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Offered by the Department of Chemistry

Chemistry is the foundation for all other sciences. It embraces the areas of medicine, engineering, agriculture, environment, biotechnology and nanotechnology. The beauty of this subject lies in its applicability to all aspects of our lives. In recognizing the importance of chemistry, Sri Lankan education system has made it a key subject in the curriculum of the secondary level of science education. It is imperative that the teaching of chemistry be conducted in such a manner to lay a strong foundation on which the students’ future careers would be building upon. With the advancement of science & technology, the understanding of core concepts in chemistry has been made easier, enabling the learning of Chemistry interesting and rewarding. 

This program is, therefore, designed to impart new approaches to teaching and learning chemistry, and to update the subject knowledge in both chemistry and science education. This course is of value to those who are currently working in the field of chemistry education in state or private sectors and for those seeking employment in the field of chemistry education.

Eligibility

Application for admission to the course will be entertained from candidates who have passed the B.Sc. Degree with Chemistry as a subject from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo. The selection will be on the basis of M.C.Q Examination and / or an interview.


Tentative dates

Closing date of applications: Date to be determined

Date of commencement: July 2025


Registration for 2025 intake

Duly completed application form together with a paying-in-voucher for Rs. 2500/- paid to the credit of the University of Colombo, account number 314024700009 at the Thimbirigasyaya Branch of the People’s Bank (payment can be made at any branch) should be submitted in person or sent 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 (date to be determined).

Course Fees

MSc in Chemistry Education (Part I and Part II)

LKR 375,600/-

***Payable at the initial registration.

MSc (Research) in Chemistry Education

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. 125,000/- (subject to change) at the time of enrolment for Part III.

Apart from the Course Fee, the following shall be paid when applying and at the initial registration:

Application Fee: Rs. 2,500/-

***Please note that fees paid are not refundable and subject to revision from time to time.


Course Aims

  • Reinforce and update the knowledge of chemistry 
  • Enhance the teaching skills and motivation by using modern methods of teaching, lecture demonstrations and laboratory experiments 
  • Introduce Information technology and molecular modeling in chemistry teaching
  • Provide through teaching practice/presentation of lesson plans 
  • Develop the ability for research in education

COURSE EVALUATION

Examination structure

Course work including practical sessions are assessed using continuous assessments, written examinations, presentations, group work and viva voce examinations.

Part 2 in which the students undertake a research project under the guidance of an academic staff member will be evaluated based on a report submitted, a presentation and a viva voce examination.

PART 1: Postgraduate Diploma (26 credits) – SLQF 8

Students will be assessed both on continuous basis as well as by periodical tests based on the theory modules and laboratory work carried out during the program. There will be a written examination for most of the theory modules at the end of each semester. Candidates will be allowed to proceed to Part 2 when he/ she obtained a minimum GPA stipulated by the Faculty. 

PART 2: M.Sc. by Course Work (05 credits) – SLQF 9

The report submitted by the candidate at the end of the Chemistry Education project will be evaluated. A viva voce examination will be held.

PART 3: M.Sc. by Research (30 credits) – SLQF 10

More information will be provided to the eligible candidates.

Course Modules

Part 1: Postgraduate Diploma (SLQF 8)

Course Code Name Credits
MCE 5501 Foundations of Science Education 2C
MCE 5502 Technology Enabled Learning 1C
MCE 5503 Methodology of Teaching and Learning Science 1C
MCE 5504 Assessment and Evaluation Methods in Chemistry Education 2C
MCE 5505 Research Methods in Chemistry Education 2C
MCE 5506 Chemistry Education Seminar/Teaching Practice 2C
MCE 5507 Lecture Demonstrations in Chemistry Education 1C
MCE 5508 Chemistry Laboratory 3C
MCE 5509 Chemical Calculations in Analytical Chemistry 2C
MCE 5510 Chemical Bonding 2C
MCE 5511 Organic Chemistry 2C
MCE 5512 Modern Physical Chemistry 3C
MCE 5513 Special Topics in Chemistry 3C
Total Credit Value (PG Diploma) 26C

Part 2: MSc in Chemistry Education (course work) SLQF 9

Course Code Name Credits
MCE 5514 Chemistry Education Project 5C
Total Credit Value 31C

Part 3: MSc in Chemistry Education (research) SLQF 10

Course Code Name Credits
MCE 5515 Scientific writing and Open access software 12C
MCE 5516 Research Project in Chemistry/Chemistry Education 18C
Total Credit Value 61C

Panel of Lecturers

Chemistry and Chemistry Education lectures are conducted by the academic staff members of the Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo and visiting lecturers from other universities with relevant teaching experience.

Educational concepts are taught by the academic staff members of the Faculty of Education, University of Colombo.

Further Information

For further information regarding the M.Sc. program in chemistry education, contact the program coordinator.

Contact details of the programme coordinator is as follows.

Intake Coordinator Email Phone No.
2023 Dr. Gayathri Silva gayathris@chem.cmb.ac.lk 0112503367