Zoology Syllabus 2025: Check Semester-wise Subjects & Syllabus

Updated on Feb 20, 2025 05:51 IST

Zoology is one of the popular courses offered to students in science. It is offered as an undergraduate honours degree course of three years for B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) aspirants and a postgraduate honours specialisation course for M.Sc. (Master of Science) aspirants. There is also an option to pursue PhD in Zoology after post-graduation.

Zoology Syllabus focuses on living organisms, their biological processes, their habitat and their diversity. It has various subfields focusing on the study of Ichthyology, Entomology, Ornithology, Herpetology, and many more. 

Interested candidates can continue reading the article to get more Zoology course details. 

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Zoology Syllabus 2025

Depending upon which course in Zoology one is pursuing, the subjects and semesters may differ. Below is a brief on the subjects for B.Sc. (General) in Zoology, B.Sc. (Hons.) in Zoology, and M.Sc. in Zoology. 

Zoology subjects

Non – Chordates (Protista to Pseudocoelomate)

Cell Biology

Molecular Biology

Biosystematics, Structure and Function of Invertebrates

Ecology

Parasitology

Animal and Animal cell Biotechnology

Biochemistry

Evolutionary Biology

Vertebrates

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Courses after BSc Zoology

Zoology Core Subjects 

Subject title

Details

Non – Chordates (Protista to Pseudocoelomate) Theory

There are both theory and lab classes for this subject, including studying and identifying organisms. The topics included are as follows:

  • Basics of Animal Classification
  • Protista and Metazoans
  • Porifera, Cnidaria, and Ctenophora
  • Platyhelminthes and Nematoda

Molecular Biology

There are both theory and lab classes for this subject focusing on studying molecular structures of living organisms. The topics included are as follows:

  • Nucleic Acids and DNA replication
  • Transcription and Translation
  • Post Transcriptional Modifications and Processing of Eukaryotic RNA
  • Gene Regulation
  • DNA Repair Mechanisms
  • Molecular Techniques

Cell Biology

There are both theory and lab classes for this subject focusing on studying the biology of cells in living organisms. The topics included are as follows:

  • Plasma membranes
  • Cytoplasmic organelles
  • Cytoskeleton
  • Nucleus
  • Cell cycle
  • Cell signalling

Systematics

This subject is included in both general B.SC. Course and B.Sc. Honours course. The topics included are as follows:

  • Taxonomy and its levels
  • Place and Contribution of Systematics in Biology
  • Classification (Phenetic and Cladistics)
  • Concept of dendrogram and cladogram
  • Concept of biological species
  • Isolation and its role in speciation
  • Modes of speciation and Type concept
  • The basic principle and use of DNA barcoding in species identification

Animal Behaviour

This subject is included in both general B.SC. Course and B.Sc. Honours course focuses on studying the behaviour of animals. The topics included are as follows:

  • Instinctive and learning behaviour
  • Fixed action pattern
  • Communication in honey bees
  • Altruism, kinship and selfishness
  • Echolocation in bat
  • Cost and benefit analysis of parental investment
  • Parent-offspring conflict
  • Migration in birds

Ecology

This subject is included in both general B.SC. Course and B.Sc. Honours course focusing on studying the ecology of living organisms. The topics included are as follows:

  • Concept of Ecosystem
  • Wetland as an ecosystem service provider
  • Population attributes
  • Population growth models
  • Life history analysis, r and k strategies
  • Population interactions
  • Animal’s space and resource use
  • Community and ecosystem
  • Ecological succession
  • A brief idea on El Nino, La Nina and their consequences

Applied Zoology

This subject focuses on the cultivation (or culture) of certain species for mass usage items or farming. The topics included are as follows:

  • Sericulture (silkworm cultivation, also known as silk farming)
  • Aquaculture
  • Apiculture (honey bee cultivation, also known as bee farming)
  • Aquaculture (exotic fish cultivation)
  • Poultry farming
  • Pest and Management

Evolutionary Biology

This subject focuses on the study of evolution among living organisms. The topics included are as follows:

  • Definition of systematics & taxonomy
  • Species as a unit of evolution Chemical basis of the origin of life
  • Anatomical and Physiological adaptations (aquatic, desert, volant)
  • Zoogeographical realms (Wallace scheme) with characteristic mammalian fauna

Biosystematics, Structure and Function of Invertebrates

This subject focuses on the study of biological systems in living organisms and invertebrates. There are both theoretical and lab topics for this subject. The topics included are as follows:

  • Biosystematics and Applications
  • Nutrition & Respiration
  • Excretory and Nervous systems
  • Minor phyla and invertebrate larvae

Biochemistry

This subject focuses on studying biological and chemical substances and systems in living organisms. There are both theoretical and lab topics for this subject. The topics included are as follows:

  • Biomolecules
  • Enzymes
  • Bioenergetics
  • Metabolism

Zoology Elective Subjects

Subject title

Details

Parasitology

This subject focuses on studying the biology of insects (specifical parasites) and insect theory. It is a theoretical as well as a practical subject.

Reproductive Biology

This subject focuses on the study of the biology of reproduction in living organisms.

Animal and Animal Cell Biotechnology

This subject focuses on studying the biology of animals and the biotechnology that can be derived from them.

Entomology

This subject focuses on the study of insects and their behaviours. It is a specialisation-type course.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

This subject focuses on studying aquatic animals (specifical fishes) and their behaviours.

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Specialisations offered in Zoology Course

Zoology is a vast course providing various subjects and specialisations. Every specialisation focuses on a unique set of skills and knowledge so that there are various individuals with unique expertise in different fields. Some of the specialisations offered in the Zoology courses are mentioned below.

Specialisation

Specialisation Subjects

Subject Details

Entomology and Parasitology

Applied Zoology, Parasitology, and Entomology

Entomology is a specialisation subject focusing on the study of insects, their behaviours, anatomy and cultivation.

Parasitology specialises in the study of parasites.

Evolution Biology

Evolutionary Biology and Ecology

This subject offers specialisation on the study of evolution among living organisms, the influence of ecosystem and habitat on evolution, and the biology behind the evolution of species and organisms.

Marine Biology

Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Ichthyology

This subject offers specialisation on aquaculture, fisheries, Ichthyology, marine life and ecosystem, and marine life organisms. This specialisation is included in the M.Sc. degree for Zoology.

Ecology

Concept of Ecosystem, Community, and Ecological succession.

This is a core subject for B.SC. in Zoology, included in both general B.SC. course and B.Sc. Honours course focusing on studying the ecology of living organisms. One can pursue an M.Sc. degree for specialisation.

Suggested Zoology Courses readings:

Branches of Science and Their Subfields

Books and Authors related to Zoology Course

Since the course of Zoology is a highly versatile field with many subjects and specialisations, students follow a wide range of books during their course period. Listed below are some books highly referred to by the students pursuing Zoology. 

Subject

Book Title

Author

Non – Chordates (Protista to Pseudocoelomate)

Invertebrate Zoology

Ruppert and Barnes, R.D.

Ecology

Fundamentals of Ecology

Eugene P. Odum

Animal Physiology: Controlling and Coordinating Systems

Textbook of Medical Physiology

Guyton, A.C. & Hall, J.E.

Genetics

Genetics

Monroe W. Strickberger

Evolution

Evolution

Monroe W. Strickberger

Biochemistry

Principles of biochemistry

Lehninger

Biosystematics and Taxonomy

The Biology of Biodiversity

M. Kato

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Best Colleges for Zoology in India

Some of the top colleges/universities/institutions for pursuing the course of Zoology in India are mentioned below.

Zoology College

Zoology Syllabus

Kashmir University

Zoology_Syllabus

Kota University - UOK

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Shivaji University

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Maulana Azad College

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Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University

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Uttarakhand Open University

Zoology_Syllabus

Kalinga University

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Alagappa University

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Tamil Nadu Open University

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Zoology Syllabus: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Is it necessary to study B.Sc. in Zoology to be eligible to study M.Sc. in Zoology?

A. To pursue M.Sc. in Zoology, they must have graduate degrees in B.Sc. in Zoology or B.Sc./B.A. in medical and allied medical sciences/life science/bioscience. It is not mandatory to have a B.Sc. degree in Zoology to pursue M.Sc. in Zoology.

Q. What is the duration of Zoology courses?

A. If an aspirant is pursuing B.Sc. in Zoology, they will have to complete a 3 years course with 6 semesters for graduation. If they pursue M.Sc. in Zoology, the graduation period will be 2 years comprising 4 semesters.

Q. What are the specialisations offered in the course for Zoology?

A. The courses of Zoology offer various specialisations to choose from. Aspiring candidates can choose from any of the specialisations are mentioned as follows: • Ethology • Marine Biology • Biogeography • Physiology • Evolution Biology and Ecology • Structure and Biomedical Science

Q. What are the top colleges to pursue Zoology courses in India?

A. Some of the top colleges/universities/institutions for pursuing the course of Zoology in India are mentioned as follows: • IIS, Bengaluru • University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad • DU, Delhi • BHU, Varanasi • University of Lucknow, Lucknow • Forest Research Institute, Dehradun • AMU, Aligarh • JNCASR, Bengaluru • Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu • Punjabi University, Patiala

Q. What is the distance program for B.Sc. in Zoology?

A. This is a 3 years program that helps students prepare for their own study time. The students should have completed their 10th and 12th classes in the science stream with a minimum of 50% from a recognised board—the syllabus for the distance program in B.Sc. Zoology closely follows the syllabus of B.Sc. (General) in Zoology. The fee structure for the distance program is quite low and feasible compared to the general course.

Q. What is the distance program for M.Sc. in Zoology?

A. This is a 2 years program divided into two semesters offering post-graduation in Zoology (i.e., M.Sc. In Zoology) with low fees and allowing students to prepare their own study time. To enter the program, students must have a degree in B.Sc. with Zoology as a subject from a valid university or institution.

