CHEMISTRY ACTIVITIES 2024-2025
SOFTWARE TOOLS IN CHEMISTRY
The PG Department of Chemistry, under the banner of the Micelle Club, organized a one-day workshop titled "Software Tools in Chemistry" on 29th October 2024 at the Smart Classroom. The primary aim of the event was to equip postgraduate students with practical knowledge of essential chemical software tools used in research and analysis. The resource person for the session was Mr. Sreejith M P, Head of the Department of Chemistry, Grace Valley College of Arts and Science.
The session began with a warm welcome and introduction of the guest by Mr. Javad Ahammed C, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry. The workshop commenced at 1:30 PM and continued till 3:10 PM, providing students with a comprehensive and interactive learning experience.
Mr. Sreejith M P initiated the session by emphasizing the significance of integrating software tools in chemical research and education. He highlighted how tools like ChemDraw and Origin are indispensable in modern laboratories for molecular visualization and data analysis. The first segment focused on ChemDraw, where students were trained in creating and editing chemical structures, using chemical templates, and exporting diagrams for academic and professional use.
Following this, the session shifted to training on Origin software, a widely used tool for scientific data analysis. Participants were taught to import datasets, create various types of graphs and charts, and perform statistical analysis of experimental results. Both segments included hands-on practice, allowing students to directly apply what they learned.
The participants actively engaged in the practical sessions, gaining confidence and competence in using these digital tools. The feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing that the workshop not only enhanced their technical skills but also opened up new perspectives for applying software tools in their academic and research work.
The event concluded with a brief discussion on the real-world applications of ChemDraw and Origin, encouraging students to integrate such tools into their academic workflow. Mr. Muneer P P, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the resource person and all attendees. The Micelle Club expressed its intention to continue hosting similar programs to support the academic and professional growth of students.
ACADEMIC VISIT TO RESEARCH CENTRE, KOTTAKKAL ARYA VAIDYA SALA
On 31st December 2024, a group of 18 students from the fourth semester of MSc Chemistry, accompanied by Mr. Sreejith M P, Head of the Department of Chemistry, and Mr. Muneer P P, Assistant Professor, undertook an academic visit to the Research Centre at Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala. The purpose of the visit was to provide students with exposure to the scientific exploration of medicinal plants and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern analytical techniques.
The group assembled at Changuvetty, Kottakkal, by 9:45 AM and proceeded to the Arya Vaidya Sala Research Centre, reaching the premises by 10:00 AM. Upon arrival, the team was warmly received by Dr. Sulaiman, Senior Scientist at the Centre. He commenced the session with an informative presentation detailing the historical journey and contributions of Arya Vaidya Sala in the field of Ayurvedic medicine.
Dr. Sulaiman explained that Arya Vaidya Sala is a pioneering non-profit institution devoted to the research, production, and promotion of traditional herbal medicine. He emphasized the Centre's dedication to blending ancient Ayurvedic practices with cutting-edge scientific research. The students were introduced to the concept of bioactive compounds derived from plants, underlining their relevance in both traditional healing and modern pharmacology.
Following the historical overview, Dr. Sulaiman elaborated on the scientific methods involved in phytochemical analysis. The session covered the procedures for extracting and identifying active medicinal constituents from plant sources. Students were introduced to advanced characterization techniques including Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), which are used for precise analysis of complex plant materials.
The presentation was followed by a guided tour of the research laboratories. Students had the opportunity to observe the sophisticated instrumentation and understand their applications in evaluating the quality and efficacy of herbal formulations. The exposure to real-world laboratory practices greatly enriched the students’ understanding of applied chemistry in the realm of natural medicine.
The visit concluded with a group photo session, marking the end of an insightful and inspiring academic experience. Dr. Sulaiman expressed appreciation for the students’ enthusiasm and encouraged them to explore further research opportunities in phytochemistry. The group departed the Centre at 12:30 PM, having gained valuable knowledge on the intersection of chemistry, plant science, and traditional medicine.
STUDY TOUR TO DELHI AND AGRA
The final year BSc Chemistry students of Grace Valley College of Arts and Science embarked on an educational study tour to Delhi and Agra from 24th January to 2nd February 2025. Accompanied by faculty members from the Department of Chemistry, the tour was designed to provide students with practical exposure to advanced scientific research centres while also offering cultural and historical insights into some of India’s most iconic locations.
