Agricultural microbiology is a sector of science that deals with plant-associated microbes and their roles in agriculture-related industries. This branch of science explores microbes, their processes and the relationships with plants with the intention of exploiting them to enhance productivity in agricultural industries while safeguarding the environment. The constant spread and evolution of agricultural pathogens provide a continually renewed source of challenges to productivity and food safety, while numerous benefits are derived from many microorganisms associated with, or introduced into, cropping systems, food, and food-related industries. Knowledge of microbial pathogens will lead to tools for surveillance and disease prevention. Beneficial microbes may find uses in agriculture as biofertilizers, phytostimulators, bioherbicides, biopesticides, bioremediators, etc. Thus, Master of Science programme in Agricultural Microbiology intends to provide an in-depth knowledge of plant-associated microbes and the sustainable use of microorganisms as a valuable tool in agriculture

The main objective is to disseminate new knowledge, technologies and advances in agricultural microbiology to current and prospective agriculturists. In addition the programme intends to:

• provide a sound background in microbial processes and their applications in agriculture.
• train in culturing and preservation of microorganisms
• simulate microbial processes in the laboratory
• train in laboratory management
• encourage and lay a framework to establish organic farming systems in Sri Lanka.
• train in applying proper scientific methods and hypothesis testing to design and execute experiments necessary for innovation and problem solving.
• produce experts capable of using novel technologies in current agricultural settings to overcome challenges and enhance productivity.

• Graduates who are expecting to pursue M. Phil/Ph.D. studies in a related field.
• Research officers/scientists, extension officers, and educators in public and private institutions who require advanced training in agricultural microbiology.
• Qualified entrepreneurs and enthusiast with an interest in the field of microbiology and agriculture.

A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university with Microbiology/Botany/Plant Sciences/ Biotechnology/Plant Biotechnology or Agriculture as a subject or any other equivalent qualification acceptable to the Senate of the University of Colombo. The candidates will be selected based on academic merits, examination and/or an interview.

Apply before – 30th April 2024

Programme commencement – June 2024

• The duration of Parts I and II of the Master of Science programme is 24 months. The duration of Part III is of a further 12 months.
• The maximum period allowed to complete the degree is five (05) years from the date of first registration.
• Students who fail to complete Part I and Part II within 3 years from the first registration will not be allowed to register for Part III.

Lectures and practicals will be conducted on Fridays (online from 6.30 –8.30 pm) and Saturdays (onsite from 8 am to 5 pm). Lectures will be conducted in a blended mode with both online and face-to-face sessions. Practical sessions will include both laboratory work and field visits.

The medium of instruction as well as that of assessments/examinations shall be English, and the medium for correspondence shall also be English.

At the end of the programme students should be able to,

• demonstrate critical awareness of fundamental concepts, theories, processes, applications and current issues/trends in the field of agricultural microbiology.
• identify and explain the diverse and vital roles of microorganisms in agriculture-based industries. 
• demonstrate skills in the use of tools, technologies and methods common to microbiology and associated industries.
• apply proper scientific methods and hypothesis testing to design and conduct investigations and make accurate interpretations and conclusions.
• communicate and disseminate findings and decisions to the specialist in the field and wider community.
• evaluate, plan and execute appropriate microbe-based solutions in a methodical and creative way to deal with issues and challenges in agriculture related industries.
• demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems related to the field
• uphold relevant ethical standards and professional conduct at all times.

The MSc in in Agricultural Microbiology programme consists of theory modules, practical classes, field lessons, a case study/mini research project (a guided independent study) and a research project. Theory modules will be conducted in a blended mode with both online and face-to-face lectures and tutorial classes. In a theory module, fifteen direct teaching hours (50 notional hours) is considered as one credit and in the practical and field courses, thirty hours of work/direct teaching (50 notional hours) is considered as one credit. The programme structure is designed according to the Master of Science By-Laws No. 8 of 2021 of Faculty of Science/University of Colombo and the guidelines issued by the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council of the UGC, SL to fulfill the criteria of MSc programs, SLQF L 8, 9 & 10. MSc in Agricultural Microbiology programme consists of 3 parts.

Part I:

• Consist of theory modules, field lessons, and laboratory sessions that amount to 25 credits. This is equivalent to Level 8 of the SLQF (Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework)
• Students who obtain a GPA of 2.70 or above for Part I may be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Microbiology (SLQF L8), upon request, provided the student fulfills other requirements as prescribed by these By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of the University of Colombo.
• Successful completion of Part I with a GPA of 3.00 is required to proceed to Part II.

Part II:

• Part II consists of a directed study equivalent to a guided mini research project/case study worth 5 credits. Students undertaking the mini research project/case study are required to carry out research at an academic/research/industrial institution where necessary facilities are available and submit a report on the research/case study carried out.
• Part I (25 credits) and part II (5 credits) combined (30 credits in total) is equivalent to level 9 of the SLQF.
• A student who obtains a GPA of 3.00 or above for Part II may be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Agricultural Microbiology, upon request, provided the student fulfills other requirements as prescribed by these By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of the University of Colombo.
• To proceed to Part III students should achieve a GPA of 3.00 for Part II and complete parts I and II within three years from the date of registration

Part III:

• Consist of an individual research project of 30 credits. Students undertaking a research project are required to carry out research at an academic/research/industrial institution where necessary facilities are available and submit a dissertation on the research carried out. The title of the research project, place where the research work shall be carried out, and the supervisor/s should be recommended and approved by the relevant authorities as stipulated by the Master of Science By-Laws No. 8 of 2021, prior to commencement of research.
• Part I (25 credits), part II (5 credits) and Part III (30 credits) combined (60 credits in total) is equivalent to level 10 of the SLQF.
• Students who obtain a GPA of 3.00 or above for Part III of the programme may be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Agricultural Microbiology (Research), provided the students fulfill other requirements as prescribed by the By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of the University of Colombo.
• A student who fails to achieve a GPA of 3.00 or above for Part III shall be eligible to be awarded the Degree of Master of Science in Agricultural Microbiology, upon request, provided the student fulfills other requirements as prescribed by these By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of the University of Colombo.

• All the theory course modules will be evaluated by written examinations and/or assignments.
• Practical modules will be evaluated by separate practical assessments and/or assignments and/or continuous assessments.
• Seminars shall be evaluated by presentations.
• Directed study (mini research project/case study) will be evaluated through a written report, a presentation and a viva-voce examination.
• The research project will be evaluated through a written research proposal, dissertation, a presentation, a viva-voce examination and a manuscript.

Further information regarding the MSc Program can be obtained by contacting the programme coordinator.

Contact details of the programme coordinators are as follows.