.png&w=1920&q=75)
B-SC in Zoology at University of Mysore
Mysuru, Karnataka
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Zoology at University of Mysore Mysuru?
This Zoology program at University of Mysore focuses on the comprehensive study of animal life, from microscopic organisms to complex vertebrates. It delves into their classification, evolution, physiology, genetics, and ecological interactions. The curriculum incorporates contemporary research trends, preparing students for diverse roles in fields crucial to India''''s biodiversity and agricultural sectors, emphasizing practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for curious high school graduates passionate about the natural world, particularly animal sciences and conservation. It also attracts individuals aspiring for careers in wildlife management, research, environmental consulting, or further studies in biotechnology and medical sciences. Students with a strong aptitude for scientific inquiry and a desire to contribute to ecological sustainability will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as wildlife biologists, ecologists, conservation officers, laboratory technicians, or educators. Entry-level salaries range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs annually, with significant growth for experienced professionals. The program also serves as a strong foundation for advanced degrees like M.Sc., PhD, or competitive exams for government research positions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Zoological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding fundamental principles of non-chordate and chordate biology, cell structure, and basic genetics. Utilize textbooks, diagrams, and museum specimens to build a strong theoretical foundation. Engage actively in practical sessions to solidify theoretical knowledge and develop basic laboratory skills.
Tools & Resources
University Library Resources, NCERT Biology Textbooks, Standard Zoology Textbooks (e.g., Kotpal, P.S. Verma), Departmental Museum & Lab Manuals
Career Connection
A strong foundation is critical for all advanced studies and future roles in research, academia, or conservation, ensuring conceptual clarity for competitive exams and higher education.
Develop Scientific Observation and Drawing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice meticulous observation during practicals and field visits. Focus on accurate scientific drawing of specimens and experimental setups. Maintain a well-organized practical record book, noting down observations and inferences carefully. Seek feedback from professors on drawing accuracy and descriptive skills.
Tools & Resources
Lab Manuals, Drawing Instruments, Microscopes, Field Guides for local fauna
Career Connection
Enhances vital skills for biological research, documentation, and reporting, preparing students for roles in scientific illustration, taxonomy, or diagnostic laboratories.
Engage in Peer Learning and Discussion Groups- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with classmates to discuss complex topics, prepare for exams, and clarify doubts. Teach concepts to peers to reinforce your own understanding. Participate in departmental seminars or workshops to broaden perspectives and engage with faculty and seniors.
Tools & Resources
Study Group Meetings, Online Collaboration Tools, Departmental Notice Boards for events
Career Connection
Enhances critical thinking, communication skills, and collaborative abilities, which are highly valued in team-based scientific research and project management roles.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Projects and Field Studies- (Semester 3-5)
Seek opportunities for short research projects, even if extracurricular, focused on local biodiversity, ecological surveys, or laboratory experiments. Actively participate in departmental field trips to observe animals in their natural habitats and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Faculty Mentorship, Local Research Labs/NGOs, Field Trip Guides, Basic field equipment (binoculars, nets)
Career Connection
Builds practical research experience, problem-solving skills, and a portfolio that is attractive for internships and entry-level research positions in conservation or environmental agencies.
Explore Interdisciplinary Subjects and Electives- (Semester 3-5)
Choose skill enhancement courses (SECs) and open electives (OEs) that complement Zoology, such as bioinformatics, biotechnology, environmental science, or statistics. This broadens your skill set and makes you more versatile for diverse career paths. Explore online courses from platforms like NPTEL or Coursera.
Tools & Resources
University''''s list of SECs and OEs, NPTEL, Coursera, edX for relevant online courses
Career Connection
Prepares students for interdisciplinary roles in emerging fields like bioinformatics, medical diagnostics, or ecotourism, making them more competitive in a dynamic job market.
