Sophia College For Women, Mumbai

Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM)

Departmental Information - THE BACHELORS OF MASS MEDIA (BMM)

With the global surge in the media industry over the last two decades, there has been a distinct need for an academic programme at the undergraduate level that would meet promising career opportunities in the now booming information and communication business. The Bachelors in Mass Media (BMM) programme has been designed with this very agenda – to produce professionals armed with specialized skills in either advertising or journalism.

The Department of Mass Media in Sophia College was set up in 2003, becoming the newest affiliated addition to the Arts programme of the institution. With a class strength of 60 students in each of the three years, the BMM programme offered by the college follows a rigorous semester system introducing the students to a variety of new disciplines that effectively combine theory and practical application, allowing them to approach the media from diverse perspectives.

Our focus is on consistency and excellence, and we strive to give our students a professional orientation through interactive and dynamic teaching methodologies besides encouraging them to gain on-the-job experience through summer internships. The programme is further rooted in a system of continual assessment and extensive project work in each semester. Our core philosophy is to create an environment that nurtures a spirit of critical enquiry and analysis, where young minds are able to understand the inner workings of the media even as they learn to use it as a tool with integrity and intelligence.
In addition to the course requirements, we ensure that the students have a variety of co-curricular activities to engage with. These include putting out a monthly BMM wall newspaper and running a vibrant film society that exposes them to cinema from across the world. We also organize a weekly enrichment programme that gives them the opportunity to meet and interact with professionals from different facets of the media – advertising executives, copywriters and creative directors, renowned journalists and editors, authors, theatre personalities and filmmakers.

Journalism graduates are working in the following print media organisations: The Indian Express (Mumbai and Delhi), Asian Age, Hindustan Times (Mumbai, Mumbai Mirror, DNA and the Free Press Journal

Graduates are also working in the following broadcast journalism organisations: NDTV Profit, Doordarshan Radio (Mumbai) and Times Now.

Advertising students are currently working in the following advertising agencies: Ogilvy and Mather, Saffron Media, Flaky Mellow and Grounded, Contract Advertising (India), Hindustan Times (Advertising Department), FCB Ulka-Lodestar, Walks 'n' Visuals

Advertising students are also employed in Public relations outfits like Adfactors PR and Perfect Relations

Some students have begun independent ventures in film and video production and direction.

Bachelor of Science (BSc Information Technology)

Departmental Information - Information Technology

When computer and communications technologies are combined, the result is information technology. Information technology is a general term that describes any technology that helps to produce, manipulate, store, communicate, and/or disseminate information. Information technology encompasses a wide variety of specialties, and there are variety of carriers that range from installing applications to designing complex computer networks, information databases. network engineering, computer hardware , database and software design, as well as the management and administration of entire systems.

The department has started in 2009 at FYJC in both Arts and Science student. There are 30 seats in Arts as well as 30 in Science.

Bachelor of Science (BSc Physics)

Departmental Information - Physics

Physics is said to be the originator of all sciences, initially labeled as natural philosophy. The classification of sciences into physical, chemical and biological suggested Physical Sciences or Physics to be the science of inanimate matter and the various laws and processes prevalent in the Universe. Mathematics forms an integral part of the subject while technology is the immediate application of the subject. A working knowledge of Physics up to Std XII is mandatory for entrance examinations not only for undergraduate professional courses, but also for post graduate courses in institutions like the I.I.T.

The applications of Physics in Electronics, Computer technology, Communication, LASERs, Energy systems, Nuclear Technology, Defence etc are well know and the current need of promoting interdisciplinary research sees its importance in emerging areas of Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Nano-biotechnology etc.

Physics was introduced as a subject for the intermediate science examination and a lot of electrical instruments came in. With the introduction of the 10+2+3 system, the junior college was started with a student strength of around 500.

