Bachelor of Science Honours in Polymer Science and Industrial Management
BSc Hons (Polymer Sc & Indus Mgt)
Note: This degree will be offered for 2023/2024-University Admission. (Students who face for the G.C.E. A/L examination in 2023 can apply for this study program.)
Introduction
Sri Lanka has a thriving polymer-related industry that includes rubber, plastics, and textiles. At present, the Department of Polymer Science (DPS) is the only department dedicated to the field of Polymer Science in Sri Lanka and is at the forefront of understanding the existing and potential demand in various polymer-related industries.
To address the demands of the local industrial sector, the DPS offers a new 4-year degree program that focuses on Polymer Science and Technology and Management Science. The program is designed purely based on local industrial demands and provides students with a unique opportunity to learn hard-core science and get hands-on experience by studying the course units in Polymer Science and Technology, Management Science, and necessary fundamental multidisciplinary subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, and English Communication.
The program includes two internships of six-month time duration for each, one in Management and the other in Polymer Science and Technology. The internships aim to give students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge and skills gained to practical situations, learn about the latest industry trends, and develop a range of transferable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and leadership. During their management internships, students will work in real-world settings and gain hands-on experience in various aspects of management, such as operations, human resources, marketing, finance, and project management. Similarly during the polymer science and technology internships students will work in real-world settings and gain practical experience in areas such as material testing, synthesis, formulation, processing, quality control, and product development. They will have the opportunity to work with advanced equipment and technologies used in the polymer industry, and learn about the latest industry trends and research developments. To the best of our knowledge, at present none of the state universities in Sri Lanka provide two long-term internships to the science students. Additionally, students with a high Grade Point Average (GPA) at the end of the third year can opt for a research project in Polymer Science and Technology instead of an internship in the same area, which will provide the path for higher studies in the field of polymer science and technology.
The Management Science component of the program is expected to provide students with a strong foundation of theoretical and practical knowledge in managerial skills necessary for management trainees or any executive positions in local industries. The program will also focus on developing the soft skills that are essential for increasing employment opportunities, and these skills will be taught through student-centered teaching methods.
Compared to other undergraduate degree programs offered by government universities in Sri Lanka, this program is enriched with unique features, such as the two internships, the opportunity to pursue a research project, and the focus on both hard and soft skills. These features make this program an excellent choice for students who want to excel in the field of Polymer Science and Technology and pursue a career in management or executive positions in local industries.
Objectives of the Degree Program
The BSc Hons degree in Polymer Science and Industrial Management program has been designed to produce professionals in the field of polymer science having basic management skills to suit a career in the area of polymer R&D management, production management, project management, quality control management, etc.
Graduate Profile
Students who have completed the BSc Hons degree in Polymer Science and Industrial Management program will have a firm foundation with a high level of theoretical and practical knowledge and comprehension of concepts, theories, and skills of related experimental aspects in Polymer Science those practice in local and global polymer related industries with basic but vibrant knowledge of management concepts, theories and practices with extensive industrial exposure to both Polymer Science and Management practices in local industries that will enable them to take rational decisions to face dynamic industrial environment and challenging situations.
To make this graduate profile a reality, the department of polymer science plans to attribute undergraduates to the following key areas.
Graduate Attributes
The graduates of the BSc Hons degree in Polymer Science and Industrial Management will have the following attributes:
- Should be able to demonstrate a thorough and systematic understanding of polymer science and industrial management-related core concepts based on advanced knowledge, comprehension and skills obtained.
- Should be able to build arguments critically and logically to find solutions creatively, using learnt theories and techniques in a professional context.
- Should be able to accurately use the established techniques of analysis in polymer science and use appropriate tools/methods in the field of industrial management.
- Should be able to gather, analyze and summarize information.
- Should be able to communicate information, ideas, issues, problems, and solutions to a vast variety of audiences.
- Should be able to display leadership skills, and entrepreneurial skills and take necessary initiatives in challenging situations.