Attend Workshops on Advanced Lab Techniques- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in workshops or short courses focused on molecular biology techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis), advanced microscopy, or animal handling. Hands-on experience with these techniques is highly valued in research and diagnostic laboratories. Seek out opportunities within or outside the university.
Tools & Resources
Departmental workshops, Guest lectures by industry experts, Online tutorials for specific techniques
Career Connection
Directly enhances employability in research laboratories, diagnostic centers, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms requiring specialized technical skills.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6)
In your final year, dedicate significant effort to a research project under faculty guidance. This involves literature review, experimental design, data collection, analysis, and thesis writing. Present your findings at departmental seminars or local conferences.
Tools & Resources
Faculty Supervisor, Research Labs, Statistical Software (R, SPSS), Scientific Literature Databases (PubMed, Scopus)
Career Connection
Demonstrates independent research capability, critical thinking, and scientific communication, essential for higher education (M.Sc., PhD) and R&D roles.
Prepare for Higher Education and Competitive Exams- (Semester 6)
Identify target M.Sc. programs, PhD opportunities, or competitive government exams (e.g., UPSC Forest Service, ICAR). Start preparing early, focusing on syllabus areas, previous year''''s papers, and general knowledge. Seek career counseling and guidance from alumni and faculty.
Tools & Resources
Previous Year Question Papers, Online Test Series, Career Counselling Cells, Alumni Network
Career Connection
Crucial for securing admissions into prestigious postgraduate programs or direct entry into government scientific/administrative positions, leading to stable and impactful careers.
Network with Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 6)
Attend scientific conferences, webinars, and alumni meet-ups. Connect with professionals working in your areas of interest (e.g., wildlife conservationists, biotechnologists). Build a professional network that can provide mentorship, internship leads, and career opportunities post-graduation.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional Conferences (e.g., Zoological Society of India meetings), Alumni Association portals
Career Connection
Facilitates job search, opens doors to hidden opportunities, and provides valuable insights into industry trends and career pathways in the Indian context.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in 10+2 (PUC) with Science subjects including Biology, from a recognized board or equivalent. Specific subject combinations may apply for direct Zoology major entry.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 146 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOOCCT1.1 | Zoology Core Course - I: Non-Chordates I: From Protozoa to Annelida (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | General characteristics and classification of Protozoa, Porifera, Coelenterata, Platyhelminthes, Aschelminthes, Annelida, Locomotion, nutrition, and reproduction in Protozoa, Canal system in Porifera, polymorphism in Coelenterata, Parasitic adaptations in Platyhelminthes and Aschelminthes, Metamerism in Annelida |
| ZOOCCP1.1 | Zoology Core Course - I: Non-Chordates I: From Protozoa to Annelida (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Study of museum specimens (Protozoa to Annelida), Dissections (Earthworm, Leech), Microscopic observations (Amoeba, Paramecium, Hydra, Fasciola, Ascaris), Preparation of permanent slides, Identification of prepared slides |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOOCCT2.1 | Zoology Core Course - II: Non-Chordates II: From Arthropoda to Echinodermata (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | General characteristics and classification of Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata, Social organization in insects, Pearl culture and Prawn culture, Torsion in Gastropoda, water vascular system in Echinodermata, Economic importance of insects (beneficial and harmful) |
| ZOOCCP2.1 | Zoology Core Course - II: Non-Chordates II: From Arthropoda to Echinodermata (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Study of museum specimens (Arthropoda to Echinodermata), Dissections (Prawn, Cockroach, Pila, Unio), Microscopic observations (mouthparts of insects, radula of Pila), Study of prepared slides, Identification of economically important insects |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOOCCT3.1 | Zoology Core Course - III: Chordates - I (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Origin and evolution of Chordates, general characters of Protochordates, Classification of Pisces, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, Mammalia, Detailed study of Ascidian, Branchiostoma, Balanoglossus, Migration in fishes and birds, Parental care in Amphibia, poisonous and non-poisonous snakes |
