Postgraduate Certificate in Laboratory Animal Science/ PGCert (LAS) is a 6 moths/ 20 credits program conducted by the Department of Physiology, on annual basis. The program has been designed for the graduates in Bachelor(SLFQ 5) or Honorary Bachelor(SLFQ 6) degree from a recognized university who expect to have knowledge and principles (anatomical, physiological and behavioural) that are essential for the use and care of animals recruited for research, to apply ethical principles in lab animal research when designing an animal experiment and so on.
- demonstrate knowledge and principles (anatomical, physiological and behavioural) that are essential for the use and care of animals recruited for research.
- apply ethical principles in lab animal research when designing an animal experiment.
- recognize appropriate sedative, anaesthetic and analgesic drugs and methods that could be used in surgeries of lab animals.
- discuss the physical environment and optimal conditions necessary for management of an animal house.
- demonstrate all relevant practical aspects in animal experiments including animal handling, feeding, injecting substances, harvesting organs and suturing.
- use efficiently and effectively ‘Replacement, Refinement, Reduction, Responsibilities and Rehabilitation’ concepts in laboratory animal science when conducting an animal experiment.
- critically appraise published reports and journal articles related to laboratory animal science.
- use appropriate statistical knowledge and skills in conducting research.
- develop suitable alternative models using local material with creativity and innovation.
- use the knowledge acquired to develop a protocol using lab animals and/or alternatives.
- Duration: 6 months
- Credits: 20
- SLQF level: 7
A Bachelor (SLFQ 5) or Honorary Bachelor (SLFQ 6) degree from a recognized university, in either Veterinary/Bioscience/Pharmacy/Biomedical/Medical Laboratory Science/ Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery /Medical Laboratory Technology/ Nursing/ Physiotherapy/ Genetics/ Medical/ Dental are eligible to apply.
A person who wishes to become a student of the course shall make an application to the Deputy Registrar/Assistant Registrar of the Faculty of Medicine, Kynsey road, Colombo 08 in the prescribed application form. Applications received by the Deputy Registrar/Assistant Registrar shall be referred to the Director of the course. The Director, having examined the applications with necessary qualifications, shall make the selection. The size of the intake will be announced at the time of calling for applications.
Average number of students per batch: 30
- Lectures
- Practical sessions
- Video presentations
- Group discussions/ tasks
- Self-directed learning
- Formative assessments
- Minimum 80% attendance in all teaching sessions is needed to be eligible to sit the End of course Assessment.
- Group tasks (20% marks of this activity will be taken for final mark)
- End of course assessment – 3 hour SEQ paper (80% marks will be taken for final mark)
- Component B and C are compulsory for all the eligible participants.
- Minimum 50% for components B and C will be the pass mark.
- Those who qualify under A, B, C, D and E will be eligible for the Postgraduate Certificate in Laboratory Animal Science.
- Those who do not obtain 50% for components B and C with 80% attendance will be able to sit the End of course assessment with the next batch in the following year.
- Those who do not qualify under A, B, C, D and E in the two consecutive attempts given will have to enroll as a new student and follow the course from the beginning if he/she wants to qualify for the Certificate.
International
- Professor Vera Baumans – (International Advisor, Netherlands), PhD, Lab animal science expert
- Mr. Pim Rooymans (Netherlands), BSc.
- Dr. Jan Meijer (Netherlands), PhD.
- Dr. Montip Gettayacamin (Thailand), PhD.
- Dr. Vijay Pal Singh (India), PhD.
- Professor M. Akbarsha (India), PhD.
Local – Internal
- Professor Mangala Gunatilake Dept. of Physiology, UOC)
- Professor Preethi Soysa (Dept. of Biochemistry, UOC)
- Dr. Dilshani Dissanayake, Dept. of Physiology, UOP)
- Dr. Tharanga Thoradeniya (Dept. of Biochemistry, UOC)
- Dr. Dulani Samaranayake (Dept. of Community Medicine, UOC)
Local – External
- Professor Preethi Udugama (Dept. of Zoology, UOC)
- Dr. Kamal Perera (IIM, UOC)
- Dr. Mayuri Thammitiyagodage (Head/Animal House, MRI)
- Professor Sugandhika Suresh (Senior Lecturer, Dept of Biochemistry, SJP)
- Dr. Eranga Rajapaksha (Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Peradeniya)
- Dr. Nayana Wijewardane (Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, UOP)
- Dr. Ramani Karunakaran of MRI
- Dr. Chamila Layanaarachchie (Senior Lecturer, University of Peradeniya)
** Lectures by internationals if they are not in a position to attend, will be conducted as video presentations sent by them.
External / Internal collaborators: Utrecht University, Netherlands
Course Fee: Rs. 30,000/-
Application Fee: Rs. 270/- per application
Registration Fee: Rs. 2000/- per student
Professor Mangala Gunatilake,
Course Organizer/ Director,
Department of Physiology.
Phone: +94 112 695 300 ext: 203 / 204 / 205