Department News

Celebration of Science Day on 27th February, 2025

In order to celebrate Science day, Department of Zoology organized two exciting activities Best Out of Waste and Movie Screening on 27th February, 2025, aimed at promoting creativity, scientific thinking, and awareness about environmental sustainability. The first activity, "Best Out of Waste," was organized in the Department of Zoology at 9:30 AM. This event encouraged students to use waste materials and transform them into innovative and useful creations. The purpose of this activity was to inspire students to think creatively while also raising awareness about recycling and reusing materials to reduce environmental waste. A total of 22 students participated in this activity, showcasing their artistic skills and environmental consciousness by designing unique items from waste materials. The creations ranged from decorative pieces to functional items, all made with recyclable and discarded materials. The event not only provided a platform for students to express their creativity but also helped them realize the value of sustainability and the importance of reusing materials in everyday life.

The second event of the day was a movie screening, which took place at 10:30 AM in the AV Hall. The movie “Life Before Birth - In the Womb” was selected for the screening. This documentary explored the fascinating journey of human development from conception to birth, offering an in-depth look at the biological processes involved in fetal development. The movie was not only educational but also captivating, providing students with a deeper understanding of life science, embryology, and the complexity of human growth. The movie sparked thoughtful discussions among students about the importance of prenatal development and the scientific aspects of life before birth. It served as an insightful learning experience, aligning perfectly with the theme of the day and further encouraging students to appreciate the wonders of life science.

 

Dr. Malhan's engaging presentation offered students valuable insights and guidance, making the lecture a truly enriching experience for all attendees.

The Department of Zoology organized a guest lecture on February 7th, 2025, entitled "Job Opportunities in Clinical Research," delivered by Dr. Kanika Malhan at 12:15 pm in the AV hall. The session was attended by M. Sc. and PhD students. Dr. Malhan discussed various career opportunities in clinical research, such as roles of Clinical Research Associate, Data Analyst, Statistical Officer and Medical Content Writer etc. She also acquainted the students with qualifications and skills required for these positions. The session was informative, engaging and interactive. Students actively participated and asked questions about career prospects, certifications, and industry trends. Dr. Malhan's engaging presentation offered students valuable insights and guidance, making the lecture a truly enriching experience for all attendees.

An Awareness Talk on “Empowering Women in Healthcare”

A renowned gynaecologist, obstetrician, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) expert from Jaipur's Astha Fertility Centre, Dr. Namita Kotiya, gave an inspiring discussion on "Empowering Women in Healthcare" on September 9, 2024. The talk included menstruation, fertility age, dietary habits, pregnancy, HPV, and menopause. Attendees included a wide range of academic levels, from undergraduates to postgraduates to PhD candidates from Department of Zoology. The talk was engaging and explained clearly. Moreover, Dr. Kotiya successfully addressed a wide range of questions from students. The event received a positive response, successfully increasing awareness and equipping women with practical skills to effectively manage their health.

 

Educational Visit to Nahargarh Zoological Park

As part of the National Wildlife Week celebration, the Department of Zoology, IIS (Deemed to be University), Jaipur, organized an educational visit to Nahargarh Zoological Park on 5th October 2024. A total of 52 undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students, along with research scholars, participated in this visit. The primary objective of the visit was to provide students with an opportunity to understand the significance of wildlife conservation and forest preservation. The visit aimed to: Educate students on wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts, enhance understanding of forest conservation and its ecological importance, explore the diverse flora and fauna housed within the zoological park, engage students in interactive exhibits to promote experiential learning.

During the visit, students had the opportunity to observe and learn about various species of wildlife. Some of the key species encountered included: Big Cats: Royal Bengal Tiger, Lion, Leopard; Small Carnivores: Jungle Cat, Palm Civet, Honey Badger; Deer Species: Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Barasingha Deer. The students actively participated in discussions regarding the behavior, habitat, and conservation status of these species. The zoological park authorities provided insightful information on the role of zoological parks in the conservation of endangered species, captive breeding programs, and ecological balance.

The visit proved to be an enriching experience for the students as they: Gained a deeper understanding of wildlife rehabilitation and the challenges involved. Learned about conservation strategies employed to protect flora and fauna. Developed an appreciation for the importance of biodiversity and its role in ecosystem stability. Engaged with interactive exhibits that provided a hands-on learning experience.

The educational visit to Nahargarh Zoological Park was a valuable initiative that successfully aligned with the objectives of National Wildlife Week. It provided students with a comprehensive understanding of wildlife conservation, forest preservation, and the significance of ecological balance. Such visits play a crucial role in fostering environmental awareness and encouraging students to contribute to conservation efforts in the future.

