In 1969 as Zoology Department of the then Raiganj College (University College) with the approval of the Executive Council, University of North Bengal. The Department of Zoology is one of the oldest Departments of the Raiganj University with a commitment towards developing as a ‘Center of Learning’ in the Northern part of West Bengal. The Department had started its journey from 1969 as undergraduate Department of the then Raiganj College (University College).The Department took a giant leap in starting Zoology Honours course in 1980 with Dr. Phanindra Kumar Mandal, Head of the Department and Sri. Ratul Sinha, both were lecturers. Dr.Sudhamoy Deb Mallick and Dr. Debes Chandra Deb, the two senor lecturers at that time were on study leave under the FIP of the UGC, shouldered the responsibility subsequently.
Since the beginning of Honours course, the Department earned the distinction of producing hundred percent First class Honours graduates in first two successive years and very commendable number of meritorious students in the subsequent years. Quite a good number of these students are in high administrative services and high academic positions.
The history of the Department was later augmented by philanthropic contributions of a galaxy of teachers and scientists. From the very inception, and subsequent up-gradation of Raiganj College (University College) to Raiganj University, the Department functions under Raiganj University with enthusiastic Zeal, committed Zenith and purposeful Zimmer ensuring good academic opportunity to the students. In consonance to the tradition and also to enrich the rich long-established hierarchy, presently, all of the motivated teaching faculty members and supporting staff are engaged to promulgate ‘new-thoughts’ to the ‘Zoology-family’. Apart from undergraduate and post graduate courses, the Department has been carrying out M.Phil and Ph.D programmes science the introduction of Raiganj University
The Department has highly competent and efficient faculty members with expertise knowledge in teaching and research covering various thrust areas. Recurrent participation of the faculty members in seminars, workshops and conferences give necessary acutance to them to disseminate new ‘thoughts’ and ‘knowledge’. Diverse model systems used for research and also class teaching provide new arena of the ‘thought’. Effective teaching-learning process and hands on training with an emphasis on need-based learning enriches the joyful learning . Intermittent interaction of the students with the faculty of other University/Laboratory and Eminent scientists endure systematic learning.
In addition to academic activities, the Department also arranges seminars and invited lectures by eminent Zoologists recurrently through the Departmental platform “Zoology Club”. The Department organizes seminar presentations and scientific model competition by the students to impart subject knowledge and cognitive skills. Extra-curricular like quiz competitions, poster presentation, theme based painting, debates, educational tours etc. are also organized to develop scientific temperament and side by side disposition of the same among themselves.
Semester based assessment system with the introduction of ‘new time-fitted programmes and updated Syllabi enriches both theoretical and practical aspects. Recurrent revision of CBCS syllabi in consultation with various stakeholders and introduction of innovative soft skill development mechanism as a part of quality improvement programme invigorate the process. Inclusion of projects and short field training programmes as the part of curriculum add new dimension.
Vision of the Department:
Mission of the Department:
| Level & Nature of the Programs | Degrees Approved/Offered |
| Bachelors | B.Sc.(H)-Zoology B.Sc.(H)-Zoology (Evening/ Self Financed) |
| Masters (Taught) | M.Sc.(H)-Zoology |
| Masters (Research) | MPhil- Zoology |
| Doctoral | Ph.D.(Science)- Zoology |
Head of the Department discuss regularly with the faculty members regarding the progress of syllabus. By conducting internal assessment test regularly the ‘structure’ are assessed. Feedback from faculty members and also from the resource persons is taken to resolve the difficulties ,if any, when dealing with the syllabus.
Objective of the UG Programme: The undergraduate programme aims at culminating scholarly and collective experience to the heterogeneous students representing mostly from the rural area. The programme also acquaints the students with basic knowledge of all the streams of animal science. In view with the program’s objectives, the Department offers six student learning motto collectively:
Upshot 1 : An ability to identify, prepare, and understand fundamental biological factors by applying basic principles of biological sciences.
