Postgraduate Diploma in Laboratory Animal Sciences

Application Closed on 18th November 2022

Postgraduate Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science/ PgDip.(LAS) is a 12 moths/ 26 credits program conducted by the Department of Physiology, on annual basis. The program has been designed for those who successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Laboratory Animal Science who expect to have knowledge and principles (anatomical, physiological and behavioral) 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.

Postgraduate Certificate

  • Duration: 6 months
  • SLQF level: 7

Postgraduate Diploma

  • Duration: 1 Year
  • SLQF level: 8

Graduates of above mentioned disciplines who have an interest in laboratory animal science (LAS) for the PG certificate in LAS.

And

Successful completion of the PG Certificate in LAS

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.

The participants who are willing to continue for the Postgraduate Diploma following successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Laboratory Animal Science should submit a proposal within 2 weeks after successful fulfillment of the criteria for awarding the Postgraduate Certificate. The proposals will be scrutinized by the Course Director and approval will be given for suitable projects.

Average number of students per batch: 10 continuing from the certificate course.

  • Lectures
  • Practical sessions
  • Video presentations
  • Group discussions/ tasks
  • Self-directed learning
  • Formative assessments
  • Project

Completion of the Project intended for the Postgraduate Diploma and submission of the project report at the end of the allocated period of time. Examiners will be appointed to evaluate project reports by the Course Director. Participants will be requested to make a 20 minutes presentation and to appear for a viva examination.

1. Project report : 75% marks (pass mark 50%)
2. Presentation : 15%
3. Viva : 10%

All components (1, 2 and 3) are compulsory. Those who do not obtain pass marks for the project report could make revisions as per the examiners comments and resubmit within 2 weeks to be eligible for the Postgraduate Diploma.

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

Application Fee: Rs. 1,000/- per application
Registration Fee: Rs. 5,000/- per student
Examination Fee: Rs. 10,000/- per student

Program Fee: Rs. 150,000/- (for both Certificate and Diploma)

Professor Mangala Gunatilake,
Course Organizer/ Director,
Department of Physiology.

mangalag@physiol.cmb.ac.lk

Phone: +94 112 695 300 ext: 203 / 204 / 205