Become Job Ready with CollegeDekho Assured Program. Learn More
MSc Zoology is a 2 years long postgraduate programme that talks about extinct as well as existing animals, their genetic evolution over the years and natural habitats. Some of the common MSc Zoology course subjects involve Microbiology, Immunology, Genetics, Biodiversity and Forensic Science among others. MSc Zoology Syllabus is designed by well educated experts in order to help students expand their knowledge and grow holistically.
MSc Zoology is divided into 4 semesters. Each semester has different MSc Zoology subjects that provide an understanding and analysis of the complexity of the animal kingdom. Most electives also deal with topics on how to conserve the animal kingdom. Keep reading to learn everything about MSc Zoology Syllabus and Subjects.
MSc Zoology has 4 semesters where each semester has a blend of core subjects and electives. MSc Zoology course syllabus is carefully designed to cater to both industrial and academic requirements or aspects of zoology The course curriculum ensures that the subjects are strictly research and science related. Captured underneath is the year-wise MSc Zoology course syllabus that students must go through to get an idea of the topics they may encounter while pursuing the programme.
Check out the first year MSc Zoology syllabus in the table below:
Semester I | Semester II |
Parasites and Immunity | Endocrinology and Neuroscience |
Structure and Functions of Non-chordates | Structure and Functions of Chordates |
Ecological theories and applications | Comparative Animal Physiology |
Genetics and Genetic Engineering | Biochemistry and Molecular biology |
Laboratory course | Laboratory course |
Tissue structure Function and Chemistry | Cell and Receptor Biology |
The second year has the following MSc Zoology subjects:
Semester III | Semester IV |
Elective I Theory | Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Instrumentation |
Taxonomy and Biodiversity | Conservation Biology and Wildlife |
Evolution and Animal Behaviour | Laboratory course (1 module) |
Development and Differentiation | Biotechnology and Applications |
Elective I Practical | Elective II Theory |
Laboratory course | Elective II Practical |
MSc Zoology has some prime mandatory courses that students have to study in order to pass the degree. They need to have necessary knowledge of the animal kingdom to establish a successful career in the field and contribute to society. Here are some core MSc Zoology Course Subjects that students are often taught in the course:
Genetics | Environment and Ecological Evolution |
Evolution and Animal Theory | Forensic Science |
Microbiology | Comparative Animal Physiology |
Biodiversity | Immunology |
Evolution | Insect Biology |
MSc Zoology syllabus is different in every educational institute. No two colleges have similar course curriculum. These are some prime M.Sc Subjects that are often common for all semesters:
Immunology | Genetics and Evolution |
Biochemistry | Cell Biology |
Developmental Biology | Environmental Biology |
Tools and Techniques in Biology | Molecular Biology |
Besides the mandatory core MSc Zoology subjects there are a few electives that are offered in the colleges. Aspirants can select 2-3 subjects in every semester (depending on the college) based on their personal inclination, preference or area of interest. Some of the optional MSc Zoology course subjects are Parasitology, Animal Biotechnology, Bioinformatics etc. The entire list of MSc Zoology subjects has been laid down:
Subjects | Subject Description |
Parasitology | The subject talks about the biology of parasites, their hosts and parasitic diseases. It also talks about the relationship between parasites and their hosts. |
Clinical Science | The subject combines principles of medicine, biology, chemistry and experimental science. It is a field that involves laboratory work along with theoretical teachings. |
Endocrinology & Reproductive Biology | The subject throws some light on several endocrine disorders pertaining to the reproductive system like polycystic ovary syndrome, amenorrhea etc. |
Animal Biotechnology | This subject is extremely diverse. It covers topics like animal husbandry, how biotechnology is effective in treating, curing and preventing animal related diseases. |
Bioinformatics | It links biological data with techniques for distribution, information storage and analysis to support numerous areas of scientific research work, including biomedicine. |
Fisheries and Aquaculture | Introduces students to fisheries and aquaculture. It teaches different disciplines of aquaculture such as breeding, biotechnology, genetics, nutrition etc. |
Neurophysiology | It studies nervous system function instead of the nervous system architecture. This subject aids in the monitoring of neurological diseases as well as the diagnosis of the same. |
Entomology | It is a study of insects. The subject encompasses the agricultural, biological and environmental sciences related to insects. It also covers insect’s interaction with humans as well as other organisms |
Note: Candidates must note that the electives or optional subjects are different in every college. These are just a few subjects out of numerous others.