 

 

Poster making Competition (08th October, 2024)

The Department of Zoology organized a poster-making competition on 8th October, 2024, in order to celebrate National Wildlife Week (2nd October to 8th October, 2024). The competition was open to B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons.), and M.Sc. students across all semesters. The poster preparation took place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the display and judging at 12:30 p.m. The event was held in the Zoology Laboratory.

The topics for the poster competition were as follows:

  1. Connecting People & Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation
  2. Wildlife Family Practices
  3. Human-Wildlife Co-existence
  4. Endangered Species Awareness
  5. Human-Wildlife Conflict

A total of 40 students of B. Sc.(P), B. Sc. (H) and M.Sc Zoology participated in the competition.

The following students' posters were appreciated and awarded certificates:

RANK

NAMES OF STUDENTS

SOLO

GROUP

I

Sakshi (M.Sc. Sem 3)

 

II

Nidhi Singh (M.Sc. Sem 3)

Komal, Akshita Jain, Parul Gurjar (M.Sc. Sem 1)

III

Priyanshi Singh (M.Sc. Sem 3)

Bhoomi Harjani (B.Sc. Sem 1)

Harshita Sethi, Kanishka Joshi, Navshree Sharma (B.Sc. Sem1)

Consolation

Prachi Soni (B.Sc. - Honours Sem 3)

Nehal Khandelwal (M.Sc. Sem 3)

Meena Choudhary, Harshita Makhija, Nancy (M.Sc. Sem 1)

 

 

An Awareness Talk on “Empowering Women in Healthcare”

An awareness session was organized by Department of Zoology on "Empowering Women in Healthcare" on September 9, 2024. 72 students and 5 faculty members from Department of Zoology attended the session. A renowned gynaecologist, obstetrician, and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) expert Dr. Namita Kotiya from Astha Fertility Centre in Jaipur delivered an insightful talk on various aspects of female reproductive health. She covered key topics such as menstruation, fertility age, dietary habits, pregnancy and menopause. Dr. Kotiya stressed the importance of self-examination, mammography, regular Pap smears and HPV vaccination for early detection and prevention of breast and cervical cancer. Overall, Dr. Kotiya's session provided a comprehensive overview of women's reproductive health, emphasizing preventive care, early detection of diseases, and lifestyle management throughout different life stages.

 

UG and PG Orientation 2024-25

The orientation session in Discipline of Zoology was held on 30th August 2024 at 11.00 p.m. in Ojas Hall. The program commenced with a warm welcome for the freshers. Dr. Lata Shahani, Head of the Department of Zoology, extended a heartfelt greeting to the new students as they began their academic journey. Prof. P.J. John, Dean of the Faculty of Science, also joined in the welcome, offering his best wishes and words of encouragement. He motivated the students to strive for excellence in their studies and make the most of the opportunities available to them, emphasizing the importance of dedication and hard work in achieving their goals.

The first semester students of B.Sc. (Pass course), B.Sc. (Hons) and M.Sc. were acquainted with the curriculum, faculty profile, time table and other details through a power point presentation. The information regarding Library facilities and e-resources available in the library were also covered in the orientation session. Students were made aware about the Laboratory Rules and Good Laboratory Practices to be followed during the practical classes. Besides this, students were also given information regarding Credit Templates, Examination Scheme and pattern of CA and SEE question papers. Students also got to know the placements of alumnae of the department through the presentation.

Senior students uplifted the spirits of the fresher’s through a series of engaging activities, including dance performances, mimicry, and interactive games. Additionally, research scholars from the Zoology department organized a quiz focused on core subject knowledge, adding an academic twist to the festivities. In the end feedback link was shared with the students to get their views regarding this session.

Dr. Lata Shahani

Head, Department of Zoology

 

Poster making Competition

Poster making Competition was organized by Department of Zoology on 27 January 2024 for the students of B.Sc, B.Sc H and M.Sc  students.

The topics were

1. Pollution: Ways to tackle it

2. Importance of Vaccination

3. Organ Donation

4. Conservation Strategies

5. Biodiversity

6. Immune System Defence Mechanism

 A total of 34 students of B.Sc (P), B.Sc (H) and M.Sc Zoology participated in the competition .

The  posters of following students were appreciated and awarded the certificate

Tanuja Rautela           M.Sc Sem IV

Nisha Vishnani           M.Sc Sem IV

Nidhi Singh                M.Sc Sem II

Khushi                       B.Sc H Sem IV

Gunjan                      B.Sc H Sem II

Tanya                        B.Sc H Sem II

 

Visit to Biomedical Waste Treatment Plant, Jaipur

On 1st April 2024, a group of 14 postgraduate students of the Department of Environmental Science and Zoology, along with one faculty member (Dr. Ashish Tambi, Sr. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Environmental Science), participated in a visit to the common biomedical waste treatment plant managed by Instomedix Pvt. Ltd. in Jaipur. The visit commenced with a briefing session by the plant operator Mr. K.S. Sethi along with his assistant Mr. Guddu Yadav, who provided an overview of the facility's operations and highlighted the significance of proper biomedical waste management in mitigating health and environmental risks.

During the visit, students were guided through various sections of the treatment plant, including waste reception, segregation, disinfection, and disposal. They observed firsthand the segregation of different categories of biomedical waste, such as infectious, sharp, human and animal anatomical waste, to ensure safe handling and treatment. The tour also included demonstrations of the treatment processes, including autoclaving, chemical disinfection, and incineration, aimed at sterilizing and rendering the waste non-infectious.

Additionally, students learned about the importance of regulatory compliance and quality assurance measures in biomedical waste management, including documentation, record-keeping, and monitoring of treatment efficacy. They also had the opportunity to interact with plant staff and gain insights into the challenges and best practices in biomedical waste management.

The outcome of the event: The visit to the biomedical waste treatment plant proved to be highly informative and insightful for the participating students. It provided them with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in managing biomedical waste and the critical role played by treatment facilities in ensuring public health and environmental protection. The firsthand exposure to the operational processes and technologies used in waste treatment enhanced students' knowledge and appreciation of the subject matter. Furthermore, the visit stimulated discussions among students on the importance of adopting sustainable waste management practices and the need for greater awareness and advocacy in this regard. It also inspired students to explore potential research opportunities and career paths in the fields of environmental science, waste management, and public health.

In conclusion, the visit to the biomedical waste treatment plant was a valuable educational experience that complemented classroom learning and provided students with practical insights into real-world environmental challenges and solutions. It underscored the department's commitment to experiential learning and capacity building in environmental science and allied disciplines.

 

REPORT ON VISIT TO STATE FORENSIC SCIENCE LABORATORY, JAIPUR

On February 21, 2024, a group of 30 students from the Department of Zoology, IIS (deemed to be University) in Jaipur had the exciting opportunity to visit the State Forensic Science Laboratory. They were accompanied by Dr. Lata Shahani, Head of the Zoology Department and Prof. Priyanka Mathur. Their main goal was to get a practical understanding of how different branches of forensic science work and their role in solving crimes and ensuring justice. The visit was divided into three main areas: Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Physical Sciences, with each area giving them valuable insights into various aspects of forensic investigations.

The Forensic Science Department's biology section highlighted the critical role of DNA analysis in various criminal investigations, including rape, murder, newborn exchange, and human trafficking cases. The students were introduced to the basics of DNA structure and its role as the genetic blueprint of living organisms. They were educated on techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing, essential for extracting, amplifying, and analyzing DNA samples. Additionally, the department illustrated the process of comparing DNA profiles to pinpoint suspects and establish connections to crime scenes. The students were also explained in detail about the investigations carried out by the FSL team.

In the chemistry section, students learned about techniques like chromatography and spectroscopy, which are used to identify and analyze substances found at crime scenes. The department demonstrated how chemical analysis can provide important evidence in cases involving arson, drug-related crimes, and toxic substances. Specific attention was given to analyzing excise substances (like alcohol and tobacco), explosives, and narcotics. Students were shown how sophisticated equipment and chemical tests are employed to identify and analyze these substances. They also learned about narcotics classification, detecting explosive residues, and examining alcohol levels in cases such as drink-driving incidents.

Then toxicology section focused on the detection and analysis of drugs and toxins in biological samples. Students were introduced to the processes involved in toxicology testing, including sample preparation, extraction, and instrumental analysis. They learned about the effects of drugs on the human body, drug metabolism, and the importance of toxicology in determining cause of death and detecting drug-related crimes.

The ballistics section provided insights into the analysis of firearms and their ammunition. Students learned about the examination of bullets, cartridge cases, and gunshot residues. The experts explained the principles of ballistics and how the examination of firearm-related evidence can help determine the type of weapon used and establish links between suspects and crime scenes.

The computer forensics section focused on the examination and analysis of digital evidence. Students learned about the tools and techniques used to recover and analyze data from computers, mobile devices, and other digital media. They also learned the importance of data integrity, digital evidence preservation, and the role of computer forensics in solving cybercrimes and retrieving valuable information for criminal investigations.

The field trip to the Forensic Science Department offered students a comprehensive understanding of forensic science's branches and their role in crime-solving. It provided valuable insights into biological, chemical, and physical sciences' contributions to investigations. The department's infrastructure was impressive, with well-equipped labs for various analyses like DNA testing and ballistics examination, highlighting their commitment to technological advancement. Safety measures were rigorously followed, ensuring lab safety. Administrative facilities were well-maintained, supporting smooth operations. The visit facilitated networking with professionals, fostering potential collaborations and inspiring research ideas. Overall, it was an enriching experience, enhancing students' understanding and potential for future research in forensic science.

 

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