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BSC-HONOURS in Zoology at K. K. Das College
South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Zoology at K. K. Das College South 24 Parganas?
This BSc Honours Zoology program at K. K. Das College focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of the animal kingdom, from microscopic organisms to complex vertebrates. It delves into their classification, evolution, physiology, genetics, ecology, and behavior. The curriculum, aligned with Calcutta University''''s CBCS structure, prepares students for diverse scientific roles in India, particularly in conservation, research, and healthcare.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in biological sciences and a curiosity about animal life and ecosystems. It caters to those aspiring for careers in wildlife management, environmental conservation, biomedical research, or pursuing higher education in specialized fields like genetics, immunology, or biotechnology. Students passionate about field biology and laboratory investigations will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths in government wildlife departments, environmental agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and diagnostic labs. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals. The program also serves as a strong foundation for master''''s degrees (MSc) in Zoology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, or even competitive exams for civil services.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering the core concepts of non-chordate and cell biology by consistent revision of class notes, textbook readings, and interactive group discussions. Utilize online resources like Khan Academy or NPTEL for clarifying complex topics and visual understanding.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks (e.g., P.S. Verma, V.K. Agarwal for Zoology; P.K. Gupta for Cell Biology), NCERT Biology, YouTube educational channels, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation in these areas is crucial for understanding advanced topics and forms the bedrock for careers in research, teaching, or medical diagnostics.
Develop Essential Laboratory Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all practical sessions, focusing on proper handling of instruments, accurate observation, precise dissection techniques, and detailed record-keeping in practical notebooks. Seek feedback from lab instructors to refine your experimental skills.
Tools & Resources
Lab Manuals, Microscopes, Dissection Kits, Virtual lab simulations (if available)
Career Connection
Proficiency in lab techniques is indispensable for roles in research labs, diagnostic centers, and quality control departments in various industries.
Engage with Environmental Studies- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond classroom learning, actively participate in college environmental clubs, local conservation drives, or awareness campaigns related to environmental issues in West Bengal. This helps in understanding the real-world application of theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Local environmental NGOs, College eco-club, Documentaries on Indian wildlife
Career Connection
Fosters awareness and skills vital for careers in environmental consulting, conservation, and policy-making within India.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Interdisciplinary Electives- (Semester 3-4)
Strategically choose Generic Elective (GE) subjects from other science disciplines (e.g., Botany, Chemistry) to broaden your scientific perspective and discover potential interdisciplinary career paths. Attend introductory lectures of various GE options before making a choice.
Tools & Resources
University Elective Course Catalog, Departmental advisors, Online course descriptions
Career Connection
Expands knowledge base, making you a more versatile candidate for cross-functional roles in biotech, pharma, or agricultural sectors.
Pursue Skill Enhancement Training- (Semester 3-4)
Select Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs) such as Apiculture, Sericulture, or Medical Diagnostics based on your career interests. Actively participate in hands-on training, workshops, and short courses offered by the college or external vocational centers.
Tools & Resources
SEC course material, Local vocational training institutes, Industry experts via seminars
Career Connection
Directly develops vocational skills highly sought after in Indian industries like sericulture farms, aquaculture businesses, or diagnostic laboratories, improving employability.
Build a Professional Network- (Semester 3-4)
Attend departmental seminars, guest lectures, and workshops by eminent zoologists or industry professionals. Actively engage with faculty members for research guidance and career counseling. Join online professional groups related to zoology or life sciences.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional scientific bodies (e.g., Indian Academy of Sciences), College alumni network
Career Connection
Opens doors to internship opportunities, mentorship, and job referrals within the scientific community in India.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semester 5-6)
Collaborate with faculty on small-scale research projects, even if not formally part of the curriculum. Focus on a specific area of interest from your Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) like Animal Behaviour or Applied Zoology, collecting and analyzing data.
Tools & Resources
Research labs in college/university, Online scientific journals, Statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS)
Career Connection
Develops research aptitude, problem-solving skills, and a strong resume for postgraduate studies (MSc, PhD) or R&D roles in India.
Master Bioinformatics and Biostatistics- (Semester 5-6)
Go beyond basic concepts and practice advanced bioinformatics tools and statistical analysis software. Utilize public databases (e.g., NCBI) for data mining and conduct mock research analyses using real biological datasets. Consider online certifications.
Tools & Resources
NCBI, EMBL, UniProt databases, BLAST, FASTA tools, R/Python for Biostatistics, Coursera/edX courses
Career Connection
Highly valuable for modern biological research, pharma, biotech, and data science roles, offering a competitive edge in the Indian job market.
Prepare for Higher Education/Job Market- (Semester 5-6)
Start preparing for competitive exams like JAM (for MSc), JRF (for research fellowships), or civil services exams if aspiring for government jobs. Tailor your resume and cover letters for specific job applications, emphasizing practical and analytical skills gained.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Career counseling services, Online job portals (Naukri.com, Indeed India)
Career Connection
Ensures a smooth transition to desired career paths, whether in advanced academics, research, or direct employment post-graduation in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed H.S. or equivalent examination with a minimum of 45% in aggregate OR 50% in Zoology/Biology (Theory and Practical combined) or related subject at the previous qualifying examination.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 144 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20% (for theory papers), 33% (for practical papers), External: 80% (for theory papers), 67% (for practical papers)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-A-CC-1-1-TH | Non-chordates I: Protista to Annelida | Core Theory | 4 | Origin and Evolution of Life, Protozoa: General Characters and Locomotion, Porifera: Canal System and Reproduction, Cnidaria: Polymorphism and Coral Formation, Helminths: Parasitic Adaptations, Annelida: Metamerism and Coelom |
| ZOO-A-CC-1-1-P | Non-chordates I: Protista to Annelida (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Microscopic examination of Protozoans, Identification of Porifera and Cnidaria, Study of parasitic helminths, Annelida dissection techniques, Preparation of permanent slides |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Human Population and Environment |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - 1 (from other discipline) | Generic Elective | 6 | Choice of subject from disciplines like Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, etc., Fundamental concepts of the chosen discipline, Basic theories and principles, Applications and methodologies, Relevant practical aspects |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-A-CC-2-1-TH | Non-chordates II: Arthropoda to Echinodermata | Core Theory | 4 | Arthropoda: General Characters, Larval Forms, Crustacea: Diversity and Adaptations, Insecta: Metamorphosis and Mouthparts, Mollusca: Torsion and Pearl Formation, Echinodermata: Water Vascular System, Minor Phyla: Rotifera, Bryozoa, Brachiopoda |
| ZOO-A-CC-2-1-P | Non-chordates II: Arthropoda to Echinodermata (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Identification of Arthropods, Study of Molluscan shells, Echinodermata spicules and madreporite, Dissection of common invertebrates, Field collection and preservation |
| ZOO-A-CC-2-2-TH | Cell Biology | Core Theory | 4 | Ultrastructure of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells, Cell Organelles: Structure and Function, Plasma Membrane: Structure and Transport, Cell Cycle and Cell Division, Cell Signaling, Cancer Biology |
| ZOO-A-CC-2-2-P | Cell Biology (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Micrometry and cell staining, Mitosis and Meiosis observation, Chromatin and chromosome study, Blood cell counting (TLC/DLC), Osmosis and plasmolysis experiments |
| AECC-2 | Communicative English / MIL | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Grammar and Composition, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Listening and Speaking Skills, Vocabulary Building, Intercultural Communication |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - 2 (from other discipline) | Generic Elective | 6 | Choice of subject from disciplines like Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, etc., Fundamental concepts of the chosen discipline, Basic theories and principles, Applications and methodologies, Relevant practical aspects |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-A-CC-3-1-TH | Chordates I: Protochordates to Cyclostomata | Core Theory | 4 | Origin and Evolution of Chordates, Protochordates: Hemichordata, Urochordata, Cephalochordata, General Characters of Vertebrates, Cyclostomata: Lampreys and Hagfishes, Comparative Anatomy of Integument, Comparative Anatomy of Digestive System |
| ZOO-A-CC-3-1-P | Chordates I: Protochordates to Cyclostomata (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Identification of Protochordates, Study of Vertebrate skeletons, Dissection of representative chordates, Preparation of slides of integument, Observation of digestive tracts |
| ZOO-A-CC-3-2-TH | Genetics | Core Theory | 4 | Mendelian Principles of Inheritance, Extensions of Mendelian Genetics, Chromosome Structure and Function, Gene Mutations and Chromosomal Aberrations, Sex Determination and Linkage, Human Genetics and Genetic Disorders |
| ZOO-A-CC-3-2-P | Genetics (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Monohybrid and Dihybrid cross problems, Pedigree analysis, Karyotyping, Polytene chromosome study, Blood group testing |
| ZOO-A-CC-3-3-TH | Physiology and Biochemistry | Core Theory | 4 | Digestion and Absorption, Respiration and Gas Exchange, Circulation and Excretion, Nervous and Endocrine Systems, Enzymes and Metabolism, Biomolecules: Structure and Function |
| ZOO-A-CC-3-3-P | Physiology and Biochemistry (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Qualitative tests for carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, Enzyme activity experiments, Blood pressure measurement, Respiration rate analysis, Urine analysis |
| SEC-1 | Skill Enhancement Course - 1 (options available) | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Apiculture / Sericulture / Aquaculture / Poultry Farming, Emphasis on practical skills and techniques, Economic significance and management, Disease management, Product processing and marketing |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - 3 (from other discipline) | Generic Elective | 6 | Choice of subject from disciplines like Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, etc., Fundamental concepts of the chosen discipline, Basic theories and principles, Applications and methodologies, Relevant practical aspects |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-A-CC-4-1-TH | Chordates II: Pisces to Mammalia | Core Theory | 4 | Pisces: General Characters, Scales, Fins, Amphibia: Parental Care, Neoteny, Reptilia: General Characters, Poisonous Snakes, Aves: Flight Adaptations, Migration, Mammalia: Dentition, Adaptations, Comparative Anatomy of Respiratory System |
| ZOO-A-CC-4-1-P | Chordates II: Pisces to Mammalia (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Identification of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, Study of bird feathers, mammal furs, Comparative osteology, Dissection of fish/mammal, Field trips to observe vertebrates |
| ZOO-A-CC-4-2-TH | Developmental Biology | Core Theory | 4 | Gamete Formation (Spermatogenesis, Oogenesis), Fertilization and Parthenogenesis, Early Embryonic Development, Gastrulation and Organogenesis, Placentation in Mammals, Metamorphosis |
| ZOO-A-CC-4-2-P | Developmental Biology (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Study of gametes, Observation of chick embryo development, Amphibian embryology slides, Developmental stages of invertebrates, Histological sections of reproductive organs |
| ZOO-A-CC-4-3-TH | Molecular Biology | Core Theory | 4 | Structure of DNA and RNA, DNA Replication, Transcription and RNA Processing, Genetic Code and Translation, Gene Regulation, Recombinant DNA Technology |
| ZOO-A-CC-4-3-P | Molecular Biology (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | DNA extraction from biological samples, Agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR demonstration, Restriction enzyme digestion, Plasmid DNA isolation |
| SEC-2 | Skill Enhancement Course - 2 (options available) | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Medical Diagnostics / Museum and Collection Techniques / Biotechnological Tools, Emphasis on practical skills and laboratory techniques, Sample collection and analysis, Data interpretation and reporting, Instrumentation and maintenance |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - 4 (from other discipline) | Generic Elective | 6 | Choice of subject from disciplines like Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, etc., Fundamental concepts of the chosen discipline, Basic theories and principles, Applications and methodologies, Relevant practical aspects |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-A-CC-5-1-TH | Ecology | Core Theory | 4 | Ecosystem: Structure and Function, Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling, Population Ecology and Growth, Community Ecology and Interactions, Biogeography and Biomes, Pollution and Conservation Strategies |