In the degree college, Physics is only offered at the first year B.Sc. along with Chemistry & Microbiology or Chemistry & Life Sciences. The maximum intake of students is around 40. The main laboratory is shared between the undergraduate and junior college students while a small 100 sq ft room called the Physics Dark Room used for some optical experiments houses the departmental computer and has been developed into a research laboratory for Nanoscience (Magnetic nanoparticle synthesis and characterization) under the Women Scientist Research Grant awarded to our former degree college proffesor Dr Radha S by the Dept of Science and Technology, New Delhi in 2005.

Bachelor of Science (BSc Microbiology)

Departmental Information - Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of Microorganisms – Living things that are too small to be seen by the unaided eye. Throughout history, microorganisms have had a huge impact on human affairs. These tiny creatures that we cannot see are changing the definition of life itself.

The department was started in 1966 and was the fourth college to offer Microbiology as a principal subject at the B.Sc Level. The number of student's admitted at the entry point is 60 – 70 students.

Facilities in the department include a well-equipped air-conditioned laboratory, which caters to the needs of 150 undergraduates students, a postgraduate laboratory and preparation and sterilization rooms. There is a departmental library with the collection of 150 books related to the subjects, as well as women related issues.

The Department has been involved in drawing up and implementation of the EXSP (Excellence in Science Education program) introduced in the Science faculty. The objective of the program is to enrich the students academically and motivate them to explore frontiers of knowledge in addition to those prescribed in the syllabus. The program enables students to develop skills in presenting scientific reports and literature surveys. It also makes them aware of how to plan and execute a research project. This is the unique opportunity available to the students at undergraduate level.

Bachelor of Science (BSc Bio Chemistry)

Departmental Information - Biochemistry

Water, protein, nucleic acids, fats, sugars and salts such are the mundane substances the chemist finds within the living cell. Certainly these are not "such stuff as dreams are made on." And yet, on such stuff is built the edifice of the improbable dream that is life. All the greater, therefore, is the miracle of that life.

Biochemistry is all about how inanimate & non-living molecules get together to constitute, maintain and perpetuate life It is the study of the molecules and their chemistry in reactions that facilitate the processes in a living system . Biochemistry has many new frontiers today. The study of the subject is useful not only in understanding the basic functions of the living body including that of man at the cellular and molecular level, but also in finding remedies for a variety of ailments. A well trained biochemist is equipped with knowledge of bioinformatics, bioanalytics, genetics, immunology, physiology, molecular biology, nutrition. A vast array of studies are being conducted the world over on various aspects of biochemical problems including synthesis of proteins, vitamins & enzymes, dynamics of energy transmission at cellular, molecular and genetic levels, metabolic regulation and functional control of numerous microbiological processes, nutrition, biosynthesis and degradation, X-ray crystallography of molecular structures of genetic engineering.

The department was initiated with Masters programme in Biochemistry in the year 1969 as a part of the Chemistry Department and started functioning as an independent department from the year 1980 onwards with added graduate programme.
The subject is offered as a double major or 3 units along with Chemistry or Microbiology or Life Sciences at the graduation level.
The M.Sc. programme (by papers) is also run by the department.
Biochemistry department also conducts applied component subject Nutrition & Dietetics for S.Y.BA students.
A Post graduate diploma course in “Quality Assurance in Foods and Pharmaceuticals Industry” is run by Chemistry department in collaboration with the Biochemistry department.

Regular annual activities of the department :
Intercollegiate thematic competition as a part of college event ‘Ananya’
Outstation academic visit for Post Graduate students.
Local visits to various institutes, industries, etc.
Training of post graduate students at various reputed labs, industries (two – four weeks duration )
Maximum student strength at entry level for; TYB.Sc - 35-40, M.Sc - 5, S.Y.BA - 80-85

Bachelor of Science (BSc Chemistry)

Departmental Information - Chemistry

Chemistry is the fascinating study of matter which includes anything that can be touched, smelled, seen or felt. It impacts every aspect of our daily lives from health and nutrition to climate change. Many industries like petrochemicals, bulk and fine chemicals, polymers and dyes, pharmaceuticals etc. are chemistry related and offer a wide range of rewarding careers.

