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.

Learning resources of the department:

• Laboratories:    
  - Two large laboratories with excellent exhaust facilities for students of junior and senior college. 
  - A Physical Chemistry Laboratory and an Analytical Chemistry Laboratory for the undergraduate level - A research laboratory for staff.
  
  
• Department office:  The department room is used by chemistry staff members (junior and senior college) and facilitates interaction between staff and students. It also houses the department library which has a large collection of over hundred reference books for both theory and practicals.

• Computers:  The department has two computers  with the latest software, printer, CD writer and internet connection.
  
  
• Teaching aids: Students have access to molecular model making kits and audio-visual teaching aids including CD collection.