www.mespune.org




Department of Zoology

Back>>>

About the Department

The Department of Zoology at Modern Education Society’s Nowrosjee Wadia College, Pune, has a rich academic legacy spanning several decades. Established in 1939, the department is committed to providing quality education in Zoology while fostering scientific curiosity, research aptitude, and a spirit of inquiry among students. It provides a stimulating academic environment that encourages students to explore contemporary developments in biological sciences and equips them with modern scientific knowledge and skills.

The department has well-equipped laboratories for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, supported by a well-developed departmental library and academic resources. A wide range of curricular and co-curricular activities are organized throughout the year, including conferences, workshops, hands-on training programmes, symposia, seminars, and science exhibitions. The department also organizes its annual intercollegiate event, “Zoofest,” which provides students with a platform to exchange knowledge, interact with peers, and showcase their scientific skills, creativity, and talent.

The department actively promotes nature education and biodiversity awareness through bird-watching activities and field-based learning. Bird documentation on the Wadia College campus has been undertaken with active participation from faculty members and undergraduate and postgraduate students. Such activities provide students with opportunities to observe biodiversity in its natural setting and develop an appreciation for wildlife and environmental conservation.

Students are also provided with valuable practical exposure through educational excursions, field visits, and visits to various institutes, hospitals, ecosystems, and other relevant organizations. These experiences complement classroom learning and help students understand the practical applications of zoological concepts.

The department has an active Zoological Club, “EnthuZooastic,” which organizes a variety of academic and enrichment activities for students. As part of these initiatives, eminent scientists, researchers, academicians, naturalists, zoologists, and environmentalists are regularly invited to interact with students and share their expertise and experiences.

Research and academic development are integral to the department’s activities. Faculty members actively keep themselves abreast of recent developments in their respective fields and contribute to scholarly research through publications in reputed journals. Faculty members have also received minor research project grants from BCUD. The department has undertaken collaborative research and dissertation projects in association with institutions such as Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), and IISER, providing postgraduate students with exposure to contemporary research methodologies and interdisciplinary scientific work.

The department has a qualified and experienced faculty, with several members holding M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees and actively pursuing research in their respective areas of specialization. Through its blend of quality teaching, practical training, research, field-based learning, and co-curricular activities, the Department of Zoology strives to develop scientifically informed, skilled, and environmentally conscious students prepared for higher education, research, and diverse career opportunities in the life sciences.

Courses conducted by the Department

Department Facilities

🎓 Experienced & Qualified Faculty

🔬 Well-Equipped Research Laboratory

🧪 Spacious & Modern Laboratories

🦋 Museum with Rare Specimens

📚 Well-Stocked Departmental Library

Innovative Practices

The Department of Zoology focuses on active learning, student engagement, and conceptual understanding rather than rote learning. A variety of innovative and learner-centred teaching methods are used to make learning interactive, meaningful, and enjoyable.

Innovative Teaching Methods
🧪 Hands-on Learning & Practical Training

💻 Blended and Adaptive Learning

🎯 Word Games & Interactive Learning

🔄 5E Learning Model – Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate & Evaluate

🔬 Virtual Science Labs

🧠 Mind Maps & Visual Learning

📋 Project-Based Learning

🎥 Multimedia-Based Learning

💻 ICT-Enabled Learning

👥 Peer-to-Peer Learning

Student-Centred Activities
The department also provides students with opportunities to learn beyond the classroom through a range of academic, creative, and experiential activities:

🏆 Quiz Competitions

🎨 Poster Competitions

🌸 Zoological Rangoli Competitions

🎤 Seminars & Webinars

🦜 Field Trips & Educational Visits

🔬 Hands-on Training Workshops & Conferences

These initiatives encourage students to participate, collaborate, explore, and apply their knowledge, making the learning experience more engaging and enriching.

Head of Department

Dr. Mrs. Sangita R. Kudale
Head of Department
Dr. Mrs. Sangita R. Kudale
Head of Department & Associate Professor
M. Sc., M. Phil., M. Ed & Ph. D.

