It's a well-structured program, it combines coursework, practical experiences and industrial experiences through resource persons within and outside of the faculty. One of the program's strengths lies in its exceptional faculty members. They are not just experts in their respective fields but also passionate educators who provides an engaging learning atmosphere. Their dedication to delivering quality education is evident in their thorough explanations and discussions. Not just one way communication, but two-way communication, group activities just make the program more entertaining, interacting with different individuals from different backgrounds. Carefully designed curriculum strikes a perfect balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, ensuring students acquire the necessary skills and expertise demanded by the industry. So, I would highly recommend this program to anyone who's interested!

In all honest, the MSc in Agricultural Microbiology program has given students a fantastic opportunity to study a variety of fields in the microbiology world such as pathology, food microbiology, soil microbiology, plant quarantine and legislations, bioinformatics as well as entrepreneurship and etc. education. I have had several opportunities to get involved in course modules, field visits, and enhance my abilities through practical and other challenging courses.
Finally, what has made this program such a worthwhile experience and what has motivated me to achieve are the people I have met there, both lecturers and peers.

Y. M. Shashika M.Yapa, Temporary Instructor , Faculty of Technology , University of Colombo

Most importantly, including bioinformatics as one of the courses is really admirable which will pave the path for valuable future academic careers. The field visits and the other outdoor programs were interesting and fun-filled. I am so much grateful to the academic staff for designing such a significant and futuristic course which covers almost all the agricultural microbiology aspects and beyond. Further, it is very tough to follow a M.Sc. while engaging in a full-time job. However, the flexibility of the academic staff should be highly appreciated in this regard. Last but not least, all the courses including plant inspection & quarantine, and Entrepreneurship aided me a lot to match the agricultural business with an industrial perspective.
Highly recommended this M. Sc Programme for anyone interested.

Executive – Strategic Support (Current student), Agstar PLC

However, one amazing thing about science is that it is a journey where there is always something new to discover! My undergraduate studies were in Biotechnology, and, while microbiology and plant sciences were covered as units of the course which piqued my interest, I had so much more to understand in these fields.

The Master of Science in Agricultural Microbiology program starts with the basics of microbiology and plant-microbe interactions, many concepts of which were novel to me. Further topics are taught after consolidating these foundational areas. The syllabus is very comprehensive and well-designed covering the multitude of roles microbes play in agriculture: from understanding plant disease and disease management to learning about symbiotic microbes and how to harness beneficial microbes in agriculture. The program also includes practicals to get hands-on exposure and field trips to introduce students to the ways that theory is applied in industry. I was also pleased that the syllabus further covered areas such as bioinformatics, entrepreneurship and plant quarantine which I found exciting and added value to the program outcomes.

The faculty are extremely knowledgeable in their fields and have been very helpful to the students in explaining key concepts and are generally excited to share their knowledge. I have also found that the faculty and other staff have been friendly, approachable and harbor a culture of collaborative learning. In my fellow students, I found a genuine group of people who are keen to learn new things while having fun and are also ready to help each other.
I wish the best for this program and hope that it continues to grow from strength to strength.

Asiri Perera, Lecturer and Program Coordinator, Universal College Lanka.

First and foremost, the course content of the MSc in Agricultural Microbiology is meticulously structured, covering a vast range of topics in microbiology. From foundational concepts to cutting-edge research, the curriculum leaves no gaps in understanding. The comprehensive nature of the course has provided me with a solid foundation and a holistic view of the field. I feel well-prepared to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in agricultural microbiology.

The support and flexibility offered by the staff have been exceptional. The faculty members are not only experts in their respective fields but also approachable and supportive mentors. They are always willing to provide guidance, clarification, and advice, both inside and outside the classroom. This level of support has significantly contributed to my growth as a student and has fostered a conducive learning environment.

One of the key advantages of this program is its commitment to on-time completion of the scheduled program. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, allowing students to progress through the coursework in a timely manner. This ensures that I can graduate within the anticipated timeframe without compromising the quality of my education. The program's efficient planning and adherence to deadlines have instilled in me a sense of discipline and have prepared me to meet future professional commitments.

Furthermore, the program offers practical opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge. The inclusion of laboratory sessions, research projects, and fieldwork has been invaluable in developing my practical skills and enhancing my understanding of real-world applications. These hands-on experiences have not only reinforced my theoretical understanding but have also prepared me for the challenges I may encounter in my future career.

In summary, the MSc in Agricultural Microbiology has exceeded my expectations in every aspect. The well-structured course content, the supportive and flexible staff, and the emphasis on timely program completion have made it a truly exceptional choice for anyone interested in microbiology and its relevance in agriculture. I am immensely grateful for the knowledge and skills I have gained through this program, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a rewarding educational experience in the field of agricultural microbiology.

Thilini Dinushka (Current student), Graduate officer, SLSI

First of all, I applied for the course, as microbiology is a kind of very interesting and a joyful subject of my preference. But, even exceeding my expectations the program has provided me with a solid foundation in the field of microbiology, equipping me with a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between microorganisms and agriculture. The faculty members are highly knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate about their subjects, and their dedication to teaching and mentorship has been instrumental in my academic growth. Also, one of the key factors I satisfied the most about the course is the timeliness and the proper arrangement of the program. Even during the Covid pandemic and many hurdles occurred, the staff always thought from the student’s point of view and did everything in their capacity to finish up the program on time.
Lastly, being a student at the University of Colombo has also offered me numerous experiences related to real world applications of the theoretical knowledge we gather during our studies. Through the field visits arranged by the university and through special lecture sessions by various resource persons I have had the privilege to interact with renowned scientists, researchers, professionals and entrepreneurs in the field of agricultural microbiology as well as plant tissue culture.
In conclusion, I can confidently say that the MSc Agricultural Microbiology course at the University of Colombo has been an enriching and rewarding experience for me. The quality of education, emphasis on practical learning, research opportunities, supportive environment, and field work have truly set this program apart. I am confident that the knowledge and skills I have gained during my time here will immensely benefit me in my future endeavors and I would highly recommend the MSc Agricultural Microbiology course at the University of Colombo to any aspiring student looking to pursue a career in this dynamic and vital field. It is a decision that you will never regret.
Sincerely,

Viduranga Bokanda, Senior Executive – Quality Assurance, Research & Development
Beam Hela Osu Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

The program’s comprehensive curriculum has equipped me with a strong foundation in agricultural microbiology. One of the highlights was the opportunity to go on several field trips, which provided practical exposure and allowed me to see the application of microbiology in real agricultural environments. During my MSc, I deepened my understanding of microorganisms and their role in agriculture. These experiences have enhanced my ability to connect theoretical concepts with practical scenarios.
And it is my privilege to acknowledge the presence of numerous esteemed academics who served as lecturers in the MSc in Agriculture Microbiology program. Their expertise and dedication have been invaluable to the learning experience and have significantly enriched the program. And I must emphasize that all of these lecturers have been exceptionally friendly and approachable throughout the MSc in Agriculture Microbiology program. Their warm and welcoming demeanor has created a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
The MSc in Agriculture Microbiology has been a transformative experience that has bolstered my career and enabled me to make a meaningful impact in the academic community. I highly recommend the MSc in Agriculture Microbiology program at the University of Colombo.

S. S. Millavithanachchi, Assistant Lecturer (Temporary), Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

As I was always interested in Microbiology field and also for the betterment in my career pathway, I chose to follow this MSc program. Of course, I gained a lot of valuable knowledge and hands on experience in Microbiology throughout this program.

The faculty members are really dedicated, highly qualified in their respective fields and also super helpful to the students. This program is a great opportunity for both higher education- aimed students and career – aimed students. It includes course units which complies with current requirements such as Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Entrepreneurship and many more along with field visits to the relevant industries. So, I would highly recommend this Msc in Agricultural Microbiology program as an excellent choice for future candidates who are enthusiastic to broaden their knowledge in Microbiology.

Adheesha Bandara, Research and Development Scientist at Link Natural Products (pvt) Ltd.

The lecturers are super supportive, flexible and highly skilled in their respective areas of expertise ensuring lecture delivery is interactive and application based.
The curriculum consists of field visits to industry pioneers, providing a hands on experience.
Course program is suitable for recent graduates and professionals alike, who are pursuing a career in agricultural microbiology/related industries or simply interested to learn more!

Yasara Gunawardena (current student), Product Manager, John Morris Group

The well structured practical sessions not only provide valuable laboratory skills but also enable students to gain firsthand experience in various microbiological techniques.
Furthermore, the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Colombo consists of a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who are well-versed in their respective fields. Their expertise and guidance contribute significantly to the overall
quality of the program.

This learning experience fostered me a supportive learning environment that allowed me to ask questions, seek clarification, and actively participate in discussions. I highly recommend this MSc course for anyone seeking a fulfilling learning experience.