About M.Sc in Zoology Admission

M.Sc Zoology full form is Master of Science in Zoology which primarily focuses on providing theoretical and practical knowledge about the different methods to understand the animal kingdom and how to preserve them.

The M.Sc Zoology Subjects are focused on developing an understanding of genetics, microbiology, biodiversity, forensic science, etc. M.Sc Job Scope is vast and offers opportunities in various specializations from zoologists, and academic researchers to forensic biologists in both private and government sectors.

Eligibility Criteria for M.Sc in Zoology

M.Sc Zoology admission is offered to only those students who meet the eligibility requirements. The minimum M.Sc Zoology eligibility demands the students to have pursued a Bachelor's degree of zoology with a minimum aggregate of 50% from a recognized institute.

The course has no age limit, so anyone qualified can enroll. Additionally, students are supposed to pass the national level exams or other entrance exams such as CUCET, GATE, etc.

Why study M.Sc in Zoology?

Students who choose to do master's in zoology may see that there are many benefits of studying this program. Some of the benefits are:

Diverse career options: An M.Sc. Zoology graduates can find jobs in numerous sectors after graduation. They can work as professors of zoology, work as researchers, animal trainers, wildlife experts, etc. Jobs are available in both the private and public sectors.

High salary: Due to the high number of job options available, the salary offered to candidates is also high. For fresh graduates, the salary ranges up to INR 2 lacs p.a. The ultimate salary offered will depend on the caliber and experience of each candidate.

Betterment of animals and humans: By studying the biology, anatomy, and physiology, anatomy, etc. of animals, one can also begin to understand human beings. Observing an animal’s interaction with their environment is much like how humans interact. This in turn will help us make better choices and create better solutions for future human beings on earth.

Increase in job outlook: The job outlook for a zoologist or similar career options is on the rise. With changes in the current situation of the environment, it is becoming more important to look after the animals and find out how to best preserve their habitats. M.Sc. Zoology graduates can take the opportunity to build a successful career in this field at this time.

Syllabus of M.Sc in Zoology

The colleges may teach different subjects during different semesters, but the topics taught are usually the same by most of the institutes. For reference, below are the topics that are taught in M.Sc in Zoology.

M.Sc in Zoology Semester 1 Syllabus

• Structure and Functions of Non-chordates
• Genetics and Genetic Engineering
• Parasites and Immunity
• Ecological theories and applications
• Tissue Structure Function and Chemistry
• Laboratory course

M.Sc in Zoology Semester 2 Syllabus

• Structure and Functions of Chordates
• Endocrinology and Neuroscience
• Biochemistry and Molecular biology
• Comparative Animal Physiology
• Cell and Receptor Biology
• Laboratory course

M.Sc in Zoology Semester 3 Syllabus

• Taxonomy and Biodiversity
• Development and Differentiation
• Elective I Theory
• Evolution and Animal Behaviour
• Laboratory course
• Elective I Practical

M.Sc in Zoology Semester 4 Syllabus

• Conservation Biology and Wildlife
• Biotechnology and Applications
• Elective II Theory
• Seminar and Dissertation or Review
• Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Instrumentation
• Laboratory course (1 module)

Admission Process For M.Sc in Zoology

The top institutes in the country that offer M.Sc in Zoology admit students either on the basis of an entrance examination or on the basis of previous academic records. The dates for the entrance exams are announced quite earlier. To secure admission into M.Sc in Zoology, the following steps can be referred to.

Step 1: Look out for the entrance examination notice of the institute you choose to apply to. Dates for registration will be announced in advance by the institutes.

Step 2: Register for the examination and appear for it. Look for the syllabus and the past papers, if available. Practicing in a timely manner will be useful for the final examination.

Step 3: If the candidate qualifies the examination and scores above the minimum cut-off, then they will be invited for an interview round. 

Step 4: Appear for the personal interview. Interviews are usually conducted with the department heads of the institute or college.

Step 5: Candidates who have passed the personal interview round, will be given an offer letter for admission. They will have to pay the admission fee within the provided time, to book their seat in the program.

