Prospectus-BSc OUSL 2021-2022FINAL
Prospectus-BSc OUSL 2021-2022FINAL
Prospectus-BSc OUSL 2021-2022FINAL
Contents
Message from the Dean of the Faculty 01
GENERAL INFORMATION 03
The University 03
The Faculty of Natural Sciences 03
The Study System 04
Courses, Academic Values and Time to Study 04
Target Group 05
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMME 06
Aims and Outcomes 06
Admission Requirements 06
Pre-requisites to register for Level 3 courses 10
Duration of the Degree 10
Exemptions 11
REGISTRATION PROCESS 25
Open days 26
Pre-registration Orientation Sessions 26
REGISTRATION 27
StART@OUSL [Students Academic Readiness Training at OUSL] 28
FEES 29
TEACHING STAFF 30
LEARNER SUPPORT 33
Counselling 33
Day Schools 33
Supplementary Online Support for Courses 33
Laboratory Facilities 33
Library Facilities 33
Duty Leave for Government Teachers 34
CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBERS 35
LOCATIONS OF REGIONAL AND STUDY CENTRES 36
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ONLINE APPLICATION 37
PROGRAMME CALENDAR 2021/2022 38
2
Programmes / Courses of Study Offered By
The Faculty of Natural Sciences, OUSL
3
Message from the Dean
1
Our learner support system will guide and assist you at every stage of
your academic career from the very first day of registration up to
completion of the programme. The main mode of course delivery is
through Self Instructional Course Materials. The Faculty uses the
LearnOUSL Learning Management System (LMS) to facilitate online
access to all courses. Learners are required to attend Day
Schools, which are a limited number of face-to-face interactive sessions
held during the academic year, which are currently conducted online.
Practicing self-learning, learning in study groups (i.e., collaborative
learning) and timely completion of learning activities are important to
ensure success. The teachers provide you with feedback and necessary
guidance to move forward successfully.
On behalf of our Faculty, I wish you good luck in all your future
endeavours!!
2
GENERAL INFORMATION
The University
The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) is the premier national
University in the country which offers Degree, Diploma, Certificate
Programmes and other courses through OPEN & DISTANCE LEARNING
methodology. Established in 1980, under the Universities Act No. 16 of
1978 and OUSL Ordinance No. 1 of 1990, it has the same legal and
academic status as any other national university in Sri Lanka.
The OUSL provides opportunities for any person over 18 years of age to
register as a student for a Programme/Course of their choice. Due to the
nature of its teaching methodology and infrastructure, the OUSL is able
to serve a large student population scattered throughout the island.
Currently, around 40,000 are registered in its six Faculties: Natural
Sciences, Engineering Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences,
Education, Management Studies and Health Sciences. The University
serves its student population via a network of 9 regional centres and 19
study centres (Appendix 2). The Central campus and the Colombo
Regional Centre (CRC) are situated in Nawala. The other eight Regional
Centres are situated at Kandy (KRC), Matara (MRC), Jaffna (JRC),
Anuradhapura (ARC), Batticaloa (BRC), Badulla (BaRC), Kurunegala
(KuRC) and Ratnapura (RRC), where activities in BSc degree
programme are delivered.
3
The Study System
The study system of the OUSL is based on open and distance learning
methods. It is different to the conventional study system that most of you
are familiar with. Regular attendance at the University is not required and
is therefore well suited for those of you who are employed or engaged
with other commitments.
Student learning is facilitated through carefully prepared printed course
material suitable for self-learning. Printed course material is
supplemented with audio visual and online learning material. Your
progress in courses is evaluated at different time intervals using a variety
of assessment methods such as assignment tests and final examinations.
Each course offered by the Faculty is assigned a course code. This code
includes certain components of identification that uniquely identifies the
course. The particular subject area/discipline is one component of
identification used when assigning course codes. The specific letters
assigned to the different areas/disciplines of study are shown here.
4
In assigning course codes, the Programme of study is identified by a
letter and the level of study is identified by a digit. For instance,
undergraduate courses are identified by the letter U. Incorporating all of
the above components, each course is assigned a course code consisting
of 7 alphanumeric characters. The first three letters indicate the area of
discipline and the programme of study. The first digit reflects the level of
study, the second digit will give the credit rating. The last two digits give
a unique serial number for the course. An example of a course code is
shown below.