Senior College Faculty

Dr. Atmaram V. Andhale

Prof. Dr. Atmaram A. Andhale

Professor

M. Sc Zoology, M.Sc. Bio-Tech, M. Phil., Ph.D.

View Profile
Dr. Somnath B. Waghmare

Dr. Somnath B. Waghmare

Associate Professor

M.Sc., Ph.D.

View Profile
Dr. Kanchan A. Phatak

Dr. Kanchan A. Phatak

Associate Professor

M. Sc., NET- JRF, Ph.D.

View Profile
Ms. Trupti Tondarkar

Ms. Trupti Tondarkar

Assistant Professor

M.Sc., B.Ed., NET - JRF, GATE, CTET.

View Profile
Dr. Sangeeta Kumari Sinha

Dr. Sangeeta Kumari Sinha

Assistant Professor

M.Sc., B. Ed., Ph.D.

View Profile
Dr. Gunwaati Arak

Dr. Gunwaati Arak

Assistant Professor

M. Sc., Ph. D.

View Profile
Dr. Bharti Patil

Dr. Bharti Patil

Assistant Professor

M. Sc., B.Ed., M. Phil, Ph.D.

View Profile
Dr. Swapnil Supekar

Dr. Swapnil Supekar

Assistant Professor

M. Sc, SET, Ph.D.

View Profile
Ms. Shweta Dhindhwal

Ms. Shweta Dhindhwal

Assistant Professor

M. Sc., M.Phil, NET - JRF, GATE.

View Profile
Ms. Shweta Teli

Ms. Shweta Teli

Assistant Professor

M.Sc., SET, GATE.

View Profile
Mr. Shivkant Gutte

Mr. Shivkant Gutte

Assistant Professor

M.Sc., B.Ed., SET, GATE, CTET.

View Profile
Dr. Jyoti Kumbar

Dr. Jyoti Kumbar

Assistant Professor

M.Sc., Ph.D.

View Profile

Class Rooms

Department is having dedicated 5 classrooms.

Laboratories

Computer Lab: 01

Research Lab: 01

Departmental Labs: 04

Teaching Aids

Traditional Teaching Methods

  • Chalk & Board Method

  • Experimental

  • Visits to Institutes / Field / National Parks / Hospitals

  • Charts

  • Models

  • Specimens

  • Permanent slides

    Advanced Teaching Methods

  • Power-point presentations

  • Audio-Visual Techniques

  • Animations

  • Quiz Competitions

  • Surveys

  • Group Discussions

  • Skit Play

  • Presentations / Seminars

  • Home Assignments

  • Observation And Experiment

  • Virtual Dissections

  • Learning Resources

    In addition to Central Library Departmental Library has: 463 books & 24 Journals

  • Museum Specimens: 685

  • Instruments & Equipments: 291

  • Over-head Projector: 01

  • LCD Projector: 02

  • Internet facilities for staff and students

  • Virtual Dissection Software for Animal Dissections: 05

  • List of Journals in the Department

  • Nature

  • J. Bombay Natural History Society (J. B. N. H. S.)

