BSc. Hons (Chemical Science) Degree & Graduateship in Chemistry (GIC) at the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon has opened a new intake for the BSc. Hons. (Chemical Science) degree programme for the year 2024. It is the only programme of its kind offered by a non-state educational institute in Sri Lanka. This degree is designed to include a unique combination of subject material, constituting course related to chemistry and management. The BSc. (Hons.) degree 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 customized 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 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 also 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 totalling 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

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.

b.Pearson Recognition

The BSc. Hons (Chemical Science) programme is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education of Sri Lanka under Gazette No. 2166/14, in the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978, under the order of Section 25A.

The successful completion of the BSc Hons programme is considered a qualification for admission as an Associate Member of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon.

Graduateship in Chemistry (GIC)

The GIC programme is also a four year degree programme comprising of 120 credits. In the first two years the students are required to cover 46 credits, they will be offered fundamental and intermediate courses related to organic, physical, inorganic, analytical chemistry and biochemistry. Even though the essence of the programme is chemistry, subjects such as mathematics, biology, physics, electronics, and statistics are taught to support undergraduates to cope with the more advanced concepts in chemistry offered subsequently. The third and the fourth years will comprise of the remaining 74 credits, during these two years, students will be offered the opportunity to select from a wide range of industrybased optional courses, tailored for applying their knowledge and problem solving skills directly to practical situations. Students can also opt to follow research-oriented courses that constitute advanced theoretical concepts in Chemistry. The multitude of industry-oriented courses that constitute advanced theoretical concepts in Chemistry. The multitude of industryoriented courses offered makes the GIC programme a professional qualification.

Students are given hands-on practical exposure during the first three years of the degree. In the fourth year, in addition to coursework, students have the opportunity to carry out a research project or an internship based on their GPA. Through this, we provide our undergraduates the foundation in research methodologies and an understanding of research techniques. Students also gain confidence to work independently whilst developing their rational thinking ability.

The entry criteria for this programme is as follows:

1. Three passes in science subjects, 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 2.Completed the Diploma in Laboratory Technology programme offered by the institute.

3.Completed the foundation course (in Science Subjects) offered by the Open University of Sri Lanka.

4. Any other criteria as stated by the Council is considered acceptable.

Recognition

In 1986, the GIC programme of CCS was accepted by the Government of Sri Lanka as an alternative qualification to a Degree in Science, with Chemistry as a subject, awarded by a recognised University (public circular No. 334 of 17 July 1986), for the purpose of employment.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially started at the 472nd meeting held on 1996.06.14, that “the Graduateship Qualification awarded by the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon can be considered as having satisfied the basic requirements of registration for a Postgraduate programme of Chemistry of a University leading to Diploma/ Degree’.

The GIC Programme was formally accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), UK in 2012 as a four year BSc (Hons) programme. It is the first course in South Asia and second in the Asian Region to receive RSC accreditation.

The successful completion of the GIC examination is considered a qualification for admission as an Associate Member of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon.

The GIC programme is open to school leaver as well as for university students who follow different disciplines or general degrees with Chemistry as a subject who wish to further enrich their knowledge and also to gain an in-depth understanding of the concepts in chemistry.

The GIC programme is for individuals who are currently employed in chemical industries and wish to receive a professional qualification and a solid background knowledge on the industry they are involved in.

Opportunities

CCS graduates have many prospects in the industry as well as in academia. Many of our Alumni hold respected positions in the chemical industry as well as the corporate sector, while others have secured postgraduate placements in Sri Lanka as well as overseas, pursuing careers in academia and engaging in ground breaking research.