The Department of Zoology of the University of Kerala had a long history of existence as a centre of advanced learning. In 1968, after spending a few years of establishment in the Devagiri College Campus in Kozhikode and Shangumugham Campus in Thiruvananthapuram, the Department of Zoology found a permanent place in the Kariavattom campus of the University of Kerala. The Department started functioning under the inspiring and able leadership of the late Professor K. K. Nayar who continued to guide the destinies of the Department till his unexpected demise in 1975. Since its inception the Department has been focusing its attention mainly on Ph.D. programmes and other research activities. Although for a brief spell of three years it offered M.Sc. course in Zoophysiology it was discontinued in favour of the M.Phil. course in initiated as a prerequisite for the Ph.D. programme emphasizing on research methodology and original research work. Being mainly research oriented, the specialization offered is necessarily associated with the specialization and interest of the faculty members. Prof. K.K. Nayar, one of the pioneer Insect Endocrinologists received a grant from the Ford Foundation and The U.S. Government in 1968. He had developed this department as an excellent research centre for Invertebrate Neuroendocrinology and Reproductive Physiology. In recognition of the excellent work, he received a gift of an Electron Microscope from Ford Foundation in 1972. At present the department has four Professors, one Reader and two Lecturers and an eleven member administrative supporting staff.