M.Sc. Degree/Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Analytical Chemistry

Chemical analysis plays a vital role in all aspects of life. There is an increasing demand for qualified analytical chemists throughout the world. The MSc/PGDip program in Industrial Analytical Chemistry introduces analytical chemistry skills that are required in different industrial disciplines including chemical, pharmaceutical, bio-analytical, forensic, food and environmental monitoring applications.

The practice of analytical chemistry has now become an integral and essential component in many diverse spheres such as food and beverage industry, pharmaceutical industry, health care and medical technology, environmental control, electrochemical technology, agriculture, etc. Many of the underlying principles of Analytical Chemistry can be seen routinely in analysis in many areas such as quality control, research and development work, manufacturing processes, and in industry, university, and other research laboratories.

The objective of the MSc/PGDip program in Industrial Analytical Chemistry is to impart the analytical chemistry skills involved in different industrial disciplines for young graduates as well as to working professionals.

The program comprises a broad range of modules covering all the major analytical techniques, complemented by studies in transferable and professional skills, with the option to study aspects of medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry if desired. Study areas include research methods, separation techniques, mass spectrometry and associated techniques, spectroscopy and structural analysis, sensors, pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism, drug targets, drug design and drug synthesis and innovations in analytical science.

Objective/ Graduate Profile

The postgraduate student who completes the degree will be able to

  • Understand the nature of a given analytical problem, clearly use a variety of analytical methodologies and techniques in both classical and instrumental techniques
  • Obtain accurate and precise measurements of the system.
  • Operate and maintain analytical instruments.
  • Calculate the final result of an analysis together with the associated errors
  • Interpret the results to arrive at appropriate conclusions.
  • Gather experience in nano technologies, separation science and the latest techniques in mass spectrometry.
  • Acquire a sound background in chemistry with basic training in analytical aspects, sound hands on experience together with advanced principles of analytical chemistry.

Professional and Employment Opportunities:

Opportunities for senior positions in all laboratories including international labs.

Qualification for higher positions in public sector such as Industrial and Crop Research Institute, Sri Lanka Scientific Service and in private sector manufacturing enterprises

Admission Requirements:

The requirements for Master of Science in Industrial Analytical Chemistry degree are as follows. Please note that Post Graduate Diploma is offered only as an exit point of the MSc program.

To be eligible for admission to this program an applicant must possess the minimum admission requirements for a MSc degree with course work and research components (SLQF 10) specified in the Sri Lanka Qualification Framework (SLQF). A brief  summary of admission requirements are as follows.

  • A SLQF level 6 qualification (Honours Degree) or above in chemistry from a university or an institution recognized by the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka
  • A SLQF level 6 qualification (Honours Degree) or above in a chemistry related subject including 30 credits in chemistry from a university, or an institution recognized by the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka
  • A SLQF level 5 qualification (Bachelors Degree) including 30 credits in the chemistry from a university, or an institution recognized by the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka
  • Any other equivalent qualification accepted by the Senate of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

The proficiency in English language is mandatory as the course is conducted in English.

Exit points in the MSc degree program

Post Graduate Diploma is the only exit point of the MSc in Industrial Analytical Chemistry program. The candidates registered for the MSc program can request to be awarded the diploma after fulfilling the necessary requirements before the end-date of the program. All the eligible candidates shall be awarded the diploma after the duration of the MSc program.

PGDip in Industrial Analytical Chemistry (SLQF Level 8)

Course Duration: One year

Medium of Instruction: English

Description of the Course

Course Code

Course Title

Credit Value

First Year

Taught Components

 

IAC80103 / IAC100103

Analytical Principles and Instrumentation I

3

IAC80203 / IAC100203

Analytical Principles and Instrumentation II

3

IAC80303 / IAC100303

Analytical Principles and Instrumentation III

3

IAC80403 / IAC100403

Analytical Techniques in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications I

3

IAC80502 / IAC100502

Analytical Techniques in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications II

2

IAC 80602 / IAC100602

Forensic Analytical Chemistry and Applications

2

IAC 80702 / IAC100702

Analytical Techniques in Agriculture and Food Science

2

IAC 80803 / IAC100803

Material Characterization and Analysis I

3

IAC 80902 / IAC100902

Material Characterization and Analysis II

2

IAC 81002 / IAC101002

Environmental Analysis I

2

IAC 81102 / IAC101102

Environmental Analysis II

2

IAC 81202 / IAC101202

Quality Management and Chemical Laboratory Accreditation

2

Non taught Component

IAC 81304 / IAC101304

Laboratory Practical

4

Total Credits

33

Evaluation

It is necessary to maintain 80% or higher attendance for theory and practical sessions to be eligible to sit for the examination.

Candidate’s performance at each course unit is assessed and graded through theory examinations and practical/continuous assessments. All the theory courses are evaluated based on End-Modular examinations. Continuous assessment may include practical, case studies and oral presentations. 

Repeating the course units

A candidate who is unable to sit the examination or has failed the course unit can repeat the examination; except for medical reasons, the maximum mark that can be obtained is 55% (B grade). Only two attempts will be granted to repeat an examination. Please refer to the Examinations and Evaluation Procedures given in the Handbook for more information.

Awarding the Diploma

The candidate shall obtain a minimum overall GPA = 2.70 for 25 credits offered in the first academic year including Laboratory Practical to be awarded a postgraduate diploma. The candidate shall maintain a minimum of a B grade for the Laboratory Practical and a minimum of a C grade for other course units considered in 25 credits.

A merit pass will be given if the overall average exceeds 70% (GPA ≥ 4.0). 

All the candidates who have fulfilled the necessary requirements to obtain a PG Diploma will be awarded the diploma at the end of the program as an exit point to the MSc program.

If a candidate wishes to obtain a PGDip before the MSc program end date, the student shall make a written request to the course coordinator after fulfilling the necessary requirements to obtain a PGDip.

Payment Plan

Course fee can be paid in two installments, 60% of the course fee at the registration and the balance within 6 months of the first year.

Note.

In addition to the guidelines given in the Student Handbook, students must also adhere to the Student Guidelines issued by the Department of Chemistry.

MSc in Industrial Analytical Chemistry (SLQF Level 10)

Course Duration: 2 years

Medium of Instructions: English

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Value
First Year
Taught Components 
 IAC100103Analytical Principles and Instrumentation I3
IAC100203Analytical Principles and Instrumentation II3
IAC100303Analytical Principles and Instrumentation III3
IAC100403Analytical Techniques in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications I3
IAC100502Analytical Techniques in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications II2
IAC100602Forensic Analytical Chemistry and Applications2
IAC100702Analytical Techniques in Agriculture and Food Science2
IAC100803Material Characterization and Analysis I3
IAC100902Material Characterization and Analysis II2
IAC101002Environmental Analysis I2
IAC101102Environmental Analysis II2
IAC101202Quality Management and Chemical Laboratory Accreditation2
Non taught Component
IAC101304Laboratory Practical4
Total credits for the first year33
Second Year
IAC101402Seminars2
IAC101520Research project based on an industrial problem20
IAC101607Case Study7
IAC101701Academic skills – Scientific writing and academic presentation1
Total credits for the second year30
Grand total for the MSc Degree63

Eligibility to follow the MSc program

Candidates shall maintain a minimum of a B grade for Laboratory Practical and a minimum of a C+ grade for each of the taught components offered in the first academic year. The minimum overall GPA requirement to qualify for the second year of the M.Sc. program is 3.0. 

Evaluation

It is necessary to maintain 80% or higher attendance for theory and practical sessions to be eligible to sit for the examination.

Candidate’s performance at each course unit is assessed and graded through theory examinations and practical/continuous assessments. All the theory courses are evaluated based on End-Modular examinations. Continuous assessment may include practical, case studies and oral presentations. 

The final research project report will be evaluated by two faculty members/experts in the relevant area separately and the viva will be graded by the same members in the presence of the coordinator and the supervisor/s.

Repeating the course units

A candidate who is unable to sit the examination or has failed the course unit can repeat the examination; except for medical reasons, the maximum mark that can be obtained is 55% (B grade). Only two attempts will be granted to repeat an examination. Please refer to the Examinations and Evaluation Procedures given in the Handbook for more information.

Submission of Research Proposal

All the eligible students to follow the MSc program shall submit a research proposal and commence the research work at least 18 months prior to program-end date for the relevant student batch.

Submission of thesis

The thesis shall be submitted to the program coordinator for evaluation at least 06 months prior to the program end-date for the relevant student batch. The thesis has to be formatted according to the guidelines given in the Student Handbook. After the evaluation, three (03) hardbound copies of the final corrected thesis shall be submitted to the coordinator prior to the program end-date for the relevant student batch. For more information, please refer to the Student Handbook.

Awarding the Degree

Candidates shall maintain a minimum of a C+ grade for all the course units except the Laboratory Practical, Case Study and Research Project. The minimum requirement for Laboratory Practical, Case study and Research project is 55% (B grade). An overall GPA requirement of 3.00 must be met to award the MSc.

A merit pass will be given if the overall average exceeds 70%.

Course Fee

Rs 350,000

Payment Plan

The 60% of the course fee should be paid at the time of registration and the balance must be paid within 6 months from the commencement of the program. 

Note.

In addition to the guidelines given in the Student Handbook, students must also adhere to the Student Guidelines issued by the Department of Chemistry.

Downloads

Part II Examination of 2020-2021 student intake – Tentative timetable

Case study guidelines

Research proposal guidelines

2024/2025 Student Intake

Application start date            15th of May to 15th of June 2024

Interviews                              Last week of June 2024

Commencement                   13th July 2024

Course Fee                            

If you are interested in applying for the next student intake, please fill out this Google Form. You will be contacted by the course coordinator in due time.

Course Coordinator

Dr. Asitha Cooray 

0777465392 

msc.industrial_anal_chem@sjp.ac.lk