- Should be able to adapt to diverse and dynamic working environments.
- Should be knowledge seekers and ready for lifelong learning.
Eligibility requirements (Qualifications for university admission)
Minimum 3 S passes in a single attempt in
- Biology, Physics, Chemistry subject combination or
- Combined Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry subject combination
Admission process
The admission process for this degree program will be based on the “Direct intake” method, as outlined in the relevant document from the University Grants Commission (UGC). Interested students may apply for the program through the UGC, and selection will be based on the Z-score that you obtained for the G.C.E A/L.
Once admitted to the program, students will not be able to transfer to other degree programs offered by the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS). Also, the other students attached to the FAS will not be able to enter into this degree program. This means that students who are selected for this degree program must commit to studying only the specific subject combinations offered in this program.
Due to the industry-oriented nature of this degree program, the demand for admission is expected to be high. Therefore, students with a high Z-score will have a greater chance of being selected for the admission.
Total Intake:
50 students/year. The number of students in bio- and physical- streams will be determined by the ratio of the number of applicants from each stream.
Programme Duration and Credit Load
Duration: 4 yrs. All the students who enrolled in the program have to spend at least 4 academic years (08 academic semesters) to complete the program.
Coursework: 106 credits
Management Internship: 7 credits
Student Thesis Research/PST internship: 7 credits
Total credits that should be completed: 120 (SLQF level 06)
Maximum number of credits that is offered: 127
Curriculum
| Semesters | Course Code | Course Name | Credit Value | Status(Compulsory /Optional) |
| 1 | PSM 111 2.0 | Chemistry for Polymer Science I | 2 | Core |
| PSM 112 2.0 | Mathematics I | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 113 2.0 | Physics for Polymer Science I | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 114 1.0 | English Language Enhancement I | 1 | Core | |
| PSM 121 2.0 | Management for Business Insight | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 122 1.0 | Seminar I – Academia and Professional Development | 1 | Core | |
| PSM 131 3.0 | Fundamentals of Polymer Chemistry | 3 | Core | |
| PSM 132 2.0 | Fundamentals of Polymer Physics | 2 | Core | |
| 2 | PSM 115 2.0 | Chemistry for Polymer Science II | 2 | Core |
| PSM 116 2.0 | Mathematics II | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 117 2.0 | Physics for Polymer Science II | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 118 1.0 | English Language Enhancement II | 1 | Core | |
| PSM 119 1.0 | Scientific Computing for Industrial Polymer Science | 1 | Core | |
| PSM 123 2.0 | Business Economics | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 133 2.0 | Polymer Degradation | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 134 3.0 | Polymeric Materials | 3 | Core | |
| 3 | PSM 211 2.0 | Introductory Statistics | 2 | Core |
| PSM 212 2.0 | Applied Electricity and Basic Electronics for Polymer Science | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 213 1.0 | English for Occupational Purposes I | 1 | Core | |
| PSM 221 2.0 | Fundamentals of Accounting and Finance | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 222 2.0 | Project Management | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 223 1.0 | Seminar II- International Industrial Standards | 1 | Core | |
| PSM 231 1.0 | Polymer Thermodynamics | 1 | Core | |
| PSM 232 2.0 | Polymer Characterization | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 233 2.0 | Polymer Technology | 2 | Core |
| 4 | PSM 215 1.0 | Basic Laboratory Skills | 1 | Compulsory |
| PSM 217 1.0 | English for Occupational Purposes II | 1 | Core | |
| PSM 224 2.0 | Professional Marketing Essentials | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 225 2.0 | Information Systems for Managers | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 226 2.0 | Human Resource Management | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 234 2.0 | Polymer Viscoelasticity and Rheology | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 235 2.0 | Polymer Processing and Products Testing | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 214 2.0 | Statistical Methods | 2 | Optional | |
| PSM 216 3.0 | Materials Data Sciences and Informatics | 3 | Optional | |
| 5 | PSM 311 1.0 | Academic Reading and Communication Skills | 1 | Core |
| PSM 321 2.0 | Management for Entrepreneurs | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 322 2.0 | Operations Management | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 323 2.0 | Fundamentals of Management Theories | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 324 1.0 | Seminar III – Citizenship and Society | 1 | Core | |
| PSM 331 2.0 | Basic Chemical Engineering and Unit Operations in Polymer Industry | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 332 2.0 | Finite Element Methods for Polymer Industry | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 333 2.0 | Polymers for Textile Industry | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 334 1.0 | Polymer Practical I | 1 | Compulsory | |
| 6 | PSM 312 1.0 | Academic Writing and Communication Skills | 1 | Core |
| PSM 325 2.0 | Sustainability Management | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 326 2.0 | International Business | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 327 2.0 | Strategic Management | 2 | Core | |
| PSM 340 1.0 | Polymer Practical II | 1 | Compulsory | |
| PSM 335 2.0 | Polymer Blends and Composites | 2 | Optional | |
| PSM 336 2.0 | Sustainable Solutions for Polymer Waste | 2 | Optional | |
| PSM 337 2.0 | Mould and Tool Designing | 2 | Optional | |
| PSM 338 1.0 | Quality Control and Assurance | 1 | Optional | |
| PSM 339 1.0 | Polymer Kinetics | 1 | Optional | |
| 7 | PSM 421 2.0 | Innovation and Knowledge Management | 2 | Core |
| PSM 422 7.0 | Internship in Management and Industrial Development | 7 | Core | |
| PSM 431 3.0 | Applied Polymer Science | 3 | Core | |
| PSM 432 3.0 | Computer Aided Modeling and Drawing in Polymer Industry | 3 | Optional | |
| PSM 433 1.0 | Utilities and Process Control in Polymer Industry | 1 | Optional | |
| PSM 434 1.0 | Occupational Health and Safety | 1 | Optional | |
| PSM 435 1.0 | Upcycling | 1 | Optional | |
| 8 | PSM 440 7.0 | Research Project in Polymer Science and Technology | 7 | Core |
| PSM 436 3.0 | Testing of Polymers | 3 | Optional | |
| PSM 437 2.0 | Life Cycle Analysis for Polymer Products and Processes | 2 | Optional | |
| PSM 438 2.0 | Scattering and Microscopic Techniques for Polymer Characterization | 2 | Optional | |
| PSM 439 2.0 | Thermal Analysis Techniques for Polymer Characterization | 2 | Optional |
*Note-Optional courses can be selected based on the students’ choice to cover 120 credits.
Summary of course units in each subject area
Polymer Science and Technology Course Units
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Value |
| PSM 131 3.0 | Fundamentals of Polymer Chemistry | 3 |
| PSM 132 2.0 | Fundamentals of Polymer Physics | 2 |
| PSM 133 2.0 | Polymer Degradation | 2 |
| PSM 134 3.0 | Polymeric Materials | 3 |
| PSM 231 1.0 | Polymer Thermodynamics | 1 |
| PSM 232 2.0 | Polymer Characterization | 2 |
| PSM 233 2.0 | Polymer Technology | 2 |
| PSM 234 2.0 | Polymer Viscoelasticity and Rheology | 2 |
| PSM 235 2.0 | Polymer Processing and Products Testing | 2 |
| PSM 214 2.0 | Statistical Methods | 2 |
| PSM 216 3.0 | Materials Data Sciences and Informatics | 3 |