M.Sc in Zoology Entrance Exams

Institutes usually conduct their own entrance examination for this program. Some of the popular examinations at the top institutes are as follows:

PUET: Pune University conducts an entrance exam for admission into its M.Sc. Zoology program. The examination is usually conducted in the month of June. Applications for the same are accepted from April and May.

Christ University Assessment Test: Christ University conducts a skills assessment test to admit students in the M.Sc. Zoology program. The examination tests candidates in written skills, communication skills, and logical reasoning. Upon passing the entrance examination, candidates will be invited for a personal interview round.

1. CUET PG
2. BITSAT
3. NEST
4. IIT JAM
5. TISS NET

How to prepare for the M.Sc in Zoology entrance exam?

Most of the institutes do not have a proper syllabus set for its entrance examinations. Some of the expected topics are mentioned below:

Biomolecules: structure, organization, and role

1. Cell Structure and Function
2. Cell Signalling
3. Immunology
4. Genetics
5. Animal and Plant Physiology
6. Ecology

It is not very tough to solve M.Sc in Zoology exams. The entrance examinations cover the material taught in the graduation level of B.Sc. Zoology program. So, candidates holding bachelor's in zoology can clear it only by studying their course topics.

It would be beneficial to look at the previous question papers, to get an idea of the exam you are applying. 

Solving model test papers can help to practice and check the amount of preparation done.

Career Options After Completing M.Sc in Zoology

The degree program offers different types of career development options which can be easily accessed by students when looking for work opportunities. Some of the most popular career options when it comes to M.Sc in Zoology graduates are wildlife conservation, ecosystem monitoring, environment management, animal diversity prospecting, and more. Candidates also have the opportunity to work as zoologists in pharmaceutical companies. A research associate is also a popular career option among M.Sc in Zoology students. Apart from working in the industry, candidates can also choose to work as a lecturer or professors in colleges or universities.

List of Career Options After Completing B.Sc Zoology:

Zoologist: A zoologist is a professional who is responsible for conducting research and studies on different animal species. A zoologist is responsible for studying the evolution, origin, behaviors, diseases, and life cycles of animals.

Lab Technician: A lab technician is a professional who is responsible for maintaining and organizing laboratory equipment. A lab technician also performs minute experiments involving technical knowledge.

Research Associate: A research associate is a professional who is responsible for conducting extensive research in the field of zoology involving certain specializations such as animal behavior, animal reproduction, animal genetics, and more.

Zookeeper: A zookeeper is a professional who is responsible for taking care of and looking after the animals living in a zoo. A zookeeper is responsible for ensuring that all the rules are followed and guidelines are met by the visitors.

Top Recruiters:

1. Amway
2. Saraswati PU Science College
3. Zealous Services
4. SBA Enviro Systems
5. Unico Global
6. Stella Medical Foundation

Jobs and Career Prospects After M.Sc in Zoology

After completion of M.Sc in Zoology, the graduates can find jobs in both government and private sectors. 

Job profiles that are open to an M.Sc. Zoology graduates are animal trainers, zoologists, zookeepers, wildlife educators, researchers, wildlife biologists, etc.

The area of employment for M.Sc in Zoology graduates are colleges and universities, zoos and national parks, the agricultural sector, the food industry, etc.

Animal Behaviour and Training Specialist

• Veterinarian
• Wildlife Biologist
• Conservationist
• Zoologist

Future Scope after M.Sc in Zoology

Apart from working in a zoology-related sector, one can pursue research-based programs or prepare for competitive exams such as the civil service. A master's degree in zoology might help you get a career in the government.

The following are some of the further study choices accessible to M.Sc in Zoology graduates:

The highest level of educational degree is a PhD or research-based program. Candidates are allowed to research a topic of their choice and finish it in 3 to 5 years. Entrance tests are required for admission to PhD programs. After completing the curriculum, you can work as a professor.

A management course is another standard option after earning an M.Sc. in Zoology. Management courses are intended to train future business leaders and entrepreneurs. A competitive test such as the CAT, MAT, or XAT is required for admission. An MBA can help you move up the corporate ladder and boost your income.