Dr. Bibi Nazia Murtaza
Department of Zoology
The mission of the Department of Zoology at Abbottabad University of Science & Technology (AUST) is to advance knowledge in animal sciences through excellence in teaching, research, and innovation, contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond. The department is committed to producing skilled graduates equipped to address emerging challenges in biological sciences.
The Department of Zoology was established to promote higher education and research in animal biology and related fields. Since its inception, the department has been offering undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs including BS (4-year), M.Phil. in Zoology.
The department is well-recognized for its quality teaching and research in Pakistan and is equipped with modern laboratories and research facilities. These include advanced microscopes, molecular biology equipment, PCR machines, centrifuges, incubators, spectrophotometers, and field research tools that support a wide range of experimental and field-based studies.
The Department of Zoology has produced a significant number of graduates at BS, M.Phil. levels who are contributing in academia, research organizations, wildlife departments, and various national and international institutions. Faculty members are actively engaged in research and have secured funding from reputable organizations such as the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), and international funding agencies.
The department also promotes international exposure by facilitating students and faculty through programs such as IRSIP, Fulbright scholarships, and collaborative research initiatives. Efforts are continuously being made to strengthen the linkage between academic research and practical applications, particularly in the areas of wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and public health.
Broadly, the research areas covered in M.Phil. programs include:
- Wildlife and Conservation Biology
- Entomology
- Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Parasitology
- Physiology and Endocrinology
- Molecular Zoology and Genetics
- Environmental and Ecological Studies
The Department of Zoology remains dedicated to academic excellence and aims to play a vital role in scientific development and environmental sustainability.