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B-SC-HONOURS in Zoology at Sundarban Hazi Desarat College
South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Zoology at Sundarban Hazi Desarat College South 24 Parganas?
This B.Sc Honours Zoology program at Sundarban Hazi Desarat College, affiliated with the University of Calcutta, focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of animal life, from microscopic organisms to complex vertebrates. The curriculum delves into animal diversity, physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and molecular biology. It is designed to foster scientific inquiry and analytical skills relevant to various biological fields, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in India''''s booming biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and environmental sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong passion for biological sciences, particularly zoology, seeking a foundational degree. It caters to students aspiring for careers in research, wildlife conservation, environmental management, or further studies like M.Sc and Ph.D in specialized areas of zoology. Individuals interested in working in scientific laboratories, educational institutions, or government agencies focused on biodiversity and animal health will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including wildlife biologists, environmental consultants, laboratory technicians, researchers, and educators. Entry-level salaries for fresh graduates typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Growth trajectories include roles in conservation organizations, zoos, academic institutions, and biotech companies. The robust foundation also prepares students for competitive exams for government jobs and aligns with requirements for certifications in environmental and wildlife management.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Zoological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intently on understanding fundamental concepts in non-chordata, chordata diversity, and basic environmental studies. Utilize textbooks, reference materials, and online platforms like Khan Academy or NPTEL to supplement classroom learning. Regular review of lecture notes and active participation in practical sessions are crucial for building a strong base.
Tools & Resources
Standard Zoology Textbooks (e.g., Kotpal, R.L.; Ruppert, E.E.), NPTEL/Coursera basic biology courses, Departmental Lab Manuals
Career Connection
A solid foundation is essential for excelling in advanced subjects and forms the bedrock for any career in biological sciences, particularly for competitive exams and higher studies.
Develop Effective Study Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Cultivate a disciplined study routine, incorporating daily revision, concept mapping, and active recall techniques. Form small study groups with peers to discuss challenging topics, solve problems, and prepare for internal assessments. Seek clarification from professors during office hours for any doubts.
Tools & Resources
Study group discussions, Mind mapping software (e.g., XMind), Flashcards (Anki)
Career Connection
Strong study habits enhance academic performance, which is vital for securing internships, admissions to postgraduate programs, and demonstrating dedication to learning in a professional setting.
Engage with Foundational Lab Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all practical classes, meticulously documenting observations and understanding experimental procedures. Practice identifying specimens, using microscopes, and performing basic dissections or permanent slide preparations. Seek feedback on practical reports.
Tools & Resources
Microscopes, dissection kits, Lab manuals, Online virtual lab simulations (if available)
Career Connection
Proficiency in basic lab skills is a prerequisite for most roles in research, diagnostic laboratories, and even field biology, making you a more valuable candidate.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Skill Enhancement Courses and Certifications- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond the mandatory SECs, explore additional skill-based courses or certifications relevant to your interests (e.g., basic bioinformatics, GIS for wildlife, scientific writing). Many online platforms offer free or affordable courses that can enhance your profile.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on specific topics, Coursera/edX certification programs, Local workshops on apiculture/aquaculture
Career Connection
Acquiring specialized skills makes you stand out to potential employers and opens up niche career opportunities in areas like biotechnology, environmental monitoring, or pest management.
Seek Mini-Projects or Research Opportunities- (Semester 3-5)
Approach faculty members for opportunities to assist in their ongoing research projects or undertake small independent projects. This could involve literature reviews, data collection, or basic experimentation. Participation in college science fairs or poster presentations is also valuable.
Tools & Resources
Faculty research interests, Departmental notice boards, Academic journals
Career Connection
Practical research experience enhances your analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and looks excellent on your CV, especially for higher studies and research-oriented careers.
Network and Attend Seminars/Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, webinars, and workshops organized by the college or other institutions (e.g., Zoological Survey of India, local NGOs). Network with guest speakers, researchers, and senior students to gain insights into various career paths and potential opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn), College event calendars, Industry association websites
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, internships, and future job opportunities, providing valuable insights into the industry landscape and trends.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Advanced Specialization and Electives- (Semester 6)
Carefully choose your Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) based on your career interests, whether it''''s Animal Biotechnology, Wildlife Management, or Entomology. Dive deep into these subjects, exploring recent advancements and their real-world applications. Consider preparing a review paper on a specialized topic.
Tools & Resources
Advanced textbooks for DSEs, Research papers on PubMed/Google Scholar, Departmental library resources
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge makes you a subject matter expert, highly sought after in specific scientific and industrial domains. It''''s crucial for targeted job applications and competitive entrance exams for M.Sc programs.
Undertake an Internship or Field Study- (Semester 6)
Secure an internship during breaks or as part of a project in a relevant organization – a research institute, pharmaceutical company, wildlife sanctuary, or environmental consultancy. This provides invaluable practical experience and industry exposure. Document your learning and build a portfolio of your work.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Online internship portals (Internshala, LinkedIn), Direct applications to organizations
Career Connection
Internships are often the most direct route to placements, offering hands-on experience, industry contacts, and a chance to apply academic knowledge in a professional setting. They significantly boost employability.
