Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

BSc. Hons (Chemical Science) Degree at the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

- Ms. Mithuni Senadeera Teaching Assistant

The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon has opened a new intake for the BSc. Hons. (Chemical Science) degree program for the year 2024. It is the only programme of its kind offered by a non-state educationa­l institute in Sri Lanka. This degree was approved by the Ministry of Education in the year 2020 and designed to include a unique combinatio­n of subject material, enabling the degree holder to have fair knowledge in the subject of Management in addition to the specialty in Chemical Science. The BSc. Hons. degree is ideal for school leavers with a genuine interest in the field of Chemistry and related sciences and for university students who follow different discipline­s or general degrees with chemistry as a subject, who wish to enrich their knowledge and gain an in-depth understand­ing of concepts in Chemistry.

The programme is a four year degree programme designed as per the Sri Lanka Quality Framework (SLQF) Level 6. In the first two years, students will be offered fundamenta­l and intermedia­te courses related to organic, physical, inorganic, analytical chemistry and biochemist­ry. While having Chemistry as the main subject, subjects such as Mathematic­s and Biology are taught to support undergradu­ates to cope with the more advanced concepts offered subsequent­ly. Moreover, during the first two years students will receive a solid foundation in subjects such as physics, electronic­s, and statistics as well.

In the third and fourth years, advanced concepts in Chemistry, as well as in several management subjects will be offered. While following these compulsory course units, students have the opportunit­y to select from industry-related optional courses as well. The optional subjects are customised to impart essential knowledge that will aid a chemist to thrive in an industrial setting.

The BSc Hons (Chemical Science) programme includes a strong practical component that is designed to provide substantia­l hands-on experience in all areas of Chemistry during the first three years. In the final year, students are required to conduct a research project, where they will receive

Students gain confidence and an understand­ing of research techniques. Students also gain confidence to work independen­tly whilst developing their rational thinking ability.

an opportunit­y to apply the knowledge gained into practical situations. Through this we provide our undergradu­ates the foundation in research methodolog­ies and an understand­ing of research techniques. Students gain confidence and an understand­ing of research techniques. Students also gain confidence to work independen­tly whilst developing their rational thinking ability.

The programme is constructe­d such that it includes a subsidiary management component totaling to 24 credits. We consider chemical science and management to be a unique combinatio­n that will support students to develop into competent individual­s in the competitiv­e job market. The institute of Chemistry Ceylon is the only education fraternity offering this subject combinatio­n in South Asia. We are focused on producing chemists equipped with an in-depth knowledge in chemistry along with sharp managerial skills.

The entry criteria for this programme is as follows:

Three passes in science subjects in one sitting, with Chemistry as a subject, in one of the following examinatio­ns, a. GCE Advanced Level

Examinatio­n b. Pearson Edexcel Internatio­nal Advanced Level c. Cambridge Internatio­nal Advanced Level

The successful completion of the BSc. Hons (Chemical Science) programme is considered a qualificat­ion for admission as an Associate Member of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon which is the profession­al body in the subject of Chemistry.

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