MSc Zoology is offered through regular as well as distance mode. The MSc Zoology course syllabus for regular mode is generally the same as distance mode. It also has 4 semesters and every semester is built with core and elective MSc Zoology subjects. Provided below is a glimpse of the MSc Zoology Syllabus for Distance Course.
The first year MSc Zoology Syllabus for Distance Course is as follows:
Semester I | Semester II |
Parasites and Immunity | Endocrinology and Neuroscience |
Structure and Functions of Non-chordates | Comparative Animal Physiology |
Tissue structure Function and Chemistry | Structure and Functions of Chordates |
Genetics and Genetic Engineering | Cell and Receptor Biology |
Ecological theories and applications | Biochemistry and Molecular biology |
Here is the second year MSc Zoology Syllabus for Distance Course:
Semester III | Semester IV |
Development and Differentiation | Biotechnology and Applications |
Taxonomy and Biodiversity | Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Instrumentation |
Evolution and Animal Behaviour | Conservation Biology and Wildlife |
Elective I | Elective II |
Elective I Practical | Elective II Practical |
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, DUET PG, BHU PET etc to shortlist the deserving candidates. Here is the list of some popular entrance exams for MSc Zoology admission along with MSc Zoology Entrance Exam Syllabus:
Entrance Exams | About Entrance Exams | Entrance Exams Syllabus |
CUET PG | Conducted by NTA, CUET PG provides admission in several postgraduate courses offered by central, public & private and deemed to be universities | CUET PG Syllabus |
DUET PG | Held by Delhi University, the Delhi University Entrance Test PG provides admission in postgraduate courses offered by the varsity | DUET PG Syllabus |
BHU PET | Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test commonly known as BHU PET is held by Banaras Hindu University itself for offering admission to deserving candidates in the postgraduate programmes available in the university | BHU PET Syllabus |
LPUNEST | Organised and conducted by Lovely Professional University (LPU), LPUNEST offers UG as well as PG admission in the university based on the performance of the candidates in the entrance exam. | LPUNEST Syllabus |
MSc Zoology offers multiple lab courses. Colleges offering the programme usually have well built and equipped laboratories in order to make sure students are getting practical knowledge and developing researching abilities. Here are various MSc Zoology Lab Courses that candidates usually have to study while pursuing the programme:
Microbiology | Genetics |
Methodology in Fishery Science | Biological & Radiotracer Techniques |
Endocrinology & Animal Behaviour | Methodology in Entomology |
Biochemistry and Immunology | Genetics, Evolution & Taxonomy |
Animal Diversity II | Animal Diversity I |
Cell Biology & Molecular Biology | Developmental Biology & Parasitology |
Instrumentation, Computer Application and Biostatistics | Elementary Biotechnology & Microbiology |
Ecology & Wildlife | Animal Physiology |
Other than the regular academic MSc Zoology Books, aspirants are advised to study the following reference books to develop better understanding and knowledge about the field. These books not only provide in-depth knowledge but also touch on topics that are often not covered in the course curriculum.
Books | Authors/ Publishers |
Cell Biology | Cooper, Alberts |
Developmental Biology | Gilbert |
Human Physiology | Vanders, Tortora |
Immunology | Kuby, Ross |
Biochemistry | Stryer, Lehninger |
Molecular Biology | Watson, Pierce Benjamin, Lewin’s, |
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry | Murray, Granner and Rodwell |
Lehningers Principles of Biochemistry | Nelson and Cox |
Developmental Biology | Scott F Gilbert |
Kuby Immunology | Richard, Thomas, Barbara, Janis |
What Evolution Is | Mayr, E |
Essentials of Immunology | David, Brostoff and Roitt |
Practical Biochemistry – Principles and Techniques | Wilson and Walker |
Essentials of Developmental Biology- Latest edition | JMW Slack |
Principles of Development- Latest edition | Louis Wolpert |
Cellular and Molecular Immunology | Abul K. Abbas |
Fundamentals of Immunology | William E. Paul |
MSc Zoology course structure is designed in a manner that includes both elective and core subjects. As mentioned earlier, MSc Zoology is a two years long programme that is divided into four semesters. 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 specialization. They are also required to pick up 3-4 electives that align with their area of interest. In addition, the majority of the colleges offering MSc Zoology provide visiting sessions, practical meetings, seminars, workshops etc. to boost the understanding of practical as well as theoretical concepts. The course structure of MSc Zoology is as follows: