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BACHELOR-OF-SCIENCE in Zoology 8 11 at Mariani College
Jorhat, Assam
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About the Specialization
What is Zoology [8, 11] at Mariani College Jorhat?
This Zoology program at Mariani College focuses on a comprehensive study of animal life, encompassing biodiversity, ecology, physiology, genetics, and evolution. It highlights the rich faunal diversity of India, particularly the Northeastern region, and its relevance to conservation, sustainable resource management, and biomedical applications. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with extensive practical exposure.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for 10+2 science graduates with a keen interest in biological sciences, wildlife, environmental conservation, and research. It caters to students aspiring for careers in academics, forest services, wildlife management, aquaculture, or those looking to pursue higher studies like M.Sc. in Zoology, Biotechnology, or Environmental Science.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including wildlife conservation, research assistant roles in biological labs, teaching, forest range officers, and positions in aquaculture and sericulture industries. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 5 LPA, with significant growth potential in specialized fields or after pursuing postgraduate degrees and competitive examinations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Fundamental Biological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand core concepts in animal diversity, ecology, and basic physiology. Utilize textbooks, online resources like Khan Academy, and participate in peer study groups. Strong fundamentals form the bedrock for advanced studies and competitive exams like NEET for postgraduate medical entrance or state-level entrance exams.
Tools & Resources
NCERT textbooks, Standard reference books (e.g., Campbell Biology), Online biology tutorials, Peer study circles
Career Connection
A strong grasp of basics is essential for all future specialized studies, research roles, and for clearing entrance exams for higher education (M.Sc., B.Ed.) or government jobs.
Develop Robust Laboratory and Observation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in all practical sessions, meticulously follow protocols, and maintain accurate lab records. Focus on improving dissection techniques (if applicable and permitted), microscopy, and ecological sampling methods. Practice identifying specimens and interpreting experimental results accurately.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Microscope, Specimen collections, Field visit reports
Career Connection
Proficiency in lab techniques is critical for research assistant positions, diagnostic labs, and any scientific role requiring hands-on experimentation or data collection.
Enhance Scientific Communication and Data Presentation- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly practice presenting project work, lab findings, and seminar topics. Focus on clear, concise scientific writing and effective oral presentation skills. Participate in college debates or science communication workshops. This also includes understanding how to correctly cite scientific sources.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft PowerPoint/Google Slides, Scientific journals, Grammarly, College communication workshops
Career Connection
Effective communication is vital for presenting research, writing scientific reports, and excelling in interviews for both academic and industry roles.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Electives Aligned with Career Interests- (Semester 3-4)
Thoughtfully select Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) and Generic Electives (GE) that complement your Zoology core and align with potential career paths. For example, choose Apiculture/Sericulture for entrepreneurship, Environmental Science for conservation, or Chemistry for biochemical research. Actively seek out advanced knowledge in these areas.
Tools & Resources
Course catalogue, Faculty advisors, Career counseling sessions, Online courses on specialized topics
Career Connection
Strategic elective choices build a specialized profile, making you more competitive for specific job roles or niche postgraduate programs.
Engage in Minor Research Projects or Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Seek opportunities to work on small research projects with faculty or pursue short-term internships at local research institutions, NGOs, or government departments (e.g., Forest Department, Fisheries Department). This provides practical exposure, networking opportunities, and a clearer understanding of real-world applications of zoology.
Tools & Resources
Faculty contacts, College placement cell, Local research institutes, Online internship portals like Internshala
Career Connection
Internships and research experience significantly boost your resume, providing practical skills and industry contacts crucial for securing jobs and admission to reputable M.Sc. programs.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 4-5)
Start preparing for relevant competitive exams if considering government jobs or specific higher education. This could include UPSC Civil Services (with Zoology optional), State Public Service Commission exams (e.g., APSC), Forest Service exams, or entrance tests for M.Sc. programs (e.g., JNU, Delhi University).
