School of Life Sciences · Loyola College, Chennai
Sterling Road, Nungambakkam · Chennai – 600 034 · Tamil Nadu, India
The PG & Research Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology at Loyola College is one of Chennai's most distinguished life sciences departments — blending classical zoology with cutting-edge biotechnology to train world-class scientists, researchers and educators since 1948.
To provide rigorous, research-driven education in zoology and biotechnology — forming critical thinkers, ethical scientists and compassionate citizens who serve society and the natural world with knowledge, integrity and innovation.
To be a nationally recognised Centre of Excellence in Life Sciences — integrating biodiversity conservation, translational biotechnology, and Jesuit values of holistic formation to produce globally competent scientists.
Our curriculum bridges classical animal biology, molecular genetics, microbiology, bioinformatics and industrial biotechnology — preparing students for careers in research, pharma, environmental science, and academia.
Committed to documenting and conserving India's rich biodiversity. Faculty and students conduct field studies in Tamil Nadu's wetlands, forests and urban ecosystems — contributing to national conservation databases.
From a modest natural sciences unit founded in 1948 to a vibrant PG & Research Department offering UG, PG and Ph.D. programmes — the Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology has grown into one of South India's most respected life science departments.
Our alumni serve as scientists at CSIR, ICMR and DBT institutions, as faculty across Indian universities, and as researchers in biotech industries across the globe.
Undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes designed to build scientific rigour, laboratory expertise and a lifelong passion for the living world.
Course Code: UAZ
A comprehensive 3-year undergraduate programme covering animal biology, physiology, ecology, genetics, cell biology, and foundational biotechnology with extensive laboratory training.
Course Code: PZO
A rigorous 2-year postgraduate programme with specialised tracks in molecular biology, environmental biology, immunology, bioinformatics and recombinant DNA technology.
Course Code: DZO
Doctoral research under University of Madras recognition in areas including taxonomy, wildlife biology, aquatic ecology, insect biology, endocrinology and environmental toxicology.
Course Code: DMLT
Offered to: 10+2 (Science Stream with Phy, Chem, Bio) Pass Students
Course Code: PZO3VA01
Offered to: Postgraduate Students
Distinguished scientists, researchers and educators committed to nurturing the next generation of life science innovators through excellence in teaching and research.
Dr. Pushpa Rani is the Head of the Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology at Loyola College, Chennai, specializing in Environmental and Biomedical Sciences with an h-index of 6 and over 115 citations.
Serves as the Lab In-Charge for the Eco-Physiology Lab.
Serves as the Lab In-Charge for the Medical Laboratory Technology Lab.
Serves as the Record Clerk and Lab In-Charge for the Animal Diversity Lab.
Active research across multiple frontiers of life science — from tropical biodiversity to cancer molecular biology — with consistent national funding and international publication impact.
Decades of academic excellence, national rankings, prestigious fellowships and a global alumni community — the hallmarks of Loyola's life science legacy.
Dr. S. Ignacimuthu, SJ recognised by the National Academy of Sciences, India for outstanding contributions to entomology and biopesticide research.
Department recognised under the Department of Biotechnology's prestigious Star College Scheme for excellence in undergraduate biology education and infrastructure.
Awarded under UGC-SAP for sustained research output and doctoral mentorship in zoology — enabling infrastructure and research grants for faculty and scholars.
Multiple faculty members are principal investigators on ICMR, DST and SERB funded projects totalling over ₹3 Crore in active research funding.
Active MoUs and collaborative research with institutions in Japan, Germany, USA, South Korea and Australia — enabling student and faculty exchange programmes.
ERI, housed within the department, is a nationally reputed research unit with 30+ years of research in insect biology, biopesticides and sustainable agriculture.
Our department is home to the internationally recognized Entomology Research Institute (ERI), serving as a hub for groundbreaking work in biopesticides, molecular biology, and environmental conservation. We bridge traditional zoological studies with modern biotechnological applications to address global ecological challenges.
State-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories equipped with modern instruments, supporting high-quality experimental science from undergraduate to doctoral level.
Equipped with PCR systems, gel electrophoresis units, spectrophotometers, microcentrifuges and ultra-low temperature freezers for genomics and molecular biology research.
Facilities for cell culture (CO₂ incubator, laminar flow), ELISA, Western blotting, fluorescence microscopy and protein purification — supporting advanced biotech research.
Compound and stereo microscopes, phase contrast, dark field and fluorescence microscopy. Histology section with microtome, tissue processor and staining facilities.
Dedicated computer lab with internet connectivity, bioinformatics software (MEGA, BLAST, CLUSTAL, PyMOL, AutoDock) and access to NCBI, UniProt and PDB databases.
Animal Diversity Lab for the practical sessions of animal dissections including UG and PG syllabus.
A nationally recognised research unit with insect rearing facilities, biopesticide formulation chambers, scanning electron microscope and extensive reference collections.
Well-stocked with zoology and biotechnology textbooks, journals (Nature, Science, Cell), bound theses, reference specimens and digital access to Elsevier and Springer databases.
Dedicated air-conditioned smart room with modern audio-visual infrastructure for guest lectures, research presentations, journal clubs and departmental events.
A vibrant space where curiosity meets wildlife, innovation, and biological discovery.
Preserving the wonders of biodiversity, evolution, and life sciences through education and exploration.
Dept. of Advanced Zoology & Biotechnology
Loyola College (Autonomous)
Sterling Road, Nungambakkam
Chennai – 600 034, Tamil Nadu, India
Return to the 4th International Conference on Life Sciences & Vector Risk Management.