  • Science and culture

  • Experimental Cell Research

  • J. Cell Biology

  • J. of Biophysical and Biochemical Cytology

  • The journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry

  • Current Science

  • Physiological reviews

  • Scientific American

  • Biological Abstracts

  • Pesticide Research Journal

  • Indian Perfumer

  • Journal of Biopesticides

  • Journal of Eco-friendly Agriculture

  • Journal of Insect Science

  • Biopesticides International

  • Instruments Facility

    1. pH meter
    2. Bacteriological Incubator
    3. Digital Balance
    4. Kubota (Cooling Centrifuge)
    5. Spin win
    6. Compound Microscopes – 40
    7. Light Microscope -3
    8. Simple Microscope – 25
    9. SM-50 Microscope
    10. Stereo Dissecting
    11. Camera Eye Pices
    12. Gel Electrophoresis (DNA/Protein)
    13. Distilled Water Tank
    14. Orbital Shaker
    15. BOD Incubator
    16. Autoclave
    17. Water Bath
    18. pH Meter ISO 9001: 2008
    19. Binocular Microscope
    20. Dissecting Microscope
    21. LCD Projector M. No. ANUSI9001 SR. No. 7411048-B
    22. Hot plate
    23. Horizontal gel apparatus
    24. Nerve Muscle Assembly
    25. Overhead Projector
    26. Computers
    27. Kymograph Machine
    28. Research Microscope Model MLM
    29. Tissue Culture Chamber
    30. UV Spectrophotometer / U-V and Visible Transilluminator
    31. Compound Microscope
    32. Phase Contrast Microscope
    33. Electronic Weighing Balance

    Research Publications

    Most of the faculty of Zoology Department is highly qualified with Ph. D. degree awarded and are capable to to guide to B. Sc. and M. Sc. students for their Research project. Every year 24 M. Sc. Students. Every academic year there is good research output along with teaching learning process. There were 121 research papers have been published in various national and international reputed journals by our faculty members. Not only the publications but also n-number of research articles were presented at various national and international conferences.

      MoU’s and Collaboration

      1. Name of the collaborating Partner: Dr. G.D. Khedkar, Professor and Director P.H.C.D.B. Aurangabad.
        Theme: DNA Barcoding of fishes.
        Other details: Lab facilities will be shared between two labs for research for analysis
      2. Name of the collaborating Partner: Dr. Devendra Lingojwar, Director, ATG Biotechnologies, Pune.
        Theme: Molecular identification of fishes.
        Other details: Lab facilities will be shared between two labs for research for analysis
      3. Name of the collaborating Partner: Dr Ravindra Choudhari Professor and Head, Dept of Zoology, SSCC Junnar, Pune
        Theme: Collaborative research center for Ph.D.
        Other details: Affiliated with center for Ph.D.
      4. Name of the collaborating Partner: Dr. Pawan Kumar Khanna, Professor, Department of Applied Chemistry, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), a deemed to be University, Girinagar.
        Theme: Toxicity Evaluation of Nanoparticles using Insect model system.
        Other details: Collaboration is established to share infrastructure and laboratory facilities between the Collaborators

      Projects done by Students

      Every academic year we have 22 M. Sc. Student Research Project guided by faculty members of Zoology department with their respective fields.

        Placements

        Although there is no official placement cell in the department but M.Sc. Zoology students of our college often pursue Ph.D. in renowned institutions such as IISc, NCL, SPPU. Many of them are actively involved in research. They are also selected in various Junior and senior colleges as teachers and lecturers respectively.

          Awards & Recognitions

          1. Dr. Mrs. Kudale Sangita Ravindrakumar: Honored as “Best Teacher” on the occasion of “Guruvandana- 2017” jointly organized by Karnataka Rajya MahavidyalayaShikshak Sangh, KarnatakAdhyapak Parishad “A nationalist Teacher movements” and “Karnatak Rajya MadhyamicShikshak Sangh”, Dharwad region and felicitated by Prof. VishnukantChetapalli, Advisor, NAAC, Bengaluru on 16th of August 2017.

          2. Dr. Atmaram Vitthal Andhale: “2016 Mind Education Specialist Awarded” to Dr. Atmaram V Andhale hosted by International Mind Education Institute held at Savitribai Phule Pune University on Jan 11th 2016.

          3. Dr. Somnath Waghmare: Received the best oral paper award for my research paper entitled *"Insilico sequence analysis homology modelling, Molecular docking and functional annotations of Paroxiredoxin from M incognita"* In the *Capacity Building workshop in Nematode Taxonomy and Satellite Symposium on Advances in Nematology* organized by Nematology research lab CCSU Meerut in association with DRDO, CSIR from 21 March to 30 March 2022.

          4. Dr. Kanchan A Phatak : Received best platform award for the paper entitled ‘Novel genetic and biochemical investigations on pigmentation pathway with silver nanoparticles using Drosophila as model system’ in “International Conference on new Frontiers in Environmental and Allied Sciences” organised by Prof. Ramkrishna More ACS College, Akurdi on 15th- 16th February, 2019.

