IGNOU MSc Zoology Syllabus 2026: Semester-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
IGNOU MSc Zoology syllabus structure: 4 semesters, 80 credits
The IGNOU MSc Zoology programme has a minimum duration of 2 years and a maximum duration of 4 years. It totals 80 credits, with 20 credits assigned to each of the four semesters. The programme fee is Rs. 20,000 per year for the July 2026 session, making the full minimum duration cost Rs. 40,000, excluding other fees.
The syllabus includes core and elective theory courses, along with compulsory lab courses and a dissertation. For example, the first semester includes MZO 001 Molecular Cell Biology (4 credits, Theory) and MZOL 001 Lab Course I (4 credits, Lab). Students must complete project work on a prescribed course topic, which is represented by MZOP 001 Dissertation (4 credits, Project) in the fourth semester. The programme focuses on Entomology as a specialisation.
The IGNOU MSc Zoology syllabus is structured across four semesters. Each semester carries 20 credits.
**First Semester (20 Credits)**
* MZO 001 Molecular Cell Biology (Core, 4 credits, Theory)
* MZO 002 Genetics and Animal Biotechnology (Core, 4 credits, Theory)
* MZO 003 Comparative Animal Physiology and Biochemistry (Core, 4 credits, Theory)
* MZOE 001 Parasitology (Elective, 4 credits, Theory)
* MZOL 001 Lab Course I (4 credits, Lab)
**Second Semester (20 Credits)**
* MZO 004 Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution (Core, 4 credits, Theory)
* MZO 005 Genomics and Proteomics (Core, 4 credits, Theory)
* MZOE 002 Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare Ethics (Elective, 4 credits, Theory)
* MZOE 003 Aquaculture (Elective, 4 credits, Theory)
* MZOL 002 Lab Course II (4 credits, Lab)
**Third Semester (20 Credits)**
* MZO 006 Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (Core, 4 credits, Theory)
* MZO 007 Principles of Ecology (Core, 4 credits, Theory)
* MZO 008 Immunology (Core, 4 credits, Theory)
* MZO 009 Research Methodology (Core, 4 credits, Theory)
* MZOL 003 Lab Course III (4 credits, Lab)
**Fourth Semester (20 Credits)**
* MZOE 004 Insect Taxonomy and Morphology (Elective, 4 credits, Theory)
* MZOE 005 Insect Physiology and Toxicology (Elective, 4 credits, Theory)
* MZOE 006 Applied Entomology (Elective, 4 credits, Theory)
* MZOL 004 Lab Course IV (4 credits, Lab)
* MZOP 001 Dissertation (4 credits, Project)
The IGNOU MSc Zoology programme requires a B.Sc. (Hons.)/B.Sc. (Major) in Zoology or a B.Sc. (General/CBCS) with Zoology as a subject. The medium of instruction is English. Admissions occur in both January and July cycles.
The eGyanKosh study blocks provide detailed content for each course. For example, MZO 001 Molecular Cell Biology includes Block 1: Eukaryotic Cytoskeleton and
MSc Zoology structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 5 courses | 20 |
| 2nd semester | 5 courses | 20 |
| 3rd semester | 5 courses | 20 |
| 4th semester | 5 courses | 20 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MSc Zoology 1st semester subjects: Molecular Cell Biology (Core)
Students complete 20 credits in total during this semester. MZO 001 Molecular Cell Biology, MZO 002 Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, and MZO 003 Comparative Animal Physiology and Biochemistry are the core theory courses, each carrying 4 credits. MZOE 001 Parasitology is an elective theory course, also worth 4 credits. The practical component is MZOL 001 Lab Course I, which accounts for 4 credits.
The first semester focuses on foundational concepts. MZO 001 covers topics like the Eukaryotic Cytoskeleton and Cell Transport, while MZO 002 explores Gene Interaction and Animal Biotechnology. MZO 003 introduces Fundamentals of Animal Physiology and Enzyme Catalysis. The lab course, MZOL 001, directly supports the theoretical knowledge gained in these courses.
IGNOU MSc Zoology 1st semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MZO 001 | Molecular Cell Biology (Core) | 4 | Theory |
| MZO 002 | Genetics and Animal Biotechnology (Core) | 4 | Theory |
| MZO 003 | Comparative Animal Physiology and Biochemistry (Core) | 4 | Theory |
| MZOE 001 | Parasitology (Elective) | 4 | Theory |
| MZOL 001 | Lab Course I | 4 | Lab |
MZO 001 Molecular Cell Biology (Core): study blocks
- Block 1: Eukaryotic Cytoskeleton
- Block 2: Cell Transport
- Block 3: Cell Cycle and Cell Culture
- Block 4: Cell Junctions and Communications
MZO 002 Genetics and Animal Biotechnology (Core): study blocks
- Block 1: Gene Interaction and Mapping
- Block 2: Gene Mutation, Repair and Expression
- Block 3: Human Genes and Inheritance
- Block 4: Animal Biotechnology
MZO 003 Comparative Animal Physiology and Biochemistry (Core): study blocks
- Block 1: Fundamentals of Animal Physiology
- Block 2: Sensing the Environment and Coordination
- Block 3: Enzyme Catalysis and its Regulation
- Block 4: Energy Production and Network of Metabolic Pathways
MZOE 001 Parasitology (Elective): study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction to Parasitology
- Block 2: Blood Parasites
- Block 3: Gastro-Intestinal Parasites
- Block 4: Somatic-Parasitic Nematodes
- Block 5: Ectoparasites of Animal and Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
IGNOU MSc Zoology 2nd semester subjects: Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution (Core)
Students study MZO 004 Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution, which carries 4 credits and covers topics like Evolutionary Biology and Speciation. Another core course is MZO 005 Genomics and Proteomics, also worth 4 credits, focusing on genome and proteome analysis techniques.
The semester also includes MZOL 002 Lab Course II, a 4-credit lab component. The eGyanKosh blocks for MZO 004 include four blocks, from Evolutionary Biology-I to Speciation and Human Evolution. The total credits for the 2nd semester are 20, contributing to the programme’s 80 credits.
IGNOU MSc Zoology 2nd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MZO 004 | Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution (Core) | 4 | Theory |
| MZO 005 | Genomics and Proteomics (Core) | 4 | Theory |
| MZOE 002 | Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare Ethics (Elective) | 4 | Theory |
| MZOE 003 | Aquaculture (Elective) | 4 | Theory |
| MZOL 002 | Lab Course II | 4 | Lab |
MZO 004 Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution (Core): study blocks
- Block 1: Evolutionary Biology-I
- Block 2: Evolutionary Biology-II
- Block 3: Origin and Evolution of Eukaryotes
- Block 4: Speciation and Human Evolution
MZO 005 Genomics and Proteomics (Core): study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction to Genomics and Proteomics
- Block 2: Techniques for Genome Analysis
- Block 3: Techniques for Proteome Analysis
- Block 4: Applications of Genomics and Proteomics
MZOE 002 Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare Ethics (Elective): study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction to Animal Behaviour: Concept and Evolution
- Block 2: Systematic Approach to Understand Important Animal and Human Behaviour
- Block 3: Animal Welfare-I
- Block 4: Animal Welfare-II
MZOE 003 Aquaculture (Elective): study blocks
- Block 1: Aquatic Environment for Aquaculture
- Block 2: Aquaculture Methods and Practices
- Block 3: Fish Health and Nutrition
- Block 4: Economic and Social Aspects of Aquaculture
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MSc Zoology 3rd semester subjects: Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (Core), Principles of Ecology (Core)
The IGNOU MSc Zoology 3rd semester syllabus includes four core theory courses and one lab course, totaling 20 credits. Students study MZO 006 Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, MZO 007 Principles of Ecology, MZO 008 Immunology, and MZO 009 Research Methodology. Each theory course carries 4 credits.
The practical component, MZOL 003 Lab Course III, also accounts for 4 credits. MZO 009 Research Methodology is a foundational course, with its eGyanKosh blocks covering topics from “Introduction to Research” to “Technical Writing and Research Ethics.” This course prepares students for future research work within the 80-credit MSc Zoology programme.
IGNOU MSc Zoology 3rd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MZO 006 | Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (Core) | 4 | Theory |
| MZO 007 | Principles of Ecology (Core) | 4 | Theory |
| MZO 008 | Immunology (Core) | 4 | Theory |
| MZO 009 | Research Methodology (Core) | 4 | Theory |
| MZOL 003 | Lab Course III | 4 | Lab |
MZO 006 Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (Core): study blocks
- Block 1: Descriptive of Statistics
- Block 2: Probability and Testing of Hypothesis
- Block 3: The Era of Computerised Biological Information
- Block 4: Data Search and Prediction Tools for Protein
MZO 007 Principles of Ecology (Core): study blocks
- Block 1: Ecosystem and its Functioning
- Block 2: Population Ecology
- Block 3: Biodiversity and Its Conservation
- Block 4: Major Environmental Issues
MZO 008 Immunology (Core): study blocks
- Block 1: Overview of the Immune System
- Block 2: Antigen-Antibody Interactions and Immune Mechanisms
- Block 3: Immune Function (Normal Vs. Disordered)
- Block 4: Applications of Immunology
MZO 009 Research Methodology (Core): study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction to Research
- Block 2: Strategies in Research Designing
- Block 3: Managing Research Data and Result
- Block 4: Tools for Research
- Block 5: Technical Writing and Research Ethics
IGNOU MSc Zoology 4th semester subjects: Insect Taxonomy and Morphology (Elective)
The 4th semester of the IGNOU MSc Zoology programme includes three elective theory courses, one lab course, and a dissertation. Each elective theory course carries 4 credits.
The semester also includes MZOL 004 Lab Course IV, which is 4 credits, and MZOP 001 Dissertation, also 4 credits. The dissertation is a significant component, requiring project work. The eGyanKosh blocks for MZOE 004 cover Insect Taxonomy and Morphology across four blocks, providing detailed study material for the chosen elective.