A vibrant, growing science, chemistry is vital to the success of research endeavours from the fight against cancer and AIDS to the development of superconductors. Today research in the areas of drug design, material science, nanotechnology and most importantly ‘green chemistry’, are beneficial to both, humanity and the environment.

Chemistry was introduced as a subject at the intermediate- science level in 1952 and at the graduate level in 1966. Today, students can major in chemistry or opt for chemistry along with biochemistry at the TYBSc level. The department offers a post-graduate diploma course in “Quality Assurance in the ‘Foods/ Pharmaceuticals’ Industry” in collaboration with the Biochemistry department.

The primary focus of the department is on the all-round training and development of under-graduate students. The academic programme involves a variety of modern teaching methods like the use of organic and inorganic molecular models, workshops for difficult topics and wide use of Information and Computer Technology.

The department also offers students a wide range of extra- curricular activities suitable to their educational background and academic abilities. These include seminar and poster presentations on topics beyond the syllabus, science quizzes, elocution competitions, debates, invited guest lectures, field trips, industry visits, etc.

The Sophia Chemistry Club and the CCSMC (Chemistry Club of South Mumbai Colleges) offer students the opportunity to organize and participate in various novel chemistry related intra-collegiate and
inter-collegiate extra-curricular activities.

Students who wish to develop research skills can take up literature surveys and experimental projects in chemistry under the EXSP programme of the college. Some of the areas in which EXSP projects have been undertaken are nanotechnology, natural dyes, herbal medicine, analysis of food and pharmaceutical products etc.

Students are also encouraged to participate in outreach programmes organized for rural tribal schools and urban municipal schools involving teaching basic concepts and demonstration of experiments in chemistry.
Every student of chemistry is assigned to a staff member for academic / personal counseling. The staff member follows the academic progress of the student and encourages all round development.

Bachelor of Science (BSc Zoology)

Departmental Information - Zoology

Zoology is one of the branches of pure sciences dealing with the studies of animal kingdom. Various aspects such as taxonomy, developmental biology, genetics, physiology, evolution, ecology, biochemistry, etc are included in the syllabus at undergraduate level. Also applied biological subjects like biotechnology and bioinformatics have been incorporated in the revised syllabus. Field excursions and study visits organized by the department help the students in better understanding of the subject as well as add to their interest in nature and its conservation.

The department was started in 1952. Zoology is offered only at the FYBSC and SYBSC levels. Maximum student strength at entry level FYBSc is 40 and SYBSc 20. The department actively participates in the municipal school project. The Educational Programme undertaken for the children of local tribal community of Vangani (Thane District) through Adivasi Ashram Shala, Karav, Vangani is an outreach activity. Both the staff members are involved in EXSP and have guided students for various projects

Biology is also included under the Zoology department. The teachers of Biology emphasize on an interactive teaching and learning process by using various teaching aids. To sensitize the students towards the ecology and environment, films based on such themes are shown to the students as well as resource persons are invited for guest lectures.
Vernacular medium students are given extra remedial teaching in order to understand the concept.It is an ongoing endeavour of the staff members of Zoology –Biology department to make the subject enjoyable and interesting to study.

Bachelor of Arts (BA Hindi)

The department has two main streams - Hindi Language (compulsory) and Hindi Literature, and offers all nine papers in Hindi literature. The curriculum is most comprehensive, encompassing classic and modern, almost all the literary genres and connecting literature to philosophical ideologies, political discourses, sociological theories etc. History of literature and language is also taught, and Hindi grammar is studied in the wider context of linguistics. Apart from pure literature, the paper of functional Hindi equips the student with writing skills for mass media, and thus helping them to explore new carrier openings in the expanding media.

