Become effective youth after advanced level exam
By Hiran | August 19, 2008
Just finished 2008 Advanced level and looking for what to do? Come to the special lecture titled “Usas pelin pasu abhimanawath yauwanayakata” organized by studentlanka.com and Young Biologists’ Association, Sri Lanka. The lecture, conducted by Mr. Saman Weerawansa, lecturer of Sri Lanka Foundation Institute will be held on Tuesday, 2 September 2008 at National Museum, Colombo 7 of Natural History. The lecture will start at 2.45 pm at the place. All are invited to participate.
You may also like to check following posts on what to do after A Levels?
Courses you can do after Advanced Level
Higher education choices after A/L (18+ students)
Local vs Foreign education
National Universities in Sri Lanka
Topics: Courses, Schools, Universities, study abroad | No Comments »
Study in the UK – Guide for Sri Lankan students on Degree programs in British Universities
By Hiran | July 29, 2008
UK Higher Education institutions offer internationally recognised Bachelor’s degrees (also called undergraduate or first degrees) on various subjects.
Entry requirements for Bachelor’s degrees (e.g. BA, BSc.) programs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are two/ three A-levels (local or British) or equivalent plus English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS).
According to the British Council, Sri Lanka web site, the average costs for undergraduate courses (in 2008) are listed below, but it’s worth bearing in mind that course fees can vary considerably between institutions.
Foundation courses £4,000 to £12,000 per year
Arts courses £7,000 to £9,000 per year
Science courses £7,500 to £12,000 per year
Clinical courses £10,000 to £21,000 per year
Degrees (undergraduate qualification) courses, usually studied over three years in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, or four years in Scotland (where the title Master’s Degree may be awarded). You have the choice of studying a single honours degree where you’ll focus entirely on one subject, or you can study two subjects in what’s called a joint honours or combined honours degree.
There are numerous scholarships available, go to British Council web site for details.
For details:
Meet customer service officers at the Education Services Section of the British Council, Colombo, or join the undergraduate presentation conducted at British Council.
British Council, 49 Alfred House Gardens, Colombo 3
Telephone +94 (0)11 4521521
Fax +94 (0)11 2587079
E-mail: enquiries.cmb@britishcouncil.org
British Council, 88/3 Kotugodella Veediya, Kandy
Telephone +94 (0)81 2222410, 2234634
More details by Janak Gunatilleke, educated in Royal College, Colombo and did medical degree in University of Leicester:
If you are interested in studying in the UK, start researching early. UK Universities normally have only one intake per year and the time may vary according to the institution and the course.
Along with the British Council in Sri Lanka, the best place to start is the Times Online Good University Guide. This is an excellent resource complete with ranking of Universities by individual subjects, reviews, student guides, information to help you choose subjects, and financial advice. For MBA or business orientated courses, the Financial Times website is the best.
When you narrow the search down to a few Universities, visit their websites and have a look around. Navigate to the department that is relevant to your course and read through the methods of teaching, research interests of the lectures and professors, and the rating the department has received. You can also gain a huge amount of information about the University, the City in which it is based, student support, the activities and societies, the accommodation on offer, and the sports facilities.
Finally, email their student support section or their recruitment office and ask for the email of the Sri Lankan Society, the International Society or any student that is willing to chat with you. This is a very good method to gain first-hand experience and also to demonstrate that you have made the effort to really find out about the University and the course.
If you need any help with your applications or have any other questions, please email me studentlanka@themadworld.com
Topics: Chemistry, Courses, Podcasts, Universities, study abroad | No Comments »
Study in India - How Sri Lankans can select good colleges?
By Hiran | July 28, 2008
Some Sri Lankans choose to study in
Ranking of Indian Higher education institutes (Colleges)
There is no formal rating of the colleges by the government; therefore the annual survey published by
This year’s (2008) ranking was published on May 22 on the web and appears on the cover story of June 2 printed edition. The rankings-
Arts: Loyola Chennai
Science: Loyola Chennai
Commerece: SRCC
Engineering: IIT
Medicine: AIIMS
LAW: NALSAR
Read India Today Full article on the Science college rankings in 2008
Higher Education System in India
Central Government is responsible for major policy relating to higher education in the country. It provides grants to the UGC and establishes central universities in the country. Presently there are sixteen (18) Central Universities in the country.
