Chemistry

Academic Programmes

The Department of Chemistry offers following programmes:

The Department of Chemistry of GCU is the premier institution in the country where the BS in Chemistry was introduced in 2006. It is a highly competitive programme of higher education with a carefully planned curriculum, based on the latest concepts of higher learning and research in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Higher Education Commission. A number of our graduates have managed to publish quality research papers in ISI journals with impact factor and were offered fellowships by renowned universities abroad for further studies.

BS Chemistry – Program Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Mission of the Department of Chemistry, GC University Lahore is to prepare graduates who will excel in academics, industry, graduate programs, professional schools or high school teaching through rigorous chemistry lectures, laboratory work, and research experiences.

Program Objectives

  • To provide students the scientific skills and chemical knowledge essential for success
  • To build a firm foundation in the fundamentals and application of current chemical and scientific theories including those in Analytical, Applied, Bio, Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistries
  • To prepare students for designing and carrying out scientific experiments and accurately record and analyze the results of such experiments
  • To train students in proper laboratory and safety techniques
  • To equip students with effective scientific communication skills
  • To gain entry into professional schools, graduate programs, or the job market
  • To foster a commitment to ethical and social responsibilities

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the four years of BS Chemistry, students are expected to:
  • Have firm foundations in the fundamentals and application of current chemical theories
  • Design, carry out, record and analyze the results of chemical experiments and are familiar with standard safety practices, equipment, procedures, and techniques common to most working laboratories
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of modern instrumentation and apply it to appropriate chemical problems
  • Recognize potential laboratory safety concerns and address them using appropriate techniques
  • Have the critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical reasoning abilities needed to identify and solve chemical problems and explore new areas of research
  • Use modern library searching and retrieval methods to obtain information about a topic, chemical, chemical technique, or an issue relating to chemistry
  • Explain why chemistry is an integral activity for addressing social, economic, and environmental problems
  • Find gainful employment in industry or government, be accepted at graduate or professional schools or find employment in school and college systems as instructors
Courses of BS Program

Scheme of Studies/ Chemistry Courses (w.e.f. September 2021)

Course Title Credit Hours Course Code
SEMESTER I
Inorganic Chemistry-I 3 CHEM-3102 Core Course (Foundation)
Inorganic Chemistry-I (Practical) 1 CHEM-3102P Lab. Work
Compulsory for all the BS programs studying chemistry in Semester I
SEMESTER II
Organic Chemistry-I 3 CHEM-2102 Core Course (Foundation)
Organic Chemistry-I (Practical) 1 CHEM-2102P Lab. Work
Compulsory for all the BS programs studying chemistry in Semester II
SEMESTER III
Physical Chemistry-I 3 CHEM-3101 Core Course (Foundation)
Physical Chemistry-I (Practical) 1 CHEM-3101P Lab. Work
Compulsory for all the BS programs studying chemistry in Semester III
SEMESTER IV
Analytical Chemistry-I 2 CHEM-2202 Core Course (Foundation)
Analytical Chemistry-I (Practical) 1 CHEM-2202P Lab. Work
Compulsory for all the BS programs studying chemistry in Semester IV
Applied Chemistry-I 2 CHEM-2203 Core Course (Foundation)
Biochemistry-I 2 CHEM-1101 Core Course (Foundation)
Compulsory for students of BS Chemistry in Semester IV
SEMESTER V
Physical Chemistry-II 3 CHEM-3201 Core Course (Compulsory)
Physical Chemistry-II (Practical) 1 CHEM-3201P Lab. Work
Organic Chemistry-II 3 CHEM-2201 Core Course (Compulsory)
Organic Chemistry-II (Practical) 1 CHEM-2201P Lab. Work
Inorganic Chemistry-II 3 CHEM-3202 Core Course (Compulsory)
Inorganic Chemistry-II (Practical) 1 CHEM-3202P Lab. Work
Analytical Chemistry-II 3 CHEM-3104 Core Course (Compulsory)
Analytical Chemistry-II (Practical) 1 CHEM-3104P Lab. Work
Applied Chemistry-II 3 CHEM-3107 Core Course (Compulsory)
Compulsory for students of BS Chemistry in Semester V
SEMESTER VI
Physical Chemistry-III 3 CHEM-3206 Core Course (Compulsory)
Physical Chemistry-III (Practical) 1 CHEM-3206P Lab. Work
Organic Chemistry-III 3 CHEM-3103 Core Course (Compulsory)
Organic Chemistry-III (Practical) 1 CHEM-3103P Lab. Work
Inorganic Chemistry-III 3 CHEM-3207 Core Course (Compulsory)
Inorganic Chemistry-III (Practical) 1 CHEM-3207P Lab. Work
Biochemistry-II 3 CHEM-1201 Core Course (Compulsory)
Biochemistry-II (Practical) 1 CHEM-1201P Lab. Work
Environmental Chemistry 3 CHEM-3105 Core Course (Compulsory)
Compulsory for students of BS Chemistry in Semester VI
SEMESTER VII
Food Chemistry 3 CHEM-4154 Core Course (Compulsory)
Research Thesis 3 CHEM-4*** Research Work
Compulsory for students of BS Chemistry in Semester VII
SEMESTER VIII
Computational Chemistry 3 CHEM-4254 Core Course (Compulsory)
Research Thesis 3 CHEM-4*** Research Work
Compulsory for students of BS Chemistry in Semester VIII
Note: One of the following combinations of elective courses shall be opted in Semester VII and VIII.

