Department of Physical Chemistry

NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report School of Chemical Sciences Department of Physical Chemistry

Department of Physical Chemistry School of Chemical Sciences University of Madras

1 Name of the Department Physical Chemistry 2 Year of establishment August 1952 3 Is the Department part of a School of chemical Sciences School/Faculty of the university? (one of Four Departments) 4 Names of programmes offered (UG, PG, M.Sc., M.Phil and Ph. D. M.Phil., Ph.D., Integrated Masters; (Fulltime and Parttime) Integrated Ph.D., D.Sc., D.Litt., etc.)

5 Interdisciplinary programmes and Organic, Inorganic, Analytical, departments involved Polymer Chemistry, Energy, Nano science & Nano Technology, Biophysics and Biochemistry 6 Courses in collaboration with other Nil universities, industries, foreign institutions, etc. 7 Details of programmes discontinued, if Nil any, with reasons 8 Examination System: Annual/ Semester/ CBCS - Semester Trimester/Choice Based Credit System 9 Participation of the department in the 7 Department with 8 Courses (2 courses offered by other departments Subject per semester)

10. Number of teaching posts sanctioned, filled and actual (Professors/Associate Professors/Asst. Professors/others) Sanctioned Filled Actual (including CAS & MPS) Professor 1 (Regularized) + 2 0 1(CAS) Associate Professors 2 - 2 vacant Asst. Professors 4 1 3 vacant Others ------1

NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report School of Chemical Sciences Department of Physical Chemistry 11. Faculty profile with name, qualification, designation, area of specialization, experience and research under guidance Name Qualificati No. of Years No. of Ph.D./ on of M.Phil. students guided for the last 4 Experience years Awarded -2 Synopsis Submitted- 4 Dr.J.Santhana M.Sc., 28 years Guiding Ph.D- 4 lakshmi Ph.D M.Phil Awarded –7

MPhil Doing- 4

PhD Awarded -6 Synopsis Submitted- 4 M.Sc., Guiding Ph.D- 5 Dr.E.Murugan M.Phil, 13 years M.Phil Awarded –9 Ph.d. MPhil Doing- 3

12 List of senior Visiting Fellows, 1. Prof. Dr.V.R.Vijayaraghavan adjunct faculty, emeritus (Emeritus Professor) professors 2. Prof. V. Subramanian, Retd. Pachaiyappa’s College, Chennai (Visiting Professor)

13. Percentage of classes taken by temporary 6 % faculty-programme-wise information Semester Course code /Tittle Unit

1 CHE C 301 Thermodynamics and Chemical Kinetics 0.5 2 CHE C 303 Quantum chemistry and Group Theory 0.5 3 CHE C 601 Physical Methods in Chemistry 0.5 4 CHE C 307 Quantum chemistry and Macro molecules 0.5 5 CHE C 307 Irreversible Thermodynamics (Dr. VS) 0.5 Total 2.5 Units I M.Sc - 60 : 2.5 II M.Sc - 15 : 2 14. Programme-wise student Teacher Ratio: M.Phil - 10 : 2 Ph.D - 16 : 2 15. Number of academic support staff (Technical) and administrative staff: Sanctioned Filled Actual Technical 1 -- -- Administrative 3 + 2 attender 1 ASO + 1 Attender 2

NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report School of Chemical Sciences Department of Physical Chemistry

16. Research thrust areas as recognized by major funding agencies

Catalysis-Micellar, Phase transfer and nanocatalysis, Nanomaterials and Nanohybrids, drug delivery, Electrocatalysis

17. Number of faculty with ongoing projects from a) national b) international funding agencies and c) Total grants received. Give the names of the funding agencies, project title and grants received project-wise. Interna National funding grants project title tional agencies received DST-PURSE Synthesis characterization and PI:Dr. J. Santhanalakshmi fabrication of metal nanoparticles modified electrode for the Rs.6,35,500/- 1 --- electrochemical sensors. (1 JRF) JRF-D. Manoj Year - 2010-2013 (Ongoing) NCNSNT Synthesis characterization and PI:Dr. J. Santhanalakshmi development of nobel metal- metaloxide dumbbell nanoparticles for impedence variations, biosensor Rs.8,17,800/- 2 --- applications, on taste measurements (1 JRF) into organic juices /kinnow and tomato sauces JRF- D. Ranjith Kumar Year - 2011-2014(Ongoing) University of Madras University Research Fellowship 2.5 3 --- PI:Dr. J. Santhanalakshmi Year- 2011-2014 (Ongoing) (2,49,586) URF- L.Parimala (1 URF) DST-PURSE DST PURSE Programme financial 1.00 PI:Prof.Dr.E.Murugan assistance for consumables through (1,00,000) University of Madras. 4 --- Ref. No. RPO/DST/PURSE/ Consumable/2010/790 dated 30.3.2010 Year- 2010-2011 (Completed)

NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report School of Chemical Sciences Department of Physical Chemistry DST-NSTI Effective functionalization of 25.31 PI:Prof.Dr.E.Murugan Carbon Nanotubes using (25,31,600) amphiphilic/hydrophilic dendrimers and phase transfer 5 --- catalysts. Ref: D.O.No.SR/S5/NM-106/ 2006 dated 26.06.2007 Year- 2007-2010 (Completed) DST-Fast track Amphiphilic nanoparticles 19.27 PI:Prof.Dr.E.Murugan templates for encapsulation of (19,27,920) mono/ bimetallic nanoparticles catalyst to carry out industrially/ 6 --- pharmaceutically valuable biphasic organic reactions. Ref. No.SR/FTP/CS-10/2007 dated 20.09.2007 Year- 2007-2010 (Completed) CSIR Major Research Dendrimer stabilized mono/ 9.46 Project bimetallic nanoparticles on (9,46,000) PI:Prof.Dr.E.Murugan insoluble poly(styrene) microbeads and their Nanocatalysis of 7 --- pharmaceutically valuable organic reaction. Ref. No.01 (2254)/08/ EMR-II dated 13.05.2008 Year- 2008-2011 (Completed) UGC Major Research New biocompatible 6.75 Project amphiphilic4nanoparticles vehicles (6,75,300) PI:Prof.Dr.E.Murugan for effective delivery of cancer 8 --- drugs Ref. No. 36-271/2008 (SR) dated 26.03.2009 Year- 2009-2012 (Completed) DST-PURSE DST PURSE Programme financial 1.15 PI:Prof.Dr.E.Murugan assistance for consumables through (1,15,000) University of Madras. 9 --- Ref.No. GMC/A4/EM/DST- PURSE/ Phy.Che-2012/1961 dated 17.12.2012 Year- 2012-2013 (Completed) DST-NCNSNT, Preparation of Composites Single- 8.178 University of Madras walled/Multi walled Carbon (8,17,800) PI:Prof.Dr.E.Murugan Nanotubes based composites via (1 JRF) functionalization using PEG, 10 --- PAMAM and PPI dendrimers for bone tissue engineering. Ref No: C2 /Res. Pro /NSNT/ Proj.No.22 / 2011- 182 dated 16.05.2011.

NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report School of Chemical Sciences Department of Physical Chemistry Year- 2011-2014 (Ongoing) University of Madras University Research Fellowship 2.5 PI:Prof.Dr.E.Murugan Ref. No: GCCO/A6/URF/ (2,49,586) 11 --- Phy.Chem/ PS/Appoint/2011/ 1972 dated 19.01.2011 Year- 2011-2014 (Ongoing) UGC-UPE Development of bead-shaped 17.10 PHASE II heterogeneous nanoparticles (17,10,000) catalysts embed with chiral auxiliaries to conduct pharmaceutically valuable organic 12 --- reactions Ref.No: No.EN/SAS/UPE Phase II/NMR/STAFF/2013/283 dated 21.05.2013 Year- 2013-2018 (Ongoing) UGC-UPE Anti-cataractogenic effect of 12.8 PHASE II curcumin experimental (12,80,000) Theme-B (Project II) cataractogenesis: cross talk within 13 --- calpain, IP3/DAG and calcium signaling pathways Year- 2013-2018 (Ongoing)

18. Inter-institutional collaborative projects and associated grants received a) National collaboration - b) International collaboration – a. Micellisation characterizations of geminal surfactants in aqueous medium “ with CSIR-CLRI, Adyar, contact scientist – Dr. A. B. Mandal, Director CLRI b. “Physico-chemical characterizations of metal ions-membranes”, with CSIR- CLRI, Adyar, contact scientist – Dr. B.S.R. Reddy, Emeritius Scientist c. “CVD and physico chemical studies on Boron Nitride assemblies with dopants”, with B.S. Abdur Rahman Deemed University, Chennai, contact scientist – Prof. Dr. Mannikandan, Dept. of Physics

