Department of Zoology

Department of Zoology is one of the oldest departments of Teresian College, started from the inception of the institution in 1963.  The department offers B.Sc degree with CBZ and CZBt combinations. The department is enriched with rare collection of specimens in the museums, well equipped labs and library. The department has qualified, experienced and highly motivated teachers involving themselves in teaching and extension activities.  The department strives to promote overall development of students by inculcating a spirit of inquest, discipline and adventure through various academic and co-curricular activities.

Our pedagogy focuses on basic and applied fields of Zoology assisted with demos, models, videos, etc. The departmental laboratories include equipments such as Digital Weighing Balance, pH Meter, Compound Microscopes, stereoisomer, Dissection Microscopes, Water Bath, Electrophoresis Units, Power Pack, Microtome, Centrifuge, and Incubator.

Virtual Lab: Dissection of various animals is demonstrated on computer by using Digifrog software.

Adoption of an animal (Common Langur) at Mysore Zoo.

Courses offered: B.Sc. (CBZ and CZBt)

Zoology Program Outcomes:

1. Students gain knowledge and skill in the fundamentals of animal sciences, understand the complex interactions among various living organisms
2. Analyse complex interactions among the various animals of different phyla, their distribution and their relationship with the environment
3. Apply the knowledge of internal structure of cell, its functions in control of various metabolic functions of organisms.
4. Understands the complex evolutionary processes and behaviour of animals
5. Correlates the physiological processes of animals and relationship of organ systems
6. Understanding of environmental conservation processes and its importance, pollution control and biodiversity and protection of endangered species
7. Gain knowledge of Agro based Small Scale industries like sericulture, fish farming, butterfly farming and vermicompost preparation.
8. Understand the various concepts of genetics and its importance in human health
9. Apply the knowledge and understanding of Zoology to one’s own life and work
10. Develop empathy and love towards animals

Program Specific Outcomes:

1. Understand the nature and basic concepts of cell biology, genetics, taxonomy, physiology, ecology and applied Zoology
2. Analyse the relationships among animals, plants and microbes
3. Perform procedures as per laboratory standards in the areas of Taxonomy, Physiology, Ecology, Cell biology, Genetics, Applied Zoology, tools and techniques of Zoology, Entomology, Sericulture, Biochemistry and Immunology.

 Course Outcome

 Animal Diversity – Invertebrates

• Describe general taxonomic rules on animal classification
• Classify Protista up to phylum using examples from parasitic adaptation
• Classify Phylum Porifera to Echinodermata with taxonomic keys
• Describe Phylum Nematoda and give examples of pathogenic Nematodes

Ecology, Zoogeography and Animal Behaviour:

• Distribution of fauna in different realms of interaction
• Understand Animal behaviour and response of animals to different instincts
• Interaction of biotic and abiotic factors
• Various kinds of Animal adaptations

Animal Diversity – Vertebrates & Developmental Biology:

• Imparts conceptual knowledge of vertebrates, their adaptations and associations in relation to their environment
• Classify phylum Protochordates to Mammalia
• Complex Vertebrate interactions
• Basic concepts of developmental biology
• Gains knowledge about gametogenesis, cleavage mechanisms, gastrulation and role of hormones in metamorphosis and regeneration

Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution:

• Structural and functional aspects of basic unit of life i.e. cell concepts
• Mendelian and Non Mendelian inheritance
• Concept behind genetic disorder, gene mutations- various causes associated with inborn errors of metabolism
• Theories of Evolution
• Knowledge of eras and evolution of species

Physiology and Biochemistry:

• Seeks to understand the mechanisms that work to keep the human body alive and functioning Physiological and biochemical understanding through scientific enquiry into the nature of mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of humans, their organs, and the cells of which they are composed
• Interactions and interdependence of physiological and biochemical processes

ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY

• Students are taught the detailed concepts of digestion, respiration, excretion, the functioning of nerves and muscles
• Students gain fundamental knowledge of animal physiology
• Students gain skill to execute the roles of a biology teacher or medical lab technician with training, as they have basic fundamentals

Entomology:

• Imparts knowledge of beneficial and non-beneficial insects
• Knowledge of how they interact with their environment, other species and humans
• Classification of Insects
• Role of insects in spread of diseases

Immunology:

• Imparts indepth knowledge of tissues, cells and molecules involved in host defence mechanisms
• Understanding types of immunity
• Interactions of antigens, antibodies, complements and other immune components
• Understanding of immune mechanisms in disease control, vaccination, process of immune interactions

Environmental Biology

• Imparts knowledge to the student regarding environment and conservation biology.
• Gains knowledge in the areas of responses to Laws of limiting factor, Laws of minimum, Laws of Tolerance and Tragedy of commons
• Types of ecosystem – freshwater, marine and terrestrial.
• Population characteristics and dynamics – conceptual approach
• Growth curves and pyramids; sigmoid curve, J curve and hyperbola; logistic equation and concepts relating to growth.
• The students will be well equipped to become very competent in research or teaching fields after completion of this course.

 Biostatistics:

• Biostatistics teaches them to use the best data analysis methods
• Students gain knowledge about statistical methods like measures of central tendencies, Probability.