Founded in 1954, the Department of Zoology provides a deep knowledge of the diversity, distribution, classification, anatomy, behavior, physiology, biochemistry, evolution and other aspects of animal life. The Department conducts B.Sc. (Hons.) Zoology, and B.Sc. (Prog.) Life Sciences courses. The expertise and growth in teaching has been accomplished by highly qualified faculty members over the years, supported by state of the art lecture theatre and well-equipped laboratories. The departmental museum and library has a rich collection of specimens and books respectively, to enhance the teaching learning process of the Department.
The Department believes in all-round development of students and encourages them to participate in both academic and extracurricular activities. A vast array of academic activities like guest lectures by eminent scientists, seminars, workshops, and laboratory visits are organized round the year to complement the classroom teaching. A regular annual organisation of international/ national Conferences, symposia and various awareness programmes of repute are done for well being of students.
The Department has three research laboratories where students enroll for Ph.D. programs. These well equipped research laboratories also provide an opportunity to do post-doctoral research, summer internship and various short term training for research students.
The Zoological Society of department organizes vibrant annual festival CHIMAERAan inter-college event for the students. The Department also promotes scientific culture among students by DBT Star College projects, colloquium, biodiversity club etc.
Teacher In-Charge : Dr. Varsha Baweja
Department Coordinators: Dr. Sunil Kayesth
DBT Star Advisory Committee Member: Dr. Kamal Kumar Gupta
Documentation of Ecological Adaptations in Freshwater & Marine Fishes based on Morphological, Biochemical, Molecular Data & Food Selection Behaviour of Closely Related Species
Mentor/PI: Dr. Moses Rinchui Ngasainao, Dr. Sandhya Rai and Dr. Kiran Bala
Number of students: Nine
Project status: Literature survey was done by the students. Protocol has been finalized.
Dermatoglyphics: A preliminary tool for Blood group Typing
Mentor/PI: Dr. Kiran Bala, Dr. Gouri and Dr. Moses Rinchui Ngasainao
Number of students: Seven
Project status: Literature survey was done by the students. The objectives have been finalized. The Methodology has been finalized after discussion between students and mentors. Standard published protocol has been used to collect the fingerprints of both the hands.
To Predict the Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviour and Practice of Vitamin D and Sunlight among the students and Spread Awareness
Mentor/PI: Dr. Sandhya Rai and Dr. Manisha Sengar
Number of students: Seven
Project status: Intensive survey of literature has been done in order to prepare the questionnaire regarding the vitamin D knowledge, practice and attitude towards sunlight exposure. The questions are being prepared to get the maximum information from the subjects.
Assessment of effects of sub-lethal doses of ethanol and hexane extract of Ocimum sanctum on dengue mosquito Aedes aegypti L (Diptera: Culicidae)
Mentor/PI: Mr. Mohd Shazad, Dr. Sunil Kayesth and Dr. Kamal Kumar Gupta
Number of students: Four
Project status: Literature survey was done. Culturing of A. aegypti, identification of different stages of A. aegypti study of life cycle of A. aegypti accomplished and preparation of Ocimun sanctum leaves extract by using ethanol as solvent was done by using Soxhlet apparatus.
In-vitro screening of salivary Amylase, Lipase and Protease against tea extract, Urea and detergents used in synthetic milk, acidic water contained in aluminum cookware and water heated in plastic cookware in microwave oven
Mentor/PI: Dr. Sunil Kayesth, Mr. Mohd Shazad and Dr. Kamal Kumar Gupta
Number of students: Four
Project status: Literature survey was done by the students. Procurement of the Instruments is under progress.
Effect of yoga on the pulmonary health of young adults of age 18-22 years.
Mentor/PI: Dr. Varsha Baweja, Dr. Gajendra Singh and Dr. Sushma Sharma
Number of students: Six
Project status: Students have done the review of literature. They read the research papers thoroughly and discussed with their peers and mentors. This exercise was done to inculcate among them a scientific temperament and thoughtful understanding of the project. The questionnaire for recording data is being developed. The consent of yoga trainer for yoga intervention and supervision has been obtained. The order has been placed for purchasing spirometer; however, the equipment could not be delivered to us due to imposed lockdown against COVID 19 pandemic.