Q. What is the scope of pursuing Zoology in India?

A. There are many options and fields one can explore by studying Zoology. One can choose to go for higher education such as M.Sc. in Zoology and PhD in Zoology or work after post-graduation. They can assist television channels like National Geographic or Discovery with their knowledge, be an ally to nature by becoming an ecologist or nature conservation officer, or provide services as veterinary doctors, medical representatives, or animal educators.

Q. What is there in the field of Zoology?

A. Zoology focuses on studying and discovering living organisms, their biological processes, their habitat, diversity, ecology, endocrinology, physiology, evolution, and others. Zoology has various subfields focusing on the study of fishes (i.e., Ichthyology), insects (i.e., Entomology), birds (i.e., Ornithology), amphibians and reptiles (i.e., Herpetology), and many more.

Q. What is the minimum eligibility to pursue Zoology?

A. The minimum eligibility for candidates aspiring for B.Sc. in Zoology is that they must have graduated from the science stream during higher secondary education with PCM. For M.Sc. in Zoology, they must have graduate degrees in B.Sc. in Zoology or B.Sc./B.A. in medical and allied medical sciences/life science/bioscience.

Q. What is the general examination pattern for the Zoology course?

A. If a candidate wants to pursue B.Sc. in Zoology, they will have to clear six semesters over the three years. They will be marked on theoretical examinations, practical examinations, internal assessments, assignments, and viva. If a candidate wants to pursue M.Sc. in Zoology, they will have to clear four semesters over two years. The general examination pattern is similar to that of B.Sc. in Zoology.

Q. What books to follow while pursuing Zoology?

A. Some of the well-known books followed while pursuing Zoology are Invertebrate Zoology, Fundamentals of Ecology, Textbook of Medical Physiology, Genetics, Evolution, Principles of biochemistry, The Biology of Biodiversity, etc.

Q. What is there in Applied Zoology?

A. This is a core subject for B.SC. in Zoology focusing on the cultivation (or culture) of certain species for mass usage items or farming. The topics included are as follows: ? Sericulture (silkworm cultivation, also known as silk farming) ? Aquaculture ? Apiculture (honey bee cultivation, also known as bee farming) ? Aquaculture (exotic fish cultivation) ? Poultry farming ? Pest and Management

Q. What are the options to pursue Zoology?

A. Zoology courses are offered as an undergraduate honours degree course of three years for B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) aspirants and a postgraduate honours specialisation course for M.Sc. (Master of Science) aspirants. There is also an option to pursue PhD in Zoology after post-graduation.

Q. What are the entrance exams for M.Sc. in Zoology?

A. Some of the well-known M.Sc. entrance examinations for admission in the course of Zoology are as follows: ? BHU PET ? AMU PG entrance tests ? AUCET ? LPU PG entrance test, etc.

Table of content
  • Popular Zoology Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Zoology Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Zoology UG Courses
  • Popular Zoology PG Courses

Popular Zoology Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Zoology Colleges in India. Learn more about these Zoology colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
3 Courses
1.08 L - 1.92 L
8 - 9 LPA

#10 NIRF

2.16 L - 5.2 L
3.4

#38 NIRF

Zoology Applications open. Apply Now

432 - 540
8.4 LPA

#12 NIRF

2 Courses
56.16 K - 93.81 K
9.24 - 9.5 LPA

#1 NIRF

45.5 K - 48.41 K
4.2 - 4.72 LPA

#14 The Week

2.42 L - 7.14 L
5.16 - 6.14 LPA

#60 NIRF

Popular Private Zoology Colleges in India

4.35 L - 4.8 L
5.0
1.49 L - 3.01 L
3.6 - 4.8 LPA
1 Course
1.36 L
3.6 LPA
1 Course
45 K
8 LPA
2 Courses
1.4 L - 1.8 L
6.25 LPA
2 L - 4 L
4.0

#40 NIRF

Zoology Applications open. Apply Now

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Zoology. Students interested in pursuing a career on Zoology, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

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CUET 2026 Exam

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Popular Zoology UG Courses

Following are the most popular Zoology UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Zoology PG Courses

Following are the most popular Zoology PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Answered a month ago

There are diverse promising careers after B.Sc. Zoology in fields such as research, wildlife conservation, environmental management, biotechnology, and academia. With growing global awareness of biodiversity and climate change, zoologists are in high demand than ever. Also, further studies like M.Sc

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Jiya Arora

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Answered a month ago

The colleges under Calcutta University that offers BSc Zoology (Hons):

1. Asutosh College 

2. South Calcutta Girls' College 

3. Charuchandra College 

4. Maulana Azad College 

5. Uluberia College Yes

6. East Calcutta Girls' College 

7. Shyampur Siddheswari Mahavidyalaya 

8. Vivekananda College (Thakurpukur) 

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Khushi Gautam

Beginner-Level 1

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