Frequently Asked Questions
? What are the criteria and procedures followed for selecting research scholars?

For UGC,DST and CSIR funded projects, selection is made according to the rules and regulations of the funding agencies by advertisement in National Newspapers. For all other non-stipendary positions, exams are conducted by the guides themselves. GATE qualified candidates are preferred. NET qualified candidates are directly admitted.
? Are there any post-doctoral fellows/Research Associates working presently?

No.
? What percentage of research scholars have had their master’s degrees from other institution?

Most of our M.Sc. students obtain admission for Ph.D in IIT’s and IISC. Only 25% of them join here for Ph.D/M.Phil. The other 75% join other institutions. 75% of our research scholars with Master's degree are from other institutions.
? How many of the senior research scholars and post-doctoral fellows are involved in teaching and in conducting practical classes?

Every year only 6 research scholars(2 Inorganic, 2 Organic and 2 Physical) are involved teaching practical course. Some times they are involved in teaching theory classes also.
? Which academic body helps in the formulation and implementation of new academic programmes

i) For M.Sc. Programme the Faculty Members themselves constitute the Board of Studies, which helps in the revision in revamping of the M.Sc. Programme. A few faculty members from other institutions (IISc., IIT, etc) are invited as external experts.

ii) Research Committee/Syndicate formulates the rules and regulations of the Ph.D/M.Phil. Programme.

iii) M.Phil.Syllabus is framed by Board of Studies (Ph.D) of the University and approved by standing Committee on Academic Affairs of the University (Academic council)
? How often were the curricula of these programmes reviewed and revised?

M.Sc. programme – once in 3 years.
Reviewed in July 2002. Choice based credit system has been introduced from 2002. M.Sc. students are required to take 2 extra disciplinary courses outside the Department
? Was any teaching programme dropped because it had lost its immediate relevance ofr because ilt was not viable?

M.Phil Programme was regularly conducted from 1982 onwards but dropped in 1992 as it lost its immediate relevance. It was again introduced during 1999 and dropped again as there was not much demand.
? What is the average work load of cach teacher in terms of actual contact lectures per week?

i) Each faculty teaches three periods of theory class each for 1 hour 15 minutes

ii) Practical classes for 4 hours for two days Inorganic/ Organic / Physical Chemistry every week by rotation.

iii) M.Sc. Project guidance during the entire second year.
? What are the alternate provisions made for practical training in those areas of studies that do not require formal laboratory facilities?

Practical training is provided during First Year of M.Sc. course.
Only project work during the second year.
M.Phil. Project during the second six months period
? What is the average time spent by a teacher with students(other than research scholars)? Indicate the extent the time spent by each faculty in counselling and advising the students.

Each faculty members guides 2 M.Sc. students and one M.Phil. student for project every year.

Counselling and advising of students regularly as and when required by students.
? How many of them participate in academic committees of the department and of the university?

i) One Professor (Dr.M.Palaniandavar) was the Member of the Syndicate nominated by the Chancellor and Governor of Tamil Nadu.

ii) One Reader (Dr. S. Arunachalam) was the Member of the Syndicate nominated by the Chancellor and Governor of Tamil Nadu.

iii) Prof. M.Palaniandavar (1987-93), Prof. M.Krishnapillay (19...-96) and Prof. R. Jeyaraman (1997-99) were the Chairman, Board of Studies in PG Chemistry of University and hence were members of Standing Committee of Academic Affairs. At present Prof. M.Palaniandavar is the Chairman

iv) Dr. P. Thomas Muthiah is a Member of the Governing Council and Academic Council in Colleges
Professor M. Palaniandavar - St. Joseph’s college, Tiruchirappalli, AVVM Sri Pushpam college, Poondi, SR College, M.I.E.T. College, Tircuhirapalli
Dr. S. Arunachalam - Urumu Dhanalakshmi College, Tiruchirappalli

v) Several faculty members were members of the Course affiliation, Inspection Committee to the affiliated colleges.

vi) Prof. M.Palaniandavar, Member of senate by virtue of being HOD.
? Does the Department practice the principle of “Rotational Headship”?

No.
? Has the department been recognized for any special status such as CAS, DSA or DRS or UGC?

UGC-SAP-DRS Level – I 1994 – 1999
UGC-SAP-DRS Level – II 2000 – 2005
? Has the department been participating in COSIP/COHSSIP/SAP/COSIST?

Now our Department has been provided assistance through COSIST Programme of UGC (2001 - 2006)