Vivekananda College for Women

The department of Zoology began its journey in the year 1995, but honours was introduced only recently in the year 2005.  We try to give our best to the students, and our motive is to enable students to love nature and its fauna and preserve our natural wealth from further destruction through various activity related curriculum.

ZOOLOGY IN A NUTSHELL

1. FACILITIES IN THE DEPARTMENT

Zoology is a multi-faceted subject and our Department has a wide range of facilities designed to enhance the overall academic experience of the students with the help of the following aids:

ICT-Enabled Classroom: The modern, technology-equipped classrooms, the elaborative museums along with practical applications present an interactive and dynamic learning experience for students.

Computer Facilities: Students have access to well-equipped computers, providing essential tools for topic analysis, data analysis, class work and project works.

Seminar Library: An enriched seminar library offers a diverse collection of resources, ensuring that students have easy access to the latest zoological information and research materials.

Optimal Teacher-Student Ratio: We take pride on maintaining an ideal teacher-student ratio, which enables personalised attention and effective mentorship.

Departmental Classrooms & Equipped Laboratory: Our classrooms and laboratories are well equipped and specimens of various Phylums are displayed for easy identification to provide ample zoological experiences and arising curiosity among students, along with creating a conducive environment for learning and intellectual growth.

2.  ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

Academic activities in our Zoology department typically include:

Classes and Lectures: Faculties teach a range of courses covering Theories, Practicals, research methods, specialised lectures, extended lectures, interdisciplinary lectures etc.

Extension lectures and Webinars: These forums allow for in-depth discussions of Zoological concepts and research. Renowned Experts/Zoological scientists from different fields of knowledge deliver their lectures on Zoological topics, both extended and specific to curriculum.

Excursion/Fieldwork: Excursion or fieldtrips are the pivotal point in our subject so the Department conducts mandatory fieldwork to gather firsthand experience in sample collection , on field demonstration ,data collection for field research and hands-on training as assigned by the University as a part of curriculum.

3. BEST PRACTICES

Best practices in the field of Zoology can vary depending on the specific context but here are some general events to consider:

Rigorous Laboratory/Practical Demonstrations/Applications:

The basic practical steps and applications in our subject helps the students to have a clear idea and insight regarding what they are skilled at and hence help them to improve themselves with more such hands-on trainings.

Excursion Based: Zoology, being a field –based subject which gives more importance to wet-lab experiences, hence the field trips in the Undergraduate curriculum help the students to start having on-field experiences and skills.

Scientific approach: The curriculum along with the practical demonstrations ,field trips ,various types of lectures and participation in various biological events with equal zeal and different point of view helps the students in nurturing a scientific approach and helps in their overall growth.

4.  STUDENT PROGRESSION 

The progression of students in the department of Zoology typically follows a structured path, starting from undergraduate studies and potentially continuing to postgraduate levels through various scientific approaches and experiences that shapes the mind of the young students and help them to think from the scientific point of view so that they remain aware of the present external scientific world.

5.  TEACHING LEARNING METHODS 

Teaching and learning methods in a Zoology Department can be diverse to accommodate various topics, student backgrounds, and learning objectives. Here are some common teaching and learning methods used in the Department of Zoology:

Laboratory/Practical Demonstrations: The various curriculum based laboratory practical demonstrations and applications allow students to get hands-on training regarding the subject and enrich them to get the actual insights of most of the studied topics present in the curriculum.

Excursions/Fieldtrips: The subject specific field trips for all the students both for the honours and the general students bring them close to the nature, environment and the animals they study and make them inquisitive about the unknown scientific world and trigger their interest in subject.

Extension lectures and Webinars: Inviting noted scientists and resource speakers who are experts in various zoological areas can provide students with real-world insights and networking opportunities.

Online Learning: Incorporating online platforms (Google meet, zoom), discussion can enhance accessibility and flexibility in the learning process. The Department maintains Facebook,YouTube  social handles where we share webinars, extension lectures, students' cultural performances, photographs of various offline events and contents related to Zoology topics.

6.    PROJECT

Writing a Project in the department of Zoology is a significant undertaking, typically required for the completion of a Honours degree program in Zoology. Here are the key steps and considerations involved in completing a Zoology Project:

Fieldwork and Observations: Field trips/excursions, ethnographic fieldwork, and observations in real-world settings can provide students with firsthand experience in Zoological excursion research and data collection.

7.    CAPACITY BUILDING INITIATIVE

Capacity building initiative in Zoology aimed at enhancing the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of individuals or organizations by arranging various events during important biological dates both within and outside our college, allowing students to participate in various environmental rallies, movements and competitions for the same and experience the societal relationship with various topics within the field of Zoology.

8.    DISTINGUISED ALUMNI 

Salient Features:

• Seminars and special Lectures on relevant topics
• Compulsory excursion and field work.