| ZOOCCP3.1 | Zoology Core Course - III: Chordates - I (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Study of museum specimens (Protochordates, Pisces, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, Mammalia), Dissections (Rohu fish, Frog/Toad), Study of skeletal system (frog, pigeon, rabbit), Microscopic observations of prepared slides, Identification of different types of scales in fishes |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOOCCT4.1 | Zoology Core Course - IV: Cell Biology and Genetics (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Ultra structure of animal cell and its organelles (Mitochondria, Golgi, ER, Nucleus), Cell division (Mitosis, Meiosis), cell cycle regulation, Chromosomes: structure, types, sex determination, Mendelian laws of inheritance, gene interactions, Linkage, crossing over, DNA/RNA structure and functions, Mutations and human genetic disorders |
| ZOOCCP4.1 | Zoology Core Course - IV: Cell Biology and Genetics (Practical) | Core Practical | 2 | Study of cell organelles through diagrams and models, Mitosis in onion root tip/grasshopper testis, Meiosis in grasshopper testis, Chromosomes in salivary glands of Drosophila, Human karyotyping, solving problems on Mendelian inheritance |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOODSET5.1 | Zoology DSE - I: Biotechnology and Molecular Biology (Theory) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Theory | 4 | Recombinant DNA technology: principles and applications, Gene cloning, vectors, and expression systems, Techniques: PCR, DNA sequencing, gel electrophoresis, Applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry, Basics of Bioinformatics |
| ZOODSEP5.1 | Zoology DSE - I: Biotechnology and Molecular Biology (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Practical | 2 | Isolation of genomic DNA from animal tissue, Agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction digestion, PCR amplification, plasmid isolation, Western blotting techniques, Bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis |
| ZOODSET5.2 | Zoology DSE - II: Developmental Biology (Theory) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Theory | 4 | Gametogenesis: spermatogenesis and oogenesis, Fertilization: external and internal, cleavage patterns, Early embryonic development: blastulation, gastrulation, Organogenesis: formation of nervous system, heart, Placentation, regeneration, and stem cells |
| ZOODSEP5.2 | Zoology DSE - II: Developmental Biology (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Practical | 2 | Study of various stages of frog development (egg to tadpole), Chick embryo (24, 48, 72 hours) through permanent slides, Mammalian gametes (sperm and ovum), Histological sections of reproductive organs (testis, ovary), Study of placenta types |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOODSET6.1 | Zoology DSE - III: Animal Behaviour and Evolution (Theory) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Theory | 4 | Ethology: innate and learned behavior, fixed action patterns, Learning: classical and operant conditioning, motivation, Social behavior: parental care, territoriality, communication, Origin of life, evidence for evolution, theories of evolution (Lamarckism, Darwinism), Natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, speciation, Adaptive radiation and macroevolution |
| ZOODSEP6.1 | Zoology DSE - III: Animal Behaviour and Evolution (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Practical | 2 | Study of animal behavior in natural habitats/videos, Demonstration of classical/operant conditioning using simple models, Analysis of evolutionary trees/fossils, Solving population genetics problems, Field visit to observe animal behavior (if feasible) |
| ZOODSET6.2 | Zoology DSE - IV: Applied Zoology and Wildlife Conservation (Theory) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Theory | 4 | Economic importance of insects (sericulture, apiculture), Aquaculture: fish and prawn farming techniques, Pest control methods, vermiculture, poultry farming, Principles of wildlife management, biodiversity conservation, Threatened species, IUCN categories, causes of extinction, National parks, sanctuaries, biosphere reserves in India |
| ZOODSEP6.2 | Zoology DSE - IV: Applied Zoology and Wildlife Conservation (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Practical | 2 | Visit to sericulture/apiculture units (virtual or actual), Study of common pests and their control measures, Identification of endangered and endemic species of India, Analysis of conservation success stories, Preparation of projects on wildlife conservation |
