MSc Zoology Syllabus & Subjects 2024

MSc Zoology syllabus is divided into a two-year course that talks about extinct as well as existing animals, their genetic evolution over the years and natural habitats. Some common MSc Zoology subjects involve the Structure and Functions of Non-Chordates, Comparative of the Anatomy of Vertebrates, Immunology, Principles of Ecology, Taxonomy and Evolutionary Biology, and more. In simple terms, Zoology is the study of animals in all forms, and the MSc Zoology course follows pertinent research and the scientific aspects of the field. Moreover, the MSc Zoology course curriculum includes both academic and practical workshops to help candidates become more familiar with the ideas behind the subject. 

The MSc Zoology syllabus includes core subjects such as:

• Cell Biology
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Ecological theories and applications
• Parasites and Immunity
• Taxonomy and Biodiversity
• Cell and Receptor Biology

The MSc Zoology syllabus is designed to develop an aptitude for learning both classical and applied Zoology. The syllabus also covers classical topics such as: Faunal diversity, Animal physiology, Evolutionary Biology and applied topics such as: Biochemistry, Physiology, Developmental Biology, Enzymology, Molecular Biology. 

Some other subjects offered in MSc Zoology include:

• Structure and Functions of Non-chordates
• Structure and Functions of Chordates
• Comparative Animal Physiology
• Genetics and Genetic Engineering
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 

The MSc Zoology syllabus and subjects are thoroughly divided into four semesters that provide an understanding and analysis of the complexity of the animal kingdom. To be eligible for this course, applicants must have graduated from a recognised university with a minimum average of 50% aggregate marks in a related field such as BSc Biology or BSc Zoology. Read on to know all-important details about the MSc Zoology subjects and syllabus to help students gain an in-depth understanding of the topics they will be studying during their course.

The course syllabus for the MSc in Zoology is thoughtfully created to address both practical and theoretical needs in the field. It consists of four semesters filled with a combination of electives and core courses. The subjects covered in the MSc Zoology course curriculum are all solely focused on science and research. The MSc Zoology year-by-year syllabus, which students must read through to get a sense of the subjects they might study, is captured below.

MSc Zoology 1st Year Syllabus

The following table outlines the semester-wise MSc Zoology syllabus for 1st year:

MSc Zoology 2nd Year Syllabus

The following table outlines the semester-wise MSc Zoology syllabus for 2nd year:

MSc Zoology subjects have some prime mandatory topics that students have to study during the course. They need to have the necessary knowledge of the animal kingdom to establish a successful career in the field and contribute to society. The following table outlines a list of detailed MSc Zoology subjects along with the topics that will be covered during the course:

The MSc Zoology courses that have a combination of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for both theoretical and practical topics are termed common subjects. Most universities offering specialisations in this program incorporate these subjects into their curriculum as core subjects. The following table highlights a list of MSc Zoology common subjects for all semesters:

Optional subjects are also called elective subjects since they allow students to select courses depending on their desired interests or professional career goals. However, the course offerings for elective subjects may vary by institution. The following is a list of MSc Zoology optional subjects:

• Animal Migration and Behaviour Due to Global Warming
• Applied Entomology
• Applied Entomology
• Applied Microbiology
• Aquaculture and Fish Biology
• Marine Biology

Laboratory subjects are an integral part of the course curriculum since they offer applicants an advanced and hands-on educational environment. By selecting the lab subjects, graduates have a second opportunity to relate theory to practical application, applying what they have learned to solve problems both during and after their studies. The following is a list of the MSc Zoology lab subjects:

• Vector and insert ligation
• Restriction enzyme digestion of plasmid DNA
• Purification of DNA from an agarose gel
• Single-cell suspension from bone marrow and splenocytes (spleen) of mice preparation
• Preparation and study of phagocytosis by splenic/peritoneal macrophages 
• Macrophage functional analysis by: a) Phagocytosis, b) Nitric oxide estimation
• DNA quantification and purity of DNA
• Cell counting and viability testing of the splenocyte preparation

The MSc Zoology course syllabus for regular mode is generally the same as for distance mode. It also has four semesters and every semester is built with combined core and elective subjects. The following is a discussion about the MSc Zoology syllabus for distance courses.

First-Year MSc Zoology Syllabus for Distance Programs

The following table shows 1st year syllabus for MSc Zoology distance programs:

Also Read: Top 10 Distance Education Universities in India 

Second-Year MSc Zoology Syllabus for Distance Programs

The following table shows 2nd year syllabus for MSc Zoology distance programs:

Some colleges provide MSc Zoology admission based on merit acquired in the qualifying exam. However, most of the colleges conduct MSc Zoology entrance exams like CUET PG, BHU PET etc. to shortlist the deserving candidates. Here is the list of some popular entrance exams for MSc Zoology admission along with their syllabus:

Also Read: DU PG Admission 2024 

The MSc Zoology Entrance Exam syllabus varies by college or university. However, the syllabus frequently covers the following subjects:

Students use the best books for MSc Zoology to improve their understanding of particular concepts and lessons while they are enrolled in the course. They can make well-informed verdicts after thoroughly examining the curriculum's prerequisites if they obtain the course materials before registering. The following table highlights some MSc Zoology best books along with their authors/publishers:

The MSc Zoology course structure is designed in a manner that includes both elective and core subjects. In the first year, the students are only introduced to fundamental concepts and basic knowledge through understandable subjects. In the second year, candidates are subjected to specific curriculums which may relate to their specialisation. They are also required to pick up three to four electives that align with their area of interest. In addition, the majority of the colleges offering MSc Zoology courses provide visiting sessions, practical meetings, seminars, workshops etc. to boost a student’s practical as well as theoretical awareness. The MSc Zoology course structure is as follows:

• Thesis Submission
• Research Project
• Practical Meet-ups and Visits
• Optional or Elective Subjects
• IV Semesters
• Dissertation
• Core and Main Subjects

One of the more sophisticated techniques that the faculty can use to teach language is the audiovisual method. The MSc programme considers coaching and instructional strategies. Lectures, sensible instruction, seminars regarding the range of potential future semester abroad opportunities, and hands-on training are all available to students.

For the MSc in Zoology, the following general teaching strategies are used:

• Group and Individual Projects
• Conceptualized Learning
• Traditional and Unorthodox Classroom-Based Teaching
• Practical Lab Sessions
• Talks from guest speakers experienced in the field 

There are many colleges all across the nation that offers MSc Zoology courses. The students select the college as per their interest. The top college in India that offers MSc Zoology is mentioned below. The students can also look at the annual average MSc Zoology fee structure of the MSc Zoology top colleges. 

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change. 

Also Read: Top Colleges in DU Based on NIRF Ranking 2024