Elective Courses – Combination I (Inorganic Chemistry)

SEMESTER VII
Paper I: Inorganic Reaction Mechanism 3 CHEM-4126 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper II: π-Acceptor Ligands and Inorganic Polymers 3 CHEM-4127 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper III: Inorganic Spectroscopy 3 CHEM-4128 Elective Course (Technical)
Inorganic Chemistry Lab-I 1 CHEM-4129P Lab. Work
SEMESTER VIII
Paper I: Organometallics 3 CHEM-4226 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper II: Symmetry and Magnetochemistry 3 CHEM-4227 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper III: Radio and Nuclear Chemistry 3 CHEM-4228 Elective Course (Technical)
Inorganic Chemistry Lab-II 1 CHEM-4229P Lab. Work
Elective Courses – Combination II (Organic Chemistry)

SEMESTER VII
Paper I: Heterocyclic and Organometallic Compounds 3 CHEM-4130 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper II: Reactive Intermediates 3 CHEM-4131 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper III: Organic Spectroscopy 3 CHEM-4132 Elective Course (Technical)
Organic Chemistry Lab-I 1 CHEM-4133P Lab. Work
SEMESTER VIII
Paper I: Natural Products 3 CHEM-4230 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper II: Organic Synthesis 3 CHEM-4231 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper III: Medicinal Chemistry 3 CHEM-4232 Elective Course (Technical)
Organic Chemistry Lab-II 1 CHEM-4233P Lab. Work
Elective Courses – Combination III (Physical Chemistry)

SEMESTER VII
Paper I: Electrochemistry and Statistical Thermodynamics 3 CHEM-4134 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper II: Polymer Chemistry 3 CHEM-4135 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper III: Quantum Chemistry and Molecular Spectroscopy 3 CHEM-4136 Elective Course (Technical)
Physical Chemistry Lab-I 1 CHEM-4137P Lab. Work
SEMESTER VIII
Paper I: Reaction Dynamics 3 CHEM-4234 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper II: Radiation and Photochemistry 3 CHEM-4235 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper III: Colloid and Surface Chemistry 3 CHEM-4236 Elective Course (Technical)
Physical Chemistry Lab-II 1 CHEM-4237P Lab. Work

Elective Courses – Combination IV (Analytical Chemistry)

SEMESTER VII
Paper I: Atomic Spectroscopy 3 CHEM-4138 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper II: Electroanalytical Techniques 3 CHEM-4139 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper III: Advanced Separation Techniques 3 CHEM-4140 Elective Course (Technical)
Analytical Chemistry Lab-I 1 CHEM-4141P Lab. Work
SEMESTER VIII
Paper I: Luminescence Spectroscopy and Thermal Analysis 3 CHEM-4238 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper II: Nuclear Analytical Techniques 3 CHEM-4239 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper III: Food and Drug Analysis 3 CHEM-4240 Elective Course (Technical)
Analytical Chemistry Lab-II 1 CHEM-4241P Lab. Work

