Zoology | 6 Important things you must know about this field!

Zoology, in simple terms, refers to animal biology. It is a discipline of biology that studies the structure, embryology, evolution, categorization, behaviour, and distribution of all living and extinct animals. Zoologists also study how animals interact with their environments.

This is an interesting subject for those who want to learn more about the animal kingdom and dive deep into microbiology, genetics, evolution, conservation, and much more. Let’s break this field down and learn about what you will study, your career options, the best university for you, and much more.

But first, is studying zoology worth your time? Let’s find out!

#1 Is studying zoology worth it? 

You’ve learned that zoology is the study of animals and their biological processes, but did you know it is one of the most popular branches of science?

• Graduate and postgraduate zoology courses are accessible both full-time and part-time. 
• You can pursue a Ph.D. in Zoology after completing your post-graduate studies.
• In this field, you will learn about animal anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, ecology, behaviour, and conservation. 
• You can also pursue a variety of careers after getting a BSc, MSc, or Ph.D. in Zoology. 
• As a zoologist, you can find work in government organizations, environmental agencies, colleges and universities, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and ecological sectors. 

#2 Eligibility & Entrance Exams 

UG Courses – Undergraduate (10+2) science stream completion is required for admission to the BSc in Zoology programme. You must have physics, chemistry, and biology subjects in 12th grade. 

PG Courses – You need a Zoology BSc/BSc (Hons) degree. Those with a BSc/BA in medical and related medical sciences, biosciences, or life sciences may also apply.

Ph.D. Programs – You need a post-graduation in relevant discipline with 55% of marks (50% for SC/ST candidates). 

Admission to BSc programs in Zoology is determined by the university or college’s cutoff list. A few universities also administer entrance examinations. You are admitted to MSc Zoology programs depending on your performance in the entrance exams. 

Admission to the Ph.D. program is based on national or university-specific entrance exams, followed by a personal interview. 

Check the university’s site to know which entrance exams you will have to take-

• GRE
• GMAT
• SAT
• IELTS
• TOEFL

#3 Courses & Specializations 

You can choose from a variety of specializations while completing their graduate and undergraduate degrees. 

• Top Specializations Biomedical Science 
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 
• Animal Behavior and Neurobiology 
• Cell and Developmental Biology 
• General Zoology 
• Genetics 
• Marine Biology 
• Zoology Syllabus 

The syllabus varies depending on the course and is separated into semesters. You will learn about animal function, structure, and evolution in various courses. Additionally, you will research the origins, evolution, and behaviour of species, as well as their habits and relationships. 

#4 Subjects

• Morphology 
• Biochemistry
• Physiology 
• Immunology 
• Cell and Molecular Biology 
• Embryology 
• Biotechnology 
• Genomics 
• Genetics Evolution 
• Ecology 
• Biosystematics, Structure, and Functions of Invertebrates 
• Tools and Techniques in Biology 
• Animal Physiology and Ethology 
• Genetics and Evolution 
• Structure and Function of Vertebrates 
• Environmental Biology 
• Biology of Parasitism 
• Chronobiology 
• Proteins- Structure, Functions, and Evolution 
• Structure and Function of Genes 
• Animal Behavior 

#5 Top universities 

• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• Harvard University
• University of Melbourne
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Cornell University 
• North Carolina State University
• University of Florida 
• University of Wisconsin-Madison

#6 Career Prospects 

In both the public and private sectors, people with a BSc, MSc, or Ph.D. in Zoology can find a variety of job options. 

Jobs for you- 

• Animal Behaviorist 
• Conservationist 
• Wildlife Biologist 
• Zoo Curator 
• Wildlife Educator 
• Zoology faculty 
• Forensic experts 
• Lab technicians 
• Veterinarians.

The average salary package per annum for the above titles start from 6705.34 USD per year and above 

Key takeaways

• Zoology refers to animal biology.
• Zoologists study how animals interact with the environment.
• You can pursue a Ph.D. in zoology after completing post-graduate studies.
• The syllabus for zoology varies depending on the course and is separated into semesters.
• A zoologist can work as animal behaviourists, conservationists, wildlife biologists, Zoo Curators, Wildlife Educators, zoology faculty, forensic experts, lab technicians, and Veterinarians, among other jobs.

Learn more about different courses in our blogs. If you have any doubts you can get in touch with us now! Don’t forget to comment below and share your thoughts!

FAQs 

1. How can I secure a good academic profile in zoology? What courses should I aim to pursue? 

Answer- You can pursue a B. Sc./B. Sc. in zoology honours after completing your 12th grade with physics, chemistry, and biology as subjects. The Bachelor of Science programme is a three-year programme. A master’s programme can also help you study a lot more than just specific research topics. 

2. Can I work as a veterinarian after earning my bachelor’s degree in Zoology? 

Answer- Yes, after earning your bachelor’s degree in Zoology, you can pursue a career as a veterinarian. To be specific, you can use your graduate degree to become a Veterinary Technician. 

3. What career alternatives are available to a candidate who pursues a postgraduate degree in Zoology? 

Answer- Zoologists comprehend animals and their behaviour patterns. As a result, they have a wide range of job alternatives. They can work as animal behaviourists, conservationists, wildlife biologists, zoo curators, wildlife educators, zoology faculty, forensic experts, lab technicians, and Veterinarians, among other jobs. 

4. What is the average salary of a zoologist?

Answer- It depends on a person’s skill level and a variety of other elements. Wildlife scientists often earn 6705.34 USD per year. Veterinarians receive a similar remuneration package. Candidates with a master’s degree can expect to earn around 5364.27 USD  – 6705.34 USD per year on average.