DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Botany

The Department of Botany at Royal College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Mira Road, was established after the inception of the college in 1989. The Department offers Undergraduate courses at the First Year (F.Y.) and Second Year (S.Y.) levels, aiming to build a strong foundation in plant sciences and create environmental awareness among students.

The Department has well-maintained laboratories with the necessary instruments for practical work. The faculty members focus on simple and effective teaching methods to help students understand plant diversity, ecology, and the importance of sustainable practices. Learning resources such as charts, slides, models, and ICT tools are used regularly to support classroom teaching and make learning more interactive.

Every year, the Department organizes activities such as workshops and awareness programs. These activities help students develop interest in Botany and participate actively in environmental initiatives.

The Department gives importance to both academic and co-curricular development. Class tests, assignments, and hands-on activities are conducted to improve students’ performance. Study tours, botanical garden visits, and project-based learning also help students gain practical knowledge and prepare them for future academic challenges.

Faculty Profile

Meet Our Faculty

Dr. Seema Narkhede

Assistant Professor

Qualification: Ph.d

Specialisation: Taxonomy

Number of Research Publications: 10

Number of Paper Presentations: 5

Number of Book Publications: 13

Number of Book Chapters: 4

Number of Books as Editor: 4

Number of Patents: 4

Courses Offered

Botany: FY Bsc

NEP Syllabus

Botany: SY Bsc

NEP Syllabus

Botany: OE-Second Term

NEP Syllabus

Composition of BOS

The Board of Studies in Political Science consists of experienced academicians, subject experts, industry representatives, and alumni to ensure a relevant and dynamic curriculum.

No.	Category	Name and Designation	Affiliation
1	Chairperson (Head of Department)	Dr. Seema Narkhede Assistant Professor	University of Mumbai
2	Full time teachers of the Department in the relevant subject.	Dr. Seema Narkhede Assistant Professor	University of Mumbai
3	Two subject experts from outside the Parent University nominated by the Academic Council.	1. Ms. Shamali Dilip Khalatkar Assistant Professor 2. Prof (Dr) Aparna Saraf Professor & Head	Nagpur University Dr. Homi Bhabha State University
4	One expert nominated by the Vice-Chancellor from a panel of six recommended by the College Principal.	Prof. (Dr.) Bhavna Rajkumar Narula	Shikshan Prasaraka Mandals Ramnarayan Ruia College, L. Napoo Road, Matunga East, Mumbai-400019.
5	One representative from industry/corporate sector/allied area relating to placement.	Mr. Vijay V Mohite	NAME OF THE FIRM Vishal Landscape / Tropical Nursery
6	One postgraduate meritorious alumnus nominated by the Principal. (Please give three to four names of your alumnus)	Dr. Bindu Gopalkrishnan Assistant Professor	Mithibai College of Arts, Chauhan Institute of Science & Amrutben Jivanlal College of Commerce and Economics (AUTONOMOUS) Affiliated to University of Mumbai
7	Management Nominee	Dr. Urmila Sarkar	Kriti M. Doongursee College,Kashinath Dhuru Road, Off. Veer Savarkar Marg,Dadar West, Mumbai-400028

Academic Year 2025-26

The Department of Botany organized an educational excursion to Jijamata Udyan, Byculla, on 12th February 2026 for F.Y.B.Sc. and S.Y.B.Sc. students. Students observed diverse plant species and learned plant identification based on morphological features. The visit provided exposure to plant diversity and highlighted the role of botanical gardens in conservation and education.

Educational Excursion to Jijamata Udyan (Byculla)

The Department of Botany organized an educational excursion to Keshav Srushti on 12th September 2025 for F.Y.B.Sc. and S.Y.B.Sc. students. The visit provided exposure to medicinal plants and plant biotechnology techniques. Students observed important medicinal species and visited the tissue culture laboratory, where they learned about micropropagation and its role in plant conservation. The excursion enhanced practical understanding and encouraged active participation.

Educational Excursion to Keshav Srushti

The Department of Botany organized an educational visit to the “Friends of Trees” Exhibition at Ruparel College on 14th September 2026 for Botany students. Students observed a variety of ornamental, medicinal, and vegetable plants, along with plant-based products. They also learned about innovative gardening techniques, floral arrangements, and nursery management. The visit provided practical exposure to plant diversity and horticultural practices beyond classroom learning.

Educational Visit to “Friends of Trees” Exhibition at Ruparel College

Academic Year 2024-25

The Department of Botany organized an Aloe Vera gel making workshop at Royal College for interested students. The workshop, conducted by Dr. Seema Narkhede, provided hands-on training in preparing herbal gel using fresh Aloe Vera leaves. Students learned gel extraction, hygiene, and storage techniques, and actively participated in the preparation. The activity highlighted the importance of natural cosmetics and introduced entrepreneurial opportunities in herbal product development.

Aloe Vera Gel Making Workshop

A bookmark making & Bio- Jewellary competition is a creative and interactive event where participants design and create innovative bookmarks that showcases their artistic talents , environmental awareness, imagination, while promoting a deeper understanding of the importance of plant conservation and the significance of botany, through the use of various materials and techniques, fostering creativity, originality and self-expression.

Book Mark Making and Bio Jewellary

The Department of Botany organized a Kokedama making workshop for F.Y.B.Sc. Botany students at Royal College. Conducted by Dr. Seema Narkhede, the session provided hands-on training in eco-friendly plant decoration using moss-covered soil balls. Students actively participated and learned basic preparation and maintenance techniques.

Kokedama Making Workshop

On 16 October 2025, the Department of Botany of Royal College of Arts, Science and Commerce organized a trip to Yusuf Meherali Centre and Go Green. Students observed diverse flora and learned about sustainable development and environmental conservation practices. The visit helped create awareness about eco-friendly initiatives and the importance of protecting natural resources.

Yusuf Meherali Centre

Department Best Practices

Learning through Botanical Garden
The departmental botanical garden is used as a living laboratory. Students observe different plant species and learn about plant diversity and conservation through direct interaction.

Emphasis on Practical Learning
More importance is given to hands-on activities in the laboratory. Students perform experiments, observe specimens, and complete activity-based assignments to understand concepts better.

Use of ICT in Teaching
Teachers use ICT tools such as PowerPoint presentations, videos, and digital images to make teaching more interesting and easy to understand.

Continuous Evaluation
Students are assessed regularly through class tests, assignments, and practical work. This helps in improving their academic performance.

Field-Based Learning
Botanical garden visits and short study tours are organized to give students exposure to plant diversity in natural surroundings.

Student Participation in Activities
Students are encouraged to participate in small projects, model preparation, and plant-based activities which help in developing interest in Botany and independent learning

NAAC Accredited 'A' Grade

CGPA: 3.09 (May 2024)