IGNOU MSc Zoology 4th semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MZOE 004 | Insect Taxonomy and Morphology (Elective) | 4 | Theory |
| MZOE 005 | Insect Physiology and Toxicology (Elective) | 4 | Theory |
| MZOE 006 | Applied Entomology (Elective) | 4 | Theory |
| MZOL 004 | Lab Course IV | 4 | Lab |
| MZOP 001 | Dissertation | 4 | Project |
MZOE 004 Insect Taxonomy and Morphology (Elective): study blocks
- Block 1: Insect Taxonomy-I
- Block 2: Insect Taxonomy-II
- Block 3: Insect Morphology-I
- Block 4: Insect Morphology-II
MZOE 005 Insect Physiology and Toxicology (Elective): study blocks
- Block 1: Insect Life Processes-I
- Block 2: Insect Life Processes-II
- Block 3: Insect Toxicology-I
- Block 4: Insect Toxicology-II
MZOE 006 Applied Entomology (Elective): study blocks
- Block 1: Agricultural Entomology-I
- Block 2: Agricultural Entomology-II
- Block 3: Management of Insect Pests and Vectors
- Block 4: Economic Entomology
IGNOU MSc Zoology assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
Assignments are compulsory for all courses, and students must submit them to the Coordinator of their Learner Support Centre before appearing for the Term-End Examination (TEE). If an assignment is failed, it must be re-submitted; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December, at examination centres across the country. Students can write the exam in Hindi even if they registered in English medium, except for language programmes. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for the December 2026 TEE. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle.
The IGNOU MSc Zoology programme includes MZOP 001 Dissertation, a 4-credit project in the second year, fourth semester. This project work gives students exposure to research and collaboration. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible for re-evaluation. Students who fall short of 2% marks for a 2nd or 1st division may improve their grade once.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU MSc Zoology study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
Printed self-instructional study material is provided as a print book or an e-book for the IGNOU MSc Zoology programme. Learners who opt for soft copy instead of printed material receive a 15% discount on the programme fee for the July 2026 admission cycle. The full programme fee for the minimum two-year duration is Rs. 40,000, excluding the registration, development, and exam fees.
The eGyanKosh repository contains self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes, including the IGNOU MSc Zoology. For example, MZO 001 Molecular Cell Biology includes four study blocks: Eukaryotic Cytoskeleton, Cell Transport, Cell Cycle and Cell Culture, and Cell Junctions and Communications. MZOE 001 Parasitology has five blocks, starting with Introduction to Parasitology and covering various types of parasites. MZOP 001 Dissertation is a four-credit project in the fourth semester. Counselling sessions are held as per the schedule drawn up by the Learner Support Centre. Practical sessions are compulsory for programmes with practical components.
Study support: IGNOU study material status; IGNOU previous year question papers and IGNOU regional and study centres.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total programme fee for the IGNOU MSc Zoology?
The total programme fee for the IGNOU MSc Zoology is Rs. 40,000 for the minimum two-year duration, based on the July 2026 prospectus. This amount excludes the non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300, the University Development fee of Rs. 400, and examination fees.
Which semester has the most lab courses in the IGNOU MSc Zoology programme?
MZOL 001, MZOL 002, MZOL 003, and MZOL 004 are the lab courses across the four semesters.
Does the IGNOU MSc Zoology programme include a project or dissertation?
Yes, the IGNOU MSc Zoology programme includes a project. Learners must complete a Dissertation, MZOP 001, which carries 4 credits, in the fourth semester. This provides exposure to research and collaboration.
How many credits must a learner complete each year for the IGNOU MSc Zoology?
The first year comprises 20 credits in the first semester and 20 credits in the second semester. The second year also has 20 credits in the third semester and 20 credits in the fourth semester, for a total of 80 credits.
What are the study blocks for MZO 001 Molecular Cell Biology?
The study blocks for MZO 001 Molecular Cell Biology are Block 1: Eukaryotic Cytoskeleton, Block 2: Cell Transport, Block 3: Cell Cycle and Cell Culture, and Block 4: Cell Junctions and Communications. These materials are available on eGyanKosh.
What are the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU MSc Zoology programme?
To be eligible for the IGNOU MSc Zoology programme, candidates must have passed a B.Sc. (Hons.)/B.Sc. (Major) in Zoology. Alternatively, a B.Sc. (General/CBCS) with Zoology as one of the subjects also meets the eligibility requirement.
Is there a specialisation offered within the IGNOU MSc Zoology programme?
Yes, the IGNOU MSc Zoology programme is offered with a specialisation in Entomology.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU MSc Zoology?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MSc Zoology programme is 2 years. Learners have a maximum duration of 4 years to complete all programme requirements, including assignments and term-end examinations.
How much is the examination fee for a theory course in IGNOU MSc Zoology?
The examination fee for each theory course in IGNOU MSc Zoology is Rs. 200. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for courses up to 4 credits, and Rs. 500 for courses above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle.
Can I get a discount on the programme fee if I choose digital study material?
Yes, learners who opt for soft copies of study material instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. This option is available during the admission process for the July 2026 cycle.