Zoology is a course that deals with the study of animals and their biological processes. It includes the study of structure, embryology, evolution, classification, habits, and distribution of all animals, both living and extinct. Zoology is divided into different branches including animal physiology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, soil zoology, comparative zoology, comparative anatomy, taxonomically oriented creatures, animal physiology and ethology. Specializations of Zoology include Entomology, Apiology, Arachnology, Neuroethology and many more.
Top Colleges
Highlights
| Course Level | Undergraduate | Post Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years | 2 years |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Zoology as main subjects. The minimum marks required varies from college to college. | BSc in Zoology or other related fields with 50-55% aggregate score. |
| Admission Process | Merit-based, or entrance based, depending on the college | Entrance based |
| Examination Type | Semester System | Semester System |
Courses and Eligibility
|
Course |
Duration |
Eligibility |
Entrance |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Zoology | 3 Years | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as main subjects. The minimum marks required varies from college to college. | |
| MSc Zoology | 2 Years | BSc in Zoology or other related fields with 50-55% minimum in aggregate. | IIT JAM, MCAER CET, NEST, JEST, etc. |
Top Recruiters
- Colleges and Universities
- Zoos and National Parks
- Agricultural Sector
- Food Park
- Plant research center
- Biotechnology Companies, etc.
Admission Process
The admission for BSc courses in Zoology is based on the cutoff list released by the university or college. Few universities also conducts entrance tests for admission. Candidates are offered admission in MSc courses based on the entrance exams. Admission to PhD programmes are done based on entrance tests conducted nationally or by universities separately followed by Personal Interview. Some of the popular PhD entrance tests are UGC NET, CSIR, ICAR etc.
Syllabus
- Morphology
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Immunology
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Embryology
- Biotechnology
- Genomics
- Genetics Evolution
- Ecology
- Biosystematics, Structure and Functions of Invertebrates
- Tools and Techniques in Biology
- Animal Physiology and Ethology
- Genetics and Evolution
- Structure and Function of Vertebrates
- Environmental Biology
- Biology of Parasitism
- Chronobiology
- Proteins- Structure, Functions and Evolution
- Structure and Function of Genes
- Animal Behaviour
Skills Required
- Observational Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Analytical Mind
- Organizational Skills
- Written Communication Skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Outdoor Skills
- Emotional Stability
- Problem Solving Ability
- Physical Stamina
- Appreciation for animals
Career Prospects
|
Job Profile |
Job Description |
Average Annual Salary in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinarian | Treats and diagnoses various illnesses in animals | 11 lakhs |
| Animal Behavior and Training Specialist | Trains animals with various commands generally pet and show animals. | 3.5 lakhs |
| Wildlife biologist | Collects data about habitat and population growth of various animals in the wild | 2.5 lakhs |
| Conservationist | Conserves habitats of various plants and animals | 5.5 lakhs |
| Zoologist | Looking after the welfare of various animals in a zoo | 4.5 lakhs. |
FAQs
Q: What are the job prospects for a student of Zoology?
A: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for zoologists is expected to increase by 5% between 2012 and 2022. There are numerous job opportunities for an M.Sc. Zoology student like that of an Animal Behaviourist, Animal Trainer, Conservationist, Wildlife Biologist, Zookeeper, Zoo Curator and Animal and Wildlife Educator. With a comprehensive knowledge through the course, students with M.Sc. Zoology degree can find employment in Government as well as in the Private sector.
Q: What is the eligibility for doing MSc in Zoology?
A: The candidate must have passed B.sc/B.sc (Hons) Zoology with 50% marks in aggregate from a recognized university. Candidates who have passed B.sc/ B.A in Medical and Allied Medical Sciences/ Biosciences/ Life sciences with minimum 50% marks in aggregate from a recognized university are also eligible to apply.
Q: What are the best colleges in India for MSc in Zoology?
A: Colleges like Presidency College, Chennai, Hansraj College, New Delhi, Ramjas College, New Delhi, Madras Christian College, Chennai and Loyola College, Chennai are considered to be great places to study Zoology.
Refer to the Top Colleges section for more details.
Q: What are the specializations one can opt for in MSc zoology?
A: Here are some of the specializations you can opt for:
- Biomedical Science
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Animal behaviour and neurobiology
- Cell and developmental biology
- General Zoology
- Genetics
- Marine biology
Q: What are the entrance exams conducted for admission into MSc Zoology?
A: Here are some of the top entrance examinations one can sit for to get admission into MSc Zoology in various institutes:
- IIT JAM
- NEST
- JEST
- MCAER CET
- DUET
- PUET
A: Here are some skills required to become a Zoologist:
- Observational Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Analytical Mind
- Organizational Skills
- Written Communication Skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Outdoor Skills
- Emotional Stability
- Problem Solving Ability
- Physical Stamina
- Appreciation for animals
A: The admission for BSc courses in Zoology is based on the cutoff list released by the university or college. Few universities also conducts entrance tests for admission. Candidates are offered admission in MSc courses based on the entrance exams. Admission to PhD programmes are done based on entrance tests conducted nationally or by universities separately followed by Personal Interview. Some of the popular PhD entrance tests are UGC NET, CSIR, ICAR etc.