19. Departmental projects funded by DST-FIST; UGC-SAP/CAS, DPE; DBT, ICSSR, AICTE, etc.; total grants received. DST-FIST – 60 Lakhs

20. Research facility / centre with state recognition : Nil recognition

national recognition : Nil international recognition : Nil

21. Special research laboratories sponsored by / created by industry or corporate bodies – Nil

NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report School of Chemical Sciences Department of Physical Chemistry

22. Publications:

* Number of papers published in peer reviewed journals (national / international) Total (77) : International-63/National-14 * Monographs : 10 * Chapters in Books : 5 * Edited Books : Nil * Books with ISBN with details of publishers : Lambert publisher * Number listed in International Database (For e.g. Web of Science, Scopus, Humanities International Complete, Dare Database - International Social Sciences Directory, EBSCO host, etc.) : 10 * Citation Index – range / average : Average 12 * SNIP : * SJR : * Impact Factor – range / average : Average 4.6 h-index : Average 9.8

23. Details of patents and income generated - Nil

24. Areas of consultancy and income generated-Nanochemistry and Catalysis

25. Faculty selected nationally / internationally to visit other laboratories /institutions / industries in India and abroad -Nil-

26. Faculty serving in Dr.J.Santhanalakshmi 1. DST-Women Scientist committee expert Ist Term completed 2010-12 IInd Term completed 2012-14 2. Selection Board member for faculties in Chemistry in Central Universities (Central University of Tamilnadu- Thiruvarur) April-2013. 3. Editorial Board Member for: J. Nanoparticle research J. Colloid and Interface Science Colloids and Surfaces B J. Molecular Catalysis J. Chemical Sciences J. Surfactant science and Technology

NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report School of Chemical Sciences Department of Physical Chemistry

27. Faculty recharging strategies (UGC, ASC, Refresher / orientation programs, workshops, training programs and similar programs).

Dr. J. Santhanalakshmi

i) One day national conference in “new vistas in physical chemistry” Aug 2007.Department of physical chemistry, University of Madras, Coordinator ii) Academic Staff college refresher course “New Frontiers in Physical Chemsitry” Aug-2007, coordinator.

Dr.E.Murugan

i) National Science Day Celebration was conducted by Department of Physical Chemistry and Dr.A.L.M Centre for Basic Science & Development, University of Madras on 28.02.2012, Organizer- Prof.Dr.E.Murugan (ii)Organizing Secretary, 20th National Children’s Science Congress “The Chennai District Congress on Energy- Explore, Harness and Conserve”. 500 teachers from various schools have attended the function. (18.11.2012) (iii) Three week refresher course was organized to the Teaching staff working from various colleges in TamilNadu and India on the title “New nanomaterials for Catalysis, Sensor and Drug delivery: Physical Chemistry Perspectives” Batch XXII- Refresher Course from 24.07.2012 to 13.08.2012. Co-ordinator- Prof.Dr.E.Murugan

28. Student projects · percentage of students who have done in-house projects including inter- departmental projects –Inhouse M.Sc and M.Phil Projects - 100%

· percentage of students doing projects in collaboration with other universities / industry / institute – Outside Industrial Internship – 100 %

29. Awards / recognitions received at the national and international level by

· Faculty –

· List of Awards received by Prof.Dr.Santhanalakshmi

· i) Dr.J.Santhanalakshmi – DST WOMEN WING subject Expert – National Academic Achievement Award -2012 · ii) Academic Achievement Award- Sep.2012, University of Madras · iii) Expert member in DST-GOVT.

NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report School of Chemical Sciences Department of Physical Chemistry OF INDIA Women Scientist Board– Chemistry First term:2009 – 11 and second term:2012-14 · iv) Member of Editorial Board – Journal of Nanoparticle Research, Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Journal of Chemical Sciences and Electrochimica Acta · v) IIT – Kanpur, Department of Chemistry, Member of the Examiner panel for Ph.D, Apr-2013

· vi) Member of the Expert Panel in Central University, Thiruvarur, TN, for selection of Asst. Prof., Associate Professor and Professor in Chemistry Apr- May 2013. · List of Awards received by Prof.Dr.E.Murugan

