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BSC-SCIENCE in Zoology at Patita Paban Mahavidyalaya, Sainkul
Keonjhar, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is Zoology at Patita Paban Mahavidyalaya, Sainkul Keonjhar?
This BSc Zoology program at Patita Paban Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with North Orissa University, focuses on the comprehensive study of the animal kingdom, from microscopic organisms to complex vertebrates. The curriculum delves into animal morphology, physiology, genetics, ecology, and evolution, providing a strong foundation in biological sciences. It incorporates a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills crucial for understanding life forms and their interactions within ecosystems, addressing India''''s diverse biological heritage.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong interest in biology, wildlife, and environmental conservation. It suits individuals aspiring to careers in research, teaching, veterinary sciences, and fields related to animal welfare and biodiversity. It is also well-suited for those looking to pursue higher education like MSc in Zoology, Biotechnology, or allied life sciences, offering a fundamental scientific pathway for scientific inquiry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to find career paths in government sectors (Forest Department, Wildlife Institutes, Zoological Survey of India), pharmaceutical industries, agricultural research, and educational institutions. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from INR 2.5 to 4 LPA, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals in research or specialized fields. The program also prepares students for competitive exams for civil services or further academic pursuits, aligning with national scientific advancements.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Biological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a strong foundation in animal diversity, cell biology, and ecological principles through consistent study and concept mapping. Utilize library resources and online tutorials to clarify complex topics and engage in peer-to-peer learning sessions to reinforce understanding.
Tools & Resources
NCERT textbooks (for revision), Khan Academy Biology, Zoology textbooks by authors like VK Agarwal, P.S. Verma, College library resources
Career Connection
A solid conceptual base is crucial for all advanced studies and forms the bedrock for any career in life sciences, particularly for competitive exams and higher education entrance.
Develop Practical Laboratory Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all practical sessions, focusing on dissection techniques, microscopy, slide preparation, and basic biochemical tests. Maintain a meticulous lab notebook and seek feedback from instructors to refine experimental skills and observation capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Microscope, Dissection kits, Chemical reagents, Virtual labs (if available)
Career Connection
Proficiency in lab techniques is indispensable for research roles, diagnostic labs, quality control in industries, and for success in advanced practical examinations.
Engage in Early Field Observations- (Semester 1-2)
Participate in college-organized field trips or local ecological surveys to observe animals in their natural habitats. Document observations, collect samples (ethically), and learn basic identification techniques. This helps connect theoretical knowledge with real-world scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Field guides for local fauna, Observation notebooks, Camera, Local wildlife/forest departments (for permission/guidance)
Career Connection
Develops a passion for wildlife, sharpens observational skills, and is a prerequisite for careers in wildlife biology, conservation, and environmental science.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Specialization Electives- (Semester 3-5)
Carefully choose Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) and Generic Electives (GE) that align with emerging interests like aquaculture, sericulture, or biotechnology. Supplement classroom learning with online courses or workshops to gain deeper insights into chosen specialized areas.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses (Biotechnology, Environmental Science), Swayam platform, MOOCs on Coursera/edX, Industry reports
Career Connection
Specialization builds targeted expertise, making graduates more attractive for specific industry roles or for pursuing a Master''''s degree in a focused area.
Undertake Mini-Projects and Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Seek opportunities for short-term internships (1-3 months) at local research institutions, NGOs, or government labs during summer breaks. If formal internships are unavailable, collaborate with faculty on small research projects to gain hands-on research experience and data analysis skills.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Faculty mentorship, Local research institutes (e.g., fisheries, agriculture centers), LinkedIn for networking
Career Connection
Internships provide crucial industry exposure, networking opportunities, and a practical understanding of career roles, significantly boosting employability and postgraduate application chances.
Participate in Scientific Competitions and Seminars- (Semester 3-5)
Actively engage in inter-college science quizzes, paper presentations, and poster competitions. Attend scientific seminars and workshops to stay updated on current research trends, improve communication skills, and network with experts in the field.
