Dr. Ketan Topiwala is the Head of the Chemistry Department at PMB Gujarati Science College. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Physical Chemistry. He has an experience of 31 years in the teaching field. He has published eight Research Papers in approved research journals. He is a member of the Board of Students of various Institutes. As a Resource Person, he is invited to deliver expert lectures in different Colleges. He is a co-author of several Chemistry books at UG level. Till date more than 10 books have been published.

PMB Gujarati Science College

What is the latest program that you are offering in your institute/department which will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd ?

The Department of Chemistry is running undergraduate and postgraduate programs as well as research programmes. All these programs provide our students with the development of theoretical and practical learning skills that enable them to move forward confidently into diverse areas of Chemistry. Apart from this the department is also offering various vocational (professional) courses, such as dairy management (since last two years), organic farming and food preservation and processing (added this year). All these learning programs cover in-depth skill sets in culinary arts, managerial education including practical experience. These courses also provide skill development to become entrepreneurs in various sectors of agriculture and food industries and many other sectors.

What are the factors that make this program the best for the students to opt for?

The facility provided to the students and multifarious job opportunities makes it more effective. We follow a blended learning model to understand various concepts of the subject wherein students can be well prepared with theory and practical knowledge. After the completion of B.Sc. and/ or M.Sc. in Chemistry, students have wide career opportunities in both government and private sectors such as chemical industry, dairy and food industry, pharmaceutical companies, petroleum companies, environment and pollution control boards and research organizations.

What are the best practices in the course you are offering ?

The best practices offered by the department to make learning easier and stand out from the crowd are: Practical explanation of the subject. Arrangement of seminars, expert lectures, group discussion sessions. Charts and models are made by the students. Industrial visit. Presentation by students on allotted topics. Continuous assessment is maintained throughout the year by conducting tests after completion of each unit to ensure complete understanding.

What are some valuable insights of the program that you are offering at your institute/ department?

Our program provides a holistic, modern and liberal education in Chemistry. Courses in Chemistry are designed in such a way that students are able to think like chemists. The degree programme, which covers several parts of the subject such as organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical sciences, opens openings for students in a variety of research-oriented domains, pharmaceutical firms, government and commercial organizations, and so on.

How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

Right from the first year of class, we organize soft skills training programs for the students like presentations, group discussions, tests, question-answer sessions etc. So that they can develop good communication skills, logical thinking and prepare themselves to face any competitive exam and/or while facing job-interview (placement).

Check PMB Gujarati Science College Faculty

How did you train yourself/faculty to deliver this program to the students ?

Teaching is an extremely satisfying and meaningful career that goes far beyond merely imparting knowledge to students. It plays an important role in shaping the minds and lives of young individuals from all walks of life. To make teaching effective, we start the process of training ourselves by preparing a proper lesson plan at the beginning of the academic session. We prepare our lecture notes and presentations through various materials available in books, references and any online platform. We also upgrade ourselves by organizing and participating in seminars, workshops, faculty development programs.

How do you tend to build an industry connection with this program ?

Every academic year we conduct one or two industrial visits for our students. They spend the whole day there and prepare a report on it, so that they can know how the industry works. Also, the department organizes educational tours for the students. Apart from this we also prepare MoUs with industries for student exchange programmes, under which our students go to that industry for a few days and do their internship work. It is a job-oriented learning method that helps students in their growth and better career after the completion of their education.

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating this program in your curriculum?

Since our institute is affiliated to DAVV, Indore, the subject syllabus (curriculum) is decided by the Board of Studies of M.P. Higher education and we follow that. While planning the curriculum implemented for the Chemistry subject, we have to start with an assessment of the infrastructural facilities required for the practice and success of the programme. Further, the importance to be given to the theoretical and practical components of the Chemistry subject will be decided based on consideration of availability of adequate laboratory facilities, scientific equipment, face-to-face interaction with students, etc. But it is not necessary that all these sources are available in every situation. Apart from this, sometimes it also happens that despite having all the basic facilities, students are not in a position to utilize them. Besides, students may also have difficulties in collecting, incorporating and using the needed data to develop a coherent body of knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the subject concerned from their studies and experiments.

What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this program?

With the implementation of NEP-2020 in UG courses in the year 2021, students from the first year class itself will have to compulsorily prepare a project report under the program chosen as their major subject. Under this program students take training in any approved/renowned institute/industry or any other field where the student has interest and where he/she wants to make his/her career. As per the guidelines of curriculum prescribed by Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore and M. P. higher education, the students pursuing undergraduate degree courses are required to undergo internship/ field project and are also required to prepare a report on the same in each of their academic year (three year course). At PG level, students of class M. Sc. IV semester Chemistry also goes through such Internship Program, as a part of their curriculum imposed by DAVV, Indore.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course ?

A bachelor's degree and/or Masters Degree in Chemistry can help the students to secure various lucrative job opportunities in the public and private sectors. Skilled candidates with a background in chemistry can leverage their abilities and qualifications to work in a variety of industries such as education, manufacturing, ecology, and law enforcement. Some of the most common job roles (career options) available after pursuing B. Sc. and/ or M.Sc. in Chemistry are Quality Control Chemists, Analytical Chemists, Environmental analyst, Chemical Technicians, Chemistry Teacher, Forensic Assistant Scientists, Material scientist, Food analyst, etc. Overall, studying Chemistry can be an incredibly rewarding experience for students of all ages.