Nature of Period Awards / Honours Award Research Feb 2010 Best Poster award was given in the International Conference on Nanoscience& Nanotechnology on Chemistry conducted by Department of Science and Technology (DST) and IIT Bombay, Powai Oct 2011 Best Oral presentation award in Recent Trends in Polymeric Materials conducted by Polymer Science, India, Chennai Chapter. Nov2011 Best Oral presentation award was given in the International Conference on Nanoscience, Engineering and Technology (ICONSET-2011)organized by organized by Sathyabama University in association with IGCAR, Kalpakkam. Academic Sept Academic Achievement Award-2012 instituted by 2012 University of Madras was awarded to me in Teacher’s Day Celebration held on 5th Sept 2012, the Honorable Minister for Higher Education Mr. P. Palaniappan gave the award. 2013 to Executive Member (By election), Catalysis Society of 2016 India. 2013 to Treasurer (Elected), Society for Polymer Science, 2016 Chennai Chapter. Administrative 2012 to Member, Planning board, Bharathidasan 2015 University,Thiruchirapalli,nominated by His Excellency Governor/Chancellor of Tamil Nadu, Chancellor of University of Madras. 2013 to Member, Syndicate, Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, 2016 nominated by His Excellency Governor/Chancellor of Tamil Nadu. 2011 to Member, Senate, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 2014 Tamil Nadu, nominated by His Excellency Governor/Chancellor of Tamil Nadu.

NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report School of Chemical Sciences Department of Physical Chemistry · Doctoral / post doctoral fellows - · By Dr. J. Santhanalakshmi · International Doctoral Fellowship awarded - Mr. Sanjeevan, Taiwan · Students - Dr. P. Venkatesan- Subject Recruitment Faculty “SCOPUS”, Chennai

· By Dr. E. Murugan

Dr. G. Vimala, Department of Chemistry, Assistant Professor, SRM University, Chennai 30. Seminars/ Conferences/Workshops organized and the source of funding (national / international) with details of outstanding participants, if any. (Details furnished in Appendix II)

31. Code of ethics for research followed by the departments -

UGC regulations on minimum standard and procedure for the award of M.Phil/Ph.D. degree – 2009 are followed.

32. Student profile programme-wise:

Name of the Applications Selected Pass Programme received Male Female percentage (refer to question Male Female no. 4) 2007-08 M.Sc. 268 6-4 90%-901% 2008-09 M.Sc. 212 10-5 88%-92% 2009-10 M.Sc 185 9-6 90%-90% 2010-11 M.Sc. 135 5-8 90%-90% 2011-12 M.Sc. 82 5-8 98%-85% 2012-13 M.Sc. 48 3-11 - 2007-08 M.Sc. 268 6-4 90%-90% 2008-09 M.Sc. 212 10-5 88%-92% 2009-10 M.Sc. 185 9-6 90%-90% 2010-11 M.Sc. 135 5-8 90%-95% 2011-12 M.Phil 22 2-4 100%-100% 2012-13 M.Phil 15 2-7 -

33. Diversity of students Name of the % of % of students % of students % of students Programme students from other from from other (refer to question no. from the universities universities countries 4) same within the outside the university State State I M.Sc 35.7 % 64.28 % Nil II M.Sc 38.46 % 61.5 % Nil M.Phil 12.5 % 87.5 % Nil Ph. D 66.66% 26.66% Nil

NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report School of Chemical Sciences Department of Physical Chemistry

34. How many students have cleared Civil Services and Defence Servicesexaminations, NET, SET, GATE and other competitive examinations? Give details category-wise. a) GATE-2011-12: Mr. Velmurugan joined JRF in IIT Kanpur.

35. Student progression Student progression Percentage against enrolled UG to PG -- PG to M.Phil. 50% PG to Ph.D. 25 % Ph.D. to Post-Doctoral 85% Employed · Campus selection II M.Sc 75% · Other than campus recruitment M.Phil 100 % Entrepreneurs Affiliated colleges, Engineering colleges, Deemed universities, and Private Laboratory.