| ZOO-A-CC-5-1-P | Ecology (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Quadrat and transect sampling methods, Water quality analysis, Soil analysis, Biodiversity indices calculation, Field surveys and data collection |
| ZOO-A-CC-5-2-TH | Immunology | Core Theory | 4 | Innate and Adaptive Immunity, Cells and Organs of Immune System, Antigens and Antibodies, Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immunity, Hypersensitivity and Autoimmunity, Vaccines and Immunization |
| ZOO-A-CC-5-2-P | Immunology (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Blood smear preparation and staining, Differential Leukocyte Count (DLC), Agglutination and Precipitation reactions, ELISA technique (demonstration), Immunodiffusion |
| ZOO-A-DSE-5-1-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - 1 (options available) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Animal Behaviour and Chronobiology / Fish and Fisheries / Applied Zoology / Reproductive Biology, Advanced topics within chosen specialization, Research methodologies and experimental design, Data interpretation and scientific writing, Current trends and applications |
| ZOO-A-DSE-5-1-P | Discipline Specific Elective - 1 (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective Practical | 2 | Practical application of chosen DSE topic, Laboratory experiments or field studies, Data collection and analysis, Project work or case studies, Presentation of findings |
| ZOO-A-DSE-5-2-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - 2 (options available) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Animal Behaviour and Chronobiology / Fish and Fisheries / Applied Zoology / Reproductive Biology, Advanced topics within chosen specialization, Research methodologies and experimental design, Data interpretation and scientific writing, Current trends and applications |
| ZOO-A-DSE-5-2-P | Discipline Specific Elective - 2 (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective Practical | 2 | Practical application of chosen DSE topic, Laboratory experiments or field studies, Data collection and analysis, Project work or case studies, Presentation of findings |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-A-CC-6-1-TH | Evolutionary Biology | Core Theory | 4 | Origin of Life and Early Evolution, Theories of Evolution (Lamarck, Darwin), Sources of Variation and Natural Selection, Speciation and Reproductive Isolation, Macroevolutionary Changes, Human Evolution |
| ZOO-A-CC-6-1-P | Evolutionary Biology (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium problems, Study of homologous and analogous organs, Fossil record analysis, Phylogenetic tree construction, Computer-based evolutionary simulations |
| ZOO-A-CC-6-2-TH | Bioinformatics and Biostatistics | Core Theory | 4 | Introduction to Bioinformatics, Biological Databases (NCBI, EMBL), Sequence Alignment (BLAST, FASTA), Phylogenetic Analysis Tools, Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Hypothesis Testing and Correlation |
| ZOO-A-CC-6-2-P | Bioinformatics and Biostatistics (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Database navigation and data retrieval, Performing BLAST searches, Phylogenetic tree visualization, Statistical software application (e.g., R, Excel), Data analysis and graphical representation |
| ZOO-A-DSE-6-1-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - 3 (options available) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Animal Behaviour and Chronobiology / Fish and Fisheries / Applied Zoology / Reproductive Biology, In-depth study of selected DSE areas, Advanced theoretical concepts and models, Critical analysis of scientific literature, Ethical considerations in research |
| ZOO-A-DSE-6-1-P | Discipline Specific Elective - 3 (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective Practical | 2 | Advanced practical techniques or project work, Independent research investigation, Statistical analysis of complex datasets, Scientific report writing, Oral presentation skills |
| ZOO-A-DSE-6-2-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - 4 (options available) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Animal Behaviour and Chronobiology / Fish and Fisheries / Applied Zoology / Reproductive Biology, In-depth study of selected DSE areas, Advanced theoretical concepts and models, Critical analysis of scientific literature, Ethical considerations in research |
| ZOO-A-DSE-6-2-P | Discipline Specific Elective - 4 (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective Practical | 2 | Advanced practical techniques or project work, Independent research investigation, Statistical analysis of complex datasets, Scientific report writing, Oral presentation skills |