Elective Courses – Combination V (Biochemistry Chemistry)

SEMESTER VII
Paper I: Biomedical Chemistry 3 CHEM-4142 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper II: Molecular Biology 3 CHEM-4143 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper III: Physical Techniques in Biochemistry 3 CHEM-4144 Elective Course (Technical)
Biochemistry Lab-I 1 CHEM-4145P Lab. Work
SEMESTER VIII
Paper I: Microbiology and Immunology 3 CHEM-4242 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper II: Bio-nanotechnology 3 CHEM-4243 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper III: Nutritional Chemistry 3 CHEM-4244 Elective Course (Technical)
Biochemistry Lab-II 1 CHEM-4245P Lab. Work

Elective Courses – Combination VI (Applied Chemistry)

SEMESTER VII
Paper I: Common Industries-I 3 CHEM-4146 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper II: Agro-Based Industries and Pollution Control 3 CHEM-4147 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper III: Common Industries-II 3 CHEM-4148 Elective Course (Technical)
Applied Chemistry Lab-I 1 CHEM-4149P Lab. Work
SEMESTER VIII
Paper I: Organic Based Industries 3 CHEM-4246 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper II: Industrial Processes 3 CHEM-4247 Elective Course (Technical)
Paper III: Metallurgy and Explosives 3 CHEM-4248 Elective Course (Technical)
Applied Chemistry Lab-II 1 CHEM-4249P Lab. Work

Till 2008 the Department of Chemistry at GCU running M.Sc. 2-Year program which is reinstated in 2015 as evening program. The curriculum is planned to cater market needs and deliver better professionals in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Higher Education Commission. Our graduates will genuinely bridge University-Industry partnership.