Upshot 2 : An ability to apply fundamental biological knowledge to get solutions that meet particular needs with contemplation of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic issues.
Upshot 3 : An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences about the social awareness mostly related to environment.
Upshot 4 : An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities and also to make proper judgments. Such assessment will help a student to sustain in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
Upshot 5 : An ability to act efficiently on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a reciprocal and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
Upshot 6 : An ability to build up and perform appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use biological understanding to draw effective conclusions.
Upshot 7 : An ability to obtain and apply new knowledge as needed, applying suitable learning strategies.
Under graduate students are expected to prepare project paper in the semester with the assistance of the faculty members. Field based training also helps the students to have direct knowledge about environment related issues.
Objective of the PG Programme: The Master of Zoology programme, which requires a culminating scholarly experience is appropriate for aspirant students who are willing to get animal sciences as intention for their life. However, students are encouraged to pursue the Master of Zoology as the degree most likely to enhance their career options. Out of that, many students continue study in research and get admission in M.Phil and Doctoral level programmes.
In order to keep up the objectives of the programmes, the Department offers six motto learning programme collectively:
Upshot 1: Students will be able to plot, demonstrate, analyze, and interpret data for a biological observation especially in the arena of Zoology.
Upshot 2: Students will exhibit aptitude in the analysis and critique of scholarly work in their area of expertise in biological sciences.
Upshot 3: Students will generate the ability of innovative thinking and also develop the skills that are essential to write a project or research paper.
Upshot 4: Students will evaluate and demonstrate understanding of main theories and or issues in Zoological science broadly.
Upshot 5: Students will develop the skill to address their research finding clearly and effectively to the audiences.
Upshot 6: Students will comprehend the ethical principles of Biological sciences effectively.
PG students are required to prepare a project/dissertation paper in the final semester. Most students work closely under the supervision of the faculty member of the particular elective paper who is engaged in experimentation. Apart from syllabus, students take part in different extra and co-curriculum activities such as cultural programmes, debate competitions, quiz competitions.
Grossly, students of both UG and PG levels are encouraged to prepare skits to be enacted to nearby population community for increasing their awareness towards social, environmental and health problems.
Specialization of the UG Program (if any):
Broadly Aquarium Fish Keeping and Sericulture as skill enhancement course(SEC). SECs ensure the development of skill of the students to the particular topic that is economically viable. On the other hand, Endocrinology, Wildlife Conservation and Management and Parasitology are offered as discipline specific elective (DSE).
The Department strives continuously to improve its curriculum by using performance criteria of the student depending on periodic assessment of the students. There is also periodic assessment to evaluate the skill development among the students. Such assessment improve upon its curriculum and thus ensure that it is meeting the needs of its students.
Specialization of PG Programme:
Presently, there are five elective papers each with two theoretical papers and one practical paper
Immunology: (i) Cellular and Molecular Immunology and Clinical and (ii) Applied Immunology)
Ecology: two papers encompassing basic and applied topics
Entomology: (i) Insect Physiology and Biochemistry & Industrial Entomology and (ii) Insect Pests and Management
Endocrinology: Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology
Fisheries and Aquaculture: (i) Applied Ichthyology and Aquaculture and (ii) Fish Technology and Management
Future Program Planning (if any):
The Department has following facilities for its students, researchers and teachers—
Library:
Apart from central library, Departmental library as the ‘two-track’ library system, offers opportunity to the teachers and the students to have the important books ready handed. The Department library is one of the oldest libraries among the science Departments. The Library has an admirable resource. It offers a agreeable and silence study space with plenty of natural light. The Library is equipped with about 70 quantity text books in hard binding and maintains about 150 e-books. The library has two PCs for use by the students with printing and scanning accessories. The library collections also include about two hundred project papers/summary report/review papers covering the extent of zoology teaching and research. Such documents are useful during writing project, a postgraduate thesis or a research paper. All regular students of the Department are eligible to borrow books for reading room.
