The Department was established in 1968, along with the University, under the leadership of late Prof. S.S. Moosath and other eminent Professors like late C.P. Savariar, K.T. Rama Varma and G.M. Devasia with the objective of promoting post-graduate teaching and advanced research in chemistry. Over the years, it has grown into a popular and highly visible destination for higher education and research in Chemical Sciences. Today, it offers Five-Year Masters, Two-Year Masters and Doctoral level programmes in Chemistry.  The four-semester M.Sc. Chemistry programme is restructured with options for different specializations, to provide a a sound exposure to advanced topics in addition to the strong foundations of fundamentals. The Five-Year Integrated M.Sc. Chemistry programme offers the flexibility and versatility of the FYUGP framework including exit and entry options at third and fourth years. Learning and training in the Masters programmes are interwoven smoothly with the research activities of the Department.

The Department is actively involved in research and has completed several projects funded by external agencies such as DST, SERB, UGC, KSCSTE etc. In 2024 Department of Chemistry secured 2.5 Cr assistance under DST - FIST (Level C) scheme. Over 250 research scholars have been awarded PhD degree so far. Teachers and research scholars of the department have published nearly 900 research papers in national and international journals. Many faculty members of the Department have been honoured for their academic achievements. In 1995 Dr. K.L Sebastian received the Bhatnagar Award in chemical sciences. In 1998 Prof. Geetha Parameswaran won the Dr. Vasudeva Award. The Department library has a collection of over 7000 books. It has access  to a large number of national and international e-journals and databases