Zoology

Welcome to Zoology Department Page

▪ Year of Establishment 1983

▪ Name of Programs/courses offered BSc Zoology (with special paper-Human Genetics)

▪ Interdisciplinary courses –open course; Reproductive health & sex education.

FACULTY DETAILS:

Faculties:

Dr. Lekshmi R. Chandran (Head of the Department)

Assistant Professor (15 Years)

M.Sc, MPhil, NET, B. Ed, SET, GATE, Ph.D

(Research Guide Calicut University)

Dr. Sreedevi N Kutty

Assistant Professor

MSc, JRF, PhD

INFRASTRUCTURE:

▪ Lab having instruments to conduct basic experiments (at Graduate level) in microbiology physiology, biochemistry, ecology and basic molecular biology

▪ A Museum having preserved specimens from various groups of Chordates and non-chordates

▪ Library having books on various interdisciplinary areas of life science as anatomy, molecular biology, genetics, environmental biology, biochemistry, biostatistics etc.

▪ A collection of charts visualizing morphological, cytological or anatomical processes.

▪ A projector and interactive board for handling ICT Learning Methods/

▪ Audio Visual aids -PPTs/ videos and power points, charts, microscopic slides, animals, models

STUDENT ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS:

Seminars, Field visit, scientific institutional and Human genetic center visit, Environmental awareness Campaigning

PARTICIPATION IN INSTITUTIONAL SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY& EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

▪ Environmental awareness campaigning including anti-plastic/ waste disposal at the source level, conservation of nature and resources.

▪ Water quality measuring.

▪ Biodiversity register preparations.

▪ Blood grouping Services; awareness on blood transfusion and donation.

▪ Social responsibility – Visit to Homes for people with neuromotor disability centres (Human genetics)- Giving aids of service/finance.

▪ Women empowerment through ornamental fish culture.

RESEARCH

Projects

▪ Minor UGC funded- (Completed) PI- Dr. Lekshmi R Chandran

▪ Major (KSCSTE) PI- Dr Sreedevi N Kutty

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Anagha – Calicut University BSC Zoology 2nd Rank, 2018-19
• Sangeetha Calicut University BSC Zoology 7th Rank, 2021-22
• Hiba- Calicut University BSC Zoology 9th Rank 2022-2023

MAJOR EVENTS ORGANIZED BY THE DEPARTMENT

Awareness Programs-Webinars and Lectures

• Bio-Fest (Sep 23-25, 2020): This 3-day online lecture series explored “prospects of modern computational biology” with talks on bioinformatics, marine pollution, and fish identification methods. (145 participants)
• International Webinar on Model Organisms (Jan 13, 2022): Dr. Mohammed Febin Farook (Cleveland Clinic, USA) delivered a webinar on research model organisms, methodologies, and funding opportunities. (55 participants)

Student Support Initiatives

• Induction Programme (Nov 28, 2021): This program focused on career prospects for life science graduates. Dr. Baby Divya (St. Xavier’s College, Aluva) delivered a talk on career options, post-graduation opportunities, and specializations (forensic science, conservation biology, bioinformatics) in zoology. Additionally, research funding opportunities and research centers were discussed.

• Supporting Slow Learners (2021-22): To bridge the learning gap, students scoring below 45% in a bridge course were identified as slow learners. The department implemented a peer-group learning program, pairing each slow learner with an advanced learner (scoring above 90%). Slow learners also participated in an activity where they identified local fauna and created collages to enhance their understanding.

Environmental Initiatives

• World Environment Day (June 7, 2021): A web-talk on “Ecosystem restoration” was conducted with Dr. Balasankar (Editor, Aranyam Journal) discussing its importance and challenges. Students participated in discussions, planted saplings at home, and created a handwritten magazine on the topic.

• World AIDS Day (Dec 1, 2022): To raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, the department organized a rally with students displaying posters and distributing leaflets. A guest speaker addressed the gathering about the disease and its prevention

• Open day: Department of zoology in association with other science departments of the institution, conducted open day science exhibition on 31/11/2023. Visitors which included students from the nearby schools and colleges as well as teachers and students of the home institution recorded various supportive responses and feedbacks.There was astonishing display of numerous biological organisms including flying fishes and snakes, still models of ecological pyramids, food web and representative models of zoo.Working models of DNA molecule, body organ system, corona virus and magnificent aquarium had huge spectators.

• WEAKNESS: Lack of funds for repair and maintenance of Lab equipment. Limited supply of Power plugs, Limited ICT facilities, Lack of permanent Faculties.

OPPORTUNITIES

▪ For students- can choose Interdisciplinary subjects for PG – MSc in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, molecular Biology.

▪ For teachers- as our college situated in remote economically/ socially/ literary backward area, teachers can develop, encourage or equip students to main

streams of society.

▪ For research- Environmentally significant are where the college resides having rich biodiversity and offer virgin unexplored areas help to gather nary

CHALLENGE:

Modern biological or professional courses raise threat to traditional courses as Zoology . More interdisciplinary approach is needed to attract the students with a hope in National Education Policy.

Faculty