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Overview
The Faculty of Science of the University of Colombo offers two internal degree programs Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science (Honours) for the full-time undergraduates admitted through the University Grant Commission (UGC) after the Advanced Level examinations. In addition, the Faculty offers Bachelor of Science (External) degree program as a continuing education program through the Open and Distance Learning Centre (ODLC) of the Faculty of Science.
Undergraduate
We offer two types of bachelor’s degree programmes: Internal and External.
Internal degree programmes are funded by the Government of Sri Lanka under the free education scheme, providing students with an accessible pathway to higher education.
External degree programmes are cost-recoverable, subsidised offerings designed for lifelong learning, conducted over weekends to accommodate busy schedules. These programmes allow you to pursue your education while balancing other commitments.
| Internal | External | |
|---|---|---|
| Target Group | Students who have completed the GCE Advanced Level in the corresponding year. |
|
| Eligibility | Students who have completed the GCE Advanced Level in the corresponding year. |
Different degree programs have specific entry requirements, including:
|
| How to Apply | Applicants should apply through the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC). |
Applications are usually called in August each year. You can submit your details
here to be notified when applications open. [Learn more about the application process] |
| Course Fees | Internal degree programs are funded by the Government of Sri Lanka under the free education scheme. | Candidates will need to bear the costs for external degree programs. |
| Application Deadlines | For the application deadlines, please refer to the UGC website: https://www.ugc.ac.lk/ | For specific application deadlines: [check application deadlines] |
Explore our study areas
Explore diverse scientific disciplines with our faculty, offering expertise across a wide array of study areas.
- Physics
# physics
# computational physics
# engineering physics
# electronics
# information technology (IT)
# nuclear physics
# medical physics
# automation
- Chemistry
# chemistry
# computational chemistry
# pharmacy
# biochemistry
# biomedicine
# radiochemistry
# applied chemistry
- Biology
# biochemistry
# biotechnology
# molecular biology
# bioinformatics
# plant biotechnology
# plant sciences
# horticulture
# environmental sciences
# immunology
# zoology
# microbiology
- Nuclear Science
# nuclear physics
# nuclear medical science
# nuclear medicine
# medical imaging technology
# radio-chemistry
- Mathematics
# applied mathematics
# pure mathematics
# computational mathematics
# mathematical modeling
# mathematical finance
# financial engineering
# finance and insurance
- Statistics
# statistics
# applied statistics
# industrial statistics
# data science
# data analytics
# surveying & sampling
# machine learning
Explore our study areas
Explore diverse scientific disciplines with our faculty, offering expertise across a wide array of study areas.
# physics
# computational physics
# engineering physics
# electronics
# information technology (IT)
# nuclear physics
# medical physics
# automation
# chemistry
# computational chemistry
# pharmacy
# biochemistry
# biomedicine
# radiochemistry
# applied chemistry
# biochemistry
# biotechnology
# molecular biology
# bioinformatics
# plant biotechnology
# plant sciences
# horticulture
# environmental sciences
# immunology
# zoology
# microbiology
# nuclear physics
# nuclear medical science
# nuclear medicine
# medical imaging technology
# radio-chemistry
# applied mathematics
# pure mathematics
# computational mathematics
# mathematical modeling
# mathematical finance
# financial engineering
# finance and insurance
# statistics
# applied statistics
# industrial statistics
# data science
# data analytics
# surveying & sampling
# machine learning
Not sure what to study? Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Statistics, Zoology, Nuclear Science, Mathematics
1. Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science (Honours) degrees (Internal)
The students entering the Faculty of Science of the University of Colombo may read for a Degree in the Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Industrial Statistics & Mathematical Finance. The Faculty offers two BSc degree programs in each stream, namely the BSc degree program of 3 years duration and the BSc honours degree program of 4 years duration. There are two flavours of honour degrees industrial-oriented and academic-oriented.
There are 7 academic departments in the faculty: Chemistry, Mathematics, Nuclear Science, Physics, Plant Sciences, Statistics and, Zoology & Environmental Sciences. These departments together with the Career Guidance Unit, ITSC and UCSC offer courses in 14 different subject areas. In addition, Computer Science as a subject is offered to all students in the Faculty.
During the first two years, students follow common subjects for both BSc and BSc honours degree program. After two years of study, students can apply for an honours degree based on merit.
The Faculty of Science has five intakes according to the disciplines selected at the A/Ls. These programmes contain a wide range of scientific disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and more, that offer students a comprehensive and rigorous education in the field of science. This programmes equips students with a strong foundation in scientific principles, research methodologies, and critical thinking skills.
Interview done by FOS Media
Interviews done by Epistemics '23
- Dean/Faculty of Science – Prof. Upul Sonnadara
- Dr. Monika Madhavi – Derpartment of Physics
- Dr. Dilhari Attygalle – Department of Statistics
- Prof. S S Nishantha Perera – Department of Mathematics
- Prof. Rohini De Silva – Department of Chemistry
- Prof. Tara D Silva – Department of Plant Sciences
- Dr. Manuja Lamabadusuriya – Department of Nuclear Science
- Prof. Devaka Weerakoon – Department of Zoology & Environment Sciences
Physical Science
Who can apply for Physical Science intake?
Students who have done A/Ls with the subjects
- Combined Mathematics or Higher Mathematics,
- Chemistry or Physics and
- Agricultural Science or Combined Mathematics or Higher Mathematics or Biology or Chemistry or Physics
Programme Structure
After students enter the physical science intake, they must study Applied Mathematics as a compulsory subject for the first two years. Furthermore, they must select two subjects from Pure Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Statistics to study. Additionally, students can select either Computer Science or Nuclear Science as a subject to follow.
After following the selected subjects for the first to years of the degree, a student can either apply for a 4-year honours degree or opt to do a 3-year general degree. Note that students for the 4-year honours degree programmes are selected based on merit.
Applicable honours degree programmes
- BSc Honours in Applied Mathematics
- BSc Honours in Applied Statistics
- BSc Honours in Business and Environment
- BSc Honours in Chemistry
- BSc Honours in Computational Chemistry
- BSc Honours in Computational Mathematics
- BSc Honours in Data Science
- BSc Honours in Electronics & Information Technology
- BSc Honours in Engineering Physics
- BSc Honours in Finance & Insurance
- BSc Honours in Information Technology & Management
- BSc Honours in Mathematics
- BSc Honours in Nuclear Medical Science
- BSc Honours in Nuclear Technology
- BSc Honours in Physics
- BSc Honours in Plant Science
- BSc Honours in Science and Management
Biological Science
Who can apply for Physical Science intake?
Students who have done A/Ls with the subjects
- Biology,
- Chemistry and
- Physics or Agricultural Science or Higher Mathematics or Mathematics or Combined Mathematics
Programme Structure
After students enter the biological science intake, they must study Zoology, Plant Sciences, Environmental Science and Chemistry as compulsory subjects for the first two years. Additionally, students can select either Computer Science or Nuclear Science as a subject to follow.
After following the selected subjects for the first to years of the degree, a student can either apply for a 4-year honours degree or opt to do a 3-year general degree. Note that students for the 4-year honours degree programmes are selected based on merit.
Applicable honours degree programmes
- BSc Honours in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- BSc Honours in Bioinformatics
- BSc Honours in Business and Environment
- BSc Honours in Chemistry
- BSc Honours in Computational Chemistry
- BSc Honours in Environmental Science
- BSc Honours in Horticulture and Sustainable Landscaping
- BSc Honours in Immunology & Integrative Molecular Biology
- BSc Honours in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- BSc Honours in Nuclear Medical Science
- BSc Honours in Nuclear Technology
- BSc Honours in Pharmacy
- BSc Honours in Plant Biotechnology
- BSc Honours in Plant Science
- BSc Honours in Science and Management
- BSc Honours in Zoology
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Who can apply for Physical Science intake?
Students who have done A/Ls with the subjects
- Biology,
- Chemistry and
- Physics
Programme Structure
After students enter the biological science intake, they must study Zoology, Plant Sciences, Environmental Science and Chemistry as compulsory subjects for the first two years. Additionally, students can select either Computer Science or Nuclear Science as a subject to follow.
After following the selected subjects for the first to years of the degree, a student can either apply for a 4-year honours degree or opt to do a 3-year general degree. Note that students for the 4-year honours degree programmes are selected based on merit.
Applicable honours degree programmes
Medical Imaging Technology
Who can apply for Physical Science intake?
Students who have done A/Ls with the subjects
- Biology,
- Chemistry and
- Physics
Programme Structure
BSc Honours in Medical Imaging Technology is a focused 4-year degree that follows courses that are specialized in fields that are important for Medical Imaging Professionals (MIPs) in hospitals. Critical facets of radiography, such as patient handling, instrument use, picture creation, image interpretation, and report preparation, will be taught to students.
MIPs perform medical imaging utilising a variety of technologies, including plain X-ray imaging, computed tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear imaging, fluoroscopic imaging, and more, to help in the diagnosis of disorders.
For more course details, click here.
Industrial Statistics & Mathematical Finance
Who can apply for Physical Science intake?
Students who have done A/Ls with the subjects
- Combined Mathematics and
- Two subjects out of Higher Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry
Programme Structure
After students enter the physical science intake, they must study Industrial Statistics, Financial Mathematics and Management Science as compulsory subjects for the first two years. Additionally, students can select Computer Science as a subject to follow.
After following the selected subjects for the first to years of the degree, a student can either apply for a 4-year honours degree or opt to do a 3-year general degree. Note that students for the 4-year honours degree programmes are selected based on merit.
Applicable honours degree programmes
- BSc Honours in Applied Statistics
- BSc Honours in Business and Environment
- BSc Honours in Computational Mathematics
- BSc Honours in Finance & Insurance
- BSc Honours in Industrial Statistics
- BSc Honours in Information Technology & Management
- BSc Honours in Mathematical Finance
- BSc Honours in Mathematics
- BSc Honours in Science and Management
2. Bachelor of Science (External)
External degree programs of the Faculty of Science, designed for part-time continuing education students. Usually these programs are conducted during weekends and the duration of the degree program is three years. These degree programs offered through the Open and Distance Learning Centre.