The department was started in1959 and the student's strength at the entry point for Hindi Literature is 35 to 40 students. Faculty members are involved in the cultural component of EXAP and have guided some of the projects on Indian Dances, Architecture, Indian Mythology and Comparative Study of the authors of Indian and western origin. T Y BA applied component projects are given for paper VI & IX. In paper VI projects are based on modern fiction, while in paper IX literary trends, movements, authors, discourses are assigned to the students. The department had also participated in a seminar on The Theatre of the Absurd in collaboration with English & French Department, and presented the Hindi segment as Hindi ke Visangatimoolak Naatak.

The course in Hindi language literature is quite comprehensive. Standard XI and XII have prescribed books on prose, poetry, rapid reading and grammar. In Std. XI students are expoed to the writings of Premchand, Jaishankar Prasad, Benipuri, Mahairpa Singh, Malti Joshi, Tulsi, Raskhan, Vrinda, Hirala, Bachchan, Trilocahana and many more.

For Std. XII, the prose includes stories, essays, satires, autobiographies, and glimpses into the works of great Hindi writers such as Premchand, Yashpal, Prabhakar, Maitreyee Pushpa, etc. The poetry section focuses on the medieval and modern poets. These include names like Kabir, Surdas, Meerabai, Rahim, Maithilisharan Gupta, Narendra Sharma, Neeraja, Rajesh Joshi, etc. Thr rapid reading section includes writings of Mahadevi Verma, Devendra Satyarthi, etc. This section includes memoirs and character sketches which are considered landmarks in the form of prose.

To enhance grammar skills, students are given a sound knowledge of grammatical concepts such as tense, syntax, idioms, and are provided with varied forms of writing skills which have practical application.

There is also an oral component which includes listening comprehension, conversation, reading and dictation. There is a ‘tutorial’ system in place which caters to learners in small numbers, with the aim of individualized instruction and guidance.

Bachelor of Arts (BA Sociology)

Sociology is the organized, systematic and scientific study of social life, social relationships and behaviour in human society. It emerged in response to attempts to understand changes occurring in society due to the processes of industrialisation, urbanisation and globalisation. Sociology addresses current social problems confronting society and policy makers

It enables one to think imaginatively, reject preconceived ideas about social life and to understand social change from a wider perspective. It allows one to look beyond a limited understanding of human behaviour and to see the world and people through a broader lens.

Sociology has important practical applications and contributes to social criticism and practical social reform. It helps to formulate policies based on an awareness of divergent cultural values as well as investigates the consequences of policy programmes. It focuses on areas such as crime, delinquency, demography, industrial sociology, rural sociology, sociology of occupation and profession, medical sociology, law and society, sociology of human resource development, research methodology and statistics. Sociologists assist in planning and conducting community action programmes. They also advice on public and employee relations in organizations.

The department has two divisions at the junior and senior college. The number of students at the entry level is approximately two hundred. The department offers six papers at the TYBA level; we also offer a double major and have a total class strength ranging from 80 – 100 students. The department has been actively involved in a number of co-curricular activities such as field visits to orphanages, widow's homes and NGO's. The department has also undertaken a number of data collection projects on areas like Endometriosis, Pedophilia and Sexual Harassment of Women at the workplace.

The following students obtained the first and second ranks at the TYBA Sociology Mumbai University examination held in March 2008, viz. Miss Gayatri Maniar (70.83%) and Miss Danish Ardeshir (70%). Photographs of the two to be inserted in the website.

Bachelor of Arts (BA Psychology)

Departmental Information - Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. It is based on research and evidence gathered from observation, experimentation and measurement and differs from the ‘pop psych’ found in self-help books, graphology, numerology, astrology which also try to explain people’s problems and predicts behaviour and offer solutions.

Psychologists focus on describing, understanding, explaining, predicting and modifying behaviour and mental processes as well as on helping people understand themselves and others, so that they bring about change and improve the quality of life for themselves as well as those around them.

Psychology is one of the fastest growing disciplines with developments in information technology, artificial intelligence, brain imaging, molecular biology and neuroscience making it even more multidisciplinary, challenging, and exciting.