Prepare for Higher Education or Job Interviews- (Semester 6)
Begin preparing for entrance exams for M.Sc programs (e.g., CUET PG, various university entrance tests) or competitive exams for government jobs. Develop strong communication and interview skills by practicing mock interviews and refining your resume/CV. Attend campus placement drives.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Online aptitude test platforms, Career counseling services, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Proactive preparation for further studies or job applications ensures a smooth transition post-graduation, maximizing your chances of securing desired opportunities in India''''s competitive job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 (or equivalent) examination with Biology/Biotechnology as a subject, securing at least 50% marks in aggregate and 45% marks in Biology/Biotechnology. (As per college admission guidelines)
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-A-CC-1 | Non-Chordata I (Protista to minor phyla) | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Protista: General characters, locomotion, nutrition, reproduction, Porifera: Canal system, reproduction, affinities, Cnidaria: Polymorphism, metagenesis, coral formation, Platyhelminthes: Parasitic adaptations, life cycles, Aschelminthes: General characters, economic importance |
| ZOO-A-CC-2 | Non-Chordata II (Annelida to Hemichordata) | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Annelida: Metamerism, coelom, classification, Arthropoda: General characters, crustacean larvae, economic importance, Mollusca: Torsion and detorsion, shell diversity, Echinodermata: Water vascular system, larval forms, Hemichordata: Affinities, evolutionary significance |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Introduction to Environmental Studies: Scope and importance, Natural Resources: Renewable and non-renewable, Ecosystems: Structure, function, energy flow, Biodiversity and its Conservation: Hotspots, threats, in-situ/ex-situ, Environmental Pollution: Air, water, soil, noise, thermal, nuclear, Environmental Policies and Practices: Laws, human population, sustainable development |
| GENERIC ELECTIVE - I | Generic Elective - I | Generic Elective (from other discipline) | 6 | Subject to choice from other disciplines (e.g., Botany, Chemistry, Physiology) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-A-CC-3 | Diversity of Chordata | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Protochordata: Hemichordata, Urochordata, Cephalochordata, Pisces: Classification, locomotion, migration, accessory respiratory organs, Amphibia: Origin, parental care, neoteny, Reptilia: Classification, skull types, poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, Aves: Origin, flight adaptations, migration, Mammalia: Prototheria, Metatheria, Eutheria |
| ZOO-A-CC-4 | Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Integumentary System: Derivatives of integument, Skeletal System: Visceral arches, girdles, limbs, Digestive System: Comparative study of alimentary canal, Respiratory System: Gills, lungs, air sacs, Circulatory System: Evolution of heart and aortic arches, Urinogenital System: Evolution of urinogenital ducts |
| AECC-2 | English Communication / MIL | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Language of Communication: Theories, barriers, types, Reading Skills: Comprehension, critical reading, Writing Skills: Paragraph, essay, report writing, Speaking Skills: Presentation, group discussion, Grammar: Tenses, active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech |
| GENERIC ELECTIVE - II | Generic Elective - II | Generic Elective (from other discipline) | 6 | Subject to choice from other disciplines (e.g., Botany, Chemistry, Physiology) |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-A-CC-5 | Animal Physiology: Controlling and Coordinating Systems | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Nervous System: Neurons, nerve impulse, synapse, Sense Organs: Eye, ear, chemoreception, thermoreception, Endocrine System: Endocrine glands, hormones, feedback control, Reproductive System: Male and female reproductive cycles, hormonal control, Thermoregulation: Poikilothermy, homoiothermy, adaptation |
| ZOO-A-CC-6 | Animal Physiology: Life Sustaining Systems | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Digestive System: Digestion, absorption, regulation, Respiratory System: Respiration in different animals, gas exchange, Circulatory System: Blood composition, heart function, blood pressure, Excretory System: Kidney function, osmoregulation, Muscle Physiology: Types of muscles, contraction mechanism |
| ZOO-A-CC-7 | Biochemistry of Metabolic Processes | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Carbohydrates: Structure, classification, metabolism, Lipids: Structure, classification, metabolism, Proteins: Structure, functions, amino acids, metabolism, Nucleic Acids: Structure of DNA and RNA, Enzymes: Mechanism of action, kinetics, regulation, Metabolism: Glycolysis, TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation |
| SEC-1 (APICULTURE) | Apiculture | Skill Enhancement Course (Example) | 2 | Biology of Honeybee: Social organization, castes, Commercial Beekeeping: Types of apiaries, equipment, Products of Apiculture: Honey, wax, propolis, royal jelly, Diseases and Pests of Honeybees: Management and control, Honeybee Management: Seasonal management |
