Department of Chemistry
The
Department of Chemistry is one of the most prestigious departments of St.
Stephen’s College, Uzhavoor. Established in 1964, coinciding with the founding
of the Junior College, the department initially offered Chemistry as a
subsidiary subject for the B.Sc. Zoology, Physics, and Mathematics programs
following the college's upgrade to a degree college.
In
1982, the B.Sc. The
Chemistry programme was introduced under the
leadership of Prof. Jolly Jose (HoD), with the initiative of dedicated faculty
members like Prof. M.K. Jacob, Prof. N.I. Joseph, Prof. C.T. Thomas, and Prof.
K. Joseph. By 1984, the department had grown significantly, boasting 14
teaching and 5 non-teaching staff members.
In
2001, an undergraduate vocational course in Agrochemistry was introduced but
later discontinued. As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2013–14, the
M.Sc. The Pure Chemistry programme was launched with an intake of 12
students. The department currently operates as a Postgraduate Department with
five permanent faculty members—Mrs. Bibi Joseph(HoD), Dr. Arun Thomas, Dr.
Bindhu Baby, Dr. Christy Philip, and Mrs. Ami Susan Prasad—and one guest
faculty.
In
2024, the college adopted the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP). The
Department of Chemistry now offers a major course in Chemistry along with two
minor courses. Additionally, the department offers an add-on course in Advanced
Food Safety, enabling students to gain extra qualifications parallel to their
regular degree.
Faculty
Achievements
● Dr. Arun Thomas has been actively involved in research and has published various articles in the field of photochemistry.
1. Enhancement of Charge Separation in the Photochemical
Two-Electron Water Oxidation by Sn-Porphyrins Covalently Bound through
Silylation with Flexible Bridging Moieties on SnO2, The Journal of Physical Chemistry C (2024)
2. Tailoring the Multi‐Protolytic Equilibrium of Tin
Porphyrins as Promising Molecular Catalyst for the Two‐Electron Oxidation of
Water in Artificial Photosynthesis, European
Journal of Inorganic Chemistry (2025)
Student
Achievements
● Ms. Riya Sunil
(M.Sc.
Chemistry, 2022–2024) secured the third rank
in the M.Sc. examination conducted by Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam.
● Ms. Parvana Suresh (M.Sc. Chemistry,
2023–2025) published her M.Sc. project work titled “Sustainable Cellulose Fibre Extraction from Borassus flabelliefer: a
comprehensive study and analytical insights” in the Biomass Conservation and Biorefinery Journal (2025).
Academic
and Co-Curricular Activities
1.
Environment Day Inter-Collegiate Quiz (6 June 2024)
In
celebration of World Environment Day, the department hosted an inter-collegiate
quiz competition emphasizing environmental chemistry and sustainability. The
event attracted enthusiastic participation from various colleges, promoting
awareness and responsibility towards environmental conservation.
3.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki Day Essay Competition (16 August 2024)
To
commemorate the tragedy and educate students on the humanitarian and chemical
implications of nuclear warfare, an essay competition was conducted. The event
encouraged critical reflection on the destructive power of chemistry and the
need for ethical scientific applications.
4.
Chemistry Association Inauguration (10 September 2024)
The
department inaugurated its Chemistry Association with a special lecture by Dr.
Sr. Princy Philip, Assistant Professor at St. Thomas College, Palai
(Autonomous), on the topic "Chemistry:
Dirt to Bright." The event served as a platform to launch the year’s
student-led activities and initiatives.
5.
Teacher’s Day Celebrations (5–6 September 2024)
To
honor and appreciate the contribution of teachers, the department organized
various student-led events and tributes. The celebration reinforced the
student-teacher bond and acknowledged the pivotal role of educators in shaping
future scientists.
6.
Ozone Day Poster Competition (27 September 2024)
As
part of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, students
created informative and visually appealing posters on the significance of
ozone, its depletion, and sustainable measures for its protection.
7.
Mole Day Inter-School Quiz Competition (6 October 2024)
In an
effort to ignite scientific curiosity among school students, the department
conducted a quiz competition on the theme “Mole Day Brain Battle.” The event
received participation from numerous +2 students, spreading enthusiasm for
chemistry at the grassroots level.
8.
Robofest Texpo 2025 Participation (9–11 January 2025)
The exhibition was
a collaborative
effort of all departments in the college, each presenting unique
stalls that showcased various scientific and technological advancements. The Department of Chemistry
made a remarkable contribution by setting up an engaging and educational stall
that featured over
10 fascinating experiments, attracting a large number of
visitors, including students, faculty members, and guests.
9.
Science Day Celebrations – Scivista 2025 (11 February 2025)
The Departments of Physics and Chemistry at St. Stephen’s College,
Uzhavoor, jointly organized Scivista 2025, the Science
Day celebration, on February 10, 2025. Supported by the Kerala State Council
for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) and the Department of Science
and Technology (DST), Government of India, the event brought together students,
faculty, and experts to celebrate scientific innovation and creativity. Scivista
2025 served as a vibrant platform for young minds to showcase their
talents and explore the role of science in everyday life. The celebration
highlighted the transformative power of scientific inquiry and underscored its
relevance across disciplines. The departments, in collaboration with the
supporting agencies, reaffirmed their dedication to nurturing curiosity,
innovation, and a spirit of discovery. The success of Scivista
2025 marked a significant step toward building a dynamic and
inquisitive academic community.
10. Dr. Shiney Baby Endowment Lecture Series 2024–25
The
Dr. Shiney Baby Endowment Lecture Series 2024–25 was successfully held on 24th
March 2025 at the Media Centre of St. Stephen’s College, Uzhavoor. Instituted
in honor of Dr. Shiney Baby, a dedicated educator and academic, the event
serves as a platform to inspire students and foster intellectual exchange. The
lecture series featured an engaging talk by Dr. Cintil Jose Chirayil, Assistant
Professor at Newman College, Thodupuzha, titled “From Atoms to Applications: The Science of the Small.” The session
provided valuable insights into nanoscience and its applications. The event
also included a prize distribution ceremony recognizing winners of a poster
designing competition held in connection with Ozone Day. The program was
well-attended and concluded on a high note, encouraging a spirit of curiosity
and scientific exploration among participants.
The
department is supported by dedicated faculty, well-equipped laboratories, and a
culture that emphasizes both academic excellence and social responsibility.
Through diverse programmes, student-led activities, and research initiatives,
the Department of Chemistry aims to nurture scientifically proficient,
ethically grounded, and environmentally conscious graduates prepared to
contribute meaningfully to the world.
Association Activities 2018-2019
The first meeting of the chemistry association for the year 2018-2019 was held on 27 September Thursday at 1.15 pm in the 3rd DC classroom to plan the inauguration function of the chemistry association and freshers day. Students from III DC, II DC, I DC and II PG attended the meeting. HOD of the chemistry department, Mr. Aby Jimson addressed the students, which followed a discussion in 2018-2019. Kumari. Alinta T K of II DC chemistry was elected as the new association secretary of chemistry in 2018-2019 by the parliamentary mode of the election held on 11 September 2018.
Association Inauguration
The Association activities during the academic year 2018-19 were inaugurated on 29/09/2018 at 9.30 am by Dr Roji j Kunnath, Asst. Professor, Govt. College, Manimalakunnu. The programme started with a prayer song. Principal Dr Shiney Baby delivered the presidential address. Dr Roji J Kunnath gave a valuable talk on opportunities in chemistry After the Inaugural function, all S1 students were given a welcome by senior students. The meeting came to an end at 12.30 Pm after refreshment.
Farewell to outgoing PG students
2st PG students of the chemistry association arranged a farewell party for the outgoing PG students on 19/11/18. 11 students participated in the function.
Peer teaching by Ist PG students
Ms Amrutha Soman and Ms Sandramol Saji of Ist PG Chemistry conducted a peer teaching section for UG students on 10/12/18. Ms Aiswarya Mohan and Ms Steny P. Mathew of Ist PG Chemistry conducted a peer teaching session for UG students on 16/01/19.
Christmas Celebration
The College Christmas celebration was celebrated on 21\12\18. Chemistry association students participated in all competitions and secured prizes.
Computational Chemistry Series
A computational chemistry class for first-year postgraduate students was conducted on 02/02/2019, Saturday at 10.30 am. Ms Minu Eliabeth Thomas, Research Scholar in computational chemistry, School of chemical science, M G University, Kottayam, took the class.
Interactive Session
An interactive class were held on 06/02/2019 at 10.00 am in the seminar hall. Mr Gils Jose, An alumni of the chemistry department( BSc passed out in 2012), a research scholar, Chang Gung University, Taiwan, interacted with our Ist MSc, IInd MSc and III DC students. He delivered a talk on medicinal chemistry.