The department was started in 1976 and the maximum strength at entry level is 180. Psychology is one of the most popular subjects at degree level and to enhance the learning experience at Sophia’s, regular lectures and interactive discussions are supplemented with guest lectures, power point presentations, films and documentaries, field visits and placements, student presentations, mini research projects, workshops, intercollegiate participation at the local and national level, research collaborations with NGO’s.

Workshops are organized and students are encourage to participate in collegiate and inter state competitions. In 2006-2007 five S.Y. Students participated in Psycho Blitz organized by St. Xavier’s college Mapusa Goa, and topped some of the events. Through the years the department has produced several rank holders and prize winners and a gold medallist at the TYBA University Examination

Admission Criteria :

I. The criteria for selection at the FYBA differs according to the board exam the students have appeared for;
Sophia Junior college students
Arts – 55% aggregate and 60% in Psychology
Science and non-psychology– 60% aggregate

Outsiders – Any board examination
Arts – 60% aggregate and 70% in Psychology
Science and non-psychology – 70% aggregate

Note: Arts students who have taken Psychology as one of their subjects at the Junior College level will be given preference.

The criteria for selection at the Third Year single major (6 papers) is as follows:
Sophia students must have at both FY & SY levels an aggregate of 55% and score minimum 60% in Psychology, subject to availability of seats.
Non Sophia students can apply for a seat, if available, scoring at FY & SY levels 60% aggregate and 70% in Psychology

Note :
ATKT in any subject is a disqualification.
Criteria requirements for Sophia students include class attendance, Internal Assessments, and participation in departmental activities
Non Sophia students are interviewed before admission

The department is actively involved in EXAP activities. Sr. Patricia D'souza rscj in on the EXAP research panel and Dr. Aninha Lobo is a staff guide for the seminar component of EXAP

Bachelor of Arts (BA Philosophy)

Departmental Information - Philosophy

Philosophy, in Greek, means love of wisdom. Philosophy seeks to comprehend the foundational nature of the universe and persons who inhabit such a universe. Philosophers do so by developing ideologies and theories based on reason. Some of the philosophical questions include:

- What is the aim and purpose of life? [Moral Philosophy]
- What is the nature of ultimate reality? [Metaphysics]
- Do we have reasons for our beliefs? [Epistemology]
- What are the principles of correct reasoning? [Logic]

‘The subject of philosophy develops logical, critical and analytical abilities.’, sharpens clarity of thought and makes one sensitive to the basic questions of life. The above abilities are highly demanded and desirable in a competing world of opportunities

It is one of the oldest department and was started 1942 the maximum students strength at the entry lever 60-65 students. The department encourages the students to undertake research. It has produced a 1st ranker Sundima Rai at the TYBA University of Mumbai Examination in 2005

Bachelor of Arts (BA History)

Departmental Information - History

Knowledge of the past is vital for our wellbeing- it gives us a sense of belonging to a culture, a society, a nation; it establishes our identity and roots us in time and space. Enveloped in the security created by this information, the present becomes more meaningful; future plans, more confident. Everything, be it an object or a living thing, has a past and that past is all around us: in mud and asphalt roads, in brick and mortar structures, in paintings and sculptures, in palm leaves and inscriptions, in letters and diaries and photos…and that past is brought to light by the historian.

In college, the study of history, both of India and the world, introduces the students to a part of their past and equips them with the tools to learn more. The importance of history can be gauged from the fact that most professional courses, be it management or maths, will have an element of history in it. This is a subject that encourages curiosity, discussion and debate: Why is this written in English? Why do nations war? Why? Who? How? What? The answers lie in the past.

One of the oldest departments of this college, the Department of History has 2 divisions in the junior and senior college with the student strength being 240 each respectively. At the Third Year level both Single (6 papers) and Double Major (3 papers) in History are offered. There is no limit to the class strength at the T.Y. level.

The faculty successfully employs a variety of audio-visual aids like power point presentations, maps, documentary films and slide shows to enhance the learning experience. Students are also encouraged to use the well-stocked library.

The faculty has been actively involved with the EXAP programme both at the administrative level and as Staff Guides.

Students of this department have gone on to pursue careers in law, journalism, archaeology, teaching, travel and tourism and broadcast media.

Bachelor of Arts (BA Political Science)

Departmental Information - Political Science

Political science has gradually evolved into a discipline which encompasses a study of not only domestic but also international politics. Since the inception of an inter-disciplinary approach in academics, the study of domestic politics is no longer confined to internal boundaries of a nation. A study political science has to take into consideration a country's relation with other nations and the development taking place in other parts of the world. This makes the subject a very interesting fields of study and offers the student many academic challenges. There are a vast range of career opportunities and intellectual avenues open to a student of political science.

The department was started in 1960. The maximum strength at entry level is 90 to 100 students. The subject is offered as a double major at the TYBA level. A student who opts for the subject along with any other social science subject, offered by the college, enhances her chances to do well in any public service competitive examination. The faculty encourages the students to participate in activities linked with the subject e.g. mock parliaments. Departmental activities include Seminars, Group Discussions, Debates and Class Presentations. These activities equip each student with communication skills useful for careers in Public Relations and Human Resource Management, making them both good team players as well as effective leaders.

Faculty :

Dr. Paul Rozario – The topic for his Mphil dissertation was "Approached of the US and India on the issues of Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights, .Investment And Services (1980 –90)".
The topic for his PhD thesis was “Approaches of the US and India on the issues of Trade in Services (1980 –90)
Paper published – “ India 's Policy on Trade in Services” in the book “: India 's Foreign policy”, ed. P. M. Kamat.
Ms. S. Shaikh - Paper Published: “Indo-U.S. Nuclear Deal”, published in the journal “WORKSHOP” by the Department of Civics and Politics.

Vaishali Madan who completed her TYBA in 2003-04, completed her masters at the London School of Economics and Political Science majoring in International Relations and is now serving as a top executive of an internationally renowned Hotel Chain

Suvarchala Narayan who also completed her TYBA in 2003-04 is an accomplished TV and theatre actress and has featured in a Hollywood movie and TV series in U.S. Television networks

Saba Shaikh and Shehnaz Shaikh who completed their TYBA in 2003 2004 are M.Phil students at the Dept of Civics & Politics, University of Mumbai .

Bachelor of Arts (BA Economics)

Departmental Information - Economics

Economics is a subject of immense significance in today's globalized world. Knowledge of economics is required in almost every field. A student graduated in economics has a world of opportunities available. With its numerous practical applications, knowledge of economics is immensely helpful for the students in securing good job opportunities as well as in pursuing higher studies.

Economics is a department which has always attracted students having good academic record and having keen interest in the subject. Sophia college offers economics as a subject at the FYBA, SYBA and TYBA level. At the FYBA level economics is offered only to those students who have secured good marks in economics or those who have a good overall percentage at the SYJC level. The approximate strength of students at FYBA level is around 225.At the SYBA level the students have to study two papers of economics. At the TYBA level there are about 35 seats available for students wishing to graduate in entire economics or there is also a choice available to the students of doing three papers in economics in combination with other subject. At TYBA level economics is offered only to those students who have scored good marks in economics at the SYBA class.

The department consists of three faculty members. The faculty members are always accessible and very helpful to the students. Rigorous efforts are made to develop critical thinking amongst students. Students are encouraged to actively participate in class and present their views and opinions. Various important economic issues are discussed in the class to keep the students abreast of recent changes. The faculty members provide reference lists to the students from time to time to improve and update their knowledge regarding economic issues .Students are motivated to read beyond the parameters of their syllabus. Efforts are undertaken by the faculty to train the students in various Quantitative tools and techniques in applied economics to enhance their knowledge. Tutorial sessions are conducted for Quantitative papers and extra lectures are taken for complex topics. Assignments are given to test the knowledge of students. Students are encouraged and supported by the faculty to participate in various intercollegiate competitions .In the past students have won prizes at various inter-collegiate competitions like elocutions, paper presentation and debates. Students are also encouraged to attend talks and public lectures by reputed speakers organized by other institutions. The students are also involved by the department in organizing extra curricular activities at the college level.

Bachelor of Arts in English (BA English)

Departmental Information - English

The College follows the University syllabus which introduces students to British Literature, Indian Literature in English and American Literature. The study involves the critical analysis of prescribed texts and a history of literature. The programme also includes courses in the structure of English and the study of English grammar, literary theory and practical criticism as well as feminist writing and criticism.

In addition, the department teaches Communication Skills in English at the First Year level, and Mass Communication at the SYBA level.

The English Department was one of the first departments to be established when the College was set up in 1940. The maximum possible is two divisions, i.e.240 students. The average each year is about 130-140.

Members of the department have guided EXAP students for the Seminar, Research and Cultural components. On topics like Theatre of the Absurd, The Crusades, Fortune-telling, Diasporic Writing, A Comparative Analysis of the Representation of Women in post-Eighteenth Century Indian Paintings and Contemporary Indian Paintings.
The Cultural component topics were Rangoli, Rajasthani Textiles and Jewellery, Superheroes: Men and Women in Tights.

Master of Science (MSc Microbiology)

Departmental Information - Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of Microorganisms – Living things that are too small to be seen by the unaided eye. Throughout history, microorganisms have had a huge impact on human affairs. These tiny creatures that we cannot see are changing the definition of life itself.

The department was started in 1966 and was the fourth college to offer Microbiology as a principal subject at the B.Sc Level. The number of student's admitted at the entry point is 60 – 70 students.

Facilities in the department include a well-equipped air-conditioned laboratory, which caters to the needs of 150 undergraduates students, a postgraduate laboratory and preparation and sterilization rooms. There is a departmental library with the collection of 150 books related to the subjects, as well as women related issues.

The Department has been involved in drawing up and implementation of the EXSP (Excellence in Science Education program) introduced in the Science faculty. The objective of the program is to enrich the students academically and motivate them to explore frontiers of knowledge in addition to those prescribed in the syllabus. The program enables students to develop skills in presenting scientific reports and literature surveys. It also makes them aware of how to plan and execute a research project. This is the unique opportunity available to the students at undergraduate level.

Master of Science (MSc Bio Chemistry)

Departmental Information - Biochemistry

Water, protein, nucleic acids, fats, sugars and salts such are the mundane substances the chemist finds within the living cell. Certainly these are not "such stuff as dreams are made on." And yet, on such stuff is built the edifice of the improbable dream that is life. All the greater, therefore, is the miracle of that life.

Biochemistry is all about how inanimate & non-living molecules get together to constitute, maintain and perpetuate life It is the study of the molecules and their chemistry in reactions that facilitate the processes in a living system . Biochemistry has many new frontiers today. The study of the subject is useful not only in understanding the basic functions of the living body including that of man at the cellular and molecular level, but also in finding remedies for a variety of ailments. A well trained biochemist is equipped with knowledge of bioinformatics, bioanalytics, genetics, immunology, physiology, molecular biology, nutrition. A vast array of studies are being conducted the world over on various aspects of biochemical problems including synthesis of proteins, vitamins & enzymes, dynamics of energy transmission at cellular, molecular and genetic levels, metabolic regulation and functional control of numerous microbiological processes, nutrition, biosynthesis and degradation, X-ray crystallography of molecular structures of genetic engineering.

The department was initiated with Masters programme in Biochemistry in the year 1969 as a part of the Chemistry Department and started functioning as an independent department from the year 1980 onwards with added graduate programme.
The subject is offered as a double major or 3 units along with Chemistry or Microbiology or Life Sciences at the graduation level.
The M.Sc. programme (by papers) is also run by the department.
Biochemistry department also conducts applied component subject Nutrition & Dietetics for S.Y.BA students.
A Post graduate diploma course in “Quality Assurance in Foods and Pharmaceuticals Industry” is run by Chemistry department in collaboration with the Biochemistry department.

Regular annual activities of the department :
Intercollegiate thematic competition as a part of college event ‘Ananya’
Outstation academic visit for Post Graduate students.
Local visits to various institutes, industries, etc.
Training of post graduate students at various reputed labs, industries (two – four weeks duration )
Maximum student strength at entry level for; TYB.Sc - 35-40, M.Sc - 5, S.Y.BA - 80-85

Master of Science (MSc Chemistry)

Departmental Information - Chemistry

Chemistry is the fascinating study of matter which includes anything that can be touched, smelled, seen or felt. It impacts every aspect of our daily lives from health and nutrition to climate change. Many industries like petrochemicals, bulk and fine chemicals, polymers and dyes, pharmaceuticals etc. are chemistry related and offer a wide range of rewarding careers.

A vibrant, growing science, chemistry is vital to the success of research endeavours from the fight against cancer and AIDS to the development of superconductors. Today research in the areas of drug design, material science, nanotechnology and most importantly ‘green chemistry’, are beneficial to both, humanity and the environment.

Chemistry was introduced as a subject at the intermediate- science level in 1952 and at the graduate level in 1966. Today, students can major in chemistry or opt for chemistry along with biochemistry at the TYBSc level. The department offers a post-graduate diploma course in “Quality Assurance in the ‘Foods/ Pharmaceuticals’ Industry” in collaboration with the Biochemistry department.

The primary focus of the department is on the all-round training and development of under-graduate students. The academic programme involves a variety of modern teaching methods like the use of organic and inorganic molecular models, workshops for difficult topics and wide use of Information and Computer Technology.

The department also offers students a wide range of extra- curricular activities suitable to their educational background and academic abilities. These include seminar and poster presentations on topics beyond the syllabus, science quizzes, elocution competitions, debates, invited guest lectures, field trips, industry visits, etc.

The Sophia Chemistry Club and the CCSMC (Chemistry Club of South Mumbai Colleges) offer students the opportunity to organize and participate in various novel chemistry related intra-collegiate and
inter-collegiate extra-curricular activities.

Students who wish to develop research skills can take up literature surveys and experimental projects in chemistry under the EXSP programme of the college. Some of the areas in which EXSP projects have been undertaken are nanotechnology, natural dyes, herbal medicine, analysis of food and pharmaceutical products etc.

Students are also encouraged to participate in outreach programmes organized for rural tribal schools and urban municipal schools involving teaching basic concepts and demonstration of experiments in chemistry.
Every student of chemistry is assigned to a staff member for academic / personal counseling. The staff member follows the academic progress of the student and encourages all round development.

Master of Science (MSc Zoology)

Departmental Information - Zoology

Zoology is one of the branches of pure sciences dealing with the studies of animal kingdom. Various aspects such as taxonomy, developmental biology, genetics, physiology, evolution, ecology, biochemistry, etc are included in the syllabus at undergraduate level. Also applied biological subjects like biotechnology and bioinformatics have been incorporated in the revised syllabus. Field excursions and study visits organized by the department help the students in better understanding of the subject as well as add to their interest in nature and its conservation.

The department was started in 1952. Zoology is offered only at the FYBSC and SYBSC levels. Maximum student strength at entry level FYBSc is 40 and SYBSc 20. The department actively participates in the municipal school project. The Educational Programme undertaken for the children of local tribal community of Vangani (Thane District) through Adivasi Ashram Shala, Karav, Vangani is an outreach activity. Both the staff members are involved in EXSP and have guided students for various projects

Biology is also included under the Zoology department. The teachers of Biology emphasize on an interactive teaching and learning process by using various teaching aids. To sensitize the students towards the ecology and environment, films based on such themes are shown to the students as well as resource persons are invited for guest lectures.
Vernacular medium students are given extra remedial teaching in order to understand the concept.It is an ongoing endeavour of the staff members of Zoology –Biology department to make the subject enjoyable and interesting to study.