| GENERIC ELECTIVE - III | Generic Elective - III | Generic Elective (from other discipline) | 6 | Subject to choice from other disciplines (e.g., Botany, Chemistry, Physiology) |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-A-CC-8 | Genetics | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Mendelian Genetics: Laws of inheritance, Extensions of Mendelian Principles: Incomplete dominance, codominance, Linkage and Crossing Over: Genetic mapping, Chromosomal Aberrations: Numerical and structural, Molecular Genetics: DNA as genetic material, Population Genetics: Hardy-Weinberg law |
| ZOO-A-CC-9 | Evolution and Evolutionary Biology | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Origin of Life: Theories of chemical evolution, Theories of Evolution: Lamarckism, Darwinism, Neo-Darwinism, Evidences of Evolution: Paleontological, comparative anatomy, Mechanisms of Evolution: Natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, Speciation: Allopatric, sympatric, parapatric, Macroevolution: Adaptive radiation, mass extinctions |
| ZOO-A-CC-10 | Immunology | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Cells and Organs of Immune System: Primary and secondary lymphoid organs, Innate Immunity: Components, mechanisms, Adaptive Immunity: Humoral and cell-mediated immunity, Antigens: Immunogenicity, antigenicity, Antibodies: Structure, classes, functions, Hypersensitivity: Types I-IV, autoimmune diseases |
| SEC-2 (AQUARIUM FISH KEEPING) | Aquarium Fish Keeping | Skill Enhancement Course (Example) | 2 | Scope of Aquarium Keeping: Types of aquaria, Aquarium Set-up: Filtration, aeration, lighting, Fish Selection: Native and exotic species, Fish Nutrition and Feeding: Live and artificial food, Fish Health Management: Common diseases, remedies, Breeding of Aquarium Fish: Common practices |
| GENERIC ELECTIVE - IV | Generic Elective - IV | Generic Elective (from other discipline) | 6 | Subject to choice from other disciplines (e.g., Botany, Chemistry, Physiology) |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-A-CC-11 | Developmental Biology | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Gametogenesis: Spermatogenesis, oogenesis, Fertilization: External, internal, in-vitro, Early Embryonic Development: Cleavage, blastulation, Gastrulation: Germ layer formation, Organogenesis: Development of neural tube, eye, heart, Metamorphosis: Hormonal control, regeneration |
| ZOO-A-CC-12 | Animal Behaviour & Chronobiology | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Introduction to Ethology: Methods, types of behaviour, Patterns of Behaviour: Instinct, learning, motivation, Communication: Chemical, visual, auditory, tactile, Social Behaviour: Aggression, territoriality, altruism, Biological Rhythms: Circadian, circannual, lunar, Orientation and Navigation: Migration, homing |
| DSE-1 (ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY) | Animal Biotechnology | Discipline Specific Elective (Example) | 6 | Principles of Genetic Engineering: Recombinant DNA technology, Animal Cell Culture: Media, growth factors, applications, Transgenesis: Methods, applications in livestock, Cloning: Reproductive and therapeutic cloning, Stem Cell Technology: Types, applications, Applications: Vaccine production, gene therapy |
| DSE-2 (PARASITOLOGY) | Parasitology | Discipline Specific Elective (Example) | 6 | Introduction to Parasitism: Types of parasites, hosts, Protozoan Parasites: Malaria, Amoebiasis, Giardiasis, Helminth Parasites: Trematodes, Cestodes, Nematodes, Vectors and Disease Transmission: Mosquitoes, flies, ticks, Host-Parasite Relationship: Adaptations, immunity, Control of Parasitic Diseases: Prevention, treatment |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOO-A-CC-13 | Molecular Biology | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | DNA Structure and Replication: Models, enzymes, Transcription: RNA synthesis, RNA polymerases, Translation: Protein synthesis, genetic code, Gene Regulation: Operons, transcription factors, Genetic Code: Characteristics, deciphering, Recombinant DNA Technology: Tools and techniques |
| ZOO-A-CC-14 | Ecology | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Ecosystem Concepts: Structure, function, types, Population Ecology: Characteristics, growth, regulation, Community Ecology: Structure, succession, interactions, Biogeochemical Cycles: Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, water, Environmental Pollution: Causes, effects, control, Conservation Biology: Biodiversity conservation, climate change |
| DSE-3 (ENTOMOLOGY) | Entomology | Discipline Specific Elective (Example) | 6 | Insect Morphology: External and internal structures, Insect Physiology: Digestion, respiration, circulation, Insect Classification: Orders, important families, Insect Ecology: Life cycles, pest outbreaks, Pest Management: IPM, biological control, chemical control, Beneficial Insects: Sericulture, apiculture, lac culture |
| DSE-4 (WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT) | Wildlife Management | Discipline Specific Elective (Example) | 6 | Principles of Wildlife Management: Goals, techniques, Wildlife Census Techniques: Direct and indirect methods, Protected Areas: National parks, sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, Conservation Strategies: Ex-situ, in-situ conservation, Human-Wildlife Conflict: Causes, mitigation, Wildlife Legislation: Indian wildlife protection act |
