A comparison of typical undergraduate chemistry curricula followed in India and USA shows difference in requirements and perspectives. Four-year liberal arts concept is followed in USA with about 60% course load in chemistry in a typical BS professional degree track. In India, the BS chemistry program is for three years and students study mainly chemistry with two physics and three mathematics courses. There are no general chemistry requirements. The general methodology for lecture courses is similar. But the lab courses are more rigorous in India with 4-5 hours lab all five days in a week throughout the whole academic year. The focus is problem solving, skill development and quantification. In USA, undergraduate research is an important part, while this is almost missing in a BS chemistry program in India. Undergraduate education is offered in colleges affiliated to a university, with curriculum and exams being controlled by the affiliating university.

Comparative study of undergraduate chemistry curricula and teaching in India and USA

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.