MSc Chemistry Syllabus & Subjects 2024

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Feb 28, 2024 21:35PM IST

MSc Chemistry Syllabus and Subject Overview

MSc Chemistry syllabus is designed in such a way that it provides both theoretical and practical knowledge to the students. MSc Chemistry course is popular among those who have graduated in BSc Chemistry. MSc Chemistry subjects are an extension of what students have studied at their graduation level. The subjects for MSc Chemistry include various aspects of Chemistry such as Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and other related subjects. The MSc Chemistry syllabus has been prepared to train individuals so that they can meet the professional demands in the field of Chemistry. The MSc Chemistry syllabus has been divided into all four semesters from basic concepts to advanced level. The syllabus for the MSc Chemistry course also deals with other concepts such as organometallics, chains, rings and clusters, and polymer science. 

MSc Chemistry is offered as a two-year regular postgraduate programme in most universities. The course can also be done as an assistance learning course but one should do this course as a full-time regular course as MSc Chemistry subjects require a lot of laboratory-based classes for a thorough understanding of the subject. MSc Chemistry provides a wide range of interdisciplinary subjects and branches of chemistry like Surface Chemistry, Thermodynamics, Equilibria, and Polymer Chemistry, amongst others. MSc Chemistry is opted by those aspirants who wish to explore their career opportunities in the fields of Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Nanotechnology, Molecular Biology, etc. On this page, candidates can check the detailed list of MSc Chemistry subjects and syllabus, important books, course structure, and more.

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MSc Chemistry Year Wise Syllabus

MSc Chemistry syllabus mainly focuses on topics such as Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Green Chemistry, Polymer Science, Organometallics etc. Listed below in the table is the year-wise MSc Chemistry syllabus.

MSc Chemistry First Year Syllabus

Listed below in the table are the first-year semester-wise MSc Chemistry subjects.

Semester 1Semester 2
Inorganic Chains, Rings, and ClustersSynthetic Strategies and Pericyclic Reactions
Stereochemistry and Reaction MechanismSpectroscopic Methods in Chemistry
Inorganic SemimicroQualitative Analysis Lab
Group theory and Quantum ChemistryThermodynamics and Equilibria
Analytical ChemistrySolid State Chemistry and Materials Science
Physical Chemistry Experiments LabInorganic Quantitative Analysis Lab

MSc Chemistry Second Year Syllabus

Listed below in the table are the second-year semester-wise MSc Chemistry subjects.

Semester 3Semester 4
Bioinorganic and Organometallic ChemistryChemistry of Biomolecules
Bioorganic and HeterocyclicPhotochemistry
ElectrochemistryGreen Chemistry
Organic Qualitative Analysis LabSurface Science and Coating Technology
Instrumental Methods of Analysis LabNano-Chemistry and Technology
Coordination ChemistryKinetics
Spectroscopic Identification of MoleculesIndustrial Catalysis
Organic Quantitative Analysis LabPolymer Science
Medicinal ChemistryBioanalytical Chemistry
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MSc Chemistry Subjects

MSc Chemistry subjects have two types: core and elective and subject pattern. They provide in-depth knowledge to the students about various topics in the field of chemistry. The first semester of MSc Chemistry comprises introductory core subjects and in semesters 2, 3 and 4 the elective choices have to be introduced. The elective MSc Chemistry subject choices may vary in various colleges but the core subjects are almost the same everywhere. Listed below are the subjects for MSc Chemistry along with the topic title.

Subject NameTopics Title
Physical Chemistry
  • Thermodynamics
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Electrochemistry
  • Chemical Dynamics
Organic Chemistry
  • Stereochemistry
  • Reaction Mechanism: Structure and Reactivity
  • Purification Techniques
  • Nature of Bonding in Organic Molecules
Inorganic Chemistry
  • Metal-Ligand Equilibria in solution
  • Reaction Mechanism of Transition Metal Complexes
  • Stereochemistry and Bonding in Main Group compounds
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MSc Chemistry Common Subjects for All Semesters

The aspirants who have opted for the MSc Chemistry course must know about different subjects and the related topics that they will have to study as part of the MSc Chemistry subject. The subjects of MSc Chemistry vary from college to college but many common subjects are taught in almost all the universities. The lists of common MSc Chemistry subjects are mentioned below:

SubjectsTopics
Quantum ChemistryAtom of hydrogen; The principle of linear variation; Theory of Perturbation, Separation energies; Tunneling; Rigid rotator; Inorganic Reaction Mechanism and Organometallics; Essential math concepts are reviewed
Principles of Organic ChemistryElements of symmetry; Asymmetric synthesis; Thero and erythro isomers; Review of structure and bonding; Methods of resolution; Stereochemistry; Thero and erythro isomers; Elements of symmetry; Asymmetric synthesis; Thermodynamics; Different Oxidation Processes; Different Reductive Processes; The Hammett Equation
Organic Reactions & MechanismsClassical and non-classical carbocation; At an allylic, aliphatic trigonal, and vinyl carbon, nucleophilic substitution occurs. Electrophilic; double bond shifts accompany electrophilic substitution, Aliphatic Nucleophilic Substitution; The SNi mechanism; substrate structure, attaching nucleophile, leaving group, and reaction media reactivity impacts
Bio-organic ChemistryElectron Transfer; Metalloproteinase and Metalloenzymes; Iron Selective Transport and Storage; Fes Clusters, ionospheres, and other related topics
Inorganic Reaction Mechanism and OrganometallicsInorganic photochemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, Magnetic and spectral characteristics; Substitution of Octahedral Planar Complexes; Marcus theory; Adamson’s guidelines; Homogeneous catalysis; Photo redox processes; Fluxional molecules; Metal arene complexes
Group Theory and Spectroscopytable Electromagnetic Radiation and its Interaction with Matter, Derivation of the projection operator, definition of a group, point groups, symmetry, character Spectroscopy Model of a Rigid Rotor.
Classical and Statistical ThermodynamicsClassical Thermodynamics; Review of thermodynamic laws; fugacity idea and determination; Concepts and examples in statistics; Statistics and the Fermi-Dirac equation Calculations of probabilities, Coefficient of electrolytic solutions; Equilibrium conditions and restrictions Theoretical premises; 
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MSc Chemistry Optional Subjects

The elective or optional subjects allow students to delve deeper into specific areas of interest within chemistry, tailoring their program to their career aspirations. Some commonly offered elective subjects in the MSc Chemistry syllabus include:

  • Heterocyclic Chemistry
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Carbohydrate Chemistry
  • Photochemistry
  • Green Organic Synthesis
  • Organometallic Catalysis
  • Bioinorganic Chemistry
  • Crystallography
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms
  • Bioanalytical Chemistry
  • Environmental Analysis
  • Food Analysis
  • Pharmaceutical Analysis
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Chemistry in Industry
  • History of Chemistry
  • Philosophy of Chemistry
  • Science Communication
  • Entrepreneurship in Science

Note: The exact core and elective subjects available can differ based on the university and its program structure. It is recommended to verify the specific MSc Chemistry syllabus or curriculum with the university you are considering.

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MSc Chemistry Lab Subjects

Laboratory subjects give students a practical, hands-on approach to the topic at hand. The following are common MSc in Chemistry lab subjects:

  • Physical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Techniques of Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
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Syllabus for MSc Chemistry Distance Programs

In India, pursuing an MSc in Chemistry through Open & Distance Learning (ODL) is entirely valid, with several universities currently offering this course. Many colleges and universities in India provide the MSc Chemistry correspondence course to meet the higher education needs of students and working professionals. To be eligible, students must meet specific requirements. Universities and institutions offer comprehensive learning for each topic.

As distance education students in the MSc Chemistry program, individuals acquire knowledge and skills without attending regular classes. Students can choose colleges and universities based on their preferences, considering factors like reputation and facilities. The Distance MSc Chemistry Course in India is popular among students who have completed their UG degree with Chemistry as the main subject. Here is an overview of the MSc Chemistry syllabus for the distance education program:

First Year MSc Chemistry Syllabus for Distance Programs

The following table highlights the semester-wise MSc Chemistry subjects for the first year:

Semester 1Semester 2
Inorganic Chains, Rings, and ClustersSynthetic Strategies and Pericyclic Reactions
Group Theory and Quantum ChemistryThermodynamics and Equilibria
Stereochemistry and Reaction MechanismSpectroscopic Methods in Chemistry
Analytical ChemistrySolid State Chemistry and Materials Science
Inorganic SemimicroQualitative Analysis Lab
Physical Chemistry Experiments LabInorganic Quantitative Analysis Lab

Second Year MSc Chemistry Syllabus for Distance Programs

The following table outlines the semester-wise MSc Chemistry subjects for the second year:

Semester 3Semester 4
Bioinorganic and Organometallic ChemistryChemistry of Biomolecules
Coordination ChemistryKinetics
Bioorganic and HeterocyclicPhotochemistry
Spectroscopic Identification of MoleculesIndustrial Catalysis
ElectrochemistryGreen Chemistry
Organic Quantitative Analysis LabPolymer Science
Organic Qualitative Analysis LabSurface Science and Coating Technology
Medicinal ChemistryBioanalytical Chemistry
Instrumental Methods of Analysis LabNano-Chemistry and Technology
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MSc Chemistry Entrance Exam Syllabus

MSc Chemistry admission in some top universities and colleges are offered through entrance examinations. Thus, one should be aware of the entrance examination and the syllabus conducted by the universities and colleges to grant admission to MSc Chemistry. Listed below in the table are the details of entrance examinations and their syllabus.

Exam NameDetailsSyllabus
CUET PGCommon University Entrance Exam is a national-level entrance test conducted by NTA to grant admission in different UG and PG courses. Almost 66 participating universities are there in CUET.Syllabus of CUET PG
IIT JAM Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test is a national-level exam to offer admission in different postgraduate courses at IITs and integrated PhD degrees at IISc. Syllabus of IIT JAM
BITSATBirla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test is conducted in two sessions in an online mode by Bits Pilani to offer admission in postgraduate programs for campuses in Goa, Pilani and Hyderabad.Syllabus of BITSAT
IPU CETIndraprastha University Common Entrance Test is a yearly university-level exam to offer admission into different  UG and PG programmes.Syllabus of IPU CET
DUETDelhi University Entrance Test is conducted to offer admission in various UG and PG programmes for almost 60 courses. The DUET exam is conducted once a year and NTA is the conducting body of DUET. Syllabus of DUET
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MSc Chemistry Important Books

MSc Chemistry reference books are the source to get an actual understanding of the MSc Chemistry subject. The books provide the foundational understanding of the entire MSc Chemistry Syllabus. The MSc Chemistry books are available for students in online and offline modes.  But the right choice of the book is very important so we have listed some popular MSc Chemistry books and their authors in the table below.

BooksAuthors
Inorganic ChemistryJames E Huheey
The mechanism in Organic ChemistryPeter Sykes
Quantum ChemistryRK Prasad
March’s Advanced Organic ChemistryMichael Smith
Advanced Organic ChemistryCarey and Sundberg
Encyclopedia of Chemical TechnologyKirk Othmer
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MSc Chemistry Course Structure

The MSc Chemistry program usually lasts four semesters, and each semester concentrates on specific aspects of the field. While the arrangement of subjects can differ between universities, it commonly involves a mix of core and elective subjects in each semester. Various assessment methods are used by universities to evaluate students' learning in the MSc Chemistry program as described below.

  • Exams (mid-term and final)
  • Assignments and projects
  • Presentations
  • Practical/Lab examinations
  • Research project/thesis
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FAQs about MSc Chemistry Syllabus

What are the core MSc Chemistry subjects?

The core MSc Chemistry subjects delve deep into the fundamental concepts of the field, covering advanced organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry. You will also master computational tools and explore frontiers like green chemistry and nanoscience.

What are the elective subjects available in MSc Chemistry?

The elective subjects in MSc Chemistry can differ from one university to another. Examples may include topics such as green chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, polymer science, surface science, advanced organic/inorganic/physical chemistry, computational methods, and analytical chemistry. These elective courses offer you the opportunity to specialize in your preferred area of chemistry, allowing for a deeper understanding of the subject.

Is there a difference between the syllabus for MSc Chemistry regular and distance learning programs?

Indeed, there could be minor variations in the syllabus between regular and distance MSc Chemistry programs at certain universities. Regular programs typically emphasize more on lab work and practical sessions, whereas distance programs concentrate more on lectures and self-study. Nevertheless, the essential theoretical content remains mostly consistent, ensuring that you acquire the same foundational knowledge in both modes.

What are the lab MSc Chemistry subjects?

The following are the year-wise lab MSc Chemistry subjects:

First-year practical subjects for MSc in Chemistry: Physical Chemistry, Techniques of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry.

Second-year practical subjects for MSc in Chemistry: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry.

What topics are covered in organic chemistry in the MSc Chemistry syllabus?

In the MSc Chemistry syllabus, organic chemistry takes a closer look at the intriguing realm of carbon-based molecules. You'll delve into:

Advanced reaction mechanisms: Understanding how and why molecules change.

Stereochemistry: Exploring the three-dimensional shapes of molecules and their influence on properties.

Synthesis methods: Building complex molecules from the ground up.

Spectroscopy: Utilising light to analyse molecules.

Medicinal chemistry: Designing new drugs to enhance healthcare.

Bioorganic chemistry: Understanding the chemistry of living organisms.

What is the MSc Chemistry syllabus for the first year?

The MSc Chemistry syllabus for the first year includes subjects such as Physical Chemistry I & II, Inorganic Chemistry I & II, Organic Chemistry I & II, Spectroscopy, and Techniques of Chemistry II. These MSc Chemistry subjects help students develop their skills and make their basic concepts strong.

What is the MSc Chemistry syllabus for the second year?

The MSc Chemistry syllabus for the second year includes subjects such as Inorganic Special- I, II, III & IV, Molecular Rearrangements & Photochemistry, Nomenclature, Organic Special- I, II, III & IV, Organometallic Chemistry, and Physical Special- I, II, III & IV. These MSc Chemistry subjects help students develop both theoretical and practical skills that are required to compete in the cutthroat market.

What is the MSc Chemistry course structure?

The MSc Chemistry course offers candidates a wide range of specialisation alternatives. It seeks to provide students with a thorough grasp of the course concepts in an approachable manner. The following describes the MSc Chemistry course structure:

  • Core subjects
  • Elective subjects
  • IV semesters
  • Practical subjects
  • Research project submissions

What methodologies and techniques are used to teach the MSc Chemistry syllabus and subjects?

The methodologies and techniques that are used to teach the MSc Chemistry syllabus and subjects include lab instruction, inquiry, and creative and innovative instructional methods. Both academic reading and practical approaches are equally valued in the curriculum. Here are some teaching strategies involved:

  • Professional Training
  • Practical Reports
  • Individual Projects
  • Group Projects
  • Academic Lectures

What are the popular MSc Chemistry project topics?

The following are some popular MSc Chemistry project topics:

  • Use of scrap aluminium for preparing potash alum
  • Synthesis of aspirin and its decomposition
  • Measuring the solubility rate in saturated solutions
  • Intermolecular bonding in solids and their physical properties
  • Crude palm oil analysis
  • Activated charcoal for bleaching palm oil

What are the top government colleges that offer the best MSc Chemistry course curriculum?

The top government colleges that offer the best MSc Chemistry course curriculum are the University of Hyderabad (UoH), Osmania University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Institute of Chemical Technology (Mumbai), Indian Institute of Science, Calcutta University, Bharathiar University (Coimbatore), Banaras Hindu University, etc.

What are the top private colleges that offer the best MSc Chemistry course curriculum?

The top private colleges that offer the best MSc Chemistry course curriculum are VIT Vellore, Vellore Institute of Technology - Chennai Campus, SOA University, SASTRA, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Chandigarh University, BITS Pilani, Amity University Noida, etc.

What is the distance learning MSc Chemistry syllabus?

The distance learning MSc Chemistry syllabus is similar to the regular course syllabus. It includes subjects such as Thermodynamics and Equilibria, Stereochemistry and Reaction Mechanism, Spectroscopic Methods in Chemistry, Spectroscopic Identification of Molecules, Photochemistry, Industrial Catalysis, Group Theory and Quantum Chemistry, Green Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Coordination Chemistry Kinetics, Bioorganic and Heterocyclic, etc.

What is the MSc Chemistry syllabus for top entrance exams?

The MSc Chemistry syllabus for top entrance exams includes topics such as Trigonometry, Structure and Properties of Atoms, Solid State, Profit and Loss, Probability, Plant Biotechnology, Physics, Molecular Biology, Mathematics, Linear and Quadratics Equations, Life Sciences, Horticulture, Geometry, Forensic Science and Criminology, Food Technology, Evolution, Environmental Science, Data Science, Chemical Thermodynamics, Botany, Biochemistry, etc.

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