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Online coaching platforms, Reference books for competitive exams, Study groups
Career Connection
Early and consistent preparation for competitive exams opens doors to prestigious government careers (e.g., Forest Officer, Scientific Officer) and top universities for advanced studies.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Final Year Project/Dissertation- (Semester 5-6)
Work on a significant research project or dissertation under faculty guidance during your final year. This involves literature review, experimental design, data collection, analysis, and formal report writing. Present your findings at college-level seminars or poster sessions.
Tools & Resources
Departmental labs, Statistical software (R, SPSS), Scientific databases (PubMed), Thesis writing guides
Career Connection
A strong final year project demonstrates research aptitude, critical thinking, and independent work skills, highly valued by employers and postgraduate admissions committees.
Network with Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 5-6)
Attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to connect with faculty from other institutions, researchers, and industry professionals. Utilize college alumni networks to gain insights into career paths and potential opportunities. Building a professional network can lead to mentorship and job referrals.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional society events (e.g., Zoological Society of India), College alumni association, Departmental events
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for discovering hidden job markets, gaining industry insights, and securing referrals for placements or research positions.
Develop Advanced Data Analysis and Bioinformatics Skills- (Semester 5-6)
Gain proficiency in statistical software and bioinformatics tools for analyzing biological data. Learn basic programming (e.g., Python for bioinformatics) and utilize public biological databases. These skills are increasingly essential for modern biological research and industry.
Tools & Resources
Online tutorials (Coursera, NPTEL for Python/R), BLAST, NCBI databases, Statistical software packages, Workshops on bioinformatics
Career Connection
These computational skills are in high demand in research, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors, opening doors to roles as bioinformaticians, data analysts, or research associates.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Higher Secondary) or equivalent examination with Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) from a recognized board/council.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 140 (approximate, based on typical CBCS structure) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-HC-1016 | Non-Chordates I: Protista to Annelida | Core Theory | 4 | Principles of Classification, Phylum Protista: General Characters, Locomotion, Phylum Porifera: Canal System, Reproduction, Phylum Coelenterata: Polymorphism, Corals, Phylum Platyhelminthes: Parasitic adaptations, Phylum Aschelminthes: Life cycle of Ascaris, Phylum Annelida: Metamerism, Vermiculture |
| ZOO-HP-1013 | Non-Chordates I: Protista to Annelida Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Microscopic examination of protists, Study of various sponges and coelenterates, Identification of parasitic worms, Dissections (e.g., earthworm - if permitted), Preparation of permanent slides |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Science / English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Sustainable Development, Communication Skills (English) |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - 1 (e.g., Botany, Chemistry, Physics) | Generic Elective | 6 | Fundamental concepts of chosen elective, Basic principles and applications, Practical skills related to elective |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-HC-2016 | Non-Chordates II: Arthropoda to Echinodermata | Core Theory | 4 | Phylum Arthropoda: Classification, Metamorphosis, Phylum Mollusca: Torsion, Pearl Formation, Phylum Echinodermata: Water Vascular System, Larval forms, Minor Phyla: Rotifera, Brachiopoda, Phoronida, General characteristics and economic importance |
| ZOO-HP-2013 | Non-Chordates II: Arthropoda to Echinodermata Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Identification of arthropods (insects, crustaceans), Study of molluscan shells and anatomy, Examination of echinoderms, Preparation of permanent slides, Observation of minor phyla specimens |
| ZOO-HC-2026 | Principles of Ecology | Core Theory | 4 | Ecosystem: Components, Energy Flow, Population Ecology: Growth, Regulation, Community Ecology: Succession, Biogeography, Biomes of the World, Pollution: Types, Control |