36. Diversity of staff Percentage of faculty who are graduates

of the same university 100% from other universities within the State -- from universities from other States -- from universities outside the country --

37. Number of faculty who were awarded M.Phil., Ph.D., D.Sc. and D.Litt. during the assessment period Nil

38. Present details of departmental infrastructural facilities with regard to a) Library Department Library – 650 books b) Internet facilities for staff and students - -100 % Internet facility to faculty, Department office, M.Sc, M.Phil, and Ph.D students

c) Total number of class rooms - d) Class rooms with ICT facility - e) Students’ laboratories - f) Research laboratories

39. List of doctoral, post-doctoral students and Research Associates : Enclosed a) from the host institution/university - Nil 10

NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report School of Chemical Sciences Department of Physical Chemistry

b) from other institutions/universities List of Ph.D under the guidance of Prof.Dr.E.Murugan S.No. Name Title of Thesis Year 1 P. Arunachalam Synthesis and characterization of soluble and Awarded 2010 polymer-supported (insoluble) metal complex catalysts and their application as catalysts in esterification reactions – A kinetic study 2 G. Vimala Nanohybrids of Functionalized Multi-walled Awarded 2012 Carbon Nanotubes with Poly(Propylene imine)/Poly(amido amine) Dendrimers: Biological and Catalytic Studies 3 G. Thamizarasu New soluble and Insoluble Multi-site Phase Awarded 2013 transfer catalysts: Synthesis, Characterization and Kinetic study of Polymerization, C-, N-Alkylations and Addition reactions 4 D. Geethalakshmi Atom Transfer Radical Polymerisation Synopsis submitted

5 I. Pakrudheen Dendrimer based Nanoparticle Catalysis Synopsis submitted

6 J. NimitaJebaranjitham Dendrimer stabilized mono/bimetallic Synopsis submitted nanoparticles 7 P. Geetharani Solubility of drugs using Dendrimer as a Synopsis submitted Vehicles 8 P. Shanmugam Nanoparticle Catalysis -do- 9 R. Vishnu Kumar Biocompatible amphiphilicdendrimer -do- vehicles for effective drug delivery 10 A. Rubavathy Jaya NanoparticleCatalysis -do- Priya 11 A.Sivaranjani Carbon nanotubes -do- dendrimerbasedComposites for bone tissue engineering 12 V.Yogaraj Dendrimers for drug delivery -do-

40. Number of post graduate students getting financial assistance from the university. -

9 Students Free Education - 2 EWLS Scheme - 3 Merit Fellowship – 2 Endowment Fellowship – 2

NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report School of Chemical Sciences Department of Physical Chemistry

41. Was any need assessment exercise undertaken before the development of new programme(s)? If so, highlight the methodology.

1. Syllabus Revision : 2011-12, Current topics included 2. Major scientific Instrumentation is utilided 3. Sessional performance of PG students regularly discussed

42. Does the department obtain feedback from a. Faculty on curriculum as well as teaching-learning-evaluation? If yes, how does the department utilize the feedback? Yes. Feedback received from the faculties is placed before the Departmental Committee to revise the curriculum. b. Students on staff, curriculum and teaching-learning-evaluation and how does the department utilize the feedback? Students on staff – every academic year feedback is obtained by the IQAC and the findings are communicated to the faculty individually every year. The feedback is taken into account for confirmation/ promotion. c. Alumni and employers on the programmes offered and how does the department utilize the feedback? YES – Representation from Industries are members of the Board of Studies.

43. List the distinguished alumni of the department (maximum 10)

· Dr. Selvaraj, Principal –Gurunanak College, Velacherry, Chennai, April-2013 · Dr. T. Raja, Scientist-F, National Chemical Laboratories, Pune. · Dr. S. Balaji, Head, Department of Chemistry, Sankara University, Kancheepuram · Dr. G. Vijayalakshmi and · Dr. R. Kasturi, Associate Professors, Government arts college for women, Chennai -2 · Dr. P. R. Kalaivani, Associate Professor, Bharathi Government arts college for women · Dr. S. Isabel Maya, Research coordinator, University of Tennessee, U.S.A. · Dr. G. Vimala, Assistant Professor, SRM University · Dr.Arunachalam, and Dr.Thamilarasu,Assistant Professors in Govt Arts College, MEN · Dr. Karthikeyan,Scientist,Shasun Chemicals, Chennai.

NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report School of Chemical Sciences Department of Physical Chemistry

44. Give details of student enrichment programmes (special lectures / workshops /seminar) involving external experts. 1. Special lectures by Prof V.Subramanian, on topics,non equilibrium thermodynamics, Interfacial electrochemistry. 2. Special lectures by Dr. S.Ramu, M K University, on Toxicity of Heavy metals. 3. Dr.E.J.Padma malar, UGC-SCIENTIST, On Advanced quantum chemistry. 4. Experimental laboratory demonstrations were conducted for school children from various corporation schools – Nov. 2012 5. Net classes were conducted for neighboring institutions students of Anna University and affiliated colleges of University of Madras – May-June 2012 6. Special classes in Physical Chemistry for affiliated colleges for I M.Sc was conducted in the department of Physical Chemistry – Dec. 2011 7. Guided and carried out the IIM.Sc projects in Physical Chemistry for students of affiliated colleges: Madras Christian College-Apr.2011;Bharathi Govt. Arts College for Women – Apr.2011 and Apr-2012 8. Conducted chemistry exhibition stalls and demonstrated experiments in Chennai Science Exhibition Festival, conducted by Science City by Govt. of Tamil Nadu every year: Feb.2009, Feb.2010, Jan-Feb.2011, Feb.2012 and Jan.2013

45. List the teaching methods adopted by the faculty for different programmes.

Power Point Presentations, OHP, Assignments that need internet search, lab demonstrations, tutorial sessions, quiz sessions.

46. How does the department ensure that programme objectives are constantly met and learning outcomes are monitored?

-Having discussions with the students on sessional assessments, - students seminars, -group study, -direct access to major scientific instruments for Research Scholars - frequent field trips, - industrial labs, international libraries (British council lib; USIS), -having student-teacher one to one interactions

47. Highlight the participation of students and faculty in extension activities. Dr. J. SANTHANALAKSHMI

a. Conducted Physical Chemistry exhibition stalls and demonstrated experiments in Chennai Science Exhibition Festival, by “Science City” Govt. of Tamil Nadu every year:Feb.2009, Feb.2010, Jan-Feb.2011, Feb.2012 and Jan.2013. Received Prize and award for best Science stall during 2011-12.

NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report School of Chemical Sciences Department of Physical Chemistry b. Conducted One day programme organized at Chemical Science auditorium, University of Madras, Maraimalai Campus in association with Nehru Children’s Cultural Association, Chennai-41. c. Physical Chemistry coaching/Practical training was given to 10th and +2 students comes from different schools in Chennai/Chengalpet Districts from 2011/12; 2012/13. Prof.Dr.E.Murugan

· Served as a Science Counselor/Convener in the International Conference on Climate Change University of Madras - Sept 2009 · Served as a Convener for Counseling and coaching programme for Science, Community out-reach Programme at niversity of Madras in collaboration with Nehru Children Cultural Association, Chennai-41 - Sep 2011 · Co-ordinator for One day programme organized at Chemical Science auditorium, University of Madras, Maraimalai Campus in association with Nehru Children’s Cultural Association, Chennai-41. · Nature of service rendered: Physical Chemistry coaching/Practical training was given to 10th and +2 students comes from different schools in Chennai/Chengalpet Districts. - Oct 2011 · Convener in National Science Day celebration committee, University of Madras – Feb 2012

48. Give details of “beyond syllabus scholarly activities” of the department. Softskill programs, Computer skill developments, Internship exclusively for II M.Sc. students

49. State whether the programme/ department is accredited/ graded by other agencies? If yes, give details. DST- FIST Program

50. Briefly highlight the contributions of the department in generating new knowledge, basic or applied. 1. Research Publications in high impact journals 2. Softskill development for communication skills 3. M.Sc and M.Phil project writing and Presentations 4. Carrying out inter-departmental research collaborations 5. Affiliated colleges PG and M.Phil project Dissertations

51. Detail five major Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Challenges (SWOC) of the department.

Major Strengths: Research in Current topics like: Nanoscience and catalysis, Collaborative

NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report School of Chemical Sciences Department of Physical Chemistry projects, sophisticated instrumentation

Weaknesses: Shortage of staff

Possibility of research collaborations with Opportunities IITs, CSIR labs, industrial laboratories from national to international levels

Training of research students for Post-doctoral fellows, research associates, etc.

Virtual University activities like: teaching, online education and tuition, online Ph.D. guidance

Challenges No Fax facility, No teleconferencing facility, Challenge from IITs- Maintenance of Instruments

52. Future plans of the department.

1. Extension and collaborative PG programs with IIT-Chennai: M.Sc. in “Industrial Catalysis”

2. Interuniversity research collaborative programs

3. MoU with Government Entrepreneurs and Private organization laboratories

4. Strengthening Physical Chemistry topics in Schools and affiliated colleges “Promoting the communal/ social activities