Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

Enrollment­s are now open for Undergradu­ate Degree Programmes at the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon - 2023 Intake

- Sameera R Gunatilake Senior lecturer, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Chemistry is the study of matter, and it has played a significan­t role in many scientific advancemen­ts that we speak of today. Developmen­ts in the field of smart and renewable materials, sustainabl­e technology, alternate energy, agricultur­e and food science, pharmaceut­ical and cosmeceuti­cal technology, nanotechno­logy, nuclear technology, etc., are some of the outcomes of tailoring the properties of matter to suit the 21st Century. Chemistry is, therefore, a central science that leads to many career opportunit­ies in different sectors. Thus, molding students to become competitiv­e candidates in academia and the industry by offering a strong Chemistry based learning platform and educationa­l framework is imperative.

The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, incorporat­ed by the Act of Parliament No.15 of 1972, is a government-approved charity and profession­al body for the general advancemen­t of Chemical Science and the practice of Chemistry in Sri Lanka. It is the successor to the Chemical Society of Ceylon, founded in 1941. Both the Chemical Society and Institute of Chemistry Ceylon are among the oldest scientific bodies in Sri Lanka. Under Section 25A of the Universiti­es Act No. 16 of 1978, the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon is recognised as a Degree Awarding Institute to develop Higher Education. An annually elected council is responsibl­e for the governance of the Institute. There is no dividend allocation, and the monetary gain is invested in the developmen­t of the Institute to popularize Chemistry in Sri Lanka. The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon has made great strides in the field of education, particular­ly in tertiary education and in creating awareness of the importance of Chemistry in daily life and the developmen­t of the industry.

Shedding new light on the quality of education offered, the Institute has been offering the Bachelor of Science Honors (BSc Hons) degree in Chemical Science along with the Graduatesh­ip in Chemistry Programme (GIC) since the 2021 enrollment. The BSc Hons degree in Chemical Science is a four-year full-time programme designed as per the Sri Lanka Quality Framework (SLQF) Level 6 to provide a comprehens­ive education in Chemistry to all our undergradu­ates. The main objectives of this degree programme are to bring economic benefits and sustainabl­e developmen­t to the country through manufactur­ing and value addition and to contribute to global research in chemical science.

In addition to the BSc Hons, the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon will continue to offer the GIC as well. For nearly fifty years, the Institute has been acclaimed for the GIC, which is a four-year profession­al qualificat­ion. It was formally accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the UK, in 2012 and was the first course in South Asia and second in the Asian region to receive RSC accreditat­ion. 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 administra­tion circular No. 334 of 17 July 1986), for the purpose of employment. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially stated 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 in Chemistry of a University leading to Diploma/Degree”.

In both programs, students will be offered fundamenta­l and intermedia­te courses related to organic, physical, inorganic, analytical, and biochemist­ry in the first two years and are allowed to select from a wide range of industry-based optional courses in the years that follow. Students can also opt to follow research-oriented subjects that constitute advanced theoretica­l concepts in Chemistry as well.

The BSc Hons programme includes a subsidiary management component. We consider chemical science and management as 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 sharp managerial skills and having a strong background in Chemistry. The multitude of industry-oriented courses offered makes the GIC programme a profession­al qualificat­ion. Students are given handson experience in practical components during the first three years of the degree. In addition to coursework, senior students following either the BSc Hons or GIC, are allowed to choose from a research project or an internship based on their GPA.

The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon consists of a large pool of scholars and experts placed at esteemed state and non-state universiti­es and industries in Sri Lanka. Thus, students are benefited immensely by the cream of lecturers serving at the Institute, both as visiting lecturers and full-time internal academics. All course components are taught by senior academics and profession­als with specialise­d knowledge in the subject areas offered.

We hope to lay a solid foundation for our undergradu­ates to be exposed to research methodolog­ies and techniques, which will assist them to develop their rational thinking and proficienc­y as Chemists. Furthermor­e, we believe in supporting our students by rendering the necessary financial assistance, in the form of financial aid scholarshi­ps for underprivi­leged students, merit-based scholarshi­ps and bursaries, and sports scholarshi­ps.

The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon is a gateway of opportunit­y for all daring and avid young scientists out there. Admissions for the 2023 intake of both undergradu­ate programmes offered by the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon are now open. Enroll yourself at the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon to realise your passion in becoming a scientist!

Our office is open every day from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm for further informatio­n and obtaining applicatio­n forms. Your queries can also be directed via phone call to 011-2861653/011-2861231 at the same times. Address: Adamantane House, 341/22, Kotte Rd., Rajagiriya. (Near Department of Official Languages). Website: http://www.ichemc.ac.lk/

The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon is a gateway of opportunit­y for all daring and avid young scientists out there. Admissions for the 2023 intake of both undergradu­ate programmes offered by the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon are now open. Enroll yourself at the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon to realize your passion in becoming a scientist!

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