| PSM 331 2.0 | Basic Chemical Engineering and Unit Operations in Polymer Industry | 2 |
| PSM 332 2.0 | Finite Element Methods for Polymer Industry | 2 |
| PSM 333 2.0 | Polymers for Textile Industry | 2 |
| PSM 334 1.0 | Polymer Practical I | 1 |
| PSM 340 1.0 | Polymer Practical II | 1 |
| PSM 335 2.0 | Polymer Blends and Composites | 2 |
| PSM 336 2.0 | Sustainable Solutions for Polymer Waste | 2 |
| PSM 337 2.0 | Mould and Tool Designing | 2 |
| PSM 338 1.0 | Quality Control and Assurance | 1 |
| PSM 339 1.0 | Polymer Kinetics | 1 |
| PSM 431 3.0 | Applied Polymer Science | 3 |
| PSM 432 3.0 | Computer Aided Modeling and Drawing in Polymer Industry | 3 |
| PSM 433 1.0 | Utilities and Process Control in Polymer Industry | 1 |
| PSM 434 1.0 | Occupational Health and Safety | 1 |
| PSM 435 1.0 | Upcycling | 1 |
| PSM 440 7.0 | Research Project in Polymer Science and Technology | 7 |
| PSM 436 3.0 | Testing of Polymers | 3 |
| PSM 437 2.0 | Life Cycle Analysis for Polymer Products and Processes | 2 |
| PSM 438 2.0 | Scattering and Microscopic Techniques for Polymer Characterization | 2 |
| PSM 439 2.0 | Thermal Analysis Techniques for Polymer Characterization | 2 |
| Total Number of credits related to polymer science | 65 | |
| Weightage | 65/127 = 51.18% | |
Management Science Course Units
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Value |
| PSM 121 2.0 | Management for Business Insight | 2 |
| PSM 123 2.0 | Business Economics | 2 |
| PSM 221 2.0 | Fundamentals of Accounting and Finance | 2 |
| PSM 222 2.0 | Project Management | 2 |
| PSM 224 2.0 | Professional Marketing Essentials | 2 |
| PSM 225 2.0 | Information Systems for Managers | 2 |
| PSM 226 2.0 | Human Resource Management | 2 |
| PSM 321 2.0 | Management for Entrepreneurs | 2 |
| PSM 322 2.0 | Operations Management | 2 |
| PSM 323 2.0 | Fundamentals of Management Theories | 2 |
| PSM 325 2.0 | Sustainability Management | 2 |
| PSM 326 2.0 | International Business | 2 |
| PSM 327 2.0 | Strategic Management | 2 |
| PSM 421 2.0 | Innovation and Knowledge Management | 2 |
| PSM 422 7.0 | Internship in Management and Industrial Development | 7 |
| Total Number of credits related to management | 35 | |
| Weightage | 35/127 = 27.56% | |
Supplementary Course Units
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Value |
| PSM 111 2.0 | Chemistry for Polymer Science I | 2 |
| PSM 112 2.0 | Mathematics I | 2 |
| PSM 113 2.0 | Physics for Polymer Science I | 2 |
| PSM 114 1.0 | English Language Enhancement I | 1 |
| PSM 122 1.0 | Seminar I – Academia and Professional Development | 1 |
| PSM 115 2.0 | Chemistry for Polymer Science II | 2 |
| PSM 116 2.0 | Mathematics II | 2 |
| PSM 117 2.0 | Physics for Polymer Science II | 2 |
| PSM 118 1.0 | English Language Enhancement II | 1 |
| PSM 119 1.0 | Scientific Computing for Industrial Polymer Science | 1 |
| PSM 211 2.0 | Introductory Statistics | 2 |
| PSM 212 2.0 | Applied Electricity and Basic Electronics for Polymer Science | 2 |
| PSM 213 1.0 | English for Occupational Purposes I | 1 |
| PSM 223 1.0 | Seminar II- International Industrial Standards | 1 |
| PSM 215 1.0 | Basic Laboratory Skills | 1 |
| PSM 217 1.0 | English for Occupational Purposes II | 1 |
| PSM 311 1.0 | Academic Reading and Communication Skills | 1 |
| PSM 324 1.0 | Seminar III – Citizenship and Society | 1 |
| PSM 312 1.0 | Academic Writing and Communication Skills | 1 |
| Total Number of credits related to supplementary courses | 27 | |
| Weightage | 27/127 = 21.26% | |
Embark on an exciting journey of knowledge and discovery by choosing Bachelor of Science Honours in Polymer Science and Industrial Management degree program and unlock endless possibilities for personal and professional growth! We earnestly encourage students who have achieved superior Z-scores in the fields of Biology (Chemistry, Physics, and Biology) and Physical Science (Chemistry, Physics, and Combined Mathematics) to consider applying for this exceptional opportunity.
FAQs
Can I select subject combination given in FAS’s prospectus to follow?
That option is not available for you. You will not be able to choose your own subject combination upon entering the Faculty of Sciences, unlike other students. This is because your course units have already been pre-determined and are mandatory for the completion of your degree program.
As a student enrolled in this particular degree program, you are required to follow a specific set of course units that are prescribed for the program. These course units typically consist of topics such as Polymer Science and Technology, Management Science, as well as a range of multidisciplinary subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, and English communication.
Is it possible to change the degree program once you enter into the FAS?
Since you enter to this program though a special intake, you cannot change the degree program. But you can quit the program.
Is there any area of specialties offered in this Degree Program?
No. This is a four-year degree program. That means those who register for this study program have to complete all four academic years. At the end of the program you will complete approximately 60 credits worth of PST course units, 35 credit worth of Management science and 27 credits worth of multidisciplinary subjects.
Is this an honors degree?
Yes. Those who enrolled for this study program has to complete at least 120 credits at the end of the fourth year. Therefore you will get a SLQF level 6 honors degree.
Can I get a “general degree” (SLQF level 5) if I enrolled for this study program?
No. You cannot leave the program at the end of the third year. You will be selected to this program through a special window. That means if you are selected you have to study all four years.
Where can I find the list of course units and the credit values I have to follow in this study program?
Information about the subjects offered in this study program can be found in DPS web site. The same information will be available in the Faculty Prospectus too.
Does the final grade only depend on the written exam paper at the end of the semester?
Your performance in each course unit will be evaluated through a combination of various assessment methods, including written examinations, practical examinations, oral examinations, reports, presentations, and more. At the beginning of each course unit, you will be informed of the specific assessment structure and grading mechanism that will be used.
In general, for all courses, you will be able to obtain up to 40% of the total marks available during the semester through continuous assessments. The remaining 60% of the marks will typically be obtained through a final examination, which will mostly be a written examination. However, it’s important to note that the exact weighting of these assessments may differ from course to course, so it’s important to carefully review the assessment information provided at the beginning of each course.
What are the grades that I can get and what are the corresponding marks ranges?
What is the least grade I need to have to pass an exam?
You are considered to have passed an examination if you scores a C grade or better.
How do we calculate the GPA?
Your GPA will be calculated using the following formula and rounded to the second decimal.
Example:
|
Course unit |
Credit value of the course unit |
Grade you obtained |
Corresponding grade point value for the grade that you obtained |
Grade points scored for the course unit |
|
PSMA 2.0 |
2 |
A |
4.00 |
8.00 |
|
PSMB 1.0 |
1 |
B- |
2.70 |
2.70 |
|
PSMC 3.0 |
3 |
C |
2.00 |
6.00 |
|
PSMD 2.0 |
2 |
A+ |
4.00 |
8.00 |
|
PSME 1.0 |
1 |
D+ |
1.30 |
1.30 |
|
PSMF 1.0 |
1 |
B+ |
3.30 |
3.30 |
|
Cumulative credit value |
10 |
Total grade point scored |
29.3 |
Therefore, GPA = 29.3/10 = 2.93
What is the required least grade for a practical course unit?
You should obtain at least a D+ grade for each of the compulsory practical course units in order to qualify for a Degree.
What are the GPA values necessary for classes?
First class 3.70 or above
2nd class upper division 3.30 to 3.69
2nd class lower division 3.00 to 3.29
If your GPA is lower than 3.00 you will not get a class.
Can I retake an exam if my GP is below 2.00? If so, how many times can I retake the same course unit if I fail to get a ‘C’?
If you obtain a C grade (GP: 2.00) or below in an examination, you can sit for the same examination in 03 further occasions only, as a repeat candidate.
The highest grade given to a repeat candidate is C+
Do all lectures conduct in English? Can I communicate in Sinhala during lectures?
The medium of instruction for this particular Degree Program is English, meaning that all lectures, assignments, and course materials will be presented in English. While you are permitted to use Sinhala for verbal communication in the classroom, it is not encouraged due to the emphasis on developing English language skills as part of the program.
It’s important to note that during written examinations, you will not be permitted to write answers in Sinhala. All written responses must be provided in English in order to be eligible for grading. If you write your answers in any language other than English, they will not be assessed or graded. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you are comfortable and proficient in English, both in terms of verbal and written communication, to succeed in this program.
Do I have to find the internships?
No, as part of this program, the DPS will be responsible for finding an appropriate internship position for you. Once an internship position has been assigned to you, it is expected that you will accept the placement and fulfill the requirements of the internship.
In the event that you are unable to accept the assigned internship placement, you will be required to find a suitable replacement on your own. However, before doing so, you must obtain prior approval from the DPS. This is to ensure that any replacement internship you select meets the program’s requirements and provides you with the necessary skills and experience.
Overall, it’s important to work closely with the DPS throughout the internship placement process to ensure that you are meeting the requirements of the program and getting the most out of your internship experience.
What are the professional pathways in the industry available upon graduation from this program?
Graduates of this program can pursue various professional pathways in the polymer industry, including roles in rubber, plastics, packaging, textiles, etc. The program equips students with comprehensive knowledge in Polymer Science and Technology, Management Science, and essential multidisciplinary subjects. It features two six-month internships—one in management and the other in polymer science and technology—allowing students to gain practical experience and industry insights. These unique features make this program an excellent choice for students who want to excel in polymer industry by pursuing a career in management or executive positions such as polymer R&D management, production management, project management, quality control management, and other executive roles in local industries.
Are there opportunities for higher studies after completing this program?
Yes,
The program encompasses 120 credits, offering a rigorous education in Polymer Science and Technology, Management Science, and essential multidisciplinary subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, and English Communication. This comprehensive curriculum ensures that graduates possess a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Furthermore, students who maintain a high GPA by the end of their third year have the option to undertake a research project in Polymer Science and Technology. This research component is particularly significant as it prepares students for advanced academic pursuits by providing them with critical research experience and deepening their expertise in specific areas of polymer science.
Graduates who wish to further their studies can leverage this robust academic background and research experience to pursue master’s and doctoral programs in Polymer Science, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or related fields. Additionally, the multidisciplinary approach of the program equips students with the versatility needed to excel in various advanced study opportunities, including interdisciplinary research programs that combine polymer science with other scientific or engineering disciplines.
How can we apply for this degree program?
If you are interested in applying for the four-year B.Sc. Honours degree in Polymer Science & Industrial Management, please carefully follow the instructions provided in the university admission handbook issued by UGC. To apply, select “Polymer Science and Industrial Management-139” from the drop-down list and choose the University of Sri Jayewardenepura as your preferred institution. Detailed information regarding the course code and minimum eligibility requirements can be found on page 110, section 2.2.8.47 of the handbook. Should you encounter any issues during the application process, please contact the Government Information Centre at 1919 for assistance?
What is the anticipated Z score required for selection into this program?
An exact Z score value can’t be mentioned as it purely depends on the student demand for the program. However, due to the industry-oriented nature of this degree program and limited number of enrollments (50), the demand for admission is expected to be high. Therefore, students with a high Z-score will have a greater chance of being selected for the admission.
For more details:
Dr. Madhubhashini Maddumaarachchi
madhubh@sjp.ac.lk
0777210277
Head of the Department
Department of Polymer Science
Dr. Thusitha Etampawala
tetampa@sjp.ac.lk
0766911980
Senior Lecturer
Department of Polymer Science