Ph.D. Chemistry
Chemistry in Pondicherry University aims to support fundamental science of the highest quality in a first-class physical environment. The Department includes a large number of nationally recognized research groups covering an exceptionally broad spectrum of chemical science ranging from synthetic chemistry to modelling. Our enthusiastic research culture embraces new challenging areas, including strong collaborations with other academic disciplines and institutions, while maintaining a powerful presence in the traditional core areas of chemistry.
The PhD is offered by the Department of Chemistry as a full-time period of research and introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. (Applications from part-time students may also be considered but there are attendance requirements and you will need to live close enough to Pondicherry University to fulfill these.) Students are integrated into the research culture of the Department by joining a research group, supervised by one of our academic staff, in one of the following broad areas of chemistry: Synthetic Chemistry, Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Materials Chemistry.
Focus Areas
.
of the program
Synthetic Chemistry
Synthetic research at the Pondicherry University is focused on the development of innovative new methods to make and use molecules of function. Ranging from the innovative catalytic strategies to make small molecules, to supramolecular assemblies or the total synthesis of biologically important compounds, our research is diverse, pioneering and internationally leading. The dynamic environment created by the research groups working at the cutting edge of the field makes graduate research at Pondicherry the best place for outstanding and motivated students.
Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
Research in Theoretical Chemistry covers a wide range of length and timescales, including active development of new theoretical and computational tools. The applications include high-resolution spectroscopy, atomic and molecular clusters, biophysics, surface science, and condensed matter, complementing experimental research in the Department. We develop new tools for quantum and classical simulations, informatics, and investigate molecules using descriptions that range from atomic detail to coarse-grained models of mesoscopic matter. This work often begins with analytical theory, which is developed into new computer programs, applied to molecules and materials of contemporary interest, and ultimately compared with experiment.
Materials Chemistry
The technological devices that we depend on, from aero planes to mobile phones, rely upon ever-increasing structural complexity for their function. Designing complex materials for these devices through the art of chemical synthesis brings challenges and opportunities. Members of the Materials Research Interest Group invent new materials in view of potential applications. Modern materials chemistry is a wide ranging topic and includes surfaces, interfaces, polymers, nanoparticles and nonporous materials, self assembly, and biomaterials, with applications relevant to oil recovery and separation, catalysis, photovoltaics, fuel cells and batteries, crystallization and pharmaceutical formulation, gas sorption, energy, functional materials, biocompatible materials, and sensors.
Physical Chemistry
Physical Chemistry at Pondicherry University has two broad but overlapping aims. One is to understand the properties of molecular systems in terms of physical principles. This work underpins many developing technological applications that affect us all, such as nanotechnology, sensors and molecular medicine. The other is computational simulation atmospheric chemistry where the interactions between chemical composition, climate and health are studied using a range of computer modelling and experiment-based approaches. Together these two areas form a richly interdisciplinary subject spanning the full range of scientific methodologies: experimental, theoretical and computational. It is the research area with something for everyone.
Who can prefer this Course
Eligibility
Minimum Qualification: M.Sc.
Chemistry/Chemical Sciences or equivalent from any UGC
recognized university/college. Candidate possessing other degrees
like M.Sc. Materials Chemistry, M.Sc. Industrial Chemistry, M.Sc.
Biochemistry are also considered for admission but to specific
research groups. Admission procedure: Admission to this program
will be through a common entrance examination with question
paper having 100 multiple choice questions distributed in all subbranches
of chemistry at post graduate level. Shortlisted candidates
from the entrance examination must appear for an interview
to evaluate their research aptitude. The cumulative marks from
entrance examination and interview will be taken for admission.
Prospective students having CSIR-UGC JRF, are exempted from
the entrance test and may appear for the interview directly.
Inorganic Chemistry Topics
Chemical periodicity, Structure and bonding in homo- and heteronuclear molecules, Concepts of acids and bases, Main group elements and their compounds, Transition elements and coordination compounds, Inner transition elements, Organometallic compounds, Cages and metal clusters, Analytical chemistry, Bioinorganic chemistry, Characterization of inorganic compounds, Nuclear chemistry
Physical Chemistry Topics
Basic principles of quantum mechanics, Approximate methods of quantum mechanics, Atomic structure and spectroscopy, Chemical bonding in diatomic, Chemical applications of group theory, Molecular spectroscopy, Chemical thermodynamics, Statistical thermodynamics, Electrochemistry, Chemical kinetics, Colloids and surfaces, Solid state, Polymer chemistry, Data analysis
Organic Chemistry & Other Topics
Organic Chemistry Topics: IUPAC nomenclature of organic molecules, Principles of stereochemistry, Aromaticity, Organic reactive intermediates, Organic reaction mechanisms, Common named reactions and rearrangements, Organic transformations and reagents, Concepts in organic synthesis, Asymmetric synthesis, Pericyclic reactions, Chemistry involved in natural products, Structure determination of organic compounds
Other Topics: Catalysis and green chemistry, Medicinal chemistry, Chemistry in nanoscience and technology, Environmental chemistry, Supramolecular chemistry