5
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
DEGREE PROGRAMME
Designed for those who wish to obtain a
BSc Degree/BSc Hons Degree
Target Group
• Those in middle level employment in scientific fields who wish to
obtain an academic degree and thereby improve their promotional
and/or career prospects
• Late developers wanting to come back into the mainstream of
formal education with a view to obtaining an academic degree
• Any person wanting to pursue a Degree Programme in Science in
their own time and at an affordable cost
6
Admission Requirements
• Minimum of 03 passes in any number of sittings at the G.C.E. (A/L)
examination in approved science subjects (Applied Mathematics,
Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Combined Mathematics, Higher
Mathematics, Physics, Pure Mathematics, Zoology, Agricultural
Science and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) OR
• Minimum of 30 credits from among the approved subjects in Advance
Certificate in Science (OUSL) (see Table 1) OR
• Any other equivalent qualifications (see Tables 2,3, and 4)
7
Table 1: Specific Exemptions for GCE (A.L.) Passes
This table provides information on qualifications accepted for exemptions in lieu of GCE (A.L.) passes
Qualifications Accepted for Exemptions
Foundation
GCE (A/L) Diploma in Sci./ Maths Course in
Institute of (AUC); Diploma in Science Physics -
(Sri Lanka) Advanced Certificate in Science (OUSL)/ Chemistry Teaching Sci./ Maths Teachers IPSL
GCE (A/L) (London) Lab (NIE): Trained Teachers Diploma
Technicians Certificate
Pure
App. Maths Botany Zoology Certificate
Maths Physics Chemistry (LTCC)/ Phy. Bio.
New Scheme Old Scheme Maths Sciennce
Sci. Sci.
Com.Maths/
Biology (DLT)
Higher Maths
Combined Pure Maths X X
Maths/Higher
Maths App. Maths X X
Physics Physics X X X X
Chemistry Chemistry X X X
Botany X X X
Biology
Zoology X X X
Agricultural
Science
Information and
Communication
Technology
8
Table 2: Specific Exemptions for EGAP (LEE3410)
IELTS* Overall score of minimum 5.0 (academic) or 5.5 (general), with not less than 4.0 in writing
Paper based: overall score of minimum 450 with 3.5 inwriting.
TOFEL* Computer based: overall score of minimum 200 with 3.5 inwriting.
Internet based: overall score of minimum 90 with 3.0 (scaled score of 20) in writing
G.C.E (A/L) Sri
Students who have completed their advance level Examination in English Medium conducted by
Lanka
the Department of Examination.
English Medium
G.C.E. (A/L)
Students who have completed London A/L (Edexcel or Cambridge).
London
UTEL Score of not less than band 6.00 in all 4 skills.
Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree/Postgraduate Diploma/Masters in the English medium.
National Collage of Education-National Diploma in Teaching (English) conducted and awarded by the NIE.
Higher National Diploma in English (SLIATE).
Diploma in English from a recognized university.
Diploma in Library and Information Science (in the English medium) conducted by the Sri Lanka Library Association.
English as a subject at the G.C.E. Advance Level.
Diploma in English Language and Literature and Advance Certificate in English conducted by Department of
Language Studies.
* IELTS and TOEFL scores should be obtained not more than 3 years prior to the date of request.
9
Table 3: Specific Exemption for ICT Skills (CSE3213)
Table 4: Specific Exemptions for CYE3200: Mathematics for Chemistry and Biology
GCE (A/L) -
Combined/Higher/Pure/Applied Maths,
1st year Examination in Science of a National Diploma in
Trained Teachers’ Certificate in Maths,
recognized University Mathematics
PSF1301+PSF2301/PSF1302+ and
PSF2302 NDT/JTO/IESL Part I
Course Applied
Pure Mathematics
Code Mathematics
CYE3200 X X X X
10
Pre-requisites to register for Level 3 courses
Specific pre-requisites required to register for any course in a particular discipline at
Level 3 (Table 5) over and above the general pre-requisite of a minimum of three
passes in relevant courses at G.C.E. (A/L) are:
Table 5: Pre-requisites to register for Level 3 courses
11
selection criteria from the Faculty Office. The maximum duration for completion of BSc
Hons degree is 6 years.
Exemptions
You may request for exemptions for certain courses based on your previous
qualifications at the tertiary level (e.g., Diploma, 1st or 2nd year from a recognized
university). Applications for claiming exemptions can be collected from the Assistant
Registrar of the Faculty. Duly completed application forms together with proof for such
qualifications and relevant course descriptions/syllabi should be forwarded to reach
the AR/Natural Sciences on or before 17th January 2022. The Faculty Exemption
Committee will assess your qualifications and inform you if exemptions can be
granted. It is your responsibility to claim such exemptions at the registration.
