BSc in Zoology

BSc Zoology is a three-year undergraduate course that focuses on the advanced study of animals and their constituent parts. Students who are interested in studying animal biology can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. The three-year programme teaches students about the diversity of animal life and development, as well as their genetic structure. BSc Zoology graduates can pursue careers in wildlife conservation, environmental management, ecosystem monitoring, animal welfare and other fields. The course is honoured and provides students with global opportunities to work for IFAW and the RSPCA.

The BSc Zoology syllabus and subjects have been intended to provide learners with a broad understanding of biological science. Students are exposed to both theoretical and practical knowledge in the course which includes all the aspects of living animals and their activities in the ecosystem. Applicants must have completed their class 12 securing a minimum score of 50% aggregate in the science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as the main subjects from a recognised board. Admission to this course is done directly based on merit or through BSc Zoology Entrance Examination conducted by separate universities. CUET is one of the most popular entrance exams among others.

Some of the best BSc Zoology colleges are Banaras Hindu University, Mount Carmel College, St. Xavier's College, and Hansraj College. The average annual course fee ranges from INR 3000-7,000 per semester, which varies with different colleges.

Bachelor of Science in Zoology is a programme that involves everything related to scientific elements of Zoology. The course also includes other aspects which are mentioned below:

BSc Zoology course has grown in popularity in recent years, and it is now one of the most sought-after courses after finishing class 12th in the science stream. The reasons for choosing this course are the increased growth and career opportunities after completing studies. There are numerous benefits to pursuing this course and you can check some of the most common advantages below:

• BSc in Zoology is a career-oriented course that teaches you everything you need to know about the subject. The course is popular among students who have studied science and want to broaden their knowledge base.
• The course offers some interesting topics to study like Genetics, Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, Biodiversity, Genomics, and others.
• BSc in Zoology graduates have numerous career options and can begin working immediately.
• The salary package offered upon completion of a BSc Zoology course is one of the most significant benefits of pursuing the course.
• Graduates can find work as Zookeepers, Researchers, Lab Technicians, Teachers, and Nature Conservation Officers, with annual salaries ranging from INR 4-7 LPA.
• Students can also choose to continue their education with a master’s degree before applying for jobs.

Though BSc Zoology is the study of animal biology and the syllabus of the course is the same across all colleges, some colleges offer specialisation choices in certain areas of the course. These include:

• Marine Biology
• Wildlife Conservation
• Evolutionary Biology
• Entomology
• Animal Behaviour

Students can pursue BSc Zoology in two different modes: full-time and distance learning. Check out the details below:

The eligibility criteria for BSc Zoology depend on the university or college. Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for this bachelor's course:

• Students must have completed their class 12th or equivalent from a recognised board.
• Students must have studied Mathematics and Physics as main subjects in class 12th, as well as one of the optional subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or Computer Science. 
• Students must have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate in the class 12th examination.
• Students must also clear the cutoff in the earlier academic course and entrance examination. 

There is only one significant difference between the BSc Zoology and BSc Botany courses. BSc zoology is the study of animals, while BSc botany is the study of plants. There are a few similarities between these courses as well. Students must understand the fundamental differences between these two courses, their differences in terms of certain criteria are listed below:

BSc Zoology admission is done in two ways listed below:

• Merit-Based Admission: Students' score on the qualifying exam is used to determine their admission to the course on a merit basis. Additionally, some colleges create a cutoff list based on the admissions test for this course. 
• Entrance-Based Admission: Candidates get admission to this course based on their performance on entrance exams taken at the national, state, or college levels. Following the counselling process, the admission is completed. Some of the top entrance exams for getting admission to this course are CUET, NIMS, MCC (Madras Christian College Entrance Exam), PU CET (UG), St Xavier’s College, Mumbai (St Xavier’s Entrance Exam).

Admission to BSc Zoology is done on a merit basis for many universities or colleges. However, certain universities hold the entrance exam for undergraduate admission to this course. There are some common entrance examinations that students take to get admission to reputable colleges and universities which provide this bachelor's degree. The lists of such entrance examinations, along with their details, are provided below:
CUET: The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), a national entrance exam, to applicants for undergraduate admission to 44 central universities and 103 other institutions. All applicants must take the CUET exam to get admission to UG programmes at all central and CUET participating universities.
NIMS: NIMS is one of the well-known private universities in the country, which has a reputation for offering high academic standards, diverse practical knowledge, and instruction in all subjects and streams. Students can enrol in NIMS University's BSc (Hons) in Zoology programme. The NIMS University offers courses in basic sciences that educate students about the variety of animal sciences and provide them with a combination of learning opportunities.
MCC (Madras Christian College Entrance Exam): The Madras Christian College, which is affiliated with the University of Madras, is well known throughout the country for its Science and Arts programmes. The Department of Zoology is one of the oldest higher education institutions in Southern India. Specialisations in Zoology are taught to students, including Animal Behaviour, Aquaculture, Endocrinology, Entomology, and Fish Sciences. The MCC has its laboratory as well. The college organises a variety of activities for BSc Zoology students, including paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sports, and much more.
PU CET (UG): Punjab University, one of the oldest universities in Northern India, offers students admission to a wide range of courses, with a focus on science. Punjab University admits students to this programme based on the entrance exam. Students learn about various aspects of Zoology and its significance in nature. The course also teaches students how to conduct research on a basic level and how to use BSc Zoology to benefit society.
St Xavier’s College, Mumbai (St Xavier’s Entrance Exam): St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, is one of the most prestigious colleges in the country, with a reputation for academic excellence. The college admits students to the BSc in Zoology programme, and the Department of Zoology hosts a variety of workshops for students. Students are also taken on organised field trips to various educational fields where they can learn about animal diversity up close and personal. Guest lectures are also on the agenda, where experts and experienced zoologists offer advice and guidance to aspiring students.

Numerous prestigious colleges offer BSc Zoology courses to interested students. Students who have passed their class XII examination from a recognised board are eligible to apply for this course. Students can review the top colleges in India that offers this course:

BSc Zoology course is an equally popular course abroad. The demand for this course is high and even the job and career prospects after doing this degree course are immense. Many top-ranked colleges offer this bachelor’s course in prominent countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States of America (USA), Canada, etc.

Top BSc Zoology Colleges Abroad
Refer to the top abroad colleges offering this course, mentioned below:

A degree in Zoology has a broad range of applications and the fee structure is modest when compared to many technical courses. Check out the BSc Zoology fee details given below:

Please note that the course fees vary with different universities and the facilities available. The fee structure also differs in government and private institutions.

Being a Zoologist is a responsible profession. Hence, the BSc in Zoology course is demanding and requires students to complete their assignments with utmost dedication and sincerity. In turn, the field offers numerous opportunities for growth and advancement. The course curriculum includes various prospects that are mentioned below:

• Classroom Teaching
• Practical Learning
• Assignments
• Project Works
• Research Works

The BSc Zoology course syllabus is divided into three years which includes six semesters. The subject list provides students with both theoretical and practical knowledge. The semester-by-semester syllabus is given below:

Students must acquire the required skills for the successful competition of the BSc Zoology course to become an all-round professional. The course necessitates extensive academic reading. Aside from reading habits, students must also have a variety of skills that will assist them in completing the course. These skills will also assist them in developing their personality and finding suitable employment in the industry. The skills that are required to complete this undergraduate course are mentioned below:

The salary package after completing BSc in Zoology depends on the job position, organisation, experience, expertise and skills of the candidate. Check the salaries across different job roles below:                                                                         

The growing scope of the BSc Zoology course has enhanced the demand for this course over the last decade. The candidates can either go directly for job opportunities or go for higher education. Check various other options available after completing BSc in Zoology course:

• Master of Science (MSc) - Students with this bachelor's degree can always pursue a Master of Science degree in any relevant field. It is always recommended that students enhance their skills by pursuing a postgraduate degree in the relevant field. Students can pursue Masters degrees in Zoology, Applied Sciences, Life Sciences, and other fields.
• Post Graduate Diploma - Students can also do a PG Diploma and specialise in the relevant field. Students can choose to do Post Graduate Diploma in areas like Genetics, Marine Biology, Ecology, Animal Behavior, Neurobiology, Evolutionary Biology and others.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Students with a BSc in Zoology can also pursue an MBA if they are interested in business or a related field. Students can pursue a Master of Business Administration degree in biotechnology, pharmaceutical management, clinical research, hospital administration, dairy management, and other fields. After completing an MBA, one's job opportunities and skill set are also enhanced.
• Law - After completing this course, students can pursue a career in law. They can complete a three-year LLB programme rather than a five-year regular LLB programme.
• Masters in Communication - Students can also do a master's in mass communication and be a part of the media industry. Many media organisations require researchers and documentary makers. There is a constant need for Zoologists in organisations like National Geographic Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery, and many other similar platforms.
• Bachelor's in Education (B.Ed.) - Students who want to explore the teaching profession can do B.Ed. course after completing a BSc Zoology degree course. After completing this course, they will be able to give information related to Zoology to the desired students.
• Government Jobs - Students can prepare for numerous government jobs. Many government organisations look for students with BSc in Zoology who can work as zoologists, conservationists, etc. They can also prepare for different civil services examinations.