National Conference on “Insect-Plant Biology in 21st Century”
Convenor: Dr. Indrakant K. Singh; Convener Insect Biology- Dr. Kamal Kumar Gupta and Dr. Varsha Baweja;
Date of the program: 4th – 5thNovember 2019 in Swami Vivekananda Auditorium, Deshbandhu College from 9 am to 6pm.
No. of participants: More than 100
Description: The Chief Guest was Dr Pramod Kumar, Registrar, JNU . The Inaugural Talk was delivered by Professor Deepak Gaur, School of Biotechnology (SBT), JNU . Eight Invited talks by scientists and faculty members from all corners of India were held. The eminent scientists included Prof. M. V. Rajam, Department of Genetics, University of Delhi, Dr.Jayendra Shukla, Central University of Rajasthan, Dr. Jyothilaxmi Vadassary, Staff Scientist, NIPGR, Dr. Anita KamraVerma, , Kirorimal College, Delhi University, Dr. Anjana Singha Naorem, Cotton College State University, Dr. Ashok P. Giri, Principal Scientist & Chair, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, Dr. Imtiyaz Hassan, JamiaMilliaIslamia and Prof. Renee M. Borges, Scientist, IISc, Bangalore. The Plenary Talk was delivered by Dr. Ramesh V. Sonti, Director, National Institute of Plant Genome Research.
The conference was very fruitful with brain storming sessions by eminent Professors and Scientists. Oral and poster presentation competition was also held for academicians, researchers, postgraduate and undergraduate students. The event brought together some 150 participants from various institutions to review and discuss on the plant-insect interactions, their causes and effects. The financial support was provided by UGC and DBT Star college project.
Title of the invited talk: Colloquium Inaugural Talk by Dr. Shivani Soni on “Role of erythroblast macrophage protein in macrophage development and function”
Convenor: Dr. Varsha Baweja
Date of the program: July 26, 2019 in Vivekananda auditorium of Deshbandhu College 11am onwards
No. of participants: More than 100
Invited Speaker: Dr. Shivani Soni, Scientist, California State University, USA
Description: A lecture series “Colloquium” is being initiated by the Department of Zoology under the aegis of DBT Star College Project and IQAC, Deshbandhu College for its students. The inaugural talk was delivered by Dr. Shivani Soni, Scientist, California State University, USA who is also an alumnus of the Zoology Department, Deshbandhu College. The lecture was well attended by students of Zoology, Life Sciences and Biochemistry and faculty members of the science departments. After the lecture, the enthusiastic students interacted with Dr. Soni resolving their queries and questions about the latest trends in cancer research, opportunities for internship and higher studies in USA.
Colloquium Talk by Mr. AK Sirohi, “The Art of Knowing Self: A Journey to Excellence”
Convenor: Dr. Varsha Baweja
Date of the program: September 27, 2019 in Vivekananda auditorium of Deshbandhu College 11am onwards
No. of participants: More than 100
Invited Speaker: Mr.Arvind Kumar Sirohi (IES), Center for Railways Information Systems (CRIS), Government of India.
Description: Mr.Arvind Kumar Sirohi is an IES and is currently holding the position of General Assistant at the Center for Railways Information Systems (CRIS), Government of India. During the talk he shared his valuable experiences of his life and took all participants on journey of exploring “self”. His words compelled many to introspect deeper into the aesthetic aspects of life. He wrapped up the session by emphasizing the need of meditation, to gain mental peace. The talk was truly enlightening and interactive for everyone present.
Talk by Dr. Asad Rahmani on Inaugural event of Chimaera
Convenor: Dr. Varsha Baweja and Dr. Manisha Sengar
Date of the program: October 4, 2019, 10 am onwards at Swami Vivekananda Auditorium, Deshbandhu College
No. of participants: More than 200
Invited Speaker: Dr. Asad Rahmani (Ex. Director Bombay Natural History Society)
Description: The Zoological Society Chimaera had its inaugural function under the aegis of IQAC and DBT Star College project. The theme for the inaugural function was The Birds-glorified reptiles. The main focus of the function was the lecture series delivered by great ornithologist and Ex Director Bombay Natural History Society Dr Asad Rahmani. Various events like – the Biodiversity Quiz and the Photo exhibition were organized. The entire inaugural event of Chimaera really proved to be an interactive, interesting and memorable experience for all.
