Department of Life Science

DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES

Department Report & Academic Activities

JMF’s Vande Mataram College of Arts, Commerce & Science

ESTABLISHED 2011 • BOTANY • ZOOLOGY

1. Department Overview

Year of Establishment: 2011

The Life Science Department JMF Vande Mataram College experienced a year of significant academic, research, and institutional growth. Key achievements include the successful faculty research participation, increased student research participation, publishing and presenting insightful papers on sustainable development and enhancements to laboratory equipment. These efforts have positioned the department to further advance its mission in the coming academic year.

The department offers undergraduate programs in Botany and Zoology. The faculty consists of 2 Teaching and 2 Lab Attendants.

2. Mission

The mission of the department is to promote education that fosters critical thinking and leadership qualities, transforming individuals into competent citizens who willingly serve their families, communities and the nation with the right attitude and inclusivity.

3. Objectives of the Department of Life Sciences

  1. To impart quality education in life sciences and develop a strong understanding of biological concepts, principles, and processes.
  2. To develop scientific aptitude and critical thinking among students through observation, experimentation, analysis, and problem-solving.
  3. To promote practical skills in laboratory techniques, microscopy, biological analysis, and modern life science methodologies.
  4. To encourage research and innovation in areas such as biotechnology, microbiology, genetics, ecology, molecular biology, and related disciplines.
  5. To create environmental awareness and promote biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and the responsible use of natural resources.
  6. To encourage community engagement through awareness programs, outreach activities, and initiatives related to health, hygiene, biodiversity, and environmental protection.
  7. To strengthen industry and academic collaboration through expert lectures, workshops, field visits, internships, and research partnerships.
  8. To inculcate ethical values and responsible scientific practices in biological research and laboratory work.

4. Faculty Profile

Ms. Mrunali Jadhav — Head of the Department

Assistant Professor & Head of the Dept | MSc. Life Sciences, PET, PhD Scholar | 7 Years of teaching experience

Dr. Ragini Shrimali — Faculty Member

Assistant Professor | MSc. Microbiology, PhD Life Science | 12 Years of teaching experience

5. Departmental Activities

Below is a summary of the key activities conducted by the Life Science Department from the academic year 2011:

  • Activity on "Tree Plantation"
  • Minutes of Meeting
  • Seminar On "Research Methodology"
  • Certificate Course on "Nutrition and Dietetics"
  • Remedial Lecture
  • Excursion at "Kopar Creek"
  • Educational Tour at Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Centre, Medicinal Garden, Organic Farming
  • Career Guidance Session on Biodiversity & Conservation
  • Certificate Course on “Laboratory Microbiology”

Activity Highlights

During the academic year, the Life Science Department organized and participated in a variety of academic and co-curricular activities aimed at enriching students' learning experiences.

The department began with a Tree Plantation drive, fostering environmental awareness and sustainability among students.

Several departmental meetings were held to discuss academic planning and execution.

A seminar on Research Methodology was conducted to enhance research skills among students and faculty.

Certificate Course on Nutrition and Dietetics & Laboratory Microbiology was introduced, offering practical knowledge and health-related insights.

To support academic performance, remedial lectures were arranged for students needing extra guidance.

The department also organized an excursion to Kopar Creek, providing hands-on exposure to local ecosystems, followed by an educational tour to the Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Centre, further emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and Flemigo Sighting.

A career guidance session on Biodiversity and Conservation, Medicinal Garden & Organic Farming was held to inform students about future opportunities in environmental sciences, marine biology and related fields.

6. Student Engagement and Notable Achievements

Nitesh Mestry (T.Y.B.Sc)

Mono Act – 1st Rank Gold Medal in Youth Festival at University of Mumbai

Sonu Omprakash Sandhu (T.Y.B.Sc)

3rd Rank in University of Mumbai

7. Student Achievements — Detailed Records

Sr. No. Name of the Students Achievements Rank/Level
1 Shivshyam Yadav Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Zonal Level
Think Tank Intercollegiate Competition III
Intercollegiate Science Exhibition III
Research Paper Presented & Published on Sustainable Development International Conference
Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Zonal Level
Think Tank Intercollegiate Competition I
Intercollegiate Competition on PPT Presentation II
Intercollegiate Competition on Poster Presentation Participated
2 Neetaba Reladiya Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Zonal Level
Research Paper Presented & Published on Sustainable Development Consolidated Prize at International Conference
Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Zonal Level
Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Final Level
Think Tank Intercollegiate Competition I
Intercollegiate Competition on PPT Presentation II
Intercollegiate Competition on Poster Presentation II
3 Chetana More Intercollegiate Solo Dance Competition III
Intercollegiate Solo Dance Competition Participated
4 Khushi Rathod Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Zonal Level
5 Ashish Bhardwaj Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Zonal Level
6 Adityaraj Singh Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Zonal Level
Think Tank III
Intercollegiate Science Exhibition III
Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Zonal Level
Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Final Level
Think Tank Intercollegiate Competition I
Intercollegiate Competition on PPT Presentation II
Intercollegiate Competition on Poster Presentation Participated
7 Anuja Mohite Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Zonal Level
Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Final Level
Think Tank Intercollegiate Competition I
Intercollegiate Competition on PPT Presentation II
Intercollegiate Competition on Poster Presentation II
8 Sahil Rajbhar Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Zonal Level
9 Somnath Padhy Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Zonal Level
10 Ankita Kadekar Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Zonal Level
11 Gargi Chowkekar Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Zonal Level
Participated and Presented in Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project Final Level

8. Academic Year 2024–2025 — Highlights

  • The academic year 2024–2025 witnessed notable achievements by students & staff of the Life Science Department, showcasing excellence in both academic and co-curricular activities.
  • Shivshyam Yadav participated and secured 3rd position in both the Think Tank competition and the Intercollegiate Science Exhibition.
  • In the cultural section, Chetana More secured 3rd place in the Intercollegiate Solo Dance Competition and also participated in another round of the event.
  • Adityaraj Singh also placed 3rd in the Think Tank and Intercollegiate Science Exhibition.
  • Adityaraj Singh participated and secured 3rd position in Intercollegiate Chess Competition.

9. Research & Innovation

  • Shivshyam Yadav demonstrated exceptional academic involvement by participating and presenting in the Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project at the Zonal Level.
  • Shivshyam Yadav presented and published a research paper “THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COW DUNG BIO FERTILIZER IS ENHANCED BY UTILIZING SUSTAINABLE SOURCES OF LACTOBACILLUS” on Sustainable Development at an International Conference.
  • Neetaba Reladiya also took part in the Avishkar Intercollegiate Research Project at the Zonal Level.
  • Neetaba Reladiya earned a Consolidated Prize at the International Conference for her research paper on “ENHANCING BIO-PRESERVATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT EXECUTED WITH THE HELP OF PROBIOTIC LACTOBACILLUS” on Sustainable Development.
  • Khushi Rathod, Ashish Bhardwaj, and Adityaraj Singh actively participated and presented their work in the Avishkar Research Project at the Zonal Level.

10. Staff Achievements

  • Asst. Prof. Mrunali Jadhav presented and published a research paper on “THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COW DUNG BIO FERTILIZER IS ENHANCED BY UTILIZING SUSTAINABLE SOURCES OF LACTOBACILLUS” on Sustainable Development at an International Conference.
  • Asst. Prof. Mrunali Jadhav presented and published a research paper on “ENHANCING BIO-PRESERVATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT EXECUTED WITH THE HELP OF PROBIOTIC LACTOBACILLUS” on Sustainable Development at an International Conference.
  • Asst. Prof. Mrunali Jadhav participated in one day FDP on “Innovative Teaching Pedagogy & Skills Component of NEP”.
  • Asst. Prof. Mrunali Jadhav participated in one day National Level Conference on “Current Developments in Commerce, Management, Science & Education”.
  • Asst. Prof. Mrunali Jadhav participated in National Level Seminar “New Binary System of Quality Assurance by NAAC”.
  • Dr. Ragini Shrimali presented and published a research paper on “THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COW DUNG BIO FERTILIZER IS ENHANCED BY UTILIZING SUSTAINABLE SOURCES OF LACTOBACILLUS” on Sustainable Development at an International Conference.
  • Dr. Ragini Shrimali presented and published a research paper on “ENHANCING BIO-PRESERVATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT EXECUTED WITH THE HELP OF PROBIOTIC LACTOBACILLUS” on Sustainable Development at an International Conference.
  • Dr. Ragini Shrimali participated in one day National Level Conference on “Current Developments in Commerce, Management, Science & Education”.
  • Dr. Ragini Shrimali participated in the National Level Seminar “New Binary System of Quality Assurance by NAAC”.

11. Goals for the Department

  • Introduce new certificate courses in micro
  • Start a Life Science Internship Program with industry and research labs.
  • Increase research output by 20% through faculty collaborations and student research projects.
  • Participate in national environmental awareness campaigns.

12. Add-on Courses held by Life Science Department

Patient Care Technician

Departmental activity

Nutrition & Dietetics

Departmental activity

Clinical Data Management

Departmental activity

Horticulture

Departmental activity

Laboratory Microbiology

Departmental activity

13. Excursion / Field Visit

Excursion to Kopar Creek

Departmental activity

Excursion to Fish Market

Departmental activity

Excursion to Tansa Dam & BMC School

Departmental activity

Industrial Visit to TIFR

Departmental activity

Visit to the Solid Waste Recycling Unit

Departmental activity

Visit to Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Centre

Departmental activity

14. Seminar / Webinar

Seminar on Health, Hygiene and Educational Awareness

Departmental activity

Seminar on Literature Review

Departmental activity

Webinar on Biodiversity

Departmental activity

Seminar on Research Methodology

Departmental activity

15. Workshop & Guest Lecture

Guest Lecture on Hematology

Departmental activity

Workshop on Bottle Garden

Departmental activity

Session on Biodiversity & Conservation

Departmental activity

16. Social Activities

Hands-on Training in Vermicomposting

Departmental activity

Activity on Seed Plantation

Departmental activity

Social Activity on Environment Awareness Program

Departmental activity

Health Checkup Camp

Departmental activity

Social Activity on Blood Group Testing

Departmental activity

17. Science, Innovation & Research Activities

Science Day Celebration

Departmental activity

Science Exhibition

Departmental activity

Students Made E-Car

Departmental activity

Dustbin From Waste Material

Departmental activity

Avishkar Research Convection 2025-26

Departmental activity

“Advancing Scientific Learning, Research, Environmental Awareness and Community Engagement.”