Exam Details

• Post: Other Research Assistant (Chemistry)
• Department: Fisheries Department
• Exam Conducted by: Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC)
• Paper Code: 56/2016
• Date of Examination: 22nd April 2016
• Year: 2016

Overview of the Exam

The Kerala PSC Other Research Assistant (Chemistry) – Fisheries Department exam is conducted to recruit candidates for scientific research roles in fisheries chemistry. The exam evaluates candidates’ knowledge in chemistry, fisheries science, environmental chemistry, laboratory techniques, and general knowledge.

A Research Assistant in Chemistry plays a crucial role in analyzing water quality, studying chemical properties of fish and marine life, ensuring food safety, and conducting environmental research in the fisheries sector.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The Kerala PSC Research Assistant (Chemistry) – Fisheries exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering topics such as general chemistry, fisheries chemistry, laboratory techniques, and scientific research methodologies. Below is the detailed syllabus breakdown:

1. General Chemistry

✔ Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding – Atomic models, periodic table, ionic and covalent bonds.
✔ Physical Chemistry – Chemical kinetics, electrochemistry, thermodynamics.
✔ Organic Chemistry – Functional groups, hydrocarbons, alcohols, carboxylic acids.
✔ Inorganic Chemistry – Coordination compounds, metallurgy, qualitative analysis.

2. Fisheries Chemistry

✔ Water Chemistry – pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, hardness, alkalinity.
✔ Biochemistry of Fish – Protein, lipid, carbohydrate metabolism in fish.
✔ Preservation and Processing of Fish – Freezing, drying, canning, chemical additives.
✔ Pollution and Environmental Chemistry – Marine pollution, impact of chemicals on aquatic life.

3. Analytical and Laboratory Techniques

✔ Spectroscopy Techniques – UV-Vis, IR, NMR, Mass Spectrometry.
✔ Chromatography Methods – HPLC, GC, TLC for fish product analysis.
✔ Microbiology and Water Quality Testing – BOD, COD, microbial contamination testing.
✔ Food Adulteration and Chemical Testing – Detection of preservatives, toxins in fish products.

4. General Science and Environmental Science

✔ Basic Biology and Ecology – Marine ecosystems, aquatic biodiversity.
✔ Environmental Chemistry – Waste management, water pollution control.
✔ Toxicology in Fisheries – Heavy metals, pesticides, antibiotics in aquatic systems.

5. Research Methodology and Scientific Writing

✔ Scientific Research Methods – Experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis.
✔ Technical Report Writing – Research papers, thesis writing, patent filing basics.
✔ Recent Advances in Fisheries Chemistry – Nanotechnology, bioactive compounds from fish.

6. General Knowledge and Current Affairs

✔ Kerala Fisheries Sector – Major fish species, Kerala’s contribution to fisheries.
✔ Indian Constitution and Governance – Fundamental rights, fisheries policies.
✔ Recent Scientific Developments – Innovations in marine chemistry and aquaculture.