Mathematics
Passes in G.C.E.(AL)
Chemistry
Computer
or Advance Certificate
Zoology
Physics
Science
Applied
Botany
in Science
Pure
Chemistry X X X X X
Physics
Biology
Chemistry X X X X X
Physics
Combined mathematics
Physics X X X X
Combined mathematics
ICT
Chemistry X X X X
Biology
Agricultural Science
12
Table 7: Courses offered at Level 3
Course Code Credits Course Title
Botany
Chemistry
Physics
Zoology
ZYU3301 3 Biogeography
Computer Science
Applied Mathematics
13
Pure Mathematics
Level 3
Compulsory
Abbreviations:
*CS - Compulsory for specialization in Computer Science
** - Offered only for 3-year degree
14
Table 8: Courses offered at Level 4
Discipline-based Courses
Botany
BYU4300 3 Plant Physiology
PHU4301 3 Electronics
PHU4302 3 Optics
15
Course Code Credits Course Title
Applied Mathematics
Pure Mathematics
16
Table 9: Courses offered at Level 5
Botany
BYU5609 6 Horticulture
Chemistry
CYU5306 3 Biochemistry
17
Course Code Credits Course Title
Physics
PHU5304 3 Biophysics
PHU5311 3 Astronomy
18
Course Code Credits Course Title
Zoology
ZYU5306 3 Entomology
Computer Science
19
Course Code Credits Course Title
Applied Mathematics
Pure Mathematics
20
Course Code Credits Course Title
PEU5302 3 Combinatorics
Level 5
Abbreviations:
* - Compulsory for the relevant discipline specialization.
* AM - Compulsory for Specialization in Applied Mathematics.
*M - Compulsory for Specialization in Mathematics.
*S - Compulsory for Specialization in Statistics.
*^ - Compulsory for the relevant discipline specialization and Offered
only for 4-year Special degree.
*NM - Compulsory for the relevant discipline specialization students not
offering both Applied Mathematics & Pure Mathematics.
NM - Students not offering both Applied Mathematics and Pure Mathematics
in 3-year degree
** - Offered only for 3-year degree
OP - Not offered in 2021/2022
21
Table 10: Courses offered at Level 6
Botany
BYU6301 3 Bioinformatics
BYU6302 3 Biotechnology
Chemistry
22
Course Code Credits Course Title
Physics
Zoology
ZYU6301 3 Aquaculture
ZYU6302 3 Immunology
Applied Mathematics
24
Pure Mathematics
Level 6
Abbreviations:
* - Compulsory for the relevant discipline specialization.
* AM - Compulsory for Specialization in Applied Mathematics.
*M - Compulsory for Specialization in Mathematics.
*S - Compulsory for Specialization in Statistics.
*NM - Compulsory for the relevant discipline specialization students not
offering both Applied Mathematics & Pure Mathematics.
NM - Students not offering both Applied Mathematics and Pure Mathematics
in 3-year degree
** - Offered only for 3-year degree
25
Registration Process
After publishing the advertisement for the new intake, the following operational
procedure will be implemented until the academic activities commence for the
academic calendar.
See Table 12
14th Nov. 2021- 14th Jan 2022 See Table 11
F 2022
F 2022 onwards
Online Applications F Open 2022
days Orientation
onwards
onwards Session
27
Table 12-Schedule of Orientation Sessions-
Link & Medium Time
22nd January 20222
Meeting ID: 611 9193 2493
Link 1 - Sinhala/English
Passcode: f6$JNpsL
Meeting ID: 649 4169 8384
Link 2 - Tamil/English
Passcode: aw=K95&V
Meeting ID: 683 8774 9232
Link 3 - Sinhala/English
Passcode: E$wmZ5rb
Meeting ID: 645 7630 5171
Link 4 - Tamil/English
Passcode: 5QG5b6$c
26th January 2022
Meeting ID: 683 2959 8054
Link 1 - Sinhala/English
Passcode: #Ez20AH8
Meeting ID: 637 4314 1166
Link 2 - Tamil/English
Passcode: gTvLr.u1
Meeting ID: 632 1259 0889
Link 3 - Sinhala/English
Passcode: LTW6Hi^A
Meeting ID: 666 0063 8799
Link 4 - Tamil/English
Passcode: !mmv365S
28
Registration
Registration sessions are held at the nine Regional Centres. Once you apply for the programme,
the university will inform the date and centre you will be required to attend to register for the
programme.
When you come for Registration you need to bring:
1. National identity card and a photocopy
2. Original Birth Certificate and a photocopy
3. Two passport size photographs (35mm x 45mm)
4. G.C.E. A.L. (for BSc) or equivalent certificates and photocopies certified by your Personal Counsellor
assigned by the University
5. Registration Form (R3) countersigned by Personal Counsellor (Forms will be given at Orientation
Sessions)
6. University copy of the paid voucher
7. Declaration form
Compulsory courses:
FDE3020 Empowering for Independent Learning (EfIL) - (Free)
LEE3410 English General Academic Purposes (EGAP) - Rs. 5500/=
CSE3213 ICT Skills - Rs. 3000/=
A Student should offer all three compulsory courses to complete the StART@OUSL programme.
Optional courses:
You may also offer some of the following optional courses if you so wish.
Soft Skills for Personality Development
Activity based practical oriented workshops. Attendance compulsory for all workshops
Tamil and Sinhala Language courses
PLEASE NOTE
1. IT IS COMPULSORY TO PASS THE EfIL COURSE (FDE3020) TO REGISTER AT LEVEL
4.
2. IT IS COMPULSORY TO PASS THE COURSES: LEE3410, CSE3213 and CYE3200 TO
REGISTER AT LEVEL 5.
29
Fees
Fees for students registering for the BSc Degree Programme in the academic Year 2021/22 are
as follows.
Course fee
1. Tuition Fee: Rs. 2,370/= per credit (including course material fee)
2. Number of Credits of regular courses to be offered/registered per year – between 8-30
First Instalment
As, first instalment, BSc students will initially receive a voucher corresponding to 24 credits. For
this first instalment you will have to pay 60% of Tuition. The payment may be reduced at the
time of registration if you wish to register for a lesser number of credits.
First instalment has to be paid at the time of registration for BSc Degree Programme.
Second Instalment
Second instalment, which is 40% of tuition fees, is due in approximately 5 months after the
registration.
Note:
If you wish to cancel your registration and withdraw from the programme of study, you will be
required to inform the relevant Assistant Director/Regional Centre.
A refund will be made only if you notify before the Add/Drop date.
You will be receiving two separate vouchers; one for BSc programme and the other for
StART@OUSL Programme. You are required to make payments for both vouchers before
coming for registration.
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Teaching Staff
Mr. A.S. Dikkumbura (KRC) (on study leave) Ms. S. Thulasi (JRC) (on study leave)
B.Sc. (Sri Jayawardanapura); M.Sc. (USA) B.Sc (Jaffna); M Phil. (Peradeniya)
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TEACHING STAFF - Department of Computer Science
Mrs. N.H.E. Hasanthika (MRC) (on study leave) Dr. H.O.W. Peiris
B.Sc. (Ruhuna); M.Phil. (Kelaniya) B.Sc. (Sri Jayewardenepura); Ph.D. (Colombo)
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TEACHING STAFF - Department of Physics
Dr. J.Vijanaka P. Fernando (Head) Prof. J.C.N. Rajendra
B.Sc.; M.Phil. (Colombo); Ph.D. (Colombo) B.Sc. (Jaffna), D.Phil. (Sussex,UK); C.Phys., M.Inst.P. (UK), MIPSL
33
Learner Support
Counselling
At the time of registration, you will be assigned an academic staff member as a
personal counsellor from whom you may get advice and guidance on selecting
courses and other academic matters throughout your undergraduate studies. The
Faculty has appointed student counsellors to help you overcome any general
problems.
Day Schools
Day schools are interactive sessions where you are given an opportunity to meet the
academic staff coordinating the course (your course teachers) and discuss problems
you may come across in studying your course material. Day schools may be
conducted in online mode (zoom, google meet platforms) as well. In addition to day
schools, we provide face-to-face support through workshops, tutorial sessions and
practical classes.
Laboratory Facilities
Laboratory facilities are available at the Colombo, Kandy and Matara Regional
Centres, where you have the opportunity to engage in practical work. Depending on
the resources available, some departments may conduct a few practical sessions at
Jaffna Regional Centre (JRC), Batticaloa Regional Centre (BRC) and Anuradhapura
Regional Centre (ARC). Computer Laboratory facilities with the Internet access, are
available at all Regional Centres and at many study centres.
Library Facilities
OUSL library network consists of the main library located at the central campus and
regional libraries at other regional centres. Libraries have the latest collection of books
for reference & lending purposes as well as access to past examination papers.
34
Libraries also provide facilities to view CDs/DVDs and videos relevant to your study
programme. You have free internet access including access to valuable e-learning
resources.
35
Appendix 1- Contact Telephone Numbers and email addresses
36
Appendix 2- Locations of Regional and Study Centres
37
Appendix 3- Instructions for ONLINE Application
38
Programme Calendar 2021/2022
Activity and Venue Date
Open days
Regional Centeres in
Kandy (KRC), Matara (MRC), Jaffna
(JRC), Batticaloa (BRC), See page 20
Orientation / Counselling
CRC
BRC
Registration
CRC
ARC/BRC/ JRC
Kurunegala/Badulla/Rathnapura
Late Registration
CRC/BRC/JRC/MRC/KRC/ARC
CRC/BRC/JRC/MRC/KRC/ARC
Drop courses
CRC only
EGAP -
Commencement of Semester 1 ICT SKILLS -
ACADEIC ACTIVITIES -
39
Important Notice
If you have not received the package calling you for Registration on or before 02.20.2022 for
B.Sc. Degree Programme, please contact Senior Assistant Registrar/Student Affairs on
0112881205 or Assistant Registrar Faculty of Natural Science 0112-881226 at your earliest. You
must attend the relevant registration session as mentioned
40