chemistry Celebrations by Hon'ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Overseas Indian Affairs, Sr. Vayalar Ravi. The newsletter of the department Rasathanthra was released during the function. In the technical sessions, Dr. P. S. Parameswaran, Scientist G, National Institute of Oceanography, Cochin and Dr. E. P.Yasodharan, Professor, Cochin University of Science and Technology (Former Chief Inspector of Chemical Weapons, UN and Former Vice Chairman and Principal Secretary, STEC, Govt. of Kerala) delivered talks; March 11, 2011.

2.      A film show on Hundred Discoveries in Chemistry. A Science drama based on catalysis-'Mollakkayude Kuthira' enacted by the students of the Chemistry Department and directed by Dr. Anu Gopinath was staged during the day.

3.      National Science Day Celebrations and Sr. Bertille Memorial Endowment Lecture on Chemistry for Today by Prof. (Retd.) S. Sivadas, Department of Chemistry, CMS College, Kottayam. A quiz and poster competetion on the topic Chemistry In Our Lives was also conducted. The event was supported by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment and DST, Govt. of India; February 22, 2011.

4.      A grand Farewell to III^rd year B.Sc. students; February 4, 2011.

5.      An intereactive session by Sr. Mamman Abraham on Personality Development for III^rd year B.Sc. students; February 1, 2011

6.      Talk on Symmetry and Group Theory by Dr. Lovely Mathew, Associate Professor, Dept. of Chemistry, Newman College, Thodupuzha, Kerala, October; 2010.  

7.      An interactive session on Soft Skill Development by Dr. P. V. Joseph, Professor, Dept. of Chemistry, Maharaja's College, Ernakulam; June, 2010.  

8.      Inauguration of the Chemistry Association by Dr. C. H. Sujatha, Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemical Oceanography, Cochin University of Science and Technology. Aswathy R., third rank holder and five students who secured 90 percentage marks in the Mahatma Gandhi University B. Sc. Chemistry Examinations, 2010 was felicitated during the function; June 29, 2010.

9.      A seminar on Exploring Life in the Extreme by Sherin Cubelio, Scientist NGGRI, CMFRI, Kochi; February 2010.  

Inauguration of the National Science day Celebrations, 22 February, 2011 by Prof. (Retd.) S. Sivadas

Talk on Symmetry and Group Theory by Dr. Lovely Mathew, Associate Professor, Newman College, Thodupuzha

Soft skill development session by Dr. P. V. Joseph

Latest Achievements of Faculty

Dr. Geetha Andrews took PhD degree from the Department of Chemical Oceanography of Cochin University of Science and Technology; July 2011.

Dr. Anu Gopinath participated in the Secone UN/IOC/WESTPAC Training programme 'Water quality and Impact on Coral reefs' sponsored by UNESCO during 8-11, June 2011 at South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Sanya Island, China. She was the only Indian among the 15 participants from all over the world.

Dr. Anu Gopinath gained the Common Wealth Fellowship instituted by the Common Wealth Commission, U. K.

Dr. Anu Gopinath published two papers in International journals and one in a National journal during this year.

Dr. Saritha Chandran A. published two papers in International journals (2011).

Smt. Geetha Andrews presented a paper at the National Conference on Enhancement of Human Resources through Excellence in Higher Education held at and organized by Christ University, Banglore; 16-18^th Febrary 2011

Dr. Anu Gopinath presented a paper at the International Analytical Science Congress organized by the Indian Society of Analytical Scientists held at IMA Hall, Kaloor; 24-27^th November 2010.

Dr. Ushamani M. presented a paper at an International Conference Latest in Polymers (LaP'10) organized by and held at J. J. Murphy Research Center, Rubber Park, Perumbavoor on 12-13^th August 2010.  

Dr. Saritha Chandran A. presented a paper on 'Conducting short fiber composites' at an International Conference Latest in Polymers (LaP'10) organized by and held at J. J. Murphy Research Center, Rubber Park, Perumbavoor on 12-13^th August 2010.

