Department of Zoology
About the Department
The Department of Zoology at Aligarh Muslim University is a vibrant centre of excellence in teaching and research. From its modest beginning in 1906, the Department has evolved into a globally recognized hub of advanced zoological sciences, offering diverse specializations and fostering cutting-edge interdisciplinary research.
Over the decades, the Department has been shaped by visionary leadership and pioneering scholarship. Dr. Mohammad Sharif served as the first Chairman (1923), followed by Mr. Inayat Ali Khan. Prof. M.B. Mirza (1930–1961) is credited with putting the department on the global map. He established core specializations: Entomology (1931), Helminthology (1932), Parasitology (1951), and Ichthyology & Fisheries (1956). Building on this legacy, Prof. M.A. Basir introduced Plant Nematology, and Prof. Nawab Hasan Khan introduced Genetics. The department, under the leadership of Prof. Athar H. Siddiqui and renowned academician Prof. M.S. Jairajpuri, witnessed the dawn of a new era of modern biology. Prof. Mumtaz A. Khan, Prof. M.M. Agarwal, Prof. A.K. Jafri, Prof. Jameel Ahmad Khan, and Prof. Durdana S. Jairajpuri carried out their tasks with great aplomb and success. The contributions made by Prof. M. Hayat, Prof. Asif A. Khan, and Prof. Absar M. Khan were significant during their tenures as Chairmen. More recently, Prof. Irfan Ahmad, Prof. Iqbal Parwez, Prof. Wasim Ahmad, Prof. Mohammad Afzal, and Prof. Mukhtar Ahmad Khan further strengthened the department through their substantial leadership and scholarly impact.
The Department offers a dynamic blend of traditional as well as emerging interdisciplinary areas spanning Human Genetics, Molecular Toxicology, Nanotoxicology, Proteomics, Neurodegenerative diseases, Neuropharmacology, Cancer Biology, Stem Cell Research, Fish nutrition, Fish biomaterial and processing, Parasite Biology, Parasite immunology, Epidemiology, Animal Ecology, Taxonomy and Biosystematics, Biodiversity, Molecular Taxonomy, Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, Forensic Entomology and Integrated Pest Management, among others.
Through strong collaborations with leading labs across the USA, UK, Germany, China, and Japan, as well as national giants like AIIMS, IISc, IITs, and CSIR-Labs, the Department fosters a vibrant global academic environment by holding over 380 research papers in reputed journals and produced 90 Ph.D. scholars in the last four years, received prestigious awards, and over Rs. 3.5 crores research grant from agencies like UGC, DST, DBT, CSIR, and ICMR. The Department takes immense pride in its distinguished alumni, who helm elite institutions worldwide from universities to industry, making meaningful contributions across academia, research, and industry.
With a strong foundation of accomplished faculty, robust international collaborations, and state-of-the-art facilities, the Department continues to expand its impact in both fundamental and applied zoological sciences. Guided by the present chairperson's creative and forward-looking approach, it is poised to reach greater heights in scientific discovery, education, and societal contribution.
VISION
To instill strong values, respect for nature, environmental stewardship, and a rigorous understanding of zoological sciences through quality education and transformative research.
MISSION
To provide transformative, holistic, and value-based education that prepares skilled, responsible, and research-oriented human resource in animal sciences.
To develop advanced infrastructure and adopt modern tools and techniques while undertaking high-quality research in frontier areas, leading to impactful publications and recognition for excellence.
To foster innovation and leadership in science and technology by becoming a hub of original, productive research and forward-thinking ideas.
To contribute meaningfully to society by promoting animal welfare, biodiversity conservation, and addressing pressing challenges for the well-being of humanity.
|
PO No. |
Program Outcomes (POs) |
|
PO1 |
Disciplinary Knowledge: Acquire comprehensive knowledge of Zoology, including Animal diversity, Ecology, Entomology, Fisheries, Genetics, Nematology, and Parasitology. |
|
PO2 |
Problem Analysis: Explain core concepts, principal theories, and contemporary advances in animal biology and related fields, and apply zoological and life‑science principles to analyse and solve biological and ecological problems. |
|
PO3 |
Scientific Investigation: Design and conduct exercises, field studies, and laboratory investigations using scientific methods. |
|
PO4 |
Modern Tool Usage: Use appropriate biological instruments, laboratory equipment, and analytical tools for zoological study and research. |
|
PO5 |
Environment and Sustainability: Understand ecological relationships, biodiversity, conservation, and environmental sustainability in animal sciences. |
|
PO6 |
Molecular and Genetic Understanding: Interpret cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms related to animal structure, function, adaptation, and disease. |
|
PO7 |
Interdisciplinary Integration: Integrate zoological knowledge with biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology, and bioinformatics for broader biological understanding. |
|
PO8 |
Communication: Communicate scientific information effectively through oral, written, and digital modes. |
|
PO9 |
Ethics: Follow ethical principles in research, animal handling, laboratory practice, and environmental stewardship. |
|
PO10 |
Individual and Team Work: Work effectively in individual and collaborative settings during laboratory, field, and research activities. |
|
PO11 |
Lifelong Learning: Recognize the need for continuous learning and advancement of knowledge in research, teaching, and professional development. |
