Department of
Zoology

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The Department of Zoology at Vidya Vikas Arts, Commerce and Science College, Samudrapur, affiliated with Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), Nagpur, is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and biodiversity conservation. The department offers Undergraduate (B.Sc. Zoology), Postgraduate (M.Sc. Zoology), and Ph.D. programmes in Zoology, providing students with a strong foundation in animal sciences and research. Equipped with modern laboratories, museum specimens, and research facilities, the department promotes practical learning, scientific innovation, field studies, and environmental awareness, preparing students for careers in research, academia, healthcare, biotechnology, wildlife conservation, and allied life science fields.

Former Teachers

1. Dr. Manohar S. Ambatkar

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

2. Dr. Archana M. Bhende

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

3. Mr. Vaibhav D. Kalambe

M.Sc., B.Ed., Ph.D. (Pursuing)

Departmental Staff

Mr. Amol Patil

Lab Attendant

Programs | Courses Offered

Undergraduate: B.Sc. Zoology

Postgraduate: M.Sc.  Zoology

Ph.D.

Department Features

  • Established in 2006
  • B.Sc. and M.Sc. Zoology programmes under NEP 2020.
  • Recognized RTM Nagpur University Ph.D. Research Centre.
  • Functional laboratories with necessary Instruments, Charts and Specimens.
  • Well qualified faculty with expertise in diverse areas of Zoology.
  • Balanced emphasis on Theory, Practical’s, Field Work and Project based learning.
  • Active Research, Publications and Patent Contributions.
  • Regular Guest Lectures, Model Competition, Educational visits and workshops.

Events Organized

  • Bridge Course for First-Year B.Sc. Zoology students (conducted annually).
  • Induction Programme for newly admitted B.Sc. and M.Sc. students.
  • Field Visit, One Day Educational Tours, Guest Lectures.
  • Departmental Day Celebrations like World Animal Day, World Wildlife Day.
  • Workshop on Instrument Handling for Enhancing Practical Skills in the Zoology Laboratory.
  • National Science Day Celebrations, including Nature Photography Competitions and Science Model Exhibition.

Study Tours Arranged

  • Long Educational Tour to Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad – December 2023.
  • Long Educational Tour to CSIR Laboratories, Goa and Mumbai – January 2024.
  • Educational Tour to Muktai and Seven Sisters Hill Station – 2025.

Research in the Department

  • Recognized Research Centre of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), Nagpur.
  • 12 Ph.D. research scholars are currently pursuing doctoral research under the guidance of departmental faculty.
  • Active research areas of the department include Nanomaterials and Nanoscience, Collagen Hydrogel and its Biomedical Applications, Fish Histopathology, Biodiversity of Plankton, Ultrastructural Studies of Mollusca, Stress Physiology, Limnology, Spectroscopy, and Antibacterial Nanotechnology.
  • The faculty members of the Department have published more than 70 research papers in prestigious Web of Science, Scopus, UGC-CARE, and other peer-reviewed international journals, reflecting the department’s strong commitment to high-quality research and academic excellence.
  • The Department has achieved five Indian Patent publications in innovative areas, including biodegradable smart tags, water purification technologies, aquaponic systems, and automatic insect detection, demonstrating its commitment to research, innovation, and sustainable technological advancement.
  • The faculty members have authored and published textbooks and book chapters for undergraduate and postgraduate students, contributing significantly to quality education and academic resource development.
  • Faculty members regularly present research papers at National and International Conferences, Workshops and Seminars.
  • The Department of Zoology has secured a prestigious research project under the Rajiv Gandhi Science & Technology Commission (RGSTC), implemented through the RTM Nagpur University (RTMNU) Office of Innovation, Incubation and Linkages. The project integrates Artificial Intelligence and advanced spectroscopic techniques for microplastic monitoring and environmental risk assessment of the Wardha River ecosystem.

Students Excelled

Ms. Tejaswita Sahastrabuddhe secured 6th Rank in the M.Sc. Zoology examination. Several graduates have successfully pursued B.Ed. and Ph.D. programmes, while many alumni have been selected and are serving as Assistant Professors, Assistant Teachers, and in various academic and scientific positions across educational and research institutions.

Department Results

  • Steady Growth in Student Admissions: The department has maintained consistent enrolment with UG student strength increasing from 9 (2022–23) to 12 (2025–26) and PG student strength increasing from 6 to 8 during the same period.
  • Increasing Research Enrolment: The number of Ph.D. admissions increased from 2 (2022–23) to 5 (2025–26), reflecting the department’s growing emphasis on research and higher education.
  • Overall Academic Development: The department has shown continuous academic progress with a total student strength rising from 17 (2022–23) to 25 (2025–26) across UG, PG, and Ph.D. programmes, demonstrating its expanding academic excellence and research culture.

Notable Alumni

The Department of Zoology takes immense pride in its distinguished alumni, who have made significant contributions in higher education, research, healthcare, and school education. Our graduates have secured prestigious positions as Assistant Professors, Assistant Teachers, Laboratory Assistants, and Government Officials, reflecting the department’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and career-oriented education.

Notable alumni include Mr. Vaibhav D. Kalambe, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Vidya Vikas Arts, Commerce and Science College, Samudrapur, who is also pursuing his Ph.D. at the Research Centre of the same institution; Mr. Praful Kalwade, Assistant Professor, J.B. Science College, Wardha; Mr. Rahul Pawar, Assistant Professor, Vidya Vikas Arts, Commerce and Science College, Samudrapur; and Ms. Tejaswita M. Sahastrabuddhe, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Matoshree Ashatai Kunawar Science College, Hinganghat.

The department is equally proud of its alumni serving in government and educational sectors, including Ms. Alka Khode (Public Health Department, Government of Maharashtra), Ms. Anamika P. Nimbarte (Government Medical College & Hospital, Nagpur), Ms. Vaishnavi V. Nalhe (Assistant Teacher, Vidya Vikas High School, Hinganghat), Ms. Pranjali Kubade (Assistant Teacher, Bharat High School, Hinganghat), Ms. Diksha R. Rathi (Assistant Teacher, Mahesh Gyanpeeth High School, Hinganghat), Ms. Isha Bidkar (Assistant Teacher, Muktangan School, Nandori), and Ms. Sonal Balkhande (Laboratory Assistant, Tulaskar College of Pharmacy, Hinganghat). These achievements demonstrate the department’s enduring legacy of producing competent professionals, educators, researchers, and public servants who continue to contribute meaningfully to society.

Annual Reports