Furniture:
The department is equipped with wooden furniture for the keeping the equipments, glassware and chemicals. There are also wall- mounted almirahs to keep the museum specimens. The class rooms and practical rooms are furnished with wooden benches and tables. Steel almirahs to keep the documents are there. Both the theoretical and practical rooms have sitting wooden chairs and stool for the students. Wooden drawers for the students are available to keep the documents/materials in practical room. Wall-mounted projector system is present in smart class room.
Computer and Internet facility:
Apart from the computers for the Office and the faculty members of Zoology, there is an additional arrangement of computer with printing facility for the students.
There are a total number 07 areas identified as class rooms; out of which 01 class rooms with ICT facility, 02 Students’ laboratories, 02 extended laboratories, 01 Research laboratory and 01 computer room. Places to take theoretical classes are there.
The Zoology-laboratory is equipped with instruments like Compound Microscopes, Dissecting Microscopes, Ovens, Incubators, Refrigerators, Fridge, Binoculars, Water baths, BOD incubator, Laminar air flow, Centrifuge Hot plates etc. Zoological museum with enriched collection evokes interests among the students and also to enthusiastic visitors. The Department has very rich collection of rare specimens. Educational charts, diagrams, practical of instruments related to syllabus are displayed to enhance learning potential of the students. Various academic co-curricular activities are conducted throughout the year to develop environmental awareness and also to motivate them to work independently for round development.
The Department encompasses a wide range of research areas encircling broadly the ‘diversity’ of animal life. The unifying theme is nothing but ‘evolution’, the solitary process that triggers all of the diversity of life. Research in the Department of Zoology is broadly based around the basic themes, which span all levels of the study of animal life, from cellular and molecular biology to whole organism topics in behavioural ecology and conservation. The themes of research are—
Thrust area of Research in the Departments/ Programmes:
Researches in a number of areas are going on in the department to unravel the mystery of natural science giving due importance on inter-disciplinary approach—
| Name | Qualification (D.Sc./D.Lit/Ph.D/M.Phil) | Designation | Specialization |
| Dr.Kaushik Chakraborty | M.Sc.,B.Ed,Ph.D | Professor and Head | Entomology |
| Dr.Amal Bhattacharya | M.Sc.,Ph.D | Associate professor | Ecology |
| Sri.Partha Sarathi Nandi | M.Sc. | Assistant Professor | Entomology |
| Sri.Vivek Roy | M.Sc, B.Ed | Assistant Professor | Endocrinology |
| Sri Tapan Sarkar | M.Sc, B.Ed, M.Phil | Assistant Professor | Immunology |
| Dr. Debashri Mondal | M.Sc, B.Ed, Ph.D | Assistant Professor | Fisheries |
Specialization of the Research Programs (if any): Immunology, Ecology, Entomology, Endocrinology, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Number of M.Phil. Candidate Received their Degrees:
Name of the Candidate: Swarnali Nag
Title of the M.Phil Thesis: Observation on the Population Status, Ecology and Behaviour of Migratory Birds at Raiganj Wild life Sanctuary, West Bengal, India with suggestive Conservation Measures. (2019)
Name of the Candidate: Priyanka Mishra
Title of the M.Phil Thesis: Physio-Chemical and Biological analysis of soil of Raiganj Wild life Sanctuary (2019).
Name of the Candidate: Papi Nandi
Title of the M.Phil Thesis: Avian faunal diversity at Kaliaganj, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal (2020).
