Bachelors of Science in Zoology Careers, Salary and Jobs

Bachelors of Science in Zoology is a professional undergraduate degree course in Animal Biology. It is a three-year-course comprising six semesters in most universities. A few universities like IGNOU and Annamalai University (in distance mode) follow annual system wherein exams are held once a year.

Candidates should have passed Class XII with Physics, Chemistry and Biology and with a minimum of 50% in aggregate.

One can either enroll in a regular college or opt for Correspondence/ Distance Learning. The admission is based on the cut-off list issued by the university or college. The admission process is entirely merit based. The mean course fee varies from Rs.3000 to Rs.7000 per semester (six months) for different colleges.

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The knowledge of Zoology is the central theme in the areas like Environmental Biology and Ecology. There is a lot of scope after graduating in Zoology. A Zoology graduate can get into diverse sectors like animal biodiversity prospecting, Bioinformatics, Ecosystem Monitoring, Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Management.

Highlights of the B.Sc. Zoology Course

What is B.Sc. Zoology Course about?     

Zoology, also known as Animal Biology, is the branch of biology that deals with living as well as extinct animals and their interaction with their ecosystems.

The curriculum covers the form, function and behavior of animals and elucidates general biological principles through the study of specialized or experimentally tractable systems. It is well-structured with theory based papers along with practical sessions to provide a hands-on experience to the students and help them comprehend scientific concepts easily.

It prepares the students to indulge in the emerging fields of Biology like Animal Biotechnology, Biodiversity Studies, Environmental Management, Ecosystem Monitoring and Animal Bioinformatics, to name a few. Adequate knowledge of Environmental Biology is indispensable in today’s world and thus, has been incorporated into the curriculum. It also focuses on developing students’ practical scientific skills.

It has been well-designed keeping in view the current requirements of B.Sc. (H) Zoology students. The contents have been prepared to familiarize them with the widening horizons of Biological Science. They reflect the changing needs of the students therefore, other important disciplines have also been specifically included.

Who should opt for B.Sc. Zoology course?

Students taking up this course should have curiosity in animal biology as it deals with the in-depth study of fauna. The study of animals and eco-system is very vast and extensive so, the students having a keen interest in the animal world should opt for the course.

A student must be ready for taking new challenges in the area of research and also be adept at problem-solving. Having some knowledge in interdisciplinary fields like Biotechnology and Biochemistry at a foundational level will be an added advantage.

Duration

Bachelor of Science in Zoology is a three-year-course with a total of six semesters. Examinations are conducted twice a year, one in each semester. During the course of these three years, students have to take about twenty four papers/exams which assist them with all the necessary educational and professional skills of this field. There are internals and practical exams also conducted by the university before exams.

For open-learning/correspondence mode of education:

Minimum Duration: 3 Years

Maximum Duration: 6 Years

Eligibility for B.Sc. Zoology

The minimum eligibility criterion for a student to take admission in B.Sc. Zoology is that the candidate must have studied Physics, Chemistry and Biology in class XII and should have attained a minimum of 50% aggregate in 10+2 examinations.

There is no eligibility percentage for Distance/Correspondence mode of education.

Bachelor of Science [B.Sc.] (Zoology) Admission Process

The admission is based on the cut-off list issued by the university or college. The major admission process is only through the merit basis. A few universities like Banaras Hindu University also conduct their Undergraduate Entrance Tests. Admissions are made according to merit in the entrance test, subject to fulfilling of eligibility requirements.

The process starts in the month of May. The first step is to duly fill the admission form. It can be either online or offline depending on the institution.

The admission to Bachelor of Science in Zoology is based on the marks attained by the students in class XII. Most colleges and universities release cut-off lists after the students have filled the admission forms. If the aggregate percentage obtained by the student in the class XII examination satisfies the cut-off criterion issued by the college, he/she shall be granted admission based on the merit list.

Bachelor degree in Zoology can also be awarded through distance education mode. There are a number of colleges and universities in India that offer bona fide education in Zoology through distance or correspondence mode.

The eligibility criterion for admission to B. Sc. Zoology is that the candidate must have studied Physics, Chemistry and Biology in XII standard. Students need to submit the duly filled application forms to the university. In this mode too, different universities release cut-off lists for enrollment. Admission is granted to those fulfilling the eligibility criteria. Students must ensure the validity of the course they are pursuing and the college/university in this medium.

Where to study?

B. Sc. Zoology is one of the most sought-after courses that Biology students are keen on pursuing.

Currently, there are over 500 colleges providing this course. Here’s the list of some of the renowned academic institutions offering the program

Distance Mode Admission

Bachelor degree in Zoology can also be awarded through distance education mode. There are a number of colleges and universities in India that offer bona fide course in Zoology through this mode. Students must ensure the validity of the course they are pursuing and the college in distance or correspondence medium.

Here is the list of colleges and universities offering this course in distance mode:

Lateral Entry

Universities like Annamalai University offer lateral entry to the students.

Candidates who have passed in the First year Examinations from a recognized University and where the Syllabi studied are common to the extent of at least 75% with that University, may be admitted to the Second/Third year of the same Degree Program.

Those who have completed the duration of a UG or PG Program and have not been successful in the Examinations, will not be eligible for admission under Lateral Entry Scheme.

Scope for higher studies after B.Sc. in Zoology

After completing their graduate degree in B.Sc. Zoology, candidates have numerous opportunities for their higher studies. Various higher study options after B.Sc. Zoology are listed below:

B.Sc. in Zoology Career Prospects

There are various sectors of employment in the field of Zoology. Here’s the list of job profiles:

There are numerous opportunities after you graduate in Zoology:

• Wildlife Biologist: In the current scenario of global warming, mankind needs to pay attention to conserving the wildlife. Main concern of wildlife biologist are conservation and propagation of wildlife.
• Community development organizations: are ideal places to apply theoretical knowledge in real life settings. You can also join a number of organizations to pursue career in community development like:

1. Zoo Outreach Organization
2. Dr. Salim Ali School of Ecology
3. Indian Tiger Welfare Society
4. Wildlife Trust of India
5. Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
6. Protection Society of India
7. Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the environment (ATREE) etc.
8. Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
9. Regional Resource Centers of Ministry of Environment and Forest Wildlife
10. Wildlife Information Liaison Development
11. Center for Science and Environment (CSE)

• Indian Forest Services (IFoS): A candidate who has graduated and is below 30 years, in case of candidate belonging to the general category can take IFoS exam conducted by Union Public Services Commission (UPSC). The upper age limit is relaxable up to 5 years for the candidates belonging to categories: Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe (SC /ST).
• Research work: If you are keen in research then you should apply for IISc., IISER, TIFR, NCBS, JNCASR, etc. for an Integrated MSc-PhD program or pursue advanced degree in wildlife biology or ecological sciences from institutes like 

1. Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun
2. Jawaharlal Nehru University
3. The Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment
4. The Center for Environmental Education
5. Indian Institute of Forest Management
6. Wildlife Conservation Society, Bangalore
7. Indian institute of Science, Bangalore
8. Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore etc.

• Freelance consultant: You may also work as a freelance consultant in various research and development organizations.

B.Sc in Zoology Course Structure

The curriculum is well-planned to give theoretical as well as practical knowledge of Zoology and allied courses to the students. There are class tests, practicals, assignments, seminars, projects, and theory lectures.

Syllabus

Zoology is a vast subject that covers the biological aspects of living as well as extinct animals. Students have to take the following courses during B.Sc. program:

• Sr. Secondary (10+2) with minimum 55% marks in PCM/PCB.
• Proficiency in English Communication.