The department of chemistry is one of the earliest departments to be  established in 2003under the Vels college of Science, affiliated to the university of Madras. Consequent on the conferment of deemed-to-be university status to the college,thedepartment of chemistry came under the fold of the School of Basic Sciences.The department offers, B.sc Chemistry, M.sc General Chemistry,  M.sc Organic Chemistry, M.sc Industrial and Management Chemistry and also offers research programmes—-M.Phil and Ph.D on  full –time /part time basis. In addition, the department providesan  add on course in Diploma in Green Chemistry and value added  Certificate course in  Water Analysis.

This department has  17 dedicated and qualified faculty members who have  expertise in frontier level of research.The main areas of research in the department are on  inorganic materials, analytical chemistry, bio-inorganic chemistry, bio-organic chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, carbohydrate chemistry, photochemistry, polymer science, homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, green chemistry and nanomaterials (graphene, carbon nanotubes, etc). The entire faculty has  exposure and scope to carry out research of preliminary originality contributing genuinely towards the enhancement of academic and industrial interactions. 

There are many teachers who have had post-doctoral research experience in various countries such as Japan, France, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia etc. The faculties have contributed towards the publication of over 300 research articles in well reputed Journals and filed many patents. Faculty members mobilize funds towards research through sponsored projects from funding agencies such as DST, DRDO, BRNS, AICTE, etc. The faculty members also periodically attend International/National Conferences, Seminars and Workshop both within the country and abroad. The faculty members have Research collaborations with other departments in the University, Industries and other National / International Universities. The Ph.D. Scholars and PG students do  actively e participateand present their research works in conferences/seminars. 

The department is periodically organizing International/National conferences, seminars and workshop, continuing education programmes, refresher courses etc. to bridge the gap between industrialists and academicians. A good number of visitors come to interact with the faculty/students and to give lectures. Outgoing Ph.D., M.Phil., and M.Sc. students find employment in leading pharmaceutical companies like Dr. Reddy Research Laboratories, Shasun Drugs, G.V.K Biosciences, SRF, Orchid Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Limited etc. Scholars/ students find employment through campus interviews as well as by direct contact. Some of the PG students get their admissions in Australia, Taiwan, South Korea and European Universities for Ph.D. programs and also in our Indian Universities. The Research scholars after their successful completion of Ph.D. get Post doctoral position in renowned Universities/ Institute in USA, Canada, Japan and European countries.