Home » MSc Programs » MSc in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology

MSc in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology

Offered by the Department of Chemistry

Apply for MSc in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Apply Now

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry have undergone remarkable advances, driving the rapid development of biotechnology into one of the fastest-growing scientific disciplines worldwide. Molecular approaches underpin important advances in medicine, agriculture, food and industrial biotechnology, enabling the development of novel diagnostics, therapeutics, improved crops, and bioenergy systems.

The MSc in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and research experience in molecular biology & biotechnology. The program enables students to apply molecular approaches to address biological and technological challenges and prepares them for careers in academia, research, industry, and related fields.

The program also provides exposure to the biotechnology industry and entrepreneurship, including insights into the development of biotechnology based start-ups. The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and innovative mindset required to contribute to this rapidly evolving field.

Eligibility

The graduates who offered Biology/ Molecular Biology/ Chemistry/ Biochemistry/ Biotechnology/ Agriculture/ Pharmacy 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.

Course Fees

M.Sc. in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Part I and Part II)*

LKR 550,000/-

*Payable at the initial registration. 

M.Sc. (Research) in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (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. 250,000/- (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 2027 intake

Application and the brochure of the MSc programme – 2026 intake can be downloaded from the following link:

Registration for 2027 intake

Call for Applications: 1st  April  2027
Application Deadline : 15th May 2027
Tentative date of commencement: August 2027

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).

 Completed application forms should be submitted online

Program e-brochure

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 Molecular Biology & Biotechnology 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 Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (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 Molecular Biology & Biotechnology 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 program is eligible for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (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 10 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

  • Theory Modules:

MBT 5001 Advanced Biochemistry I

MBT 5002 Advanced Biochemistry II

MBT 5003 Gene Expression and Regulation

MBT 5004 Recombinant DNA Technology

MBT 5005 Bioinformatics

MBT 5006 Genomics and Proteomics

MBT 5007 Medical Biotechnology

MBT 5008 Industrial & Environmental Biotechnology

MBT 5009 Agricultural and Food Biotechnology Plant and animal biotechnology

MBT 5010 Nanobiotechnology

 
  • Practical Modules:

MBT 5011 Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry

Part II & Part III
Candidate has the option to carry out a research project under the supervision of a staff member of the Department of Chemistry or an industrial research problem that is related to Biotechnology 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 : Prof. C. Dilrukshi Wijayarathna
Email: msc.mbbt@chem.cmb.ac.lk