Course Code ZOOLOGY I L T P C
Version 1.0 Contact Hours - 75 2 1 1 4
Pre-requisites/Exposure PLUS TWO LEVEL BIOLOGY
Co-requisites --
Course Objective
To develop a strong foundation in zoological principles relevant to forensic science, including
cellular biology, animal taxonomy, human biochemistry, and genetics. The course emphasizes the
application of forensic entomology for criminal investigations, enabling students to use insect
evidence to estimate time of death and other forensic parameters. It also introduces genetic
concepts crucial for understanding hereditary traits and mutations important in forensic analysis.
Furthermore, students will gain knowledge about wildlife forensic science, focusing on the
protection of endangered species and the role of forensic techniques in biodiversity conservation.
The course aims to prepare students to integrate zoological knowledge with forensic
methodologies to support criminal investigations and wildlife law enforcement.
Course Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
CO1: Recall cell structures, animal classification, and cell division processes.
CO2: Explain the role of insects in forensics, human biochemistry, and Mendelian genetics.
CO3: Apply biochemical knowledge in practical forensic scenarios.
CO4: Analyze genetic inheritance patterns, and biochemical data to differentiate between normal
and mutated genetic traits
CO5: Evaluate forensic zoology’s role in wildlife conservation and legal protection.
Course Content
Unit-1: Introduction to cellular organization and animal kingdom (10 hours)
The cell, structural unit of life, History of cell organization, Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell, cell
cycle, Mitosis and meiosis, Overview of animal kingdom (Protista, Porifera, Radiata, Arthopoda,
Mollusca, Pisces, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, Mammalia)
Unit-2: Entomology in Forensic Science (8 hours)
General Entomology: Significance of Terrestrial and Aquatic insects in Forensic Science, Role of
Insects in investigation, determine the time since death and use of insects in Forensic science.
Unit-3: Human Biochemistry (10 hours)
Protein structure and its functions; Carbohydrates structure, function, properties; Lipids structure,
properties and functions, Types of micronutrients and macronutrients in the body.
Unit-4: Mendelism (10 hours)
Mendel’s Law, Exceptions to Mendel’s Law, DNA & RNA: Structure, functions and types,
Overview of some genetic diseases (Down syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Klinefelter Syndrome),
genetic mutations, Definition & types mutagens (Physical & Chemical)
Unit-5: Wildlife Forensic Science (7 hours)
Introduction and importance of wildlife, Endangered Species of animals, wildlife Environment
Protection Act, Wildlife laboratories and its Organization and Wildlife conservation act, Role of
forensic zoology in biodiversity protection
Proposed list of practicals: (30 hours)
1. Identification and Classification of Any these of the following:
Non-chordate specimens: Scypha, Obelia, Sea-anaemone, Ascaris, Hirudinaria,
Scorpion, Bombyxmori, Achatina, Loligo, Starfish, Balanoglossus.
Chordate specimens: Branchiostoma, Petromyzon, Scolidon, Lates, Axolotl larva,
Tylototriton, Gekko; Hemidactylus, Turtle, Naja, Chiroptera.
2. Ecological Note – On any of the specimens in Exercise No 1.
3. Identification of Biomolecules: Glucose, Protein, Lipids
4. Study of mitosis and meiosis using permanent slides
SUGGESTED READING:
1. Snustad, D. P., & Simmons, M. J. (2015). Principles of Genetics (7th ed.). Wiley..
2. Ruppert, Fox and Barnes (2006) Invertebrate Zoology. A functional Evolutionary
Approach 7th Edition, Thomson Books/Cole
3. Raven, P. H. and Johnson, G. B. (2004). Biology, 6th edition, Tata McGraw Hill
Publications. New Delhi
4. Nelson DL and Cox MM (2008) Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 5th Edition.,
W.H. Freeman and Company.
Modes of Evaluation: Quiz/Assignment/ presentation/ extempore/ Written Examination
Examination Scheme:
Components Mid Term Class Assessment End Term
Weightage (%) 20 30 50
