Life science courses may soon exclude dissections

Mumbai University had recently formed a committee to seek inputs and suggestions on the same. However,several faculty members said first hand experience is a must for students and completely doing away with animal dissection could spell doom for subjects such as zoology or life sciences. A meeting of university authorities and heads of zoology departments of its affiliated colleges is also scheduled on August 17.

The Board of Studies in its meeting will decide on the formation of a sub-committee. This will submit the views and suggestions to the UGC.

“This year we have formed a ‘pyramid’ committee which includes thirteen members. We are holding meetings to discuss the implementation of the guidelines. The members are ready with their views,some of them have even prepared powerpoint presentations,which will be presented in Friday’s meeting,” said Vinayak Dalvie,chairman of Board of Studies for zoology at MU.

According to the UGC guidelines,there should be a reduction in the number of animals for dissection and experimentation as well as in the number of species. Simulations or digital alternatives and curriculum that encourages students to take up field-work are other guidelines. Preference to animal models and adoption of “only one species” for “demonstration only” by faculty and that no dissection to be done by UG students are some of the major recommendations. For PG students,the UGC has suggested that students should have the option to perform dissection of ‘selected species’ as per the curriculum or to have a project related to biodiversity/biosystematics.

“Laboratory bred species could be an expensive alternative. Dissection can be done using pests which are of nuisance to the society like black rats,for which even the civic body will pay to kill them. Cockroaches are also pests and can be used for dissection,” said Prof Chetan Ponkshe,head of the zoology department at Sathaye College.