Chemistry

Degrees Awarded

BSc - 3 Years

BSc (Honours) - 4 Years

Programme overview

The Chemistry course at Krea University meets global and Indian standards of Chemistry education, equipping students for a wide range of career opportunities. However, it also takes an innovative approach by reordering how key concepts are introduced — a significant departure from conventional pedagogy and from the historical sequence in which these ideas were developed.

At Krea, quantum mechanics is introduced at the very beginning of the course, while statistical mechanics precedes thermodynamics. The first innovation addresses a common student concern — a lack of engagement with inorganic chemistry and the periodic table — while the second offers an intuitive understanding of entropy as a way of counting, rather than through the abstract framework of heat engines. A third distinctive feature is the integration of biology within the Chemistry curriculum.

These innovations have been recognised and commended by external experts. The guiding principles of Krea’s pedagogy — being writing-intensive, research-based, and interdisciplinary — are thoughtfully interwoven throughout the individual courses.

What makes

Chemistry at Krea Unique

In the Chemistry Major, learning-outcome based curriculum framework balances the demands of the interwoven nature of Krea pedagogy and the requirements of a Chemistry major according to Indian and global chemistry curricula. We have experimented with the order of introducing the concepts, a significant departure from existing pedagogy, and is different from the order in which the ideas were developed historically. Quantum mechanics in the beginning and we have introduced statistical mechanics before thermodynamics. This is aimed to give an intuitive approach to entropy as a way of counting rather than the abstract and formal way through the heat engines. These innovations have been noted and complimented by the external experts.

Programme Structure

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Chemistry Programme at Krea University will be able to:
  • Demonstrate strong foundational knowledge across core areas of Chemistry
    Gain a deep understanding of physical, inorganic, organic, and analyticalchemistry, along with interdisciplinary areas such as biophysical chemistry,materials chemistry, and computational chemistry.
  • Design, conduct, and analyse experiments with scientific rigor
    Acquire hands-on laboratory skills in experimental design, safe chemical handling,precise measurements, synthesis, characterisation, spectroscopy, and advancedinstrumentation.
  • Integrate concepts across disciplines to understand complex systems
    Connect chemical principles with biology, physics, environmental science, datascience, and the humanities to formulate and investigate broader scientificquestions.
  • Collaborate effectively in diverse academic settings
    Work productively in teams during laboratory courses, group projects, andinterdisciplinary assignments, while developing leadership, cooperation, andproject-management skills.
  • Cultivate lifelong learning and adaptability
    Build habits of curiosity, intellectual flexibility, and independent thinking thatprepare them for postgraduate studies, research careers, and roles in chemicaland interdisciplinary industries

Assessment Methods

At Krea University, assessments are designed to foster continuous learning and intellectualgrowth. Students are evaluated through a mix of quizzes, mid-term examinations, finalexams, and well-structured home assignments. These assessments are administered atregular intervals to measure conceptual understanding and to encourage consistentengagement with course material.

Faculty members provide grades and feedback promptly, ensuring that students receivetimely guidance. Constructive, individualised feedback is a central component of ourpedagogical approach, enabling students to reflect on their performance, recognize areas forimprovement, and apply these insights to future work. This iterative feedback-driven processreinforces the broader liberal arts ethos of self-directed learning, critical thinking, andsustained academic development.

Graduation Requirements

Chemistry graduation requirements for the 3-Year and 4-Year degree programmes:

  Credits needed to earn a
Single Major in Chemistry 
Credits needed to earn a
Double Major in Chemistry 
Credits needed to earn a
Minor in Chemistry 
Credits needed to earn a
Concentration in Chemistry 
3-Year Programme 58 48 28 18
4-Year Programme 80 60 32 18

Chemistry graduation requirements for the 3-Year and 4-Year degree programmes:

  Single Major Double Major Minor Concentration
Required Elective Required Elective Required Elective Required Elective
3-Year
Programme
50 8 40 8 24 4 18 0
4-Year
Programme
68
(includes a 12- credit
required Capstone project)
12 56 4 24 8 18 0

To earn a Chemistry Major, Minor, or Concentration, students must complete the required and elective credits in Chemistry courses as indicated above.

Chemistry Lab

The Computational Chemistry Lab at Krea University provides students with a rigorous and forward-looking training in modern molecular modelling and data-driven chemical discovery. Through a suite of four complementary courses—Cheminformatics, Molecular Modelling using Quantum Chemistry, Molecular Modelling and Drug Design, and the Computational Chemistry Lab—students gain hands-on experience with the full spectrum of computational tools used in contemporary research and industry. The curriculum introduces learners to quantum-chemical methods for understanding molecular structure and reactivity, statistical and machine-learning approaches for analysing chemical datasets, and computational strategies used in rational drug design and biomolecular modelling.

In the lab, students apply these techniques to real-world chemical and biochemical systems, learning how to build molecular models, run simulations, interpret results, and connect computational insights with experimental observations. Together, these courses cultivate strong problem-solving abilities, computational literacy, and interdisciplinary thinking—key skills for advanced study in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, materials science, and related fields.

Career and Study Opportunities

The Krea Chemistry graduate will be prepared for careers in basic research, applied research and development, biotechnology, chemical analysis, manufacturing, and marketing, while the discipline serves as a strong background for careers in law, medicine, business, environmental science, government policy, consultancy and other areas of science.

Partnerships

Krea University has partnerships with leading universities in India and abroad that offer students pathways for higher education and research. These collaborations create opportunities for postgraduate study, academic exchange, and continued learning across disciplines. Know more

Higher Education Pathways: MSc/PhD in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Science, Data Science, Cosmetic Science or Food Chemistry

Job roles: Analytical and Instrumentation Specialists, Synthetic Chemists in Pharmaceutical and Biotechnological Industries, Computational Chemists and Biochemists, Material Scientists.

Faculty

Dr Surajit Kayal

Assistant Professor, Chemistry

Dr Brijesh Kumar Mishra

Associate Professor, Chemistry

Dr Debajit Maiti

Assistant Professor, Chemistry

Dr Raghu V M Ganesh

Assistant Professor, Chemistry

Dr Kalyan Chakrabarti

Associate Professor, Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Professor K S Viswanathan

Visiting Professor, Chemistry

Professor Sudip Roy

Adjunct Professor, Chemistry

Dr Surajit Kayal

Assistant Professor, Chemistry

Dr Brijesh Kumar Mishra

Associate Professor, Chemistry

Dr Debajit Maiti

Assistant Professor, Chemistry

Dr Raghu V M Ganesh

Assistant Professor, Chemistry

Dr Kalyan Chakrabarti

Associate Professor, Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Discover how Gayatri Tendulkar selected her importance to practical skills, theory Chemistry major, what makes this disciplines unique, and lab components.” the key lessons she learned, her future aspirations, and her words of wisdom for freshers.

“The Chemistry programme at Krea offers the ideal balance between theory and lab classes, which has improved my analytical and technical abilities, sharpened my research-based techniques, and instilled in me a mindset of practical-based thinking. The way the course was organized made it possible for the students to comprehend and value the fundamental concepts of chemistry before moving on to related topics. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme allowed me to explore more subjects of my interest, which is what motivated me to seek a Master’s degree in Biochemistry.”

Gauri Velloor

Cohort of 2012-26, SIAS