SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME - HANDS ON TRAINING IN MOLECULAR MODELING AND CHEMICAL STRUCTURE VISUALIZATION

The Research & Postgraduate Department of Chemistry, MES Kalladi College, Mannarkkad, organized a Skill Development Programme on "Hands-on Training in Molecular Modeling and Chemical Structure Visualization" on 08 July 2026 for the students of Third Semester B.Sc. Chemistry. The programme was designed to strengthen the practical understanding of molecular geometry, stereochemistry, and structural visualization through experiential learning. The programme commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Mohammed Musthafa T. N., Coordinator and Head of the Department of Chemistry. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of developing practical skills in chemistry and highlighted how molecular modeling bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world chemical understanding. He encouraged students to actively participate in the training and make the best use of the opportunity to enhance their scientific skills. The programme was formally inaugurated by Dr. Jasmine P. M., Principal, who delivered the inaugural address. She appreciated the department for organizing a skill-oriented programme that promotes activity-based learning. She stressed that hands-on training enables students to understand complex chemical concepts more effectively and equips them with essential skills required for higher studies and research. Dr. Juliya A. P., Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, offered the felicitation remarks. She highlighted the significance of molecular modeling in modern chemistry education and encouraged students to develop scientific creativity, precision, and teamwork through practical activities. The core session of the programme consisted of intensive hands-on training in molecular modeling and chemical structure visualization. Students were introduced to the principles of molecular geometry, chemical bonding, stereochemistry, conformational analysis, and three-dimensional structural representation. They were guided in constructing accurate molecular models using modelling clay, sticks, paints, and other craft materials, thereby transforming theoretical knowledge into tangible molecular structures. Working individually and in groups, the students successfully prepared a variety of molecular models, including: • Eclipsed and staggered conformations of ethane • Cis- and trans-dichloroethylene • Acetylene • Acetaldehyde • Chair and boat conformations of cyclohexane • Several other organic and inorganic molecular structures The activity enabled students to visualize molecular geometry, bond angles, spatial arrangements of atoms, conformational changes, and stereochemical relationships in a highly interactive manner. The process of constructing the models significantly improved their understanding of molecular structure and enhanced their ability to interpret three-dimensional chemical representations. All 40 students enthusiastically participated in the programme and demonstrated remarkable creativity, accuracy, and scientific understanding while preparing the models. The finished models reflected careful observation, technical precision, and innovative presentation. The collaborative nature of the activity also strengthened students' communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and analytical skills. The molecular models prepared by the students were evaluated by the faculty members of the Department of Chemistry: • Dr. Mohammed Musthafa T. N. • Dr. Sreenivasan K. P. • Dr. Vandana P. M. • Dr. Ajay Ajith • Dr. Keerthana M. S. The assessment focused on scientific accuracy, structural correctness, creativity, presentation, and overall understanding of molecular geometry. The faculty members interacted with the students, discussed the concepts represented by the models, and provided constructive feedback to further enhance their learning. The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Risana, a Third Semester B.Sc. Chemistry student. She expressed sincere gratitude to the Principal, faculty members, organizers, and fellow students for making the programme a grand success. The Skill Development Programme proved to be an enriching academic experience that successfully integrated theory with practice. By engaging students in the construction and visualization of molecular structures, the programme fostered experiential learning and strengthened their conceptual understanding of chemistry. The activity enhanced students' spatial visualization skills, manual dexterity, creativity, scientific reasoning, and confidence in interpreting molecular structures. It also nurtured collaborative learning and critical thinking, making the programme highly effective in achieving its objective of developing practical and research-oriented skills among undergraduate chemistry students.