History

Dr. Sr. Dona was the founder of the Department of Biology in 1935. The Department of Biology was segregated and stemmed to function with B.Sc. Degree in Zoology in 1960 and Post Graduate Programme in Zoology in 1973, under the Madras University. Affiliation was granted for M. Phil and Ph.D. programs in 1982 elevating the department status as PG & Research Department of Zoology. The B Sc Zoology program was sanctioned specialisation in Biotechnology in 2005. DBT-FIST and DBT-STAR College funds were sanctioned in 2008 & 2010 respectively. In 2020 the department was included in the School of Life Sciences that came into existence. Since 2006, fourteen Doctorates were produced and 20 MPhil scholars were produced since 2014. During 2014, two UGC sponsored Major and Minor Projects were sanctioned. Since 2014, Ten MoU’s were signed with renowned educational and research institutions. One DST- SERB-National Post Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) was completed in the department. Faculty have received 14 awards since 2014 from Bose Science Society, ‘India International Friendship Society’, New Delhi, Universal Society for research and Development in association with science Publications, Youth ExNoRa International and Rotary International 3000. Since 2012 onwards, Fourteen Under Graduate and Post Graduate students secured Top Five positions in the University rank examinations. Appreciable number of Post Graduate students (since 2012) have cleared CSIR NET (3), SLET (5) and other competitive examinations to shape their future.

Uniqueness

The unique facilities annexed with the department instigate a culture for higher education and research and an ambience for employment. Under Graduate program, B.Sc. Zoology With Specialization in Biotechnology Animal house facility with ethical clearance (CPCSEA number issued) Museum with 500+ specimens and 300+ microscopic slide collections Animal Cell Culture Facility The department has a library with number of books, and copies of M. Sc., M.Phil., and Ph. D dissertations. The Department has a reputable collection of display charts, well-maintained museum with specimens of all groups of animals including skeletal materials. The Department has undertaken many research activities in various fields of Life Sciences viz., Phototherapeutics, Diabetology, Vermitechnology, Reproductive Biology and Biodiversity. The faculty members have contributed 200 Research Publications in renowned National and International Journals and their cumulative Citation-Index has crossed 800. Syllabus revision to meet the current advancements and to be in line wire with CSIR NET / SET Syllabi and other reputed Universities at National & International levels is done annually. Individual and group projects for Under Graduate final year students, individual projects for Post Graduate final year students, presenting their research work through power points and publishing in reputed journals, compulsory internship and industrial visit for both UG and PG Students are main highlights of our academic progress. Meritorious students are given recognition and are awarded prizes and scholarships. Educational tour programs have been a part and parcel of both UG & PG degree programs. The first year UG students visit Rameshwaram for studying the marine Biodiversity. The other students have been taken to Ooty, Munnar, Kodaikanal, Coorg, Mysore, Cochin, Hyderabad and Goa and visited institutes CMFRI, National Parks and Sanctuaries, Mysore University, CMB, ICAR, CSIR Oceanography Institute etc. Field visits to Tropical Butterfly Conservatory in Upper Anicut Reserve forest, poultry farms, pet clinics, aquaculture, apiculture and vermiculture units for updating the students with the advancement in agro based industries are also being organised annually. The Aristotle club of the department organises Guest lectures, seminars, conferences, symposia, wild life week celebrations, and intercollegiate meets every Academic year. Students are encouraged to participate in State and National level intercollegiate competitions in which they have brought laurels to the department and College at large. Similarly, hands on training to enrich practical skills, familiarity with virtual lab and advanced laboratory equipment has become the technical phase of the Department. The department keeps in touch with its Alumnae and is proud to state that many of our students have pursued higher studies, and have secured attractive jobs/ high positions in India and other countries such as USA, Taiwan, Singapore, Finland, Switzerland, Malaysia and Australia. The Department nurtures a well-equipped Animal Cell Culture facility and an inhouse Animal House facility with ethical clearance to facilitate research in the area of cell culture and animal studies.

Vision

To build a strong foundation for the holistic development of students. To create an enhanced learning environment to develop young professionals and entrepreneurs in Zoology with a profound knowledge and skill in all aspects of Life Sciences for the benefit of humanity.

Mission

To inculcate the highest values of life, provide a strong foundation in the basics of Zoology and promote critical thinking and analytical skills to comprehend multidisciplinary interactions in Life sciences. To instil a scientific temper among students for research and higher studies and empower them for multidimensional career options.