Department of Life Science

Department of Life Science was established in Ramnarain Ruia College in 1977 by the sincere efforts of the then Principal Dr. K.N.Valsangkar and Dr.A.R.Kulkarni, Research Guide Botany. Life Science was the integrated course which integrated the Biological Science & recognized by U.G.C. It was taken forward by Prof. Rajgopal & then by Prof. Sunderaja Sir & from 1993 to 2009 by Dr.S.B.Pandey. Currently the Department is headed by Dr.Ganesh Iyer.

The teaching staff includes

Dr.Ganesh Iyer – Head

Dr.Seema Menon.

Dr.Neelima L.

Dr.Kanchan Chitnis.

Mr. Bhupendra M.

Ms.Kruti Dave.

Mr.Yogesh Pawar.

Department of Life Science currently has 65 students in the first year B.Sc; 58 students in second year B.Sc & 44 students in third year B.Sc.

Post Graduate Studies are in the form of M.Sc & Ph.D. There are 12 students in the first year M.Sc. & 10 students in second year M.Sc. 6 seats are granted for Ph.D research & 4 students are likely to be recognized soon.

4 students (girls) have achieved INSPIRE SCHOLARSHIP by DST.

For the past 5 years, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 we have 100% result at the Third Year B.Sc & 95% result in 2012. M.Sc. Results are 90% in 2009 & for all other years the M.Sc. result has been 100%.

Department has taken initiative in Star College Scheme, FIST & other Central Government funded Schemes. Department has received grant from Ministry of Environment & Forestry For Environmental Awareness for Tree Plantation under 100Crore tree plantation drive 2012-2013.

Department carries out extension services by adapting adivasi residential school at Jummapatti near Neral – Matheran for teaching, medical services & environmental awareness work. Matheran is a Biodiversity Hot Spot.

Department of Life Science has received a grant of Rs.28.2 Lacs (2012-13) from Reliance Industries by way of co-operation between academics & industry for development of alternate fuel.

Department has carried out research activity in Rice crop & vegetable crop as an agricultural extension activity.

We have successfully conducted a National Seminar on Sustainable Crop Productivity Through Physiological Intervention jointly with Indian Society of Plant Physiology IARI, PUSA, New Delhi held on November     24^th – 26^th, 2011. More than 300 participants from all over India were present for the Seminar.

Two Staff Members have received University Minor Grant Research Program.

Department regularly conducts field trips to study the flora & fauna, aquaculture techniques & lays emphasis on taxonomy & environmental protection. Regular class tests, assignments on current topics & syllabus topics are undertaken. Students’ requirements by way of teaching, learning & their difficulties are attended by the teaching staff. Mentor based Environmental Science Projects. Annual Exhibition by students named Synapse is held in December every year to encourage the creativity of the students.