Number of Ph.D. Candidate their Degrees (if any)
(Name of the Candidate with Title of the Thesis and Year of Award)
Name of the Candidate: Nil
Title of the Ph.D Thesis: Nil
Number of M.Phil. Candidate Registered (if any) (from 2015)
(Only Name and Research Area)
Name of the Candidate: Manasi Sarkar
Research Area: Hydrobiology
Number of Ph.D. Candidate Registered (if any) (from 2015)
Registration of 4 candidates are under process
Number of Journal Paper Published (from 2015 to 2020):
Dr.Amal Bhattacharya M.Sc.,Ph.D 07
Dr.Kaushik Chakraborty M.Sc. B.Ed.,Ph.D 10
Sri.Partha Sarathi Nandi ,M.Sc 12
Dr. Debashri Mondal, M.Sc,B.Ed., Ph.D 04
Sri Tapan Sarkar, M.Sc, B.Ed., M.Phil 03
Sri.Vivek Roy, M.Sc ,B.Ed 01
Number of Conference full Paper Published (from 2015 to 2020):
Dr.Amal Bhattacharya M.Sc.,Ph.D 00
Dr.Kaushik Chakraborty M.Sc.,B.Ed, Ph.D 00
Sri.Partha Sarathi Nandi ,M.Sc 00
Dr. Debashri Mondal, M.Sc,B.Ed., Ph.D 00
Sri Tapan Sarkar, M.Sc, B.Ed, M.Phil 00
Sri.Vivek Roy, M.Sc,B.Ed 01
Number of Book Chapter Published (from 2015 to 2020):
Dr.Amal Bhattacharya M.Sc.,Ph.D 02 (ongoing)
Dr.Kaushik Chakraborty M.Sc. Ph.D 00
Sri.Partha Sarathi Nandi ,M.Sc 01
Dr. Debashri Mondal, M.Sc,B.Ed., Ph.D 02
Sri Tapan Sarkar, M.Sc 03
Sri.Vivek Roy, M.Sc 03
Number of Book Published (from 2015 to 2020):
Dr.Amal Bhattacharya M.Sc.,Ph.D 00
Dr.Kaushik Chakraborty M.Sc. Ph.D 00
Sri.Partha Sarathi Nandi ,M.Sc 00
Dr. Debashri Mondal, M.Sc,Ph.D 01
Sri Tapan Sarkar, M.Sc, B.Ed, M.Phil 03
Sri.Vivek Roy, M.Sc, B.Ed 00
Please Refer CV for the further details
In 2015:
In 2016:
Field based training to assess the avian diversity and hydro-biological parameters at the adjacent region of Raiganj, Uttar Dinajpur.
Filed based training to assess the soil-micro arthropod population in Raiganj, Uttar Dinajpur and its adjacent locations.
In 2017:
Arrangement of an interactive talk on 14th November,2017 on the occasion of World Diabetic Day.
Observation of International AIDS Day on 1st december,2017
National Seminar on ‘Recent Trends in Life Sciences’, on 26th February in order to provide an interactive platform for the students with the scientists.
In 2018:
Arrangement of special talk by Prof.Ashis Kumar Panigrahi, Professor, Department of Zoology, Kalyani University on the ‘Importance of limnological parameters for fish farming.
Hands on tainting on the assessment of micro-organisms in forest floor.
In 2019:
Arrangement of Interactive talk by Prof.Sudip Barat (Retd.), Professor, Department of Zoology, North Bengal University on the topic entitled importance of limnological parameters for fish farming.
Arrangement of special lecture by Prof. Jaydeb Pal (Retd.), Professor, Department of Zoology, North Bengal University on the topic entitled biodiversity and sustainability for better livelihood.
In 2020:
Arrangement of an special interactive session on hydro-biological quality assessment on 14.02.2020 in the presence of Prof. Sudipta Kumar Sil, professor ,Department of Botany,University of Gour Banga, Malda,West Bengal
Arrangement of an interactive webinar on 14th November,2020, the ‘World Diabetes Day’.
Observation of International AIDS Day on 1st December,2020
Department of Zoology
1st Floor,
Rear of Main Building Complex
Raiganj University
West Bengal-733 134, India
Email:
Departmental:
Head: kaushik_apdcollege@rediffmail.com (Dr. Kaushik Chakraborty)