M.Sc. Zoology
About the Programme
The Department of Zoology offers two comprehensive postgraduate programs designed to cater to students aiming to advance their academic and research careers in the field of animal sciences. These programs include Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Zoology and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Zoology.
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Zoology
The M.Sc. Zoology program is structured to deliver a thorough understanding of various branches of zoology, including Animal physiology, Molecular biology, Parasitology, Ecology, Evolution, Genetics, Entomology and Developmental biology. The program combines theoretical instruction with hands-on laboratory work, field studies, and research activities to build a strong foundation in both classical and modern zoological sciences.
To cater to the diverse academic interests and career goals of students, the program offers two options in the final phase:
- M.Sc. Zoology with Dissertation: Students opting for this track engage in independent research under the supervision of a faculty member. They are required to complete and submit a research thesis in the fourth semester. This track is ideal for those who wish to pursue a career in research, academia, and Ph.D. programs in zoology and related life sciences.
- M.Sc. Zoology without Dissertation: Students who choose this option will study three additional theory subjects during the fourth semester along with a project work component. This path is suitable for those aiming to gain a broader understanding of zoological subjects and prepare for careers in education, industry, or public service.
Both options are designed to ensure that students graduate with a robust knowledge base, critical thinking abilities, and practical skills relevant to their future pursuits.
Eligibility Criteria
B.Sc./ B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biological Sciences (Zoology, Botany, Microbiology or Biotechnology) with 50% marks. In case of SC/ST and physical challenged category candidates, the minimum aggregate required shall be 45% marks.
Duration:
2 Years
Number of Available Seats:
15
Scholarships:
Scholarships are available for Meritorious Girls, whilst, tuition fee waiver for Single Girl Child, Two Real Sisters, and Wards of Defence Personals subject to fulfilment of eligibility criteria as notified by the competent authority of the University.
• Academic Coordinator:
Dr. Neelam Thakur
Associate Professor and HOD
Department of Zoology
Akal College of Basic Sciences
Eternal University, Baru Sahib
Sirmour-173101, Himachal Pradesh, India
Contact No.: +91-8351871241
Email: neelamthakur@eternaluniversity.edu.in
• Admission Coordinators:
Mr. Balbinder Singh
Assistant Professor
Department of Zoology
Akal College of Basic Sciences
Eternal University, Baru Sahib
Sirmour-173101, Himachal Pradesh, India
Contact No.: +91-8219061192
Email: balbinderzoolgy@eternaluniversity.edu.in
Dr. Preety
Assistant Professor
Department of Zoology
Akal College of Basic Sciences
Eternal University, Baru Sahib
Sirmour-173101, Himachal Pradesh, India
Contact No.: +91-7018327068
Email: drpreetyzoology@eternaluniversity.edu.in
The Department of Zoology conducts research in key areas such as sustainable biodiversity management, eco-friendly pest control, cytogenetics, and taxonomy. Major research thrusts include the use of entomopathogenic nematodes, microbes, and nanoparticles (ZnO₂, TiO₂) for biological pest control, as well as bionomic studies of insect pests to reduce chemical pesticide use. The department also investigates the genotoxic effects of nanoparticles through cytogenetic assessment, contributing to biosafety in agriculture and medicine. Research on biodiversity includes taxonomic and ecological documentation of fish fauna and insect species, along with studies on plant parasitic nematodes and their sustainable management. These diverse research initiatives reflect the department’s commitment to advancing knowledge in zoological sciences with real-world applications. The dissertations completed or currently being pursued by M.Sc. Zoology students are as follows:
| S. No. | Name of Student & Regn. No. | Title of Thesis/Dissertation | Major Advisor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ms. Anjali Sharma (BS19MSZ001) | Diversity of Orthoptera fauna of District Sirmaur, H.P | Mr. Balbinder Singh |
| 2. | Ms. Kumari Anju (BS19MSZ002) | Studies on food and feeding habits of minor carps inhabiting river Giri of distt. Sirmaur, H.P | Mr. Balbinder Singh |
| 3. | Ms. Monika Kaushal (BS19MSZ003) | Population status and feeding ecology of Rhesus Macaque around Baru Sahib Himachal Pradesh | Dr. Priyanka Negi |
| 4. | Ms. Monika Sharma (BS19MSZ004) | Identification and characterization of some species of Nymphalidae (Lepidoptera) from Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh | Dr. Priyanka Thakur |
| 5. | Ms. Nisha Devi (BS19MSZ005) | Effect of Synthetic Insecticides on Behaviour and Development of Syrphid Fly, Episyrphus Balteatus (De Geer) | Dr. Yogeeta Thakur |
| 6. | Ms. Nitika Sharma (BS19MSZ006) | Studies on diversity of coleopteran fauna of distt. Sirmaur, H.P | Mr. Balbinder Singh |
| 7. | Ms. Priyanka Gazta (BS19MSZ007) | Polulation abundance and genetic structure of white crested Kalij pheasant in Himachal Pradesh | Dr. Priyanka Negi |
| 8. | Ms. Shabnam Samra (BS19MSZ008) | Diversity of aphids (Aphididae: Hemiptera) in Sirmour District of Himachal Pradesh | Dr. Priyanka Thakur |
| 9. | Ms. Shivani (BS19MSZ009) | Effect of Synthetic Insecticides on the Behaviour and Development of Ladybird Beetle (Coccinella Septempunctata L.) | Dr. Yogeeta Thakur |
| 10. | Ms. Surbhi Dhanotia (BS19MSZ010) | Crop raiding pattern of Rhesus macaque: A case study of Baru Sahib and around the area in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh | Dr. Priyanka Negi |
| 11. | Ms. Surbhi Sharma (BS19MSZ011) | Species diversity and relative abundance of avifuana of Baru Sahib Himachal Pradesh | Dr. Priyanka Negi |
| 12. | Ms. Gitanjali (BS20MSZ001) | Studies on the predatory wasps of honey bee (Apis mellifera) and their management | Dr. Neelam Thakur |
| 13. | Ms. Kritika (BS20MSZ002) | Genotoxic potential of Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using mosquito as a test model | Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur Ahluwalia |
| 14. | Ms. Shivani (BS20MSZ003) | Studies on age and growth characteristics of Barilius bendilisis from river Giri of district Sirmour, H.P. | Mr. Balbinder Singh |
| 15. | Ms. Pallvi (BS20MSZ004) | Studies on efficacy of insecticide loaded metal oxide nanoparticle on Spodoptera litura | Dr. Priyanka Thakur |
| 16. | Ms. Jyotika Thakur (BS21MSZ001) | Diversity and species abundance of noctid moths of Baru Sahib and adjoining areas | Dr. Gagan Preet Kour Bali |
| 17. | Ms. Mamta Chauhan (BS21MSZ002) | Diversity of fish fauna from Giri river of district Sirmour | Mr. Balbinder Singh |
| 18. | Divya Thakur (BS22MZY001) | A comprehensive review on phyto-nematode and other soil microbe interactions | Dr. Preety Tomar |
| 19. | Mehak Thakur (BS22MZY002) | Efficacy of nitrogen doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles against the larvae of lepidopteran insect pests | Dr. Neelam Thakur |
| 20. | Nikita Sharma (BS22MZY003) | Efficacy of titanium dioxide nanoparticles against the larvae of fruit flies | Dr. Neelam Thakur |
| 21. | Priyanka Thakur (BS22MZY004) | Diversity and ecology of order Coleoptera in India | Mr. Balbinder Singh |
| 22. | Sonali Devi (BS22MZY005) | Ecobiology of some minor carps inhabiting fresh water rivers of Himachal Pradesh | Mr. Balbinder Singh |
| 23. | Aastha Saini (BS22MZY006) | Assessment of genotoxicity of Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles | Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur Ahluwalia |
| 24. | Muskan Soni (BS22MZY008) | A comprehensive review on silk worm rearing and importance of sericulture industry in India | Mr. Balbinder Singh |
| 25. | Sakshi Kamta (BS22MZY009) | A study on the effectiveness of entomopathogens for the management of Bactrocera sp. | Dr. Preety Tomar |
| 26. | Parul Sharma (BS23MZY001) | Efficacy of insecticides (chemical and biological) and botanical extracts against Helicoverpa armigera | Dr. Neelam Thakur |
| 27. | Sakshi (BS23MZY002) | Identification and characterization of Sancassania spp. infecting insects and nematode cultures | Dr. Preety Tomar |
