Biology – B.Sc. (General) Degree Program
Duration : 3 Years
For whom?
For students from biological sciences streams who are interested in pursuing careers in fundamental biology.
Career opportunities
Sri Lanka boasts a rich endemic biodiversity and reasonable diversity in ecosystems, within which there is a wealth of fauna and flora and bioactive compounds, which serve as invaluable remedies for a host of infectious and non-communicable diseases. In order to harness the potential of our island nation in biodiversity and biological resources for conservation, eco-tourism and bio prospecting endeavors as well as for the appreciation of biology, it is important that a pool of talent is developed who are equipped with specialist and applied knowledge in fundamental biology. Therefore, by the provision of skilled graduates in contemporary applied Biology, the Departments of Botany and Zoology, contribute towards national development through its alumni. The scope in Biology is reasonably broad in its spectrum of employment opportunities with prospects of joining government ministries, private organizations, eco-tourism ventures, conservation organizations, ecological establishments, museums, universities and secondary schools, as well as providing opportunity for entrepreneurship.
Course overview
The specialist subject, Biology, aims to instill in students, an appreciation for plant and animal sciences, especially in relation to the acquisition, integration and application of specialist knowledge in contemporary biology, in order to ensure the holistic development of the undergraduate community. The development of a student’s appreciation of fundamental biology is molded through the impartation of relevant and timely topics in contemporary applied biology, including, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Insect Pest Management, Plant Propagation and Horticulture, Human Nutrition, Natural Resources and their Management, Ecology and Biological Statistics.
Outside of the key subject areas, students are equipped with communication and problem solving skills, team work and perseverance and leadership qualities to ensure their career readiness to secure a future within the 21st century workforce.
Course structure
Biology will contribute one third of the B.Sc. (General) degree program within the framework of a permitted subject combination. Students are required to take course units equaling or exceeding a cumulative credit value of 27.0 points. Course units are classified as compulsory, core and optional course units and the course units are designed to provide the student with specialist knowledge and skills required in contemporary Biology.
Biology – B.Sc.(Special) Degree Program
Duration : 4 Years
Career opportunities
The career opportunities available for graduates of the Special Degree Program in Biology will be centered on academia, consultancies at government and non-government agencies, and as researchers in a diverse range of positions.
Course overview
The B.Sc.(Special) Degree in Biology aims to provide a group of experts with required skills in applied Biology. The program imparts a higher level of specialist knowledge and practical training and is ideally suited for students with aspiration for graduate studies and further research training.
The core strengths of the Special Degree Program are coverage of specialist knowledge, the provision of a higher degree of practical skills which are transferable beyond the learning environment, higher levels of analytical and communication skills and in whole, a well rounded education program suited for research endeavors or higher studies under specialist topics. The final year research projects is of major significance to the Special Degree Program because it advances a student’s capacity to undertake research endeavors, develops core analytical skills, expands communication, networking and language skills.
Selection
Selection of students for the Special Degree Program is based on the student’s performance in the first two years of the academic program.
Instruction and assessment
The impartation of education to students in General and Special Degree programs will be conducted by an eminent group of lecturers, with proven track records in academia and research. The teaching environment within the Departments of Botany and Zoology consists of lectures, laboratory practicals, field studies and project assignments which ensure all-round development of students in specialist knowledge and practical training. The modes of assessment include end-of-semester examinations, practical tests, presentations and reports.
Course Units
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For further information please contact:
Prof. M. M. Pathmalal,
Head/Department of Zoology
E mail : pathmalal@sjp.ac.lk
Dr. P. N. Dasanayake
Head/Department of Botany
E mail : nilanthiedas@sjp.ac.lk