State Governments are responsible for establishment of State Universities and colleges. There are about 200 universities and 13,000 colleges in the country, and about 5 million students apply for these colleges.
For details please refer Department of Higher Education web site of the Government of Inda.
Academic Qualification Framework in India- Degree Structure
There are three principle levels of qualifications within the higher education system in the country. These are:
Bachelor / Undergraduate level
Master’s / Post-graduate level
Doctoral / Pre-doctoral level
Related Posts:
- Higher Education Choices for 18+ (after GCE AL) in Sri Lanka and aborad
- Select Courses and Universities in Sri Lanka
- National Universities in Sri Lanka
- Bachelor’s degree programs in USA
Topics: Courses, Universities, study abroad | No Comments »
Learning Habits and rituals
By Hiran | July 23, 2008
Students study in different ways. They have various habits and rituals when studying for exams. Some prefer to study early in the morning, whereas others study at night. Some prefer to read loudly as they study and some want to read silently.
Please share your learning habits with others.
Janak Gunatilleke, educated in Royal College, Colombo and did medical degree in University of Leicester writes:
When I was revising for A/Ls, each and every one of my friends had a slightly different way of revising, preparing for exams and making notes (if any). I think the most important thing to realise is that there is no absolute right and wrong way, just the way you are comfortable with and what works for you.
My advice is to experiment. Early on in A/Ls or while in O/L stages, try out a few different methods; vary the time in which you study, try reading out aloud, try studying alone, or in a study group, and try making short notes or using the highlighter pen. Depending on what you find easiest and what brings you the best results in school exams or when answering practice questions, decide on your ‘very own studying pattern’. Don’t be too worried about what your friends are doing, find out what works best for you and stick to it!
Topics: Schools, Universities, study tips | 2 Comments »
Read good books to transform your life
By Hiran | July 2, 2008
In this era, knowledge is the power. You may be an expert on some subject area and may have read books in your specialized area. However to get an overall picture of what is happening in this rapidly changing world it is important to read books out of your subject area.
In Sri Lanka, there are many books on positive thinking published by Sri Lankan authors such as Daya Rohana Athukorala, Gamini Kumara Withana, Sumanadasa Samarasinghe, Nalaka Hewamadduma, Leelananda Gamachchi, Lal Fonseka, Deepal Sooriyarachchi, Prianga de Soyza and Sarath Wijesooriya. Most of them are translated to Sinhala from English books, and some of them are original books.
There are many great books written by influential writers in countries such as USA and UK; some of these books have changed the way people behave and take decisions.
These are some of my book recommendations for those who like to know about trends and ideas in the changing world. Some of these books such as Blink, Tipping point can be purchased in Sri Lankan bookstores, however other you may have to order online from the company such as www.amazon.com. Just click the book icon and you will be taken to Amazon book store. I have ordered several books form them, though their postage is expensive, the service is excellent, you can read reviews by several users of the books, which makes the selecting books easier.
World is flat.
Technology has made the world flat, all of are interconnected by technology.
Getting things done
Learn the art of stress free productivity methods. Discover methods to increase your personal organization, efficiency and creative results- at work and home.
Laws of Simplicity
Ten laws of simplicity in design, technology, business and life. Learn how to produce things that are simple and easy to use, while doing all the complex things we might ever want to do. For example Law 10, tells us: “Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious, and adding the meaningful”.
Tipping Point
How little things can make a big difference. Learn how ideas, trends and social behaviors tip and spread like wildfire.
Blink
This will make you think about how you think.
India 2020 – A vision for the new millennium
by A P J Abdul Kalam with Y S Rajan
Learn how India is heading towards its vision in achieving a technologically developed nation.
The RealAge Makeover
Learn how eating, walking, strength training and other choices will keep you young and live longer.
Topics: Schools, Universities, books | 1 Comment »
Z score for selection to University courses 2007- 2008 academic year (2007 A/L examination)
By Hiran | July 2, 2008
UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS – ACADEMIC YEAR 2007/2008 (GCE A/L AUGUST 2007). Minimum “Z” Score for selection to various courses of study in Colombo district
It is interesting to note that Z score values for the admission has reduced compared with the last year (2006 A/L examination).
Z score values for some courses
Medicine 2006-2.0357 2007-1.9910
Biological Science 2006-1.4696 2007-1.4132
Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery 2006-1.0683 2007-1.0325
Course of Study Z - Score
MEDICINE 1.9910
DENTAL SURGERY 1.9239
VETERINARY SCIENCE 1.8001
AGRICULTURE 1.0350
FOOD & NUTRITION 1.4284
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE 1.4132
APPLIED SCIENCES (BIO.SC) 1.1970
ENGINEERING (MPR) 1.9334
ENGINEERING (EM) 1.8735
ENGINEERING (TM) 1.9155
QUANTITY SURVEYING 1.7633
COMPUTER SCIENCE 1.7066
PHYSICAL SCIENCE 1.1521
SURVEYING SCIENCE 1.5457
APPLIED SCIENCES (PHY.SC) 0.9705
MANAGEMENT 1.6929
ESTATE MGT.& VALUATION 1.6859
COMMERCE 1.6047
ARTS* 1.2091
ARTS (SP) / MASS MEDIA* 1.2456
ARTS(SAB) - A* 1.2832
MANAGEMENT STUDIES (TV) - A 1.4974
ARCHITECTURE 0.9483
DESIGN 0.8704
LAW 1.8844
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 1.7184
MANAGEMENT & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 1.6709
PUBLIC MANAGEMENT (SPECIAL) 1.6857
COMMUNICATION STUDIES* 1.2583
TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING 1.6827
PEACE & CONFLICT RESOLUTION* 1.6694
AYURVEDIC MEDICINE & SURGERY* 1.0325
UNANI MEDICINE & SURGERY* 0.8578
FASHION DESIGN & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT 0.3771
FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 1.7771
SIDDHA MEDICINE* 0.5934
NURSING 1.3356
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 1.6293
AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY & MANAGEMENT 1.5033
MANAGEMENT STUDIES (TV) - B 1.4461
ARTS (SP) / PERFORMING ARTS* 1.0616
ARTS(SAB) - B* 1.5022
MUSIC (SWAMI VIPULANANDA) NQC
DANCE (SWAMI VIPULANANDA) NQC
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (RAJARATA) -0.0494
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (VAVUNIYA) NQC
HEALTH PROMOTION 1.2271
PHARMACY 1.6446
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES 1.7265
RADIOGRAPHY 1.6656
PHYSIOTHERAPY 1.7217
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT 1.2389
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT 1.6379
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT 1.7395
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 1.9005
INDUSTRIAL STATISTICS & MATHEMATICAL FINANCE 1.6442
STATISTICS & OPERATIONS RESEARCH 1.5635
COMPUTATION & MANAGEMENT 1.6141
FISHERIES & MARINE SCIENCES 1.2686
ISLAMIC STUDIES* 1.2114
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 0.9529
COMPUTER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 1.2482
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & MANAGEMENT 1.4867
ANIMAL SCIENCE 0.7689
MUSIC (RAMANATHAN ACADEMY) NQC
DANCE (RAMANATHAN ACADEMY) 0.3072
ART & DESIGN NQC
DRAMA & THEATRE NQC
VISUAL ARTS NQC
EXPORT AGRICULTURE 0.8800
TEA TECHNOLOGY & VALUE ADDITION 0.8597
INDUSTRIAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 1.0998
MINERAL RESOURCES & TECHNOLOGY 0.8836
BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS (SPECIAL) 1.6019
OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMET (SPECIAL) 1.5878
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR MANAGEMENT STUDIES NQC
COMPUTING & INFORMATION SYSTEMS 0.3824
PHYSICAL EDUCATION -0.5989
SPORTS SCIENCES & MANAGEMENT 0.6554
SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPY 1.2258
ARABIC LANGUAGE* 0.8589
Notes * Selection 100% on an all Island Merit Basis
NQC ? No Qualified Candidates
Management Studies (TV) A - Commerce Stream B - All Streams
ARTS (SAB) A - Arts Stream B - Commerce Stream
Topics: Courses, Schools, Universities | No Comments »
Physics books for A Level students
By Hiran | June 23, 2008
Some great books on Physics for Advanced Level students.
Topics: Schools | No Comments »
Knowlege society - Sri Lankan perspective
By Hiran | June 15, 2008
Twenty first century belongs to knowledge age, where acquisition, possession and application of knowledge is the most important resource. In this society world has changed from doing things to knowing things. It is a learning society committed to innovation.
There is risk of growing gap between advanced countries at the forefront of creating and using that knowledge, and developing countries, which have more limited means to take advantage of potential of rapid development and use of knowledge. Effective use of knowledge, broadly defined to include policy and technical knowledge, can have major impact on economic growth and development.
According to a recently published document by World Bank titled “Building the Sri Lankan
Knowledge Economy” highlights the Knowledge Economy issues that confront Sri Lanka and offers some options that will allow the island to move towards a knowledge based economy.
According to World Bank, simply adopting existing technologies widely available in developed countries can dramatically boost economic growth and productivity.
The knowledge economy consists of four pillars:
(i) The business environment;
(ii) Information infrastructure;
(iii) An innovation system; and
(iv) Human resources (Education).
Innovation system
More public resources should be allocated to R&D and improving the incentive system in Sri lanka’s universities and research institutes. Linkages between academia and the private sector should be increased, and the level of red-tape in the university system should be decreased.
Education
More students should be encouraged to enter science and technology courses. At the lower levels the curriculum could be improved by focusing on how children learn rather than what they learn. Introducing problem solving skills and entrepreneurship at an early age will help reorient future graduates early on.
Topics: Universities, eLearning, study tips | No Comments »
Free e-books pdf downloads
By Hiran | May 30, 2008
Internet contains free knowledge.
Internet Archives is one such site. Some of the free pdf articles in the site includes: How to be creative?, How to become the best in the world?, 100 Ways to Kill a Concept: Why Most Ideas Get Shot Down
CustomGuide has released some Quick Reference Guides for Microsoft, Mac and Adobe products. These printable quick references are free to use, distribute, and share!
MIT OpenCourseWare | MIT OpenCourseWare contains free and open educational resource (OER) for educators, students, and self-learners around the world.
Topics: Schools, Universities, eLearning | No Comments »
Student Jobs - take a part-time job while studying in university?
By Hiran | May 19, 2008
It is very common that students do part-time jobs while studying in foreign universities. It’s obvious that if you don’t work, you will have more time to study, but doing a job can get you some income to survive or get some pocket money without depending on parents.
Research has shown that those students who work while studying tend to understand and grasp their studies much better than those who are not on job. They understand the nature of business and get a practical learning about how things are done. For example if a student is studying telecommunications and works at a call center, he will understand each and every thing much better.
However students working while studying should definitely not divert from their studies and keep a balance between their studies as well as job.
Types of part-time jobs that students at University of Florida do includes Child care, landscaping/ maintaining garden/ gardener, swim lesson instructor, house cleaning, tuition (tutor), office assistant, management assistant, delivery jobs, lifeguard, sales assistant, recreation assistant, web designers, violinist/ musician, mailing letters, dishwasher, IT technical assistants, tour guides, book keeper, delivery work, receptionist, creative writers, drivers, photographers, graphic designers.
In Sri Lankan universities part-time jobs are not promoted. However some students do various types of jobs: conducting tuition, security jobs, waiters etc.
Students can post your comments on student jobs.
NOTE TO EMPLOYERS: Please add your job openings here.
Topics: Universities, carriers | 7 Comments »