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MSc in Analytical Chemistry

Offered by the Department of Chemistry

50 Years of Excellence in Postgraduate Teaching

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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.

Eligibility

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)
Course Fees

M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry (Part I and Part II)*

LKR 450,000/-

*Payable at the initial registration. 

M.Sc. (Research) in Analytical Chemistry (Part III)*

Only the students who successfully complete Parts I and II will be eligible to proceed to Part III (research project) leading to the M.Sc. (Res.) degree program. Students who wish to proceed to Part III should make an additional payment of Rs. 200,000/- (subject to change) at the time of enrolment for Part III.

*Please note that fees paid are not refundable unless otherwise mentioned and can be subjected to revisions from time to time.

Registration for 2026 intake

Call for Applications: 1st  April  2026

Application Deadline : 30th April 2026

Tentative date of commencement: August 2026

How to apply

Complete the online application form and submit with a paying-in-voucher for Rs. 2500/- paid to the credit of the University of Colombo, (314026500005) at the Thimbirigasyaya Branch of the People’s Bank (payment can be made at any branch

 

Program e-brochure
YOU CAN FILL IN THE PRE-APPLICATION FORM IF THE ON-LINE APPLICATION PORTAL IS NOT ACTIVTED
Click here

Course Duration

Part I & Part II: 18 – 24 months

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

A candidate’s studentship will expire at the end of 48 months from the date of registration.

Course Structure

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)

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 in Analytical Chemistry (Research) (SLQL10).

Mode of Learning

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 onsite). 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.

Course Evaluation

Part I
Throughout the first year, students will be assessed both on a 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.

Course Modules

Part I

Course Code Name Credits/ Hours
MAC 5110 Concepts in Analytical Chemistry
MAC 5210 Spectroscopic Methods in Analysis
MAC 5310 Separation Techniques in Analytical Chemistry
MAC 5410 Analytical Techniques
MAC 5510 Industrial Applications in Analytical Chemistry
MAC 5900 Instrumentation in Analytical Chemistry
MAC 5111 Scientific writing & Presentation
MAC 5610 Practical Modules
MAC 5710 Practical Modules
MAC 5810 Practical Modules

Theory Modules:

MAC 5110 – Concepts in Analytical Chemistry

  • Statistics & sampling theory
  • Acid base equilibria
  • Complexometry & conditional constants
  • Redox equilibria
  • Electroanalytical chemistry & chemical sensors
  • Precipitation methods & non aqueous solvents

MAC 5210 – Spectroscopic Methods in Analysis

  • Molecular spectroscopy–absorption, ESR and Mossbauer
  • Molecular spectroscopy– emission (Fluorescence etc)
  • Atomic spectroscopy – absorption and Emission
  • Surface spectroscopic methods for structural elucidation
  • Instrumentation in Spectroscopy

 

MAC 5310 – Separation Techniques in Analytical Chemistry

  • Sample preparation methods (LLE, IE and SPE)
  • Separation methods (PC, TLC, GC, HPLC and SFC)
  • Electrophoresis in biological applications
  • RD techniques in microbial analysis

 

MAC 5410 – Analytical Techniques

  • Thermal analysis
  • Analysis of air & water quality
  • Bio-analytical chemistry
  • Principles of instrumental analysis
  • Quality of testing laboratories

MAC 5510 – Industrial Applications in Analytical Chemistry

  • Food and drugs
  • Agrochemicals and soil
  • Cosmetics
  • Nanotechnology

 

MAC 5900 – Instrumentation in Analytical Chemistry

  • Electronics
  • Mass spectrometry based techniques
  • Elemental analysis
  • Analytical method validation

MAC 5111 – Scientific writing & Presentation

 

Practical Modules

 (MAC 5610, 5710 & 5810):

  • Classical methods in Analytical analysis
  • Spectroscopic methods (Molecular & Atomic)
  • Chromatography
  • Solvent extraction & Ion exchange
  • Electro analytical methods
  • Environmental analysis
  • Analysis of food and drugs
  • Analysis of soils and agrochemicals
  • Synthesis of nanoparticles
  • Electrophoresis and PCR
  • Instrumentation in Analytical analysis
  • Computer applications in chemical analysis

Part II & Part III
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

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

Name Email Phone No
Dr. S. M Vithanarachchi msc.analyticalchemistry@chem.cmb.ac.lk 0112 047393