Department of Life Science
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES
Department Report & Academic Activities
JMF’s Vande Mataram College of Arts, Commerce & Science
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
- To impart quality education in life sciences and develop a strong understanding of biological concepts, principles, and processes.
- To develop scientific aptitude and critical thinking among students through observation, experimentation, analysis, and problem-solving.
- To promote practical skills in laboratory techniques, microscopy, biological analysis, and modern life science methodologies.
- To encourage research and innovation in areas such as biotechnology, microbiology, genetics, ecology, molecular biology, and related disciplines.
- To create environmental awareness and promote biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and the responsible use of natural resources.
- To encourage community engagement through awareness programs, outreach activities, and initiatives related to health, hygiene, biodiversity, and environmental protection.
- To strengthen industry and academic collaboration through expert lectures, workshops, field visits, internships, and research partnerships.
- 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.”
