Chemical cord

(As told to Arjun Narayanan)
P Rajakumar, head, department of organic chemistry, University of Madras, on the scope of chemistry
Over the past few years, pure sciences have been gaining popularity among students. This can be gauged by the number of applications the university receives for these courses every year. The syllabi for different subjects have undergone several changes keeping in view present-day requirements of industry and academia.What is taught as part of the university curriculum is on a par with what is delivered at any university in the west. A chemistry graduate could consider many employment avenues but it is advisable to add a postgraduate degree to one's CV. Students can also go for industrial training, though it does not entail high-paying jobs. Many students find it tough to choose between a BSc in chemistry and a BTech in chemical engineering. The curriculum of a chemical engineering programme is more focused than that of a Bachelor's in chemistry which leaves room for a lot of flexibility.
Undergraduates in chemistry read various topics as part of the course. The first year includes common papers in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. In addition, students take an allied subject like maths or physics. The pattern is the same in the second year. In the final year, students study a core subject from among organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.The third year includes an internship, too.
At the postgraduate level, first-year papers are common across MSc organic, inorganic and physical chemistry courses.In the second year, there are special papers related to the main subject selected by the students, who submit a dissertation as well. Postgraduates, too, are required to undertake an internship.
After their Master's, they can take the National Eligibility Test, conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. This opens doors to research opportunities. Those with chemistry degrees work in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, polymers and other industries.