INTRODUCTION & BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Zoology  S.K.P Government Degree College, Guntakal started functioning in the year 1968 under the Ministry of Higher Education, Govt. of A.P. and affiliated to Sri Krishna Deveraya University, Anathapuramu. The Zoology Department academic programs, rules and regulations are as per the Board of studies Sri Krishna Deveraya University, Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh. The Department of Zoology was established in this college with B.Sc. (BZC)  & (Bio.Z.C) course in the year 1968 with a view to provide Science education to the students of this region. Eminent and well experienced faculty served at this department. New courses Dairy Science and Aqua Culture introduced in the present academic year 2021-22.

Zoology is the branch of biology that includes the study of animals and animal life, including, but not limited to, the study of the structure, physiology and classification of animals. Zoology can be subdivided into two categories:

• Invertebrate zoology
• Vertebrate zoology

Invertebrate zoology:Invertebrate means lacking a spinal column. Animals in this category include species of the following: protozoans, annelids, cnidarians, echinoderms, flatworms, nematodes, molluscs, and arthropods. Invertebrates make up 90% of the Earth's animals. They range in size from minute to extremely large. They possess soft bodies and external skeletons.

 Vertebrate zoology:Vertebrate means to have a spinal column or backbone. Animals in this category include species of the phylum Chordata: fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. These are characterized by a segmented spinal cord and a distinct differentiated head. These animals possess internal skeletons which include the vertebral column which at least partially encloses the spinal cord and a skull which houses the brain. Vertebrates also usually possess two pairs of limbs and an outer covering (fur, skin, feathers).

A major in Zoology will introduce you to the fascinating diversity of animals, their interactions with each other and their environments. You will develop an understanding of the forces that have shape danimal groups into highly structured ecosystems and communities. Zoology is a core biological discipline underpinning current interest and research in conservation biology and marine science.

Objectives:-Objectives of our Department are as follows:

• To provide a strong foundation in the concepts of animal structure, function and behavior.
• To provide practical skills and knowledge of applied aspects of Zoology which can pave the way for self-employment opportunities in Aquaculture, Apiculture, Vermiculture & Sericulture.
• To provide a strong foundation for a better understanding of current advances in Zoology and its practical significance.
• To inculcate critical thinking and analytical skills to enable students to pursue higher studies and research in Life Sciences or related fields of Zoology.

Departmental Activities:

Teaching and learning

• Class room Instruction
• Demonstration
• Student Seminars
• Presentations through PPTs, Visuals, Videos and Virtual Labs
• Teaching through visual aids like live and preserved specimens, models, charts, OHP etc.
• Celebration of Important Days
• Invited lectures in addition to regular teaching
• Mentoring System
• Continuous evaluation
• Assignments

Research and Extension:

• Study Projects
• Field Trips & Study visits
• Participation and presentation of papers in seminars
• Collaboration and MoUs with Institutes

Student Support Activities:

• Employment oriented training through Certificate Courses and Workshops
• Encouraging students to participate in Sports, NCC, NSS
• Provision of books through Departmental Library
• Endowment prizes for meritorious students
• Parent Teacher Interactions
• Medical Check Ups to students in association with Medical & Health Unit of the College

Facilities:

• Spacious classrooms with good aeration, seating and blackboards
• Two well equipped laboratories
• Zoology Museum with good collection of specimens, slides and spotters and Models
• General Library and Zoology Departmental Library
• Internet access to students in the department
• Guidance and support for Higher education