          5. Dr. Kanchan A Phatak : Received second prize for Paper presentation in National Conference on chemistry of Chalcogenide compounds organised by Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), during 14th- 15th March, 2019.

          6. Dr. Swapnil C Supekar: Young Scientist award: For oral presentation at “International conference on Ecosystem Responses to Global Environmental Changes and Their Impact” held at Indore.

          7. Dr. Swapnil C Supekar: Best Event Coordinator award: For coordinating a “Quiz competition under Science Association’s Science Fest-Dexterity to Excel at S.P. Mandali’s Sir Parashurambhau College, Pune (2018-19)

          Glimpses at Department of Zoology

          Syllabus

          Time Table

          Academic Calendar

          Our Alumni

          Sr. No.NameDetails
          1Jily Mary AntonyTeacher, Army Public School
          2Chinmay WaghBusiness, Owner, Peanotine Foods
          3Rashmi KumariPh.D. Research Scholar, Jawaharlal Nehru University
          4Harshini J AnandM.Sc. Neuroscience, Master's student, Jiwaji University, Gwalior
          5Namita Gokul DereWorking as associate in BPO, Senior advisor, Concentrix
          6Rohan Avinash PhatakPost Graduate Trained (PGT) Teacher, Shree Swaminarayan Vidyaveli Gyan Kendra Senior Secondary School
          7Akhila PillaiAssistant Professor of Zoology, S.P. College, Pune
          8Rohit MahajanTechnical support at Hudl India
          9Abhay KhandagleIncharge Principal, Asso Professor, Prof. Ramkrishna More College, Akurdi Pune
          10Shirish ManchiPrincipal Scientist, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History
          11Jairaj SwamySenior Manager, Global Compensation Strategy, Cummins Inc
          12Anahita MehtaTeacher, Assumption Nursery School
          13Sudarshan Rambhau MarkadResearch scholar, Ph.D candidate, Shri shiv Chhatrapati College Junnar
          14Arvind GoswamiResearch Scientist in Pharma, Biocon
          15Varsha Hanumant BhongPh.D. student, Pune University
          16Rachel DiasBiology teacher, St Vincent's Junior college
          17Parag Rohidas GawaliPetroleum Geologist
          18Niranjan KulkarniCompany secretory, Intern Njs consultancy
          19Suneeta LawateFinancial advisor and film maker, Own business LIC
          20Pranali Suresh BarawkarClinical research coordinator
          21Aishwarya MoraleBiology Teacher, Nowrosjee Wadia College, Pune
          22Nilesh DeoreTeacher, Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Vidyalay& Jr. College Shinde Nashik
          23Trupti TondarkarAssistant Professor, Nowrosjee Wadia College, Pune
          24Dr. Sangeeta SinhaAssistant Professor, Nowrosjee Wadia College, Pune
          25Seetanshu JunnarkarPh.D. student, Institute of Medical Biology (IMB)
          26Parul SharmaLecturer, Fergusson College, Pune
          27 Pradnya PariharLegal Advisor, ONGC , Mumbai
          28Azim MujawarJRF Institute of Environment Education and Research, Bharti Vidyapeeth, Pune
          29Preeti PrabhuTrade Comissioner and public affairs officer, Working with govt. of Canada at Consulate General of Canada in Mumbai
          30Priyadarshini PillayMBA in Canada, University in Simon Frasev, Vancouver, Canada
          31Parag PokareEmployee at Pardo Pvt.Thathwade ,Rawet
          32Sopan BhongAssistant Prof. Arts and science college, Indapur
          33Karen KuriTeacher, New era high school, Pachgani
          34Desh Ratan PandeyTeacher, Junior College
          35Shashank NambiarPh.D. student, Purdue School of Science IUPUI
          36Rahul DekaneRoss life science Pvt. Ltd
          37Ganesh MuraliL & T Infotech, Mumbai
          38Ankita SahaPh.D, University of Illinois
          39Afrin NaiknawadeMedical Content Developer