| 28. | Yankita Negi (BS23MZY003) | A study on larvacidal potential of Photorhabdus luminescens against Culex quinquefasciatus | Dr. Preety Tomar |
| 29. | Aashima Kumari (BS23MZY004) | Taxonomy of family acrididae from baru sahib area of district sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh | Mr. Balbinder Singh |
| 30. | Divya Kumari (BS23MZY005) | Insecticidal potential of insecticides and botanical extracts against the larvae of fruit fly | Dr. Neelam Thakur |
| 31. | Sudesh (BS23MZY006) | Studies on ichthyofaunal diversity in river giri of district Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh | Mr. Balbinder Singh |
| 32. | Vijay Bharti Sharma (BS23MZY007) | Integrated management of Pieris brassicae infecting cabbage in Baru Sahib of district Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh | Dr. Neelam Thakur |
Prominent Research Publications
- Thakur N and Yadav AN (2025). Nanotechnology in Agriculture: A Review on Precision Farming and Sustainable Crop Production. BioNanoScience 15: 243. [Link] [IF-3.0]
- Sharma Anuja, Thakur Neelam, Hashem Abeer, Dawoud M. Turki, Abd_Allah Fathi Elsayed (2024). Insecticidal potential of Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae individually and their synergistic effect with barazide against Spodoptera litura. Heliyon 10:e37175. [Link] [IF-3.4]
- Saini A, Ahluwalia KK, Ahluwalia AS, Thakur N, Negi P, Hashem A, Almutairi KF, Abd_Allah EF (2024). Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles-Induced Genotoxic Effects in Mosquito Culex quinquefaciatus. Toxics, 12(12):871. [Link] [IF-3.9]
- Tomar P, Yadav AN (2024). Entomopathogenic microorganisms as biocontrol agents for agricultural sustainability. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 62:103431. [Link] [IF-3.4]
- Kaur S, Thakur N, Yadav AN (2024). Evaluation of Different Mass Production Techniques to Enhance the Progeny of Isolated Indigenous Entomopathogenic Nematodes from Indian Himalayan Region. National Academy Science Letters, 29:1-6. [Link] [IF-1.2]
- Tomar P, Thakur N, Singh S, Kumar S, Rustagi S, Rai AK, Shreaz S, Yadav N, Rai PK, Yadav AN (2024). Soil inhabiting bacto-helmith complex in insect pest management: Current research and future challenges. Heliyon, 10:e36365. [Link] [IF-3.4]
- Thakur N, Tomar P*, Kaur J, Kaur S, Sharma A, Jhamta S, Yadav AN, Dhaliwal HS, Thakur R, Thakur S (2023). Eco‑friendly management of Spodoptera litura in tomato under polyhouse and field conditions using Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, their associated bacteria (Photorhabdus luminescens), and Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki. Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control, 33:1-13. [Link] [IF-2.1]
- Ahluwalia Kaur Kanwaljit, Thakur Kritika, Ahluwalia Singh Amrik, Hashem Abeer, Avila-Quezada Dolores Graciela, Abd_Allah Fathi Elsayed, Thakur Neelam (2023). Assessment of Genotoxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Mosquito as Test Model. Toxics, 11(11):887. [Link] [IF-3.9]
- Thakur N, Tomar P, Sharma S, Kaur S, Sharma S, Yadav AN, Hesham A E (2022). Synergistic effect of entomopathogens against Spodoptera litura under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control, 32:1-11. [Link] [IF-2.1]
- Tomar P and Thakur N (2022). Biocidal potential of indigenous isolates of Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs) against tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control, 32:107, 1-10. [Link] [IF-2.1]
Dr. Neelam Thakur
Designation: Associate Professor and HODDepartment: Zoology
Mr. Balbinder Singh
Designation: Assistant ProfessorDepartment: Zoology
Dr. Preety
Designation: Assistant ProfessorDepartment: Zoology
- Educational Institutes
- Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)
- National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI)
- Indian Forest Services (IFS)
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Institute of Advanced Study in Science & Technology (IASST)
- Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry
- Environmental Management and Conservation
- Forensic Crime Research
- Testing Laboratories
- Research Firms
- Geological Survey Departments
- Aquariums and Museums
- Forest Services
- Wastewater Plants
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI)