Student Sri Lanka Educational Network » Biology

Biology Olympiad Award Ceremony – Imagination for Science discoveries

Hiran — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:38:12 +0000

Some may think that scientists are people with the knowