Department of Zoology

Established in 1967, the Department of Zoology at St. Joseph’s College, Irinjalakuda began its academic journey with the Undergraduate Programme in Zoology and evolved into a Postgraduate Department in 2014. Over the decades, the department has grown into a vibrant centre for teaching and research, fostering curiosity, scientific thinking, and environmental awareness among students. As an offshoot of the department, the Zoology Research Lab (ZRL) was established in 2013. The lab has undertaken projects funded by UGC, KSCSTE, DBT, and DST, contributing significantly to national and international research publications. The department also played a key role in initiating the B.Voc. Programme in Applied Microbiology and Forensic Science during 2018–2021.

Under the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP), the department offers a range of Multidisciplinary Courses (MDCs) such as Reproductive Health and Sex Education and

Biology for Competitive Exams, designed to cater to diverse academic interests and career aspirations. A distinctive academic offering of the department is the Signature Course –

“Human Genetics and Comparative Genomics”, offered during the fifth and sixth semesters. This course integrates classical genetics with modern genomic science, providing students with a holistic understanding of human biology, heredity, and evolution. Over the years, the department has produced several University Rank holders at both UG and PG levels. Field trips, institutional visits, and participation in nature camps form an integral part of the

learning experience, helping students connect academic knowledge with real-world biological systems.

With a strong commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and societal

relevance, the Department of Zoology continues to inspire students to explore, discover, and contribute meaningfully to the fascinating world of life sciences.

Goals

The Department aims to provide students with a working knowledge of fundamental principles in Zoology that will provide a foundation for their later advanced course work in more specific biological subjects.

  • To make the students understand the need of Zoology in the making and shaping of our planet.
  • Students will become familiar with animal classification schemes and associated taxonomic group diagnostic characteristics, as well as in developing the ability to apply basic Zoological principles.
  • The laboratory and lecture sessions of the course are highly integrated and directed towards teaching students various concepts of different branches in Zoology.
  • To train students in a wide range of science-based skills that provide the learning base for future careers in disciplines such as health sciences, agriculture, environmental management and emerging trends in bioscience.
  • To empower our students with practical skills to comprehend the physiology and other functions of each and every vital system.
  • To achieve excellence in teaching, research, publication and extension education in the field of Zoology.

Programmes

  • B.Sc. Zoology
  • M.Sc. Zoology

Teaching – Learning

  • Invited talks – by Scientists/Academicians/Experts from different subject areas of Zoology.
  • Learning through PPT presentations, Poster presentations, Hand written magazines, Video classes, Quiz, Field trips, Nature camp etc.

  • PG dissertation work carried out from leading research institutes like RGCB, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research centre, etc.

  • ICT enabled teaching methods.
  • Visit to research institutions as a part of curriculum.
  • Each one Teach one method and peer group teaching (Student Centric) adopted to improve weak students ability.
  • Workshops/Seminars are conducted to promote students research aptitude.
  • Certificate courses
  • Students participation in various competitions conducted in the college and other institutions.

Facilities

  • Zoology Museum
  • UG and PG Laboratories
  • Genetics Lab

  • Zoology Zoology Research Laboratory (ZRL)

  • ii + OMICS Lab
  • ICT Facilities
  • Departmental Book Bank

Student Support

  • Bridge Course
  • Remedial Teaching
  • Tutorial and Mentoring Sessions
  • House Visit
  • Endowments for Academic Excellence
Department of Zoology