Zoology textbook created by MU faculty, students launched

The first-ever textbook for first-year BSc students, created by the faculty and students of Mumbai university’s zoology department, was launched by Ravindra Waikar, minister of state for higher and technical education at the varsity’s Kalina campus on Monday.

The first-ever textbook for first-year BSc students, created by the faculty and students of Mumbai university’s zoology department, was launched by Ravindra Waikar, minister of state for higher and technical education at the varsity’s Kalina campus on Monday. The textbook will form the syllabus from academic year 2015-16.

Mumbai-University

Vinayak Dalvie, chairman, board of studies for zoology at MU, said, “There was a need to prepare new quality study material.”

“This textbook has been designed by a committee that includes students. Other departments should follow the suit, as it can generate revenue for the varsity and make books affordable for students,” said Dalvie.

The textbook includes industry-oriented topics, said Payal Shah, a student member of the syllabus committee for zoology. “Often, zoology graduates are left with no option other than becoming teachers or researchers. This textbook includes industry-oriented topics, which will help students get familiar with the equipment used in industries [where zoology students can find work]. The textbook will make the course advanced and uniform across colleges,” said Shah.

As reported by HT in November 2014, a committee of 21 faculty members and six students, including rank holders of the past few years and undergraduate students of the present batch of the varsity’s zoology department had drafted a new syllabus. Components such as instrumentation, health and nutrition were incorporated into the syllabus based on suggestions made by students.