The Department of Zoology was established by the University of Pune in 1950. The department is academically autonomous and its teaching programme leads to M.Sc., M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees of the University. The department is currently celebrating its Golden Jubilee year and over the years, it has established itself as a leading post-graduate department with excellent academic and research programmes in modern biology. 

Students are admitted to the M.Sc. programme through an entrance examination. The teaching programme is interdisciplinary and the course cover emerging areas in life sciences. These include core courses like Scientific writing, Quantitative methods in Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Genetics, Cell & Developmental Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, etc. which are covered in the first two semesters. During the next two semesters, specializations, viz., Molecular Biology, Genetics, Developmental Biology, Physiology and Entomology are offered depending upon the availability of teachers and interest of students. In addition, other courses related to the special papers are also offered; e.g. Genetic Engineering, Immunology, Drosophila Genetics, Biochemical Techniques, Genetic Toxicology, Endocrinology, Developmental Genetics, Insect physiology & Biochemistry, Microbial Genetics, Physiology of mammalian reproduction, Tissue culture etc. One of the outstanding features of the M.Sc. training programme is that a major emphasis is given to hands-on practical training of the students. Scientists and experts from other research institutes and University departments participate in the M.Sc. teaching programme. Scientists from India as well as from other countries visit the department to deliver seminars which help in widening the horizons of the students in terms of information and knowledge. The teaching and research laboratories in the department are very well equipped with all the required instruments / equipment and students are always encouraged to use them.

The department houses a library catering to the needs of the students. Special efforts are made to add latest text books and scientific journals to the collection. M.Sc. and research students of the department have access to the internet facilities for academic purposes. In order to expose the students to research environment, every student is also required to complete a small research project during the second year of the programme.

The M.Sc. programme demands a good amount of effort and time from the students. All possible help is extended to them by the department and by every faculty member. There is a free and healthy relationship between the faculty and students. This is possible because of favorable student-teacher ratio.

Students trained in this department fare extremely well in the CSIR / UGC National Test qualifying for research fellowships. The research activities of the department are also recognised nationally and internationally and covers areas such as molecular biology, genetics, cell and developmental biology, animal physiology etc. Significant research grants have been attracted by the faculty members of this department from various national and international agencies. The department is selected for University Leadership Programme since 1985 and has been awarded Departmental Special Assistance by UGC and has also been recognised for special support under COSIST. The UGC while preparing the national guidelines for post-graduate courses in Zoology, has made a significant use of the curricular structure developed by this Department.