| ZOO-HP-2023 | Principles of Ecology Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Quadratic and transect methods for population density, Analysis of water quality parameters, Study of biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem, Ecological data interpretation, Field visits and observation |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - 2 (e.g., Botany, Chemistry, Physics) | Generic Elective | 6 | Fundamental concepts of chosen elective, Basic principles and applications, Practical skills related to elective |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-HC-3016 | Diversity of Chordates | Core Theory | 4 | Origin and classification of Chordates, Protochordates: Urochordata, Cephalochordata, Pisces: General characters, Migration, Amphibia: Parental care, Neoteny, Reptilia: Poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, Aves: Flight adaptations, Migration, Mammalia: Dentition, Adaptations |
| ZOO-HP-3013 | Diversity of Chordates Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Study of representative chordate specimens, Identification of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, Skeletal studies of vertebrates, Dissections (e.g., minor vertebrate - if permitted), Adaptive modifications |
| ZOO-HC-3026 | Physiology and Biochemistry | Core Theory | 4 | Digestion and Absorption, Respiration and Gas Exchange, Circulation: Heart, Blood Composition, Excretion and Osmoregulation, Nervous Coordination and Endocrine System, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins: Structure and Metabolism, Enzymes: Mechanism of Action |
| ZOO-HP-3023 | Physiology and Biochemistry Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Qualitative analysis of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, Enzyme activity assays, Haematological techniques, Determination of blood groups, Physiological experiments (e.g., effect of temperature on enzyme) |
| ZOO-HC-3036 | Genetics | Core Theory | 4 | Mendelian Principles: Monohybrid, Dihybrid cross, Extensions of Mendelian Genetics: Incomplete dominance, Epistasis, Linkage and Crossing Over, Chromosomal Aberrations, Gene Mutations, Sex Determination, Human Genetics: Pedigree analysis |
| ZOO-HP-3033 | Genetics Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Karyotyping, Sex chromatin identification, Study of Mendelian ratios, Pedigree chart analysis, Genetics problems solving |
| SEC-1 | Skill Enhancement Course - 1 (e.g., Apiculture, Sericulture, Fishery) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Basic principles of chosen skill, Practical techniques and applications, Economic relevance and management |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - 3 (e.g., Botany, Chemistry, Physics) | Generic Elective | 6 | Fundamental concepts of chosen elective, Basic principles and applications, Practical skills related to elective |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-HC-4016 | Developmental Biology | Core Theory | 4 | Gametogenesis: Spermatogenesis, Oogenesis, Fertilization: External, Internal, Early Embryonic Development: Cleavage, Gastrulation, Organogenesis: Development of Eye, Heart, Placenta and Placentation, Metamorphosis: Amphibian, Insect, Regeneration |
| ZOO-HP-4013 | Developmental Biology Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Study of gametes and embryonic stages, Permanent slides of chick embryo development, Mammalian reproductive organs, Observation of metamorphosis, Experimental demonstrations of regeneration |
| ZOO-HC-4026 | Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | Core Theory | 4 | Integumentary System: Skin and its derivatives, Skeletal System: Axial and Appendicular, Digestive System: Alimentary canal and glands, Respiratory System: Gills, Lungs, Air sacs, Circulatory System: Heart, Arterial and Venous systems, Urogenital System: Kidney, Gonads, Ducts, Nervous System: Brain, Spinal Cord, Sense Organs |
| ZOO-HP-4023 | Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Study of different vertebrate skeletons, Comparative study of hearts and brains, Dissections to compare organ systems (e.g., fish, pigeon - if permitted), Identification of anatomical features |
| ZOO-HC-4036 | Immunology | Core Theory | 4 | Cells and Organs of Immune System, Innate and Adaptive Immunity, Antigens and Antibodies, Humoral Immunity: B-cells, Antibody production, Cell-Mediated Immunity: T-cells, MHC, Hypersensitivity, Vaccination |
| ZOO-HP-4033 | Immunology Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Blood smear preparation and differential count, Agglutination tests (e.g., ABO blood grouping), ELISA technique principles, Study of immune organs through charts/models, Immunodiagnostic applications |
