B.Sc. Chemistry Subjects & Syllabus Breakdown for Each Semester
Blog / December 29, 2025
Planning to pursue B.Sc. Chemistry and wondering what you’ll study each semester? Understanding the subjects, syllabus structure, and specialization options is essential before choosing the program. This guide offers a clear, semester-wise overview of the B.Sc. Chemistry syllabus, including 1st-year subjects, and specialization tracks. By the end, you’ll have a complete picture of the B.Sc. Chemistry subjects semester-wise, helping you confidently plan your academic and career journey.
B.Sc. Chemistry: An Overview
|
Program Feature |
Details |
|
Degree Type |
B.Sc. (Research) in Chemistry |
|
Duration |
4 Years (8 Semesters) |
|
Specialization Options |
Material Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Chemical Biology |
|
Laboratory Training |
Extensive hands-on experience from Semester 1 |
|
Curriculum Structure |
Introductory → Foundation → In-Depth courses |
|
Key Focus Areas |
Organic, Inorganic, Physical, Analytical & Computational Chemistry |
|
Advanced Instrumentation |
NMR, Mass Spectrometry, X-ray Diffraction, SEM, TEM, UV-Vis |
|
Research Areas Available |
Bio-Inorganic Chemistry, Catalysis, Chemical Biology, Crystallography, Quantum Chemistry |
|
Career Pathways |
Academia, R&D, Pharmaceuticals, Materials Science, Biotechnology |
B.Sc. Subjects List & Semester-wise Syllabus
B.Sc. Chemistry Subjects 1st Year
Semester 1
|
Course Title |
Category |
|
Mathematics for Chemistry-I |
Foundation |
|
Chemical Principles |
Introductory |
Topics Covered in Chemical Principles:
- Atomic structure, Periodic table, VSEPR, Molecular Orbital Theory
- Spectroscopy (IR, UV-Vis, NMR basics)
- Thermodynamics & Chemical Equilibrium
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis
- Basic Organic Chemistry (functional groups, stereochemistry)
Semester 2
|
Course Title |
Category |
|
Mathematics for Chemistry-II |
Foundation |
|
Molecular Modelling |
Introductory |
|
Basic Organic Chemistry-I |
Foundation |
|
Inorganic Chemistry-I |
Foundation |
Topics Covered:
- Basic Organic Chemistry-I: Intermolecular forces, hybridization, stereochemistry, chirality, conformational analysis
- Inorganic Chemistry-I: Chemical bonding, VSEPR, acid-base theories, HSAB, buffer solutions, electrochemistry basics
B.Sc. Chemistry Subjects 2nd Year
Semester 3
|
Course Title |
Category |
|
Chemical Equilibrium |
Foundation |
|
Chemical Applications of Group Theory |
Foundation |
|
Physical Methods in Chemistry |
Foundation |
|
Basic Organic Chemistry-II |
Foundation |
|
Electrochemistry |
Foundation |
Optional Specialization Foundation Courses (Choose based on interest):
|
Course Title |
Specialization |
|
Introduction to Computational Chemistry |
Computational Chemistry |
|
Introduction to Chemical Biology |
Chemical Biology |
|
Introduction to Materials Chemistry |
Materials Chemistry |
Topics Covered:
- Chemical Equilibrium: Kinetic theory, phase equilibria, chemical kinetics, catalysis, surface chemistry
- Basic Organic Chemistry-II: Nucleophilic substitution, elimination reactions, addition reactions, alkene/alkyne chemistry
- Physical Methods in Chemistry: UV-Vis, NMR, Mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, chromatography
Semester 4
|
Course Title |
Category |
|
Chemistry of Carbonyl Compounds |
Foundation |
|
Coordination Chemistry |
Foundation |
|
Inorganic Chemistry-II |
Foundation |
Optional In-Depth Specialization Courses:
|
Course Title |
Specialization |
|
Modelling Chemical Reactions |
Computational Chemistry |
|
Fundamentals of Protein Chemistry |
Chemical Biology |
|
Characterization and Analysis of Materials |
Materials Chemistry |
Topics Covered:
- Chemistry of Carbonyl Compounds: Carbonyl reactivity, aldol reactions, Claisen condensation, oxidation-reduction, Grignard reactions
- Coordination Chemistry: Coordination chemistry, crystal field theory, molecular orbital theory, magnetism, f-block elements
- Inorganic Chemistry-II: p-block element chemistry (Groups 13-17), redox properties, periodic trends
B.Sc. Chemistry Subjects 3rd Year
Semester 5
|
Course Title |
Category |
|
Chemical Binding/Quantum Mechanics |
In-Depth |
|
Molecular Spectroscopy |
In-Depth |
|
Named Organic Reactions and Mechanisms |
In-Depth |
|
Organometallic Chemistry |
In-Depth |
|
Macromolecules |
In-Depth |
Elective Options:
|
Course Title |
|
Computing for Chemistry with Python |
|
Polymers |
Topics Covered:
- Chemical Binding/Quantum Mechanics: Quantum mechanics postulates, hydrogen atom, particle in a box, molecular orbital theory, HF and DFT
- Molecular Spectroscopy: Rotational, vibrational, UV-Vis, fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopy
- Named Organic Reactions and Mechanisms: C-C, C-N, C-O bond formation reactions, rearrangements, photochemical reactions
- Organometallic Chemistry: 18-electron rule, metal carbonyls, phosphine ligands, catalysis, C-H activation
- Macromolecules: Carbohydrates, nucleic acids, amino acids, peptides, proteins
Semester 6
|
Course Title |
Category |
|
Heterocyclic Chemistry |
In-Depth |
|
Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces |
In-Depth |
Elective Courses (Choose based on specialization/interest):
|
Course Title |
Focus Area |
|
Organic Functional Materials |
Materials/Organic |
|
Stereoelectronic Effects in Organic Chemistry |
Organic |
|
Informatics & Machine Learning |
Computational/Cheminformatics |
|
Nanostructured Inorganic Materials and Applications |
Materials/Inorganic |
|
Bio-Inorganic Chemistry |
Chemical Biology/Inorganic |
|
Advanced Biochemistry |
Chemical Biology |
Topics Covered:
- Heterocyclic Chemistry: Pyridines, quinolines, indoles, azoles, five-membered heterocycles
- Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces: Crystal chemistry, bonding in solids, surface structure, adsorption, defects
B.Sc. Chemistry Subjects 4th Year
Semester 7
|
Course Title |
Category |
|
Senior Research Project (Part 1) |
Research |
|
Chemistry Electives |
Advanced |
Semester 8
|
Course Title |
Category |
|
Senior Research Project (Part 2) |
Research |
|
Chemistry Electives |
Advanced |
B.Sc. Chemistry Specializations
Students can choose to specialize in:
1. Material Chemistry
- Characterization and Analysis of Materials
- Organic Functional Materials
- Nanostructured Inorganic Materials
2. Computational Chemistry
- Modelling Chemical Reactions
- Computing for Chemistry with Python
- Informatics & Machine Learning
3. Chemical Biology
- Fundamentals of Protein Chemistry
- Bio-Inorganic Chemistry
- Advanced Biochemistry
Explore the B.Sc. (Research) in Chemistry Program at Shiv Nadar University (Institution of Eminence)
Shiv Nadar University promotes an experiential learning approach that makes education both engaging and enjoyable. At the undergraduate level, we provide a B.Sc. (Research) in Chemistry, which offers a broad background in chemical principles and in-depth study of chemistry-related areas. Students also get an opportunity to choose specializations in Chemical Biology, Computational Chemistry, or Materials Chemistry. Additionally, students have the chance to conduct research in various chemistry-related fields at the University, focusing on:
- Bio-Inorganic Chemistry
- Catalysis
- Chemical Biology
- Chemical & Biological Crystallography
- Computational Quantum Chemistry and more.
Ready to start your journey? Join Shiv Nadar University’s B.Sc. (Research) in Chemistry, where hands-on learning and meaningful research help you shape into a future scientist.
Conclusion
A B.Sc. in Chemistry opens doors to diverse career opportunities in research, pharmaceuticals, materials science, and academia. Understanding the B.Sc. chemistry syllabus semester-wise helps students plan their academic journey effectively, from foundational courses in the first year to advanced specializations and research projects in the final years. Whether you're curious about how many subjects in B.Sc. Chemistry subjects in 1st year or other years, having a clear roadmap is essential for your success.
The B.Sc. (Research) in Chemistry at Shiv Nadar University stands out with its interdisciplinary approach, offering specializations in Material Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, and Chemical Biology. Explore the innovative B.Sc. (Research) in Chemistry program at Shiv Nadar University and discover how you can combine rigorous academics with real-world research opportunities. Apply Now!
FAQs
What are the subjects in B.Sc Chemistry?
Basically, B.Sc Chemistry focuses on three main areas- Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. Along with that, you’ll also study allied subjects like Physics, Mathematics, Botany, or Zoology, depending on your college and university.
Is B.Sc Chemistry easy or tough?
Honestly, it’s not super easy, but not impossible either. If you enjoy chemistry and don’t mind calculations and lab work, you’ll be fine. Regular study makes a big difference here.
What is the B.Sc 1st year syllabus?
In the first year, you’re mostly building the foundation. You’ll learn basic concepts of Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, plus practical lab sessions.
How many subjects are in B.Sc 1st year?
Most colleges have around 3 to 5 subjects in the first year, including both theory and practical papers.