(For Detailed course outline as Annexure. Pleaseclick here)
Course Code Course Title  Credit Hours
Semester I: Compulsory Courses
CHEM-301 Physical Chemistry 3
CHEM-301P Physics Chemistry (Practical) 1
CHEM-302 Organic Chemistry 3
CHEM-302P Organic Chemistry (Practical) 1
CHEM-303 Chemometrics 3
CHEM-303P Chemometrics (Practical) 1
CHEM-304 Bio Chemistry 3
CHEM-304P Bio Chemistry (Practical) 1
CHEM-305 Basic Mathematics for Chemistry 3
Semester II: Compulsory Courses
CHEM-351 Analytical Chemistry 3
CHEM-351P Analytical Chemistry (Practical) 1
CHEM-352 Industrial Chemistry 3
CHEM-352P Industrial Chemistry (Practical) 1
CHEM-353 Chemical Biology 3
CHEM-353P Chemical Biology (Practical) 1
CHEM-354 Inorganic Chemistry 3
CHEM-354P Inorganic Chemistry (Practical) 1
CHEM-355 Computational Chemistry 3
Semester III
Courses of Specialization in Physical / Inorganic / Organic / Analytical / Bio / Applied / Textile Chemistry (Students will study four courses, from area selected as specialization)
CHEM-401 Physical Chemistry Paper I 3
CHEM-402 Physical Chemistry Paper II 3
CHEM-403 Physical Chemistry Paper III 3
CHEM-404P Physical Chemistry (Practical) 2
CHEM-405 Organic Chemistry Paper I 3
CHEM-406 Organic Chemistry Paper II 3
CHEM-407 Organic Chemistry Paper III 3
CHEM-408P Organic Chemistry (Practical) 2
CHEM-409 Inorganic Chemistry Paper I 3
CHEM-410 Inorganic Chemistry Paper II 3
CHEM-411 Inorganic Chemistry Paper III 3
CHEM-412P Inorganic Chemistry (Practical)  2
CHEM-413 Bio Chemistry Paper I 3
CHEM-414 Bio Chemistry Paper II 3
CHEM-415 Bio Chemistry Paper III 3
CHEM-416P Bio Chemistry (Practical)  2
CHEM-417 Textile Chemistry Paper I 3
CHEM-418 Textile Chemistry Paper II 3
CHEM-419 Textile Chemistry Paper III 3
CHEM-420P Textile Chemistry (Practical)  2
CHEM-421 Applied Chemistry Paper I 3
CHEM-422 Applied Chemistry Paper II 3
CHEM-423 Applied Chemistry Paper III 3
CHEM-424P Applied Chemistry (Practical)  2
CHEM-425 Analytical Chemistry Paper I 3
CHEM-426 Analytical Chemistry Paper II 3
CHEM-427 Analytical Chemistry Paper III 3
CHEM-428P Analytical Chemistry (Practical)  2
CHEM-499 Project / Internship / Dissertation 3
Semester IV
CHEM-451 Physical Chemistry Paper IV 3
CHEM-452 Physical Chemistry Paper V 3
CHEM-453 Physical Chemistry Paper VI 3
CHEM-454P Physical Chemistry (Practical) 2
CHEM-455 Organic Chemistry Paper IV 3
CHEM-456 Organic Chemistry Paper V 3
CHEM-457 Organic Chemistry Paper VI 3
CHEM-458P Organic Chemistry (Practical) 2
CHEM-459 Inorganic Chemistry Paper IV 3
CHEM-460 Inorganic Chemistry Paper V 3
CHEM-461 Inorganic Chemistry Paper VI 3
CHEM-462P Inorganic Chemistry (Practical)  2
CHEM-463 Bio Chemistry Paper IV 3
CHEM-464 Bio Chemistry Paper V 3
CHEM-465 Bio Chemistry Paper VI 3
CHEM-466P Bio Chemistry (Practical)  2
CHEM-467 Textile Chemistry Paper IV 3
CHEM-468 Textile Chemistry Paper V 3
CHEM-469 Textile Chemistry Paper VI 3
CHEM-470P Textile Chemistry (Practical)  2
CHEM-471 Applied Chemistry Paper IV 3
CHEM-472 Applied Chemistry Paper V 3
CHEM-473 Applied Chemistry Paper VI 3
CHEM-474P Applied Chemistry (Practical)  2
CHEM-475 Analytical Chemistry Paper IV 3
CHEM-476 Analytical Chemistry Paper V 3
CHEM-477 Analytical Chemistry Paper VI 3
CHEM-478P Analytical Chemistry (Practical)  2
CHEM-499 Project / Internship / Dissertation 3
Total Credit Hours 66

M. Phil. in Chemistry was launched in the year 2002 when Government College Lahore was upgraded to the status of University. This program was structured to cope with the growing needs of higher education in the country. It offers advanced level courses of Physical, Organic, Inorganic/Analytical, Environmental and Materials Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology. This program trains students for advanced research and enhances the students’ capabilities to pursue a PhD within the country or abroad. It also hones their teaching skills and accelerates personal potential for industrial applications. The program duration is 2 years (4 semesters).

(For Detailed course outline as Annexure. Pleaseclick here)
Year – 1
Semester - I
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
CHEM – 7104 Advance Biochemistry 3
CHEM – 7105 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy 3
CHEM – 7106 Separation Techniques 3
CHEM – 7214 Organometallic 3
Semester - II
CHEM – 7206 Organic Polymer Chemistry 3
CHEM – 7210P Instrumental Analysis (A Practical Course) 3
CHEM – 7102 Principles of Biochemical Processes 3
CHEM – 7108 Radiation Chemistry 3
Optional Courses
CHEM – 7107 Solid State Chemistry 3
CHEM – 7209 Nano Chemistry 3
CHEM – 7204 Environmental Chemistry 3
CHEM – 7207 Biosynthesis of Natural Products 3
CHEM – 7211 Gene Technology 3
CHEM – 7213 Atmospheric Chemistry 3
CHEM – 7212 Advance Chemical Kinetics 3
Year – 2
Semester - III & IV
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
CHEM – 7499 Thesis and Viva Voce 12

The Department of Chemistry has taken a lead by introducing a new and highly demand-driven post-graduate program; namely, MS Forensic Chemistry. Forensic Science offers latest insights into techniques and technology for crime scene investigation. The Program is designed to benefit in-service professionals and freshmen who are interested to pursue their career as forensic analysts/experts. It is also useful for those who are associated with the professions of law, police, intelligence agencies, print and electronic media.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Students who have passed BS/MSc (Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Botany, Chemistry, Forensic Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacy, Zoology) or equivalent degree from HEC recognized University/institution with minimum of 2.50/4.00 CGPA or 60% marks (annual system) are eligible to apply.
  • Only those candidates are eligible to apply who have passed GAT (General) Test with at least 50% score.

(For Detailed course outline as Annexure. Pleaseclick here)
Year 1
Semester - I
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
FCHEM-7105 Introduction to Forensic Science 3
FCHEM-7106 Crime Scene Investigation 3
FCHEM-7107 Chemistry of Drug of Abuse 3
FCHEM-7108 Analytical Techniques in Forensic Chemistry 3
Semester - II
FCHEM-7204 Chemistry of Arsons, Explosives and Firearms 3
FCHEM-7205 DNA and Serology 3
FCHEM-7206 Forensic Law 3
FCHEM-7207 Statistics and Quality Control in Forensics 3
FCHEM-7208 Forensic Analysis Lab 3
FCHEM-7209 Nano Forensics 3
Year 2
Semester - III & IV
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
FCHEM-7301 General Club Nil
FCHEM-7302 Internship 1
FCHEM-7499 Thesis 12

More than 50 Ph.D. students, including HEC awardees, are currently enrolled in the Department of Chemistry. They are working on various topics pertaining to all the research areas mentioned earlier.

The HEC awardees who are interested in joining Ph.D. program at the Department of Chemistry can contact the Course Coordinator for further details.

Every Student as per advice of his/her supervisor will opt three courses of Nine Credit Hours in each semesters
Semester - I
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
CHEM – 8101 Modern Organic Synthesis 3
CHEM – 8103 Gene Technology 3
CHEM – 8104 Advanced Chemometrics 3
CHEM – 8105 Spectral Analysis 3
CHEM – 8106 Supramolecular Chemistry 3
CHEM – 8107 Advanced Chemical Kinetics 3
Semester - II
CHEM – 8201 Chemistry of Natural Products 3
CHEM – 8202 Quality Assurance in Analytical Chemistry 3
CHEM – 8203 Proteomics & Bioinformatics 3
CHEM – 8204 Radio Chemistry 3
CHEM – 8205 Nanomaterials 3
CHEM – 8206 Organotransition Metal Chemistry 3

GC University a is running two separate programs i.e. six month Certificate in Forensic Sciences and One year Diploma in Forensic Sciences for Policeman and officials of other law enforcement agencies in collaboration with Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFA). Forensic Science offers latest techniques and technology for investigation in determining the nature of the crime in Pakistan. Police forces are regularly involved in forensic investigations. The Certificate in Forensic Science is designed to give candidates a strong grounding in the different science disciplines that forms the basis of techniques used in Forensic investigations.

Eligibility Criteria:

Students who have obtained at least twelve years education (FA / FSc or equivalent) preferably employed in Law enforcement agencies, like Police Department etc.


Course Outline of Certificate in Forensic Science
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
CFS-1101 Forensic Science and Criminology 3
CFS -1102 Forensic Analysis 3
CFS -1103 Forensic Law 3
CFS -1104 Practical Training 3
Course outline Diploma in Forensic Science
Semester-I
Course Code Course Title Cr. Hrs.
DFS-1101 Forensic Science and Criminology 3
DFS-1102 Forensic Analysis 3
DFS-1103 Forensic Law 3
DFS-1104 Practical Training 3
Semester-II (student will opt four courses out of six in second semester)
Course Code Course Title Cr. Hrs.
DFS-1201 Law of Evidence & International Security 3
DFS -1202 Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Ethics 3
DFS -1203 Crime Scene Investigation & Death Scene Investigation 3
DFS -1204 Forensic Toxicology and Narcotics 3
DFS -1205 Criminalistics 3
DFS -1206 Serology and Forensic DNA Analysis 3