Instructor Profile:
Dr. Sohini Bhattacharyya
Dr. Sohini Bhattacharyya is an accomplished Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology at Kalinga University, Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. She completed her B.Sc. and M.Sc. with a specialization in Parasitology and Microbiology in Zoology, securing the 9th rank in both degree examinations from Burdwan University, West Bengal, India. During her M.Sc., she conducted a mini project on “Bacterial Diversity in Rice Fields.”
Dr. Bhattacharyya furthered her academic journey by earning a Ph.D. in Ecology/Aquatic Microbiology from Kent State University, Ohio, U.S.A. Her extensive dissertation work covered diverse topics such as nitrogen cycling, antibiotic resistance, denitrification, stream ecology, freshwater macroinvertebrate gut microbiome, bacterial community composition, and bioturbation. Notably, her research article on antibiotic resistance in the guts of freshwater macroinvertebrates received significant acclaim.
With a total of 7 years of research experience and 2 years of teaching experience, Dr. Bhattacharyya has actively contributed to courses such as Applied Zoology, Biosystematics and Taxonomy, Techniques in Biology, Evolution and Biostatistics, Structure and function of vertebrates, and Immunology at both P.G. and U.G. levels at Kalinga University.
Dr. Bhattacharyya has showcased her expertise by presenting several papers in conferences and serving as an invited speaker at the Society of Freshwater Sciences (U.S.A.) conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A. Her primary research interests revolve around Environmental Microbiology, Gut Microbiome, and Nitrogen Dynamics. Apart from her academic pursuits, she is passionate about training students for research work and is an enthusiastic science communicator. In her leisure time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and traveling.
Glimpse of Instructor Background
Educational Background:
- D. in Ecology/Aquatic Microbiology, Kent State University, Ohio, U.S.A.
- Sc. in Zoology (Specialization in Parasitology and Microbiology), Burdwan University, West Bengal, India
- Sc. in Zoology, Burdwan University, West Bengal, India
Areas of Specialization:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Gut Microbiome
- Nitrogen Dynamics
Professional Experience:
- Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Kalinga University, Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
- 7 years of research experience
- 2 years of teaching experience
Research Contributions:
- Published articles on diverse topics, including nitrogen cycling, antibiotic resistance, denitrification, stream ecology, and freshwater macroinvertebrate gut microbiome
- Most lauded article on antibiotic resistance in the guts of freshwater macroinvertebrates
- Active involvement in training students for research work
Recent Achievements:
- Ranked 9th in both B.Sc. and M.Sc. degree examinations at Burdwan University
Professional Achievements:
- Presented several papers in conferences
- Invited speaker at the conference organized by the Society of Freshwater Sciences (U.S.A.) held at Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A.
Passions and Hobbies:
- Passionate science communicator
- Enjoys cooking, gardening, and traveling during leisure time
Module-wise course content: Applied Zoology
MODULE 1: Understanding Applied Zoology
- Defining Zoology and Its Application
- Establishing Connections between Zoology and Applied Zoology
- Exploring the Purpose and Scope of Applied Zoology Studies
- Recognizing the Benefits of the Course
- Overview of Topics Covered in Applied Zoology

MODULE 2: Exploring Aquaculture
- Introduction to Aquaculture
- Essential Components of Aquaculture
- Pisciculture: Breeding and Rearing of Fish
- Differentiating Between Mono and Poly Culture
- Significance of Various Fish Species in Pisciculture
- Prawn Culture and Pearl Culture in Aquaculture
- Practical Applications and Impacts of Aquaculture

MODULE 3: Sericulture and Apiculture
- Understanding Sericulture
- Divisions within Sericulture Units
- Addressing Diseases Affecting Silkworms
- Conceptualizing Apiculture
- Practical Applications and Significance of Sericulture and Apiculture