| SEC-2 | Skill Enhancement Course - 2 (e.g., Medical Diagnostics, Wild Animal Care) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Techniques in chosen skill, Hands-on applications, Ethical considerations and safety protocols |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - 4 (e.g., Botany, Chemistry, Physics) | Generic Elective | 6 | Fundamental concepts of chosen elective, Basic principles and applications, Practical skills related to elective |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-HC-5016 | Animal Behaviour and Chronobiology | Core Theory | 4 | Ethology: History, Approaches, Patterns of Behaviour: Instinct, Learning, Social Behaviour: Aggression, Communication, Reproductive Behaviour: Mating Systems, Parental Care, Biological Rhythms: Circadian, Circannual, Navigation and Migration, Applied Ethology |
| ZOO-HP-5013 | Animal Behaviour and Chronobiology Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Study of animal behavior patterns (e.g., fish, insects), Observation of biological clocks, Design of simple behavioral experiments, Interpretation of ethograms, Field observation techniques |
| ZOO-HC-5026 | Evolution | Core Theory | 4 | Origin of Life, Theories of Evolution: Lamarckism, Darwinism, Mechanisms of Evolution: Mutation, Gene Flow, Natural Selection: Types, Examples, Speciation: Modes, Reproductive Isolation, Human Evolution, Molecular Evolution |
| ZOO-HP-5023 | Evolution Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Study of fossils and evolutionary evidences, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium problems, Phylogenetic tree analysis, Comparative anatomy for evolutionary trends, Population genetics simulations |
| ZOO-HDSE-5016 | Discipline Specific Elective - 1 (e.g., Animal Biotechnology, Wildlife Biology, Aquaculture) | Discipline Specific Elective Theory | 4 | Advanced concepts in chosen specialization, Research methodologies, Applications in relevant fields, Current trends and challenges |
| ZOO-HDSE-5013 | Discipline Specific Elective - 1 Practical | Discipline Specific Elective Practical | 2 | Laboratory techniques specific to DSE, Data analysis and interpretation, Project work related to DSE, Field visits for practical exposure |
| ZOO-HDSE-5026 | Discipline Specific Elective - 2 (e.g., Molecular Biology, Medical Zoology, Apiculture) | Discipline Specific Elective Theory | 4 | In-depth study of a specialized area, Advanced theories and models, Impact on human society and environment, Emerging technologies |
| ZOO-HDSE-5023 | Discipline Specific Elective - 2 Practical | Discipline Specific Elective Practical | 2 | Advanced laboratory skills, Instrumentation and data acquisition, Troubleshooting and experimental design, Case studies and problem-solving |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-HC-6016 | Biostatistics and Bioinformatics | Core Theory | 4 | Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Probability and Distributions, Hypothesis Testing: t-test, Chi-square, Correlation and Regression, Biological Databases: NCBI, PDB, Sequence Alignment: BLAST, FASTA, Phylogenetic Analysis |
| ZOO-HP-6013 | Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Statistical software usage (e.g., R, Excel), Data visualization, Accessing biological databases, Performing sequence alignments, Building phylogenetic trees |
| ZOO-HC-6026 | Economic Zoology | Core Theory | 4 | Pisciculture: Culture of edible fishes, Apiculture: Bee keeping, Honey production, Sericulture: Silk worm rearing, Silk production, Lac Culture: Production of Lac, Pest Control: Biological, Chemical methods, Vector-borne Diseases, Wild Life Conservation and Management |
| ZOO-HP-6023 | Economic Zoology Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Study of economically important insects and animals, Identification of pests and vectors, Visits to aquaculture/sericulture/apiculture farms, Project on local economic zoology practices, Preparation of control measures for common pests |
| ZOO-HDSE-6016 | Discipline Specific Elective - 3 (e.g., Applied Entomology, Fish & Fisheries, Environmental Biology) | Discipline Specific Elective Theory | 4 | Specialized knowledge in chosen DSE area, Problem-solving in practical scenarios, Policy and regulatory frameworks, Future prospects and challenges |
| ZOO-HDSE-6013 | Discipline Specific Elective - 3 Practical | Discipline Specific Elective Practical | 2 | Advanced practical applications for DSE, Research project or dissertation, Field-based studies, Report writing and presentation |
| ZOO-HDSE-6026 | Discipline Specific Elective - 4 (e.g., Genomics & Proteomics, Parasitology, Bioinstrumentation) | Discipline Specific Elective Theory | 4 | Cutting-edge concepts in selected field, Technological advancements, Ethical considerations in research, Interdisciplinary connections |
| ZOO-HDSE-6023 | Discipline Specific Elective - 4 Practical | Discipline Specific Elective Practical | 2 | Specialized experimental techniques, Data processing and analytical methods, Troubleshooting complex experiments, Scientific communication of results |