One of the major highlights of the tour was the visit to the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The students received a warm welcome from the staff and were given an exclusive session on sample preparation techniques for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The hands-on exposure to instrumentation used in high-end research helped the students gain deeper insight into analytical techniques they had previously only studied in theory.
The group also visited the Meteorological Department in New Delhi, where they learned about the mechanisms and technologies behind weather forecasting. Students had the opportunity to explore the weather prediction centre and observe real-time data analysis used to monitor and forecast climatic conditions. They were also introduced to techniques used in ozone depletion studies and environmental monitoring—crucial areas in the field of atmospheric chemistry and climate science.
In addition to academic visits, the students explored various historical landmarks in Delhi and Agra, enriching their knowledge of India’s cultural and architectural heritage. In Delhi, they visited sites such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, and the Lotus Temple. In Agra, the highlight was undoubtedly the Taj Mahal, a symbol of India's rich Mughal history and an architectural marvel.
The study tour concluded on 2nd February 2025, leaving the students with a blend of scientific insight, practical exposure, and cultural appreciation. The experience not only enhanced their academic understanding but also strengthened their interpersonal skills and broadened their worldview, making it a memorable and impactful part of their undergraduate journey.
WORKSHOP ON PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY
The Department of Chemistry at Grace Valley College conducted a workshop on Practical Chemistry for higher secondary students from Grace Valley School on 16th and 17th January 2025 aimed at enhancing their understanding and skills ahead of their upcoming competitive examinations.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. M. Usman, Principal, Grace Valley College of Arts and Science. Mr Sreejith M P Head of the PG Department of Chemistry welcomed the attendees, Mr Yoosuf Muhammed the student coordinator from fourth semester MSc Chemistry delivered the vote of thanks. The workshop included live demonstrations of key chemical experiments, led by the faculty members from the department. Additionally, fourth-semester MSc Chemistry students played an essential role by guiding and assisting participants in conducting the practical experiments, ensuring a hands-on learning experience for all involved.
CHEMISTRY ASSOCIATION INAUGURATION 2025
The Chemistry Association of Grace Valley College of Arts and Science was officially inaugurated on 1st March 2025 in the Smart Classroom of the college. The event was organized by the Department of Chemistry and was attended by both BSc and MSc Chemistry students, aiming to inspire academic enthusiasm and highlight the importance of scientific knowledge in everyday life.
The programme commenced at 10:00 AM with Mr. Sreejith M P, Head of the Department of Chemistry, presiding over the function. The welcome address was followed by the keynote speech delivered by Dr. Usman M, Principal of Grace Valley College. He expressed his appreciation for the initiative and encouraged students to actively engage in academic and co-curricular activities.
A significant highlight of the event was the keynote address by Jenab Muhammed Faizal Wafy, Manager Grace Valley Institutions, who emphasized the vital role of science education in national progress. He also expressed concern about the declining number of students enrolling in core science courses. He urged the audience to reflect on the relevance and real-world impact of scientific disciplines, encouraging renewed interest and commitment among the younger generation.
Following the inaugural ceremony, the resource person of the day, Dr. Jithin Raj, Food Safety Officer, Government of Kerala, delivered an engaging and informative presentation on "Food Safety and Daily Life." His session focused on raising awareness about food adulteration and the importance of making informed choices in daily consumption.
Dr. Jithin Raj explained how various food products available in markets—such as milk, spices, oils, fruits, and vegetables—can often be subjected to harmful adulterants. He discussed common adulterants like detergents in milk, synthetic colours in spices, and wax coatings on fruits, all of which pose serious health risks. He elaborated on the roles and responsibilities of food safety authorities, the importance of food labelling, and how consumers can detect and avoid contaminated products.
The presentation also shed light on legal frameworks and regulations enforced by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), as well as simple techniques that the public can adopt to check the quality of food at home. Students actively participated during the session, asking questions and sharing concerns about daily food practices, making the session highly interactive and educational.
The programme concluded with a note of appreciation for the resource person and all dignitaries, followed by an expression of commitment by the association to organize more such informative sessions in the future. The inauguration marked a promising beginning to a series of academic activities planned by the Chemistry Association to enhance scientific knowledge and awareness among students.