Tools & Resources
Science clubs, Departmental events, University seminar schedules, Journal clubs
Career Connection
Enhances critical thinking, presentation skills, and exposure to advanced scientific discourse, which is vital for academic and research-oriented careers.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Preparation for Higher Studies/Placements- (Semester 6)
Identify target postgraduate programs (MSc, B.Ed, M.Tech Biotechnology) or job profiles. Begin preparing for entrance exams (e.g., JAM, university specific tests) or civil services exams. Polish resume/CV, practice interview skills, and seek career counseling from faculty or alumni.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Online test series, Career counseling services, Alumni network, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Directly impacts success rates for securing admissions to prestigious institutions or landing entry-level positions in relevant sectors, ensuring a smooth transition post-graduation.
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Work on a final year project or dissertation under faculty guidance, focusing on a specific area of interest. This involves literature review, experimental design, data collection, analysis, and report writing, culminating in a presentation or publication.
Tools & Resources
Research journals (e.g., J-GATE, Google Scholar), Statistical software (R, SPSS basics), Laboratory equipment, Thesis templates
Career Connection
Develops independent research capabilities, problem-solving skills, and contributes to academic portfolio, highly valued for research-intensive roles and PhD applications.
Build a Professional Network and Digital Presence- (Semester 6)
Connect with faculty, guest lecturers, alumni, and industry professionals through conferences, webinars, and platforms like LinkedIn. Create a professional profile highlighting skills, projects, and achievements to attract potential employers or academic opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional networking events, College alumni association, Personal website/blog (optional)
Career Connection
A strong professional network opens doors to job referrals, mentorship, collaborative projects, and provides insights into industry trends, essential for long-term career growth in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 Science stream with Biology/Biotechnology as one of the core subjects from a recognized board, as per North Orissa University regulations.
Duration: 6 Semesters / 3 Years
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20% (for 4-credit theory), 33.3% (for 2-credit practical), External: 80% (for 4-credit theory), 66.7% (for 2-credit practical)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-HC-101 | Non-Chordates I: Protista to Annelida | Core Theory | 4 | Principles of Classification, Protozoa Structure and Reproduction, Porifera Canal System, Cnidaria Polymorphism, Platyhelminthes Parasitic Adaptations, Annelida Locomotion and Reproduction |
| ZOO-HP-101 | Non-Chordates I: Protista to Annelida (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Protozoan culture observation, Porifera spicule identification, Cnidaria permanent slide study, Platyhelminthes parasite mounting, Annelida dissection |
| ZOO-HC-102 | Principles of Ecology | Core Theory | 4 | Introduction to Ecology, Ecosystem Structure and Function, Population Characteristics and Growth, Community Ecology and Succession, Biogeography and Climate, Applied Ecology and Conservation |
| ZOO-HP-102 | Principles of Ecology (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Ecological succession study, Population density estimation, Water quality analysis, Soil analysis for ecological parameters, Vegetation sampling techniques |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Science | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources and Associated Problems, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution and Management, Social Issues and the Environment |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - I | Generic Elective (Choice-based from other disciplines) | 6 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-HC-203 | Non-Chordates II: Arthropoda to Hemichordata | Core Theory | 4 | Arthropoda General Characteristics, Crustacea and Insecta Diversity, Mollusca Adaptive Radiation, Echinodermata Water Vascular System, Hemichordata Affinities, Minor Phyla and Larval Forms |
| ZOO-HP-203 | Non-Chordates II: Arthropoda to Hemichordata (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Arthropod identification, Mollusc shell study, Echinoderm specimen observation, Dissection of selected non-chordates, Larval stages identification |
