Zoology

Department of Zoology

About the Department

Established in 1964, the Department of Zoology has been a cornerstone of biological education for over five decades, consistently nurturing inquisitive minds and contributing significantly to the scientific community. Our journey began with a vision to impart comprehensive knowledge of the animal kingdom, and today, we stand as a testament to that enduring commitment.

At the heart of our success is a team of dedicated faculty, comprised of experienced educators and active researchers, who bring passion, expertise, and innovation to the classroom and beyond. Their passion for zoology is infectious, inspiring students to delve deeper into various sub-disciplines, from ecology and evolution to physiology and genetics. Their commitment to student growth, mentorship, and academic excellence has played a crucial role in shaping the department’s reputation. Many of our alumni have achieved distinction as university rank holders, researchers, educators, and professionals in various sectors.

The Zoology department offers a robust learning environment with a state-of-the-art laboratory equipped with the latest tools for modern biological techniques, including advanced microscopy and molecular biology equipment, fostering hands-on research and practical skills. This is complemented by an impressive zoological museum with an impressive collection of specimens that provides a tangible link to biodiversity and is a vital resource for taxonomic and comparative anatomy studies.

The flagship B.Sc. Honours Program in Zoology is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in animal biology, ecology, physiology, cell biology, genetics, and more. The program integrates theoretical concepts with practical applications, preparing students for both higher education and career pathways.

Recognizing the evolving demands of the job market, the department offers career-oriented add-on courses in bio techniques and medical coding, which enhance students’ technical proficiency and employability in biomedical, clinical, and industrial sectors. These courses equip students with essential skills sought after in today’s competitive professional environment.

The department believes in learning beyond the classroom. Nature education camps are organized to give students real-world exposure to biodiversity, conservation practices, and ecological interactions. These camps foster environmental awareness and help students develop a deeper understanding of their role in preserving natural resources.

Our commitment to holistic education is further exemplified by our medicinal garden, a living laboratory showcasing a variety of plants with medicinal properties. This initiative not only highlights the interdisciplinary nature of biology but also educates students about traditional remedies and sustainable resource utilization. Students gain valuable insights into the therapeutic uses of plants and their role in healthcare.

We also facilitate regular research station visits, exposing students to active research environments and providing them with insights into on-going scientific investigations in various fields of zoology. These visits encourage inquiry-based learning and broaden students’ understanding of applied zoology.

In keeping with the institution’s vision of empowering youth, the department actively encourages entrepreneurship opportunities. Through workshops, training programs, and seminars, students are introduced to the prospects of starting innovative ventures related to zoology as well as their own ventures.  To further enhance their skill sets and personal development, we offer a diverse array of value-added courses, ranging from scientific writing and presentation skills to data analysis and ethical considerations in research. These courses are designed to produce well-rounded graduates who are not only scientifically proficient but also possess the soft skills essential for success in any chosen field.

The Department of Zoology remains committed to academic excellence, innovation, and holistic student development. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches, it continues to inspire future generations of zoologists and life science professionals who contribute meaningfully to science, society, and sustainability.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

In addition to the institution's broad vision and mission, the Department of Zoology has its own aims and objectives. The primary objective is to provide biological information clearly and concisely. A student of our undergraduate program is expected to:
Comprehend the basic knowledge of various branches of Zoology, and General Biology meant both for a graduate course and for higher studies.
Understand and appreciate the vast diversity of living things, their special adaptations to their environment and their evolutionary and ecologic relationship.
Acquire basic skills in the observation and study of nature, biological techniques, experimental skills and scientific investigation.
Acquire basic knowledge and skills in certain applied branches to enable them for self-employment.
Be aware of the need for the conservation of the biosphere.
Be a naturalist with a human touch.

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Biju Thomas

Assistant Professor & HOD
M.Sc.,B.Ed
9496720475
[email protected]
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Asha Raju

Assistant Professor
M.Sc., M.S.(Equivalent degree)
8943865890
[email protected]
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Heads of the Department


1. Prof. C. K. Abraham (1964-1984)

2. Prof. George Joseph K (1984-1995)

3. Prof. Dr. P.J. Cyriac (1994-2002)

4. Prof. Thomas M. Paimpalil (2002-2012)

5. Prof. Jainamma John (2012-2017)

6. Sri. Biju Thomas (2017 - Present)



Former Faculty

1. Professor Koipurathu Chacko Abraham

Prof. K C Abraham took his M.Sc. in Entomology from St. John's College, Agra. He joined in 1964 when St. Stephen's College was started as Head of the Department of Zoology, which he continued till his retirement in March 1984. During the Department's infancy, Professor Abraham, along with his colleagues, toiled hard to build the Department from scratch. He served in different academic bodies of Kerala University, especially as a Board of studies member and chairman of various examination boards. An innate, cheerful man, this octogenarian passed away in 2018.

2. Dr (Sr) Mary Bellarina, V C

Dr Mary Bellarina of the Visitation Congregation took her PhD from Germany in Histochemistry and joined the Department in 1968 when the Department was upgraded. She served here for an academic year and resigned, and went to the United States of America.


3. Prof. Chellama James

Prof. Chellama James joined the Department of Zoology in 1970 on deputation from B.C.M. College, Kottayam. At the end of the academic year, she returned to her institution.


4. Prof. Peter Mathew

Professor Peter Mathew first joined the department as Junior Tutor in 1965 and then took his M.Sc. from Kerala University and rejoined the Department as Junior Lecturer in 1970. Adroit in drawing, Professor Peter was instrumental in making hundreds of charts the department now possesses. A sincere and committed copybook style teacher he was, Professor Peter went on leave to Nigeria in 1982 and returned to the department for six more years and resigned from service in 1992 to immigrate to the US, where he is presently well settled.


5. Prof. Joseph George K.

Professor Joseph George K.'s acquaintance with the Department began in 1965 when he joined this institution as a Tutor. After completed his M.Sc. from St. John's College, Agra, he rejoined in 1970 as Junior Lecturer. Professor Joseph was a born leader with his majestic presence. During his career, he donned many posts, both in academic and civic bodies. He was the Head of the Department of Zoology from 1984 to 1995. The founder Principal of Pius X College, Rajapuram and Principal of St. Stephen's College, Uzhavoor, during 1996-1998, he retired from service in that capacity. During this period, he was the director board member of the Xavier Board and AIACHE. In civic bodies, he held positions like the District Development Council Member, member of the Uzhavoor Panchayat and Uzhavoor Co-operative bank President, a post he still holds.


6. Dr P. J. Cyriac

Dr P J Cyriac was an eminent professional in teaching who joined the Department in 1980. He did his M.Sc. in Zoology from BITS, Pilani and Ph. D. in 1991 from Cochin University, specializing in Toxicology and Pollution Studies. He always paid attention to fulfilling the purpose of education by accomplishing a good relationship with students.


7. Dr M. Jalaja

Dr M. Jalaja joined the Department in 1976 after completing her PhD from Kerala University, specializing in Entomology. She was an excellent mentor to the students throughout their college days as she was open to all their love and criticism. Dr M. Jalaja was a renowned curator. She retired from service in 2002 and is well settled in her home town in Thiruvananthapuram.


8. Smt. Regina Peter (Resigned)

Smt. Regina Peter worked as a Junior Lecturer in Zoology from 1979 to November 1981, when she took leave and left for Nigeria. From there, she moved to the U.S. and relinquished her post in the Department.


9. Prof. Thomas M. Paimpalil

Professor Thomas joined the Department in 1980 after completing his M.Sc. from Calicut University. Professor Thomas was an excellent teacher and also a person who took nature to heart. He upheld the importance of loving nature and proved it to the community by extensively involving in cattle rearing and other organic agricultural activities. He was honored with the "Karshakasree Award" by Kadaplamattom Panchayat. He retired from the institution in 2012.


10. Sri John V. M.

Sri John V. M. worked in the Department as a Junior Lecturer and then as a Lecturer for five years in leave vacancies. A student of this Department, Sri John, was a committed teacher par excellence. Now settled in the U.S., he still retains nostalgic memories of the Department.


11. Prof. P. J. Joy

Professor Joy joined the Department in 1980 after completing his M.Sc. from Kerala University. He was a pioneer in organizing the Centre for Environmental Education and Rural Development (CEERD) in St. Stephen's College in the year 2001. CEERD is actively involved in various activities to develop responsibility towards nature and inculcate society's moral obligation. He retired from services in 2012.


12. Dr Mary P. P.

Dr Mary, a former student of the Department, worked for a short period in a leave vacancy in 1985. She is now a Reader in the Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Arunachal Pradesh, India.


13. Sri Johnson Thomas

Sri Johnson Thomas worked in this Department for two years from 1988-1990 in a leave vacancy and has immigrated to the U.S., where he is thriving well. He is still in touch with the Department and very anxious to know its progress, as a well-wisher.


14. Sri Jaise Mathew

Sri Jaise Mathew had the shortest period of employment in the Department. He is presently working in a higher secondary school in Karimkunnam, in the Idukki District of Kerala.


15. Prof. Jainamma John

Professor Jainamma John joined the Department in 1987 after completing her M.Sc. from Kerala University in 1983. She had a personality that influenced many students in academics as well as their lives. She volunteered to start a spiritual meditation centre, "Unarvu", in the college to motivate and develop students' spiritual improvement. Professor Jainamma treated students like her own children and maintained a motherly love for them. She retired from service in 2016.

1. Sri. Biju Thomas was appointed as a Board of Studies member in the Department of Zoology, M.G. University.

2. Sri. Biju Thomas was appointed as the Nodal officer of All India Survey of Higher Education - AISHE.

3. New permanent faculty Smt. Asha Raju joined the Department on 21/10/2019 in the vacancy of Sri. Thomas Paimpalil.



2019-20

  1.  A Photography competition on the topic "Nature" was organized by the Zoology Association on 27.07.2019 for students of the college. Anand Aji (IDC Zoology) and Iyjin Dius (IDC English) bagged first and second prizes (2019-20).

  1. Our students produced one short film, 'Nishantham', in connection with Bird Club International and represented the college at the first International Rain Film Festival. Five students escorted by Mr Biju Thomas attended Kumarakom's film festival (2019-20).

  2. Christy Joy of IIDC and Ajay P Anil of IIDC got 2nd prize in a quiz competition organized by St. Berchmans College, Changanacherry, (2019-20).

  3. Seethalakshmi, Aleesha, Aswathy Pradeep and Ameena Beevi of 1 DC received 1st position in a treasure hunt competition organized by the Zoological Society of Kerala (Kottayam zone). Seethalakshmi also won the third position in the just a minute competition (2019-20).

  4. Alwin Philip of 2nd DC received second prize in the Zrishti 2020 fest, Spell bee competition organized by St. Berchmans College, Changanacherry, (2019-20).

  5. Stephiya Varghese of IIIDC was Miss St Stephen's second runner up, organized by Women's Cell (2019-20).

  6. The major highlight of the year was a trip to Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary as part of our Nature Camp with IDC students on March 7,8,9/03/2020. The camp was very informative and enjoyed by all. The students highly appreciated a visit to Idukki Dam and the new information about nature from the camp.

  7. About 200 Masks were made out of cloth and rubber bands in the department and distributed in the college to deal with the Covid Pandemic.

  8. The Department of Zoology and Botany have organized a State-Level Webinar on the topic "DNA Barcoding and DNA Fingerprinting" on 23rd July 2020 at 2:00 pm. Dr Sanil George, Scientist E-II Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Trivandrum, was the function's keynote speaker. Mr Biju Thomas, H.O.D. of Zoology, addressed the gathering, followed by the felicitation by our Principal Smt. Lally K. Cyriac. One hundred thirty-three participants registered for the webinar, including students and research scholars, and teachers and professors. The session was very informative and academical, as informed by the participants in the feedback. The session was concluded with a concluding note by Dr Sincy Joseph, H.O.D. of Botany. Participation certificate was awarded to all the participants.

  9. The Department of Zoology and Bird's Club of St. Stephen's College, Uzhavoor, organized a State-Level Image Caption Competition named LEGENDE 2020, from 20th October 2020 to 25th October 2020 through Google Forms. An image was provided to the participants, and they were asked to submit a suitable caption for the image. Fifty-six participants entered the competition, including research scholars, and teachers and professors. Ms Poornendu Rajesh, a first-year zoology student, was selected as the winner of the competition and a certificate was awarded to the winner.

  10. Routine activities in the department include maintaining a medicinal garden, aquarium, vermiculture unit and pot-based apiculture in the department. Bacteriological Analysis of the water of Uzhavoor Panchayat also happens regularly. We also had active participation in the activities of Bird Club International in association with the Jayaraj Foundation.


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