The MSc programme in Analytical Chemistry expects to provide students with in-depth knowledge and skills in principles of analytical chemistry and its applications to solve problems in industry and research. The program provides students with advanced theoretical foundation and essential practical skills initially. Later the students are required to complete a self-guided project under the supervision of an academic staff member. The project develops the ability of a student to successfully execute a scientific project. Student can maximize the knowledge and experience gained through the project by carrying out a one-year research project. The knowledge gained and research experience would equip the students to be successful in academia or industry.

The aim of the MSc program in Analytical Chemistry is to train graduates to become chemists with an emphasis on analytical chemistry.  An analytical chemist is responsible in planning and executing routine analytical procedures following the laboratory SOPs, use advanced chemical knowledge, statistical tools, logic and creativity to overcome challenges in industry. Thus, the analytical chemist plays an important role in our industrial structure and the advancing science.

The graduates who offered Chemistry as a subject for their BSc Degree

OR

Any other equivalent qualification acceptable to the Senate of the University of Colombo are eligible to apply.

The selection will be on the basis of a written test and /or an interview.

• Universities and Higher Educational Institutions (http://www.ugc.ac.lk/en/universities-and-institutes/universities.html)
• University Grant Commission (UGC) recognized foreign Universities (http://www.ugc.ac.lk/en/universities-andinstitutes/recognized-foreign-universities.html)
• UGC recognized other Universities (http://www.ugc.ac.lk/en/universities-and-institutes/other-recognizeddegrees.html)

Application and the brochure of the MSc programme – 2024 intake can be downloaded from the following link:

• Application download link
• Program e-brochure download link

• Call for Applications: 1st March 2024
• Closing date of Applications: 15th May 2024
• Date of commencement: July 2024

Apply using the online application portal at the very top of this webpage or submit a duly completed application form together with a paying-in-voucher for Rs. 2500/- paid to the credit of the University of Colombo, account number 314024900007 at the Thimbirigasyaya Branch of the People’s Bank (payment can be made at any branch) in person or under Registered cover to:

Assistant Registrar,
Academic and Publications,
University of Colombo,
94, Cumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha,
Colombo 03
00300

Completed application forms should be submitted on or before 15th May 2024.

Part I & Part II: 18 – 24 months

Part III: 1 year for a full time student. The duration for part-time students is longer, depending on the time they devote for research.

A candidates studentship will expire at the end of 60 months from the date of registration.

Course structure is designed according to the guidelines issued by the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council of the UGC, SL to fulfil criteria of M.Sc. programs, SLQL 8, 9 & 10.
M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry program consists of 3 parts.

• Part I: Lectures and Laboratory sessions (25 credits)

Successful completion of Part I with a GPA of 3.00 is required to proceed to Part II. Candidates who maintain a GPA of greater than 2.70 but less than 3.00 have the option of being awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Analytical Chemistry (SLQL 8).

• Part II: Research project of three months duration (full time) (5 credits)

A student who obtains a GPA of 3.00 or above for Part II is eligible for the award of the Degree of Master of Science. Successful completion of Part II with a GPA of 3.00 or above have the option being awarded M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry by Course Work (SLQL 9).
Candidates who maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 or greater have the option to proceed to Part III.

• Part III: Research project of one year duration (full time) (30 credits)

Students who obtain a GPA of 3.00 or above for Part III of the programme is eligible for the award of the Degree of Master of Science (Research) (SLQL10).

Part I consists of theory modules and practical modules conducted on Friday evenings (5–7 pm onsite or 7–9 pm online) and Saturdays (8 am to 6 pm). The duration of part I is for two semesters (each having 20 weeks). Students who have achieved the minimum requirements in the part I will be allowed to proceed to part II. This consists of a full-time guided study of 3-month duration. The duration for part-time students is longer, depending on the time they devote for research.

Part I
Throughout the first year, students will be assessed both on continuous basis as well as by periodical tests mainly based on the laboratory work carried out during the course. There will be a written examination at the end of each semester. The written examination will consist of 6 question papers.
Those who fail the examinations will be allowed to repeat each paper once.

Part II
The candidate has to submit a report addressing the research/industrial problem at the end of the study and make a presentation at the examination. The evaluation of Part II is based on the report, presentation and the viva-voce examinations

Part III
The candidate has to present the proposal, mid – progress and final outcomes of the research topic and has to submit a dissertation addressing the research topic at the end of the study. The evaluation of Part III is based on the presentations, dissertation and the viva – voce examination which will be carried out according to the general guidelines of the faculty

Candidate has the option to carryout a research project under the supervision of a staff member of the Department of Chemistry or an industrial research problem that is related to Analytical Chemistry from elsewhere under the guidance of an External Supervisor having educational qualification equivalent or above the Masters Degree and an internal supervisor assigned by the Department.

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

Contact details of the programme coordinators are as follows.