The department of zoology started functioning in 1964 with classes for the erstwhile Pre-degree biology students. The B.Sc. Zoology course started in 1967 and continues till date. A maximum of 32 students are admitted in each batch and they study core course in Zoology and complimentary courses in Chemistry and Botany.

Post Graduate course in Zoology (M.Sc. Zoology) was allotted at the department by the Kerala Government in 2020 ( G.O.(Ms)No. 389/2020/HEDN, dated 5-11-2020). The course commenced during the 2020-21 academic session with a sanctioned strength of 12 students. The electives for the course (specialization for the course) will be from the topics Structure, Physiology, Development and Classification of animals.

Our department has a library and a state-of-the art Zoological museum with specimens from all the animal kingdom. Our museum is also home to rare fossils and harbours a rich collection of osteological preparations. The stuffed animals and birds are attractions of the museum and initiate the students to appreciate the beauty of nature.

We have separate laboratories for UG, PG (1 and 2 years) and research. Dedicated facilities for microbiology and molecular biology are the highlights.

Since the inception of Kannur University our students were in the focus by securing ranks in the B.Sc final year examinations, and after the grading system was introduced, our students always get high grades. Students in the department are successful in entrance tests conducted by various national agencies and universities and get placed in top ranking institutions. The alumni of the department is always at hand to help the students and in developing infrastructure.

The department is active in research, as evidenced by the two ongoing major research projects. The department also houses research equipment suitable for conducting research work in molecular biology and environmental biology related problems.