Nature Walk to Okhla Bird Sanctuary
Organizing Faculty: Dr. Varsha Baweja
Date of visit: 23rd January, 2020 from 10 am to 3pm at Okhla bird sanctuary, Noida
Number of students: 50
Description : The Biodiversity club of the Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College under the aegis of DBT Star College scheme organized a nature walk at Okhla bird sanctuary to observe and assess, both the flora and the fauna with special emphasis on the avian population. Guided by the teachers, the students were able to observe many exotic birds species and clicked their pictures.
A tour to the southernmost point of India & city of Gods
Organizing Faculty: Dr. Moses Rinchui Ngasainao
Date of visit: December 28, 2019 to January 06, 2020
Number of students: 50
Description : The Department of Zoology organized an educational trip to Kanyakumari and Trivandrum with the aim to aid the students to acquire basic knowledge of marine ecosystem and equip them with the experiences about various social cultures. The trip helped students to imbibe and enhance their social and cultural skills and integrity. During the trip, various animal species of the region were collected as specimens which were then documented, preserved, and maintained in the Zoology Museum of the department for future curricular use.
Nature Walk to explore and document insect biodiversity of Deshbandhu College campus.
Organizing Faculty: Dr. Kamal Kumar Gupta
Date of visit: September 28, 2019; 9:00a.m-5:00p.m in the Deshbandhu college campus
Number of students: 62
Description : The Biodiversity club of Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College under the aegis of DBT star college organised a nature walk to explore and document the insect biodiversity in the Deshbandhu college campus The most commonly observed insects were observed butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, different types of flies, beetles, etc,. Many aspects of insect behaviours were observed by the group. The event provided a great opportunity to students to observe and explore and appreciate insects in their natural habitat. All collected specimens and photographs of the insects were compiled and an initiative was taken to print a brochure with complete information of all the insects in the campus.
A visit to Recombinant Gene product Labortaory, ICGEB, New Delhi
Organizing Faculty: Dr. Kiran Bala
Date of visit: September 16, 2019; 10 am onwards at ICGEB, New Delhi
Number of students: 40
Description : The students of B.Sc. (Prog.) Life Science 5th semester visited Dr. Navin Khanna (Senior Scientist and group leader of Recombinant Gene Products Laboratory) research laboratory at International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB). Dr. Khanna briefed the students about his research areas and recent scientific developments. The students were then taken around his laboratory where the working and application of various scientific instruments were shown and explained. It was a highly enriching practical experience for students who observed a variety of biotechnological laboratory procedures that were taught in their theory classes.
A visit to Regional Centre of Biotechnology, Faridabad, on the Open day, as a part of International Science Festival, 2019
Organizing Faculty: Dr. Kiran Bala and Dr. Manisha Sengar
Date of visit: October 16, 2019; 11 am onwards at RCB, Faridabad
Number of students: 30
Description : During the visit, the students were addressed by Dr. Sivaram V.S Mylavarapu, Associate Professor, RCB, who explained various cellular processes like mitosis, inter-cell communications, and their significance in cancer therapy, followed by an interactive session. The students also participated in various scientific events being held and took a round to various research laboratories of the Center. The trip had a far reaching effect on students mind, educating and motivating them to pursue higher studies and opt for research career.
A visit to National Science Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
Organizing Faculty: Dr. Gouri and Dr. Kiran Bala
Date of visit: February 12, 2020, 10 am onwards in NSC, New Delhi
Number of students: 50
Description : The visit was organized to fulfill academic requirement of Practical syllabus of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology core paper. The visit was an interesting way to educate students about human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and evolution. The students participated in different quizzes; played games based on science and enjoyed the mirror illusions. The visit ended with an informal discussion among the students and teachers about the center and its scientific galleries.