OUSL offers improved courses

The Open University of Sri Lanka - the country's premier higher education institute for distance learning has recently invited applications for its highly recognised science degree, while offering other certificate/degree courses in science-related fields.

The Bachelor of Science degree program offered by the Faculty of Natural Sciences prepares students for postgraduate study and for diverse careers in academic and research institutions and in fields such as environment conservation and management, industrial chemistry, IT services and more.

The program has been revised in recent years to include subjects that are of greater relevance in today's job market, while turning out well-rounded students with a broad understanding of subjects as diverse as law, management, ethics and communication.

All the courses are designed to give students exposure and skills from academic discussion to laboratory and field work as well as soft skills like teamwork, oral presentations, report writing and time management.

"The Faculty of Natural Sciences at the OUSL was the first Open University in the world to award a B.Sc. Degree through distance education.

This year, its mark 25 years since it first began to offer the B.Sc. Degree. Each year we have around 1000-1500 students registering for the program," says Dr. Gaya Ranawaka, Dean Faculty of Natural Sciences, Open University of Sri Lanka.

"In Sri Lanka, we all know access to higher education is a highly competitive process. More than 70% of those who qualify for entry to the universities at A/Levels in the Science stream are not selected for admission to a conventional university due to limited capacity in the conventional system.

In this context, the B.Sc. Degree offered by the Open University plays a major role in providing opportunities for such secondary school leavers who aspire for university education.

In addition, it provides another chance to those who could not commit time for higher education earlier in their lives and for working people who cannot attend full-time studies, but wish to improve their knowledge and skills for continuing professional development."

An important feature of learning at the Open University is that it builds discipline through its system of self-study, and allows students to work and gain professional experience at the same time if they choose to. The faculty provides extensive support services in the form of day-schools, personal tutors, study materials, field sessions so students can develop hands-on experience, well equipped labs, an extensive library, canteens, medical and temporary residential facilities. The faculty boasts of highly skilled academic staff, recognized in their chosen fields. The first year of the three year science degree is offered in English, Sinhala and Tamil, although the other two years are offered only in English. Entry requirements include three passes in Science subjects at the GCE Advanced level exam.

Alternately, students may also begin the degree after having completed a two-year foundation course in science also offered by the Open University.

The degree program is not limited to advanced level students but has also proven popular among adults who would like to obtain a qualification mid-career.

The faculty also offers a nursing degree and postgraduate research degree programmes leading to a Master of Philosophy (M. Phil) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D).

Other programmes offered include diplomas in science, certificate courses in lab technology, wildlife conservation and environmental studies.