The Department of Physical Chemistry was founded in 1936, and the Department of Catalysis and Technical Chemistry in 1944. The first heads of departments were academicians M. I. Usanovich and D. V. Sokolsky. Professors V. F. Sergeeva, G. H. Shabikova, E. H. Ablanova, D. H. Kamysbayev, V. A. Druz, V. P. Shmonina, R. H. Ibrasheva, associate professors E. K. Pichugina, A.V. Solomin, G. P. Polatbekova, V. A. Mirkin, N.A. Asmanova, F. G. Golodov, L. A. Buvalkina, K. K. Dzhardamalieva, I. K. Toibayev, A. N.Sartaeva, R. M. Moisa, R.G. Baisheva. made a great contribution to the scientific and pedagogical activity of the department.

In different years, the department was headed by professors K. B. Musabekov, S. M. Tazhibayeva, D. H. Kamysbayev, M. K. Aldabergenov.

In 1983-2003, the Department of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry was headed by a well-known scientist in the field of control theory of physico-chemical processes, academician of the International Academy of Mineral Resources Kh. K.Ospanov. The author of four scientific discoveries at the international level in the field of chemistry. Kh. K. Ospanov - Honorary Head of the department.

In 1976-2001, the Department of Catalysis and Technical Chemistry was headed by a well-known scientist in the field of catalysis and chemical technology, academician K.A. Zhubanov. In 1992, the Research Institute of New Chemical Technologies and Materials was organized at the department, comprehensive scientific research was carried out and design and technical documentation was prepared for the introduction of scientific achievements into production. K. A. Zhubanov - Honorary Head of the Department and Honorary Director of the Institute.

The Department of Physical Chemistry, Catalysis and Petrochemistry was established in August 2011 by the merger of two departments. The head of the department is Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor Aubakirov Yermek Aitkazinovich.