Introduction

The Associate Degree in Zoology is a comprehensive two-year program designed to build a strong foundation in the core areas of zoological sciences. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including Biodiversity, Animal Biology, and Animal Biochemistry, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. This program equips students with the essential skills needed for entry-level roles in zoology-related fields and serves as a stepping stone for those pursuing advanced studies in the biological sciences.

Objectives

The major aims and objectives of the Associate Degree in Zoology are

1. To provide comprehensive knowledge of key Zoology disciplines, facilitating advanced studies and specialization in emerging multidisciplinary fields like Biodiversity, Environmental Biology, Wildlife Conservation, and Fisheries
2. To empower students to effectively apply their acquired knowledge in their chosen fields.
3. To equip students with both practical and theoretical skills to enhance the planning and management of animal resources and agriculture.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Candidates who have passed 12 years of education with Biology, having a minimum of 45% marks (Intermediate / A -level / I. Com / DAE or equivalent relevant qualification).
2. Candidates who have passed 12 years of education with Biology, having less than 45% marks but have more than 50% marks in Biology (Intermediate / A -A-level / I. Com / DAE or equivalent relevant qualification).
3. Candidates who have passed 12 years of education with Biology having less than 45% marks but even less than 50% marks in Biology (Intermediate / A -level / I. Com / DAE or equivalent relevant qualification) shall be eligible, subject to the completion of a customized zero semester with a CGPA of 2.0.
4. Candidates who have passed 12 years of education without Biology, having a minimum of 45% marks (Intermediate /A-level / I. Com / DAE or equivalent relevant qualification) shall be eligible, but they have to study an extra course in Biology as a deficiency offered by the department.

Assessment Criteria

The students’ study progress evaluation mechanism is based on continuous assessment throughout the semester by giving assignments, quizzes, Graded Discussion Boards (GDBs), mid-semester, and end-of-semester examinations. The following table shows further details of the assessment.

Assessment Mechanism of Lab work / Practical(s):

The final evaluation for this course is designed to assess students' practical skills and understanding of Zoology techniques through a combination of online and hybrid hands-on exercises, as well as a final exam conducted at designated exam centers.

Note: Minimum 50% score is required in the hands-on practical performance assessment to pass the practical course. 70% attendance is mandatory to qualify to sit in final term exam of the lab course.

Award of Degree

A degree shall be awarded after completing 68 Credit Hours, including theory and practical courses. The minimum CGPA required is per the University policy for the Associate Degree program.

Lab Work

To provide a hands-on learning experience to the students of the Associate Degree in Zoology program, a practical course, Practical/Laboratory Zoology-Part A of 6(0+6) credit hours.