Dr. Ushamani M. Presented a paper at the Kerala Science Congress - 'Women Young Scientists' Meet (KSC-WYS Meet) organized by Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment at Thiruvananthapuram on 21^st April 2010.

Dr. Saritha Chandran A. presented a paper on 'NR/PANI coated nylon fiber conducting composites' at an International Conference APT10 organized jointly by the Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology, Cochin University of Science and Technology and the J. J. Murphy Research Center, Rubber Park held at J. J. Murphy Research Center, Rubber Park, Perumbavoor during 26-27^th February, 2010.  

Dr. Ushamani M. bagged the SPSI Gold Medal for the Best Thesis in 2005.

Dr. Anu Gopinath bagged the Best Paper Award in Kerala Environment Congress; 2005.

 Contribution of Faculty towards Curriculum

 Text Books

1.      Volumetric Analysis by Dr. Saritha Chandran A. : For I & II Semester CBCSS Complementary Chemistry Course of B.Sc Programme of Mahatma Gandhi Univeristy, Kottayam. Publisher: Gayathri Publishers. Co-authors: Prof. Chandradasan and Dr. Dominic Thomas.

2.      Methodology of Chemistry As a Discipline of Science (Theory) Volumetric Analysis-I (Practical) (Revised edition) by Dr. Anu Gopinath: For I Semester CBCSS Core Course of BSc Chemistry Programme of Mahatma Gandhi Univeristy, Kottayam. Publisher: Alchemy Books. Co-authors: Prof. Chandradasan and Dr. Dominic Thomas.

3.      Environmental Chemistry by Dr. Anu Gopinath: For Open Course in Semester V and Choice Based Course In Semester VI of CBCSS Programme of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. Publisher: Alchemy Books. Co-authors: Prof. Chandradasan and Dr. Dominic Thomas.

4.      Theoretical and Inorganic Chemistry and Volumetric Analysis-II by Dr. Anu Gopinath: For Semester II of CBCSS BSc Programme of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. Publisher: Alchemy Books. Co-authors: Prof. Chandradasan and Dr. Dominic Thomas.

5.      Chemistry for Engineers by Dr. Ushamani M.: For B. Tech Course of Mahatma Gandhi, Calicut and Kerala Universities. Publisher: Educational Publishers and Distributors. Coauthors: Dr. Rani Joseph and Dr. K. E. George.

6.      A Textbook of Engineering Chemistry by Dr. Ushamani M (Second edition): For Revised Syllabus of B. Tech course of Cochin Univerisity of Science and Technology. Publisher: Educational Publishers. Coauthors: Dr. Rani Joseph and Dr. K. E. George.

7.      A Textbook of Engineering Chemistry by Dr. Ushamani M (First edition): For Revised Syllabus of B. Tech course of Cochin Univerisity of Science and Technology. Publisher: Educational Publishers. Coauthors: Dr. Rani Joseph and Dr. K. E. George.

Faculty Development Programmes attended

Dr. Ushamani M. and Dr. Jaya T. Varkey attended the Refresher Course in Nanoscience for University/College Teachers conducted by the UGC Academic Staff College, University of Calicut; 10- 30^th Novermber, 2011.

Dr. Saritha Chandran A. attended the UGC Sponsored Orientation Programme (IT Oriented) for University/College Teachers conducted by the UGC- Academic Staff College, University of Kerala, Kariavattom; 26^th April - 23^rd May, 2011.

Dr. Jaya T. Varkey attended a one day workshop on credit and semester system; 7^th August, 2009.

Smt. Geetha Andrews, Dr. Ushamani M., Dr. Jaya T. Varkey and Dr. Anu Gopinath atttend a three day programme of General Informatics; 20-22^nd December 2010.