| ZOO-HC-204 | Cell Biology | Core Theory | 4 | Introduction to Cell Biology, Plasma Membrane and Cell Wall, Cell Organelles (Mitochondria, ER, Golgi), Nucleus and Chromosomes, Cell Cycle and Cell Division, Cancer Biology |
| ZOO-HP-204 | Cell Biology (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Microscopy techniques, Cell staining and observation, Mitosis and Meiosis study, Chromosomal analysis, Cell viability assays |
| AECC-2 | English Communication / MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Theory of Communication, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills (Paragraph, Essay, Report), Grammar and Vocabulary, Presentation Skills |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - II | Generic Elective (Choice-based from other disciplines) | 6 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-HC-305 | Diversity of Chordates | Core Theory | 4 | Origin and Classification of Chordates, Protochordates (Urochordata, Cephalochordata), Pisces (Fishes) General Characteristics, Amphibia and Reptilia, Aves (Birds) Flight Adaptations, Mammals Evolution and Diversity |
| ZOO-HP-305 | Diversity of Chordates (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Protochordate specimen study, Fish skeletal system, Amphibian and Reptilian characteristics, Bird feather and limb study, Mammalian dentition and skull |
| ZOO-HC-306 | Physiology and Biochemistry | Core Theory | 4 | Physiology of Digestion and Respiration, Circulation and Excretion, Nervous System and Sense Organs, Endocrine System and Hormones, Biomolecules (Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids), Enzymes and Metabolism |
| ZOO-HP-306 | Physiology and Biochemistry (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Blood grouping and analysis, Respiratory volume measurement, Enzyme activity determination, Carbohydrate and protein tests, Osmoregulation experiments |
| ZOO-HC-307 | Genetics | Core Theory | 4 | Mendelian Principles of Inheritance, Extensions of Mendelian Genetics, Linkage and Crossing Over, Chromosomal Aberrations, Sex Determination and Sex Linkage, Gene Expression and Regulation |
| ZOO-HP-307 | Genetics (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, Pedigree analysis, Chromosome mapping, DNA extraction, Gel electrophoresis basics |
| SEC-1 | Aquarium Fish Keeping | Skill Enhancement Course (Choice-based, illustrative) | 2 | Types of Aquarium Fishes, Aquarium Setup and Maintenance, Water Quality Management, Fish Nutrition and Feeding, Common Fish Diseases and Treatment |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - III | Generic Elective (Choice-based from other disciplines) | 6 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-HC-408 | Immunology | Core Theory | 4 | Introduction to Immune System, Innate and Adaptive Immunity, Cells and Organs of Immune System, Antigens and Antibodies, Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immunity, Hypersensitivity and Autoimmunity |
| ZOO-HP-408 | Immunology (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Blood cell count and differentiation, Antigen-antibody reactions (Agglutination), ELISA technique principles, Immunization schedule study, Tissue typing basic concepts |
| ZOO-HC-409 | Developmental Biology | Core Theory | 4 | Basic Concepts of Development, Gametogenesis and Fertilization, Cleavage and Gastrulation, Organogenesis in Vertebrates, Metamorphosis and Regeneration, Developmental Genes and Evolution |
| ZOO-HP-409 | Developmental Biology (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Chick embryo study, Frog embryonic stages, Histological slides of gonads, Spermatogenesis and oogenesis slides, Effect of temperature on development |
| ZOO-HC-410 | Evolution | Core Theory | 4 | Origin of Life, Theories of Evolution (Lamarck, Darwin), Evidences of Evolution, Mechanism of Evolution (Natural Selection), Population Genetics and Speciation, Macroevolution and Human Evolution |
| ZOO-HP-410 | Evolution (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Fossil study and analysis, Homologous and analogous organs, Biogeographical evidences, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium problems, Molecular evolution data analysis |
| SEC-2 | Public Health and Hygiene | Skill Enhancement Course (Choice-based, illustrative) | 2 | Concepts of Public Health, Environmental Sanitation, Epidemiology of Communicable Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases and Lifestyle, Nutrition and Health, Health Education and Promotion |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - IV | Generic Elective (Choice-based from other disciplines) | 6 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-HC-511 | Animal Behaviour and Chronobiology | Core Theory | 4 | Introduction to Animal Behaviour (Ethology), Innate and Learned Behaviour, Communication in Animals, Social Organization and Parental Care, Biological Rhythms and Clocks, Navigation and Migration |
| ZOO-HP-511 | Animal Behaviour and Chronobiology (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Study of Taxis and Kinesis, Learning experiments in animals, Observation of social behaviours, Activity rhythm recording, Ethogram construction |
| ZOO-HC-512 | Animal Biotechnology | Core Theory | 4 | Recombinant DNA Technology, Gene Cloning and Expression, Transgenic Animals (Production and Applications), Animal Cell Culture Techniques, Gene Therapy and CRISPR, Biotechnology in Animal Health |
| ZOO-HP-512 | Animal Biotechnology (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Agarose gel electrophoresis, Plasmid DNA isolation, Restriction digestion, PCR technique principles, Sterilization methods in cell culture |
| ZOO-HDSE-501A | Animal Physiology | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice-based, illustrative) | 4 | Neural Control and Coordination, Chemical Control and Integration, Osmoregulation and Thermoregulation, Sense Organs and Sensory Perception, Muscle Physiology and Locomotion, Stress Physiology and Adaptation |
| ZOO-HDSEP-501A | Animal Physiology (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective Practical | 2 | Blood pressure measurement, ECG recording principles, Effect of exercise on pulse rate, Respiration rate measurement, Osmotic fragility test |
| ZOO-HDSE-502A | Aquaculture | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice-based, illustrative) | 4 | Introduction to Aquaculture, Culture Systems and Types, Seed Production and Hatchery Management, Fish Nutrition and Feed Management, Fish Health Management, Harvesting and Post-Harvest Technology |
| ZOO-HDSEP-502A | Aquaculture (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective Practical | 2 | Pond preparation techniques, Identification of important culturable fish, Feed formulation basics, Water quality parameter testing, Hatchery visit and report |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-HC-613 | Gene Expression and Regulation | Core Theory | 4 | Central Dogma of Molecular Biology, DNA Replication Mechanisms, Transcription: RNA Synthesis, Translation: Protein Synthesis, Regulation of Gene Expression (Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes), Mutations and DNA Repair |
| ZOO-HP-613 | Gene Expression and Regulation (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | DNA quantification, RNA isolation, Restriction mapping problem solving, Gene regulation examples, Chromatin structure analysis |
| ZOO-HC-614 | Environmental Biology and Toxicology | Core Theory | 4 | Biogeochemical Cycles, Biodiversity Conservation Strategies, Environmental Pollution Types and Effects, Toxicology Principles and Concepts, Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment, Sustainable Development Goals |
| ZOO-HP-614 | Environmental Biology and Toxicology (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Water and air pollution testing, Biodiversity indices calculation, Toxicity testing methods, Heavy metal analysis basics, EIA principles study |
| ZOO-HDSE-603A | Animal Ecology | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice-based, illustrative) | 4 | Basic Concepts of Ecology, Population Characteristics and Regulation, Community Structure and Dynamics, Ecosystem Components and Energy Flow, Biogeochemical Cycles, Wildlife Conservation and Management |
| ZOO-HDSEP-603A | Animal Ecology (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective Practical | 2 | Quadrat sampling for plant density, Mark-recapture method simulation, Species diversity index calculation, Field visit to ecological sites, Food web analysis |
| ZOO-HDSE-604A | Applied Zoology | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice-based, illustrative) | 4 | Pest Management in Agriculture, Medical Entomology and Disease Vectors, Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Sericulture and Apiculture, Poultry and Dairy Farming, Wildlife Management and Conservation |
| ZOO-HDSEP-604A | Applied Zoology (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective Practical | 2 | Identification of common insect pests, Disease vector analysis, Fish processing techniques, Silk worm rearing observation, Vermicomposting unit visit |
