MSc Zoology Syllabus 2025 | Detailed Semester-Wise & Lab Subjects Guide
Download the complete MSc Zoology Syllabus 2025 with semester-wise theory & lab subjects, electives (Immunology, Ecology, Molecular Biology) and essential books. Ideal for CUET PG & university exam prep.
Are you planning to pursue MSc Zoology and want to understand the complete syllabus? You’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about the MSc Zoology syllabus – semester-wise subjects, marks distribution, recommended books, preparation tips, and a free PDF download.
Master of Science in Zoology (MSc Zoology) is a 2-year postgraduate program focusing on the study of animals, their structure, function, development, classification, and evolution. It is designed for students interested in biological sciences, animal physiology, genetics, ecology, and applied zoology.
- Course Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
- Eligibility: BSc in Zoology or Biological Sciences (minimum 50–60%)
- Admission Process: Entrance Exam / Merit-Based (Varies by university)
MSc Zoology Exam Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | MSc Zoology |
| Duration | 2 Years (4 Semesters) |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Eligibility | BSc in Zoology/Biological Sciences |
| Exam Type | Semester-wise Theory + Practical |
| Assessment | Internal + External |
| Total Credits | 80–100 (varies by university) |
MSc Zoology Semester-wise Subjects, Topics & Marks
Semester 1 Syllabus
| Subject | Topics Included | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Chordata | Protozoa to Echinodermata, Body Plans, Locomotion, Digestion, Respiration, Nervous System | 100 |
| Cell and Molecular Biology | Cell organelles, DNA/RNA structure, Gene expression, Mutations, Molecular techniques | 100 |
| Biochemistry and Metabolism | Enzymes, Carbohydrate metabolism, Lipids, Amino acids, Nucleic acids | 100 |
| Practical – I | Dissections, Cell structure, Slide preparation, Biochemical tests | 100 |
Semester 2 Syllabus
| Subject | Topics Included | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Chordata | Vertebrates, Comparative Anatomy, Evolutionary trends, Adaptive Radiation | 100 |
| Genetics and Evolution | Mendelian & Non-Mendelian Genetics, Linkage, Genetic Drift, Hardy-Weinberg Law | 100 |
| Animal Physiology | Circulation, Respiration, Excretion, Endocrine, Nervous Coordination | 100 |
| Practical – II | Morphology & Physiology experiments, Evolutionary trees, Genetic crosses | 100 |
Semester 3 Syllabus
| Subject | Topics Included | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental Biology | Gametogenesis, Fertilization, Embryogenesis, Organogenesis, Regeneration | 100 |
| Ecology and Environmental Biology | Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Pollution, Conservation, Climate Change | 100 |
| Applied Zoology | Sericulture, Apiculture, Aquaculture, Pest Control, Animal Husbandry | 100 |
| Practical – III | Embryology slide prep, Ecological data analysis, Field visit reports | 100 |
Semester 4 Syllabus
| Subject | Topics Included | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Endocrinology and Immunology | Hormones, Feedback mechanisms, Immune cells, Antibodies, Antigens | 100 |
| Research Methodology and Biostatistics | Hypothesis, Sampling, Data Analysis, Graphs, ANOVA, Chi-Square | 100 |
| Dissertation / Project | Topic-based Research, Thesis writing, Viva | 100 |
| Practical – IV | Hormone experiments, Immunological techniques, Data interpretation | 100 |
Detailed Topic Descriptions
- Non-Chordata & Chordata: Study of animals from simplest to complex forms, including anatomy, physiology, and evolution.
- Cell & Molecular Biology: Covers the structure, function, and replication of cells, DNA/RNA, and protein synthesis.
- Biochemistry: Involves metabolic pathways, enzyme actions, and biochemical reactions in organisms.
- Genetics & Evolution: Principles of inheritance, genetic variation, natural selection, and phylogenetics.
- Animal Physiology: Study of life-sustaining biological functions such as respiration and nervous coordination.
- Developmental Biology: Focus on embryo development, organogenesis, and morphogenesis.
- Environmental Biology: Ecosystem dynamics, conservation biology, pollution and sustainability.
- Applied Zoology: Practical branches like aquaculture, dairy, insect control, and veterinary science.
- Immunology & Endocrinology: Hormonal systems and immune mechanisms in health and disease.
- Biostatistics: Analytical tools to interpret research data using statistical techniques.
MSc Zoology Syllabus PDF Download
Click the link below to download the full MSc Zoology Syllabus PDF for 2025:
Download MSc Zoology Syllabus PDF
Recommended Books for MSc Zoology
| Subject | Book Title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Cell & Molecular Bio | Molecular Biology of the Cell | Alberts |
| Genetics | Principles of Genetics | Snustad & Simmons |
| Developmental Biology | Developmental Biology | Scott F. Gilbert |
| Ecology | Ecology and Environment | P.D. Sharma |
| Animal Physiology | Animal Physiology and Biochemistry | Rastogi |
| Applied Zoology | A Textbook of Applied Zoology | P.S. Verma |
| Biochemistry | Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry | Nelson & Cox |
| Immunology | Kuby Immunology | Kindt, Goldsby & Osborne |
| Research | Research Methodology | C.R. Kothari |
MSc Zoology Preparation Tips
- Understand the syllabus semester-wise and create a monthly plan.
- Use NCERT + MSc standard reference books.
- Focus on practicals – they carry high weightage.
- Make short, crisp notes for revisions.
- Practice previous year question papers for pattern familiarity.
- Join peer discussions and study groups for better concept clarity.
- Read recent case studies in applied and environmental zoology.
- Revise consistently – weekly and monthly cycles are best.
MSc Zoology Specializations
Universities offer electives or specializations in the later semesters. Some top specializations include:
| Specialization | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Entomology | Study of insects and their ecosystem role |
| Fisheries Science | Aquaculture, fish breeding, marine biology |
| Wildlife Biology | Animal conservation, behavior, and field biology |
| Environmental Biology | Biodiversity and pollution management |
| Parasitology | Study of parasites and host interactions |
| Molecular Biology | Advanced genetics and biotechnology |
| Endocrinology | Hormones and metabolic control |
Conclusion
The MSc Zoology syllabus offers a perfect balance between theoretical biology, lab-based skills, and applied research. Spread over 4 semesters, the course opens avenues in research, conservation, wildlife, biotech, and education. By mastering zoology at the postgraduate level, you prepare yourself for opportunities in both academic and industrial fields of biological sciences.
If you are passionate about nature, life sciences, and analytical research, MSc Zoology is a rewarding step in your academic and professional journey.
