To God we belong, and to Him we shall return.

With hearts believing in God’s decree and destiny, the Dean of the College of Education for Pure Sciences, Professor Dr. Hamida Aidan Salman, extends her sincerest condolences to the entire Muslim Ummah on the martyrdom of His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, recalling a life filled with generosity, steadfastness, and honorable stances.

The deceased was a paragon of patience in times of hardship and a voice for truth in the face of challenges. He immortalized his name through his actions before his words. Men who live for their causes never truly depart; their legacy remains alive in the conscience of nations, and their words serve as a guiding light for generations to come.

We ask God Almighty to protect the nation from all harm, to grant it glory and dignity, and to make us steadfast in the truth.

To God we belong, and to Him we shall return.

Professor Dr. Hamida Aidan Salman
Dean of the College of Education for Pure Sciences

The Chemistry Department at the College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Karbala, discussed a master’s thesis entitled “Spectroscopic Estimation of Divalent Nickel, Copper, and Cobalt Ions in Aqueous Solutions Using a Novel Schiff-Azo Base Reagent Derived from Para-Aminophenol.”

Submitted by: Muntadhar Adnan Rahman
Supervised by: Professor Dr. Munir Abdul-Ali Abbas

The study aimed to prepare and accurately characterize a novel Schiff-Azo base reagent using spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, FT-IR, 1H-NMR) and various physical measurements. The goal was to utilize this reagent in the spectroscopic determination of trace amounts of metal ions. The work included determining the optimal analytical conditions for complex formation, identifying concentrations compliant with Beer-Lambert’s law, verifying the accuracy and consistency of the analytical method, and calculating the stability constants (Kst) and standard thermodynamic functions (ΔG°, ΔH°, ΔS°).

The study concluded that a new reagent was prepared using Schiff’s rule and nitrogen coupling under easy conditions and with a high yield. UV-Vis spectra demonstrated that it forms colored complexes with Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Co²⁺, exhibiting peaks higher than those of the reagent itself. This makes it suitable for spectroscopic determination in minute quantities, using a simple, rapid, sensitive, and selective method with good compatibility and a wide range conforming to Beer-Lambert’s law after optimal conditions are established. The stability constants indicated the stability of the complexes, and the thermodynamic functions (ΔG°) and (ΔH°) had negative values, indicating the spontaneous and exothermic nature of the reaction.

The study recommended further research to explore the potential use of the prepared reagent in determining other ions in different media by forming colored complexes that can be utilized in spectroscopic determination, particularly in the fields of medicine and pharmaceuticals. It also recommended its application in studying the extraction of transition metal ions such as Ni²⁺ and Cu²⁺. The CO₂⁺ was analyzed using the cloud point extraction (CPE) method due to its high sensitivity and selectivity. This analytical method is applicable in diverse practical applications for elements with which the reagent reacts, such as industrial water, soil, pharmaceuticals, food products, and others.

The student received a distinction.

The Department of Life Sciences held practical discussion sessions for PhD students in the research phase, supervised by Professor Dr. Israa Nasser Ghulam.

The sessions included detailed presentations of student research projects, including a session by PhD student Hussein Ali Dili Al-Mankoushi entitled “A Morphological and Molecular Study of Some Fungi Isolated from Organic Fertilizers and an Evaluation of Their Efficiency in Producing Certain Enzymes.”

A morphological and molecular study of some fungi isolated from organic fertilizers and an evaluation of their efficiency in producing certain enzymes.

The study aimed to identify decomposing fungal species and evaluate their efficiency in producing vital enzymes such as cellulase, protease, amylase, and lipase. The results showed the superiority of the Aspergillus and Penicillium species in enzyme production, especially Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus.

PCR and ITS techniques were also used to accurately identify the isolates and compare them genetically with global strains in the NCBI GenBank database. The fungal extracts demonstrated high inhibitory activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli.

The study concluded that these fungi have the potential to be utilized as economical sources for the production of enzymes and antibiotics in industrial and food applications.

The Department of Life Sciences held practical seminars for postgraduate/PhD students in the research phase, supervised by Professor Dr. Israa Nasser Ghulam.

The presentation included a detailed overview of student research projects, including a seminar by PhD student Sabah Fadhil entitled “A Study of Aquatic Snail Species in the Al-Husseiniya River/Karbala Governorate as Intermediate Hosts for Digenic Bovines.”

Study of Aquatic Snails in Al-Husseiniya Creek/Karbala Governorate as Intermediate Hosts for Digenic Bovines

This study investigated the presence of German snail species in several streams in Karbala Governorate, central Iraq, including the Al-Husseiniya, Al-Duwaihiya, and Al-Hanidiya streams, as well as the Musay’ida Canal. The study also investigated the presence of larval infestations of digenic trematodes. Four species of Physa acuta, Melanopsis nodosa, and Ferussac snails were observed in the Al-Husseiniya stream: Viviparus bengalensis, Theodoxus Jordani (Sowerby), (Drapmad), and (Lamarck). Snail samples were collected from the Al-Duwaihiya stream. Five species of snails were found in the waters of this site: V. bengalensis, M. nodosa, and Melanoidis tuberculata (Muller). Eight species of trematodes (Lymnaea acuta, Lymnaea auricularia, and Linaeus) were identified and isolated from three of the studied snail species: M. nodosa, M. tuberculata, and L. Lauricularia, at different study sites.

The Department of Life Sciences held practical seminars for postgraduate/PhD students in the research phase, supervised by Professor Dr. Israa Nasser Ghulam.

The presentation included a detailed overview of student research projects, including a seminar by student Zahraa Fadhil entitled:

Evaluation of the efficacy of aqueous extract of rambutan fruit (Nephelium lappaceum) on some physiological and histological parameters in male albino rats

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an aqueous extract of rambutan peel and pulp against thioacetamide-induced physiological and histological changes in the liver of male albino rats. Injection of thioacinamide (200 mg/kg) caused significant physiological damage to the liver, while the extract of rambutan peel and pulp (25 and 27 mg/kg) demonstrated strong efficacy in reducing toxic effects, minimizing liver tissue damage, and regulating the studied physiological parameters.

The study recommended the use of fresh rambutan fruit as a substance for preventive measures against cancer, especially liver cancer, with additional physiological and histological studies and increased awareness of the importance of herbal medicine.

The College of Education for Pure Sciences announced the completion of the Appeals Committee’s work, following the review of all exam papers and appeals submitted by students in the Physics Department. This process is part of the college’s commitment to ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and objectivity in reviewing the results.

These procedures were part of the final preparations undertaken by the Physics Department’s Examination Committee in anticipation of the release of exam results. The work was carried out with a spirit of responsibility and discipline, in full compliance with the approved ministerial regulations and instructions. This ensures fairness and transparency in the re-examination of grades and the proper confirmation of final results.

The college administration confirmed that all administrative and technical procedures were completed according to official protocols, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding students’ rights and ensuring the integrity of the examination process, to announce the results as soon as possible.

Coinciding with the upcoming National Entrepreneurship Day on March 4th, the Entrepreneurship Unit at the College of Education for Pure Sciences announces the opening of applications for the national competition “Iraq Shield for Leadership and Excellence 2026,” which aims to support and strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Iraq.

The competition aims to highlight successful entrepreneurial experiences and showcase outstanding models that have contributed to developing the entrepreneurial environment, as well as to honor creative talents and those with innovative initiatives that have had a positive impact on the local community.

The Science and Technology Parks Department at the University of Karbala invites all project owners and innovators to seize this opportunity and participate in this national competition by completing the online application form via scanning the QR code. We wish all participants the best of luck in showcasing their projects and entrepreneurial ideas.

A delegation from Al-Zahraa University visited the College of Education for Pure Sciences (Mathematics Department) to hold an extensive meeting regarding joint examinations. The meeting was attended by the head of the Mathematics Department, Assistant Professor Dr. Muhammad Yahya Abdul, and the head of the Mathematics Department at Al-Zahraa University, Lecturer Dr. Yassin Mirza Hamza, along with other faculty members. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the arrangements and mechanisms for joint examinations between the two departments, within the framework of strengthening academic cooperation and unifying scientific efforts between the corresponding departments.

The meeting addressed the organization of the joint examination, the mechanisms for preparing the questions, the correction criteria, the standardization of answer keys, and other aspects of the examination process. This included setting timetables, the mechanism for distributing examination committees, and procedures to ensure the smooth operation and integrity of the process.

Attendees emphasized that the joint examination represents a significant step towards scientific integration between departments and reflects the commitment of their administrations to adopting best academic practices and enhancing confidence in the outcomes of the educational process.

Assistant Lecturer Fatima Abdul-Razzaq Majeed published a scientific paper titled
Preparation and Characterization of a New Polymer for Mesalazine and Study of its Biological Activity against Colon Cancer

in the journal:

Cognizance Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies

The research aimed to produce new homopolymers and heteropolymers with medicinal properties to expand the use of controlled drugs, in addition to new drug-replacement monomers.

The study concluded that the polymerase reaction of the monomer (compound 2) with acrylic acid under nitrogen was used to introduce the heteropolymer (compound 3). The monomer of compound 2 was characterized using FT-IR. The study determined whether drug loading (compounds 3 and 4) had an antiproliferative effect on colon cancer cell lines. Compounds 3 and 4 may represent a suitable and promising approach for establishing an effective drug delivery system for therapeutic use against malignant colon tumors.

According to cytotoxicity assessments.

Assistant Lecturer Fatima Abdul-Razzaq published a scientific paper titled:

Sustainable synthesis of 2,4-diarylquinoline derivatives using recyclable BiFeO₃ nanocatalyst in ionic liquid

in the Journal of Organometallic Chemistry, indexed in Scopus Q2.

This research aimed to develop a highly efficient and environmentally friendly catalytic system consisting of bismuth ferrite nanoparticles (BiFeO₃ NPs) in an ionic liquid within a single reaction vessel. The system was used to produce 2,4-diarylquinoline derivatives via a three-stage reaction of aromatic aldehydes, alkynes, and aniline derivatives.

The study employed FTIR, SEM, TEM, TGA, BET, VSM, XRD, EDX, and elemental mapping techniques to characterize and characterize the structural and magnetic properties of the BiFeO₃ nanoparticles. The catalyst exhibited excellent reusability, consistent with green chemistry principles, maintaining its activity for at least eight consecutive cycles. The high catalytic activity, green chemistry compatibility, and excellent recyclability of the BiFeO₃ nanoparticles—which can be reused up to eight times without loss of catalytic activity—are some of the advantages of this approach. The magnetic properties of the catalyst facilitate separation and recycling.

The study found that using ionic liquids as solvents for the reaction is environmentally friendly. The system’s ability to operate under moderate conditions and support a wide range of substrates enables the synthesis of 2,4-diarylquinoline derivatives, which are versatile and applicable.