Introduction to Courses and Careers in Zoology
If you have genuine interest and love for animals and wildlife, then studying zoology is a good option for you. There are several specializations in this field includes work along with animals to lab scientists. Here we discuss about available courses and careers in zoology.
What is Zoology?
Zoology is the branch of biology that deals with scientific study of the behavior, structure, physiology, classification, and distribution of animals. It is also called animal biology. It includes the study of animal kingdom, including the structure, embryology, evolution, classification, habits, and distribution of all animals and their interaction with their ecosystems.
The study of animals means all living and dead animals includes fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, etc. One who study zoology are called zoologist.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Zoologist
Roles and responsibilities of a zoologist varies with the job and position in which he / she is working. The role varies from a lab technician who works as assistant in labs to research scientist who goes on presentation of findings, varies from direct dealing with animals to presenter in TV shows, etc.
Educational Qualification Required
Minimum qualification required to become a zoologist is bachelor’s degree in the field of zoology (Bsc. Zoology). They can further obtain master’s degree in the field of zoology or specialized fields. The study can be continued with M Phil and Phd. Degree in zoology.
Skills and Knowledge Required
A person who want to study zoology must have interest in animal life and it environment. They should have good knowledge and interest animal life. They should possess good verbal and written communication skills, presentation skills, research aptitude, ability to work with different groups of people, ability to work in long and extended hours, etc.
How to become a Zoologist?
To become a zoologist one should opt science stream in 10 + 2 with PCB or PCBM as options which includes biology as one of the optional subject. After 12th they can get admission into B.Sc. Zoology and further go for M.Sc. Zoology or specified areas and for M. Phil. and Ph.D.
Different Courses in Zoology
A zoologist study about different aspects of animal includes body and cell structure, life processes, evolution and animal genetics, growth and development, animal classification, nutrition and physiology, health issues and illness, behavior and type of habitat, interaction with other animals and environment.
Different sub-disciplines in zoology includes:
Animal physiology
Behavioral ecology
Comparative anatomy
Embryology (Study of early stages of animals)
Ethology
Evolutionary biology
Herpetology (study of amphibians and reptiles)
Icthyology (study of fish)
Invertebrate zoology
Mammalogy (study of mammals)
Molecular biology
Ornithology (Study of birds)
Palaeontology
Soil zoology
Taxonomy (naming and classification of species)
Vertebrate zoology
Zoography (descriptive zoology)
Where do I get the Job?
The job opportunities are available with zoos, wildlife services, botanical gardens, national parks, laboratories, institutions, private television channels, private companies, etc. They can get jobs as curators or educators in zoos, administrative managers in zoos, teachers and research scientists, laboratory technician, animal behaviorist and rehabilitators, conservationist, ecological consultants, etc.