Seminars/Workshops/Orientations attended by faculty

 ·         Dr. Geetha Andrews attended the State level seminar on Virtual labs held at Amritha Viswavidyapeetam, Edapally in collaboration with MHRD; 24 September 2011.

 ·         Dr. Saritha Chandran A. & Dr. Anu Gopinath attended the UGC sponsored National Seminar on Modern Streams of Biochemistry organized by St. Albert's College, Ernakulam; 20 & 22 September, 2011

 ·         Dr. Jaya T. Varkey published an International book 'Synthesis of Thioredoxin partial sequences-An analytical approach' Publisher: Lambert Academic Publishing, Germany; 18 August 2011.

 ·         Dr. Saritha Chandran A. attended the UGC sponsored National Seminar on Biopharmaceuticals organised by St. Mary's College, Thrissur; 28-29 July, 2011.

 ·         Dr. Saritha Chandran A. attended the Erudite Programme - Lecture Series by Prof. May- Britt-Hagg, Department of Chemical Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway under the Erudite jointly organized by the Govt. of Kerala, Kerala State Higher Education Council and Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam; 4-8^th April, 2011.

 ·         Dr. Anu Gopinath and Dr. Saritha Chandran A. attended the UGC sponsored National Seminar and Workshop on Animal Welfare and Humane Education organized by the Department of Zoology, St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam in collaboration with Mahatma Gandhi-Doerenkamp Center (MGDC), Bharathidasan University; 15^th March, 2011.

 ·         Smt. Geetha Andrews attended a programme on General Informatics funded by the Kerala Higher Education Council held at St. Teresa's College ; 20-22 ^nd December 2010.

 ·         All the faculty members attended the First Kerala Women science Congress organized by Sakthi and St Teresa's College, Ernakulam; August 10-12^th, 2011.

Linkages with Research Institutions

Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute, Korea

Southampton Oceanographic Centre, UK.

Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

Marine Biotechnology Centre, Cochin University of Science and Technology.

Post Graduate and Research Dept of Chemistry, St Albert's College, Ernakulam.

Extension Activities of Faculty (2011-12)

Dr. Saritha Chandran A. was one of the judges of 'Resonance' the Interschool Skit and Exhibition Completion organized as a part of the International Year of Chemistry Celebrations by Bharatiya Vidya Mandir, Girinagar; 1 December, 2011.

Dr. Saritha Chandran A. was one of the judges of the Interschool Powerpoint Presentation Competition for Plus one and Plus two students on the topic "Renewable Energy Resources" organized by and held at Bhavan's Vidya Mandir, Girinagar, Ernakulam to commemorate the International Year of Chemistry; 29 October, 2011.

Dr. Saritha Chandran A. and Dr. Anu Gopinath were the judges of the Interschool Powerpoint Presentation Competition, Navachar, a part of the venuture Avishakar Scientia Atomos 2011 organized by and held at Chinmaya Vidyalayam, Vaduthala, Ernakulam; 22 October, 2011. 

Dr. Geetha Andrews was the judge of the Interschool Power point Presentation Competition organized by Cochin Refineries School, Ernakulam during the International Year of Chemistry Celebrations of the school; 15 October, 2011

Dr. Geetha Andrews was the resource person for the Lecture series of International Year of Chemistry Celebrations of St. Joseph's College, Aleppey. She inaugurated the activities of the Chemistry Association of the College; 1 October 2011.

Dr. Anu Gopinath was a member of the Judging Committee of the paper presentations by research scholars for the UGC sponsored National Seminar 'Modern Streams of Biochemistry' organized by St. Albert's College, Ernakulam. She also chaired a technical session of the seminar; 20 & 22 September 2011.

Dr. Anu Gopinath was the resource person for the State level workshop on Research Methodology sponsored by KSHEC organized by St. Stephen's College, Uzhavoor; 24 August2011.

Dr. Anu Gopinath inaugurated the activities of the Chemistry Association of St. Xavier's College, Aluva and delivered a Lecture on Research Methodology,; 17 August 2011.

Extension activities of the Department (2011-12)

On 17 December 2011, all the staff members and students (I, II and III year) of the Department visited a Government Settlement for destitute girl children under the age of 18. Christmas was celebrated including the girls of the Settlement. Students organized various prorammes for the children. Christmas cake and gifts were distributed to the inmates. After discussion with the authorities of the Settlement, the Department has also planned to set up a library for the inmates. Currently our students are actively involved in the collection of books for the same.

Extension activities of the Department (2010-11)

1.      A talk on Potential Development Through Self Awareness for the students of St. Mary's School, Vallarpadam, Ernakulam by Sri. Mamman Abraham, Retired Manager, Federal Bank as a part of the TROP activities of the Department during October, 2010.

2.      Energizing students through YOGA - a YOGA demonstration class by Mrs. Charu Narayanan (State Level YOGA Champion) and Kumari. Meenakshi Narayanan (National Level YOGA Champion) for the students of St. Mary's School, Vallarpadam, Ernakulam as a part of the TROP activities of the Department during October, 2010.

3.      A Dental Checkup Camp by Dr. Susha Miriam Biju and her team of Vettikkattil Dental Clinic, Fort Cochin for the students of Department of Chemistry; October, 2010.

4.      The Department has arranged sponsorship of two needy students by Accenture, Bangalore. They sponsor the educational expense and daily lunch.

TROP activity for the year 2010- 11

Dental Checkup Camp

The Department has achieved 100 percentage pass in the Mahatma Gandhi University B.Sc degree Examination for the academic year 2010-11

Student Achievers

Rank Holders

1.     Aswathy R. 3^rd Rank in M.G. University B.Sc Chemistry Examinations, 2010

2.     Shikha K. T. 3^rd Rank in M.G. University B.Sc Chemistry Examinations, 2009

3.     Nithya Mahavar. 4^th Rank in M.G. University B.Sc Chemistry Examinations, 2009

Aswathy R. (2010) and Shikha K. T. (2009)

Nithya Mahavir (2009)

Prizes installed by Chemistry Association (2010-2011)

Best Seminar Presentation

Best Prefect

Best Lab Performers

Hundred Percentage Attendance

Selfless Service to the Department

Best All Rounder

Scholarship Received by the Students of Chemistry Department  

1.     Platinum Jubilee scholarships for 3 students.

2.     JNB scholarship for 2 students.

3.     STARS scholarship of Rs. 1000/- each, for 2 students.

4.     Shikha K. T., 3rd Rank holder, Mahatma Gandhi University B.Sc Chemistry Examinations, 2008-2009 batch was given Rs. 5000/- by the staff and students of the Department.

5.     2 Meritorious and economically backward studetns of I B.Sc are given educational scholarship for 3 years by employees of Accenture, Banglore.

6.     Our students also receive various scholarships instituted by Central as well as State Government.

Training given to students

Educational visits

Alumini

Prof. Celine V. A, Former HOD, Dept. of Chemistry, St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam.

Dr. Laliyamma Jose, Principal, Bharatha Matha College, Thrikkakara.

Dr. Kushala Rajendran, Scientist, IISc, Banglore.

Mrs. Alice, HOD, Dept. of Chemisty, Bharatha Matha College, Thrikkakara.

Sr. Roseline, Associate Professor, Morning Star Home Science College, Angamaly.

Dr. Vidya Raman, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Chemistry, Maharaja's College.

Dr. Ushamani M., Assistant Professor, Dept. of Chemistry, St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam.

Dr. Tania Francis, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Chemistry, St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam.

Dr. Saritha Chandran A. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Chemistry, St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam.

Mrs. Jebin, Assistant Professor, Sree Sankara College, Kalady.

Dr. Sulekha, Associate Professor, Dept. of Chemistry, SNM College, Maliankara. 

Contact

Ph: 0484 2380652

Email: chemistry@teresas.ac.in