Department of Chemistry

Did you ever imagine a single department shaping the scientific landscape of a nation? Here at the Department of Chemistry at Madras Christian College, that very vision took root. In 1919, nestled within the Natural Sciences faculty alongside Physics, the seeds of an independent Department of Chemistry were sown. It wasn’t until 1927 that it bloomed under the leadership of Prof. Edward Barnes, a figure fondly remembered as the architect of the college campus itself. The Department of Chemistry quickly gained international acclaim, particularly under the guidance of figures like Dr. S.V. Anantakrishnan, a student of the renowned chemist C. K. Ingold. It was during his tenure that the department achieved a major milestone: securing permission from the University of Madras to offer M.Sc. by research and Ph.D. programs. The department’s commitment to advanced studies solidified further in 1958 with the introduction of a regular M.Sc. program. Fast forward to 2005, the Department of Chemistry received recognition and funding from the DST-FIST program, propelling its infrastructure and research capabilities to new heights. A remarkable transformation occurred in 2016, thanks to the generosity of Indra Krishnamurthy Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo and a proud alumna. The academic laboratories and seminar hall underwent significant refurbishment, equipping them with state-of-the-art facilities. The Department of Chemistry isn’t just a place of learning; it’s a hub of cutting-edge research. In the last decade, it has secured substantial research grants from prestigious organizations like DST-SERB, UGC, and TNSCST. The result? Over 150 research articles published in top-tier journals in just the past five years. Even the audio-visual room reflects the department’s dedication to modern learning. In 2021, it received a generous upgrade with air-conditioning and a smartboard, courtesy of alumnus Dr. C. J. Alexander. The Department of Chemistry continues to evolve. The curriculum is regularly revised, new courses are introduced, and innovative teaching methods are embraced. This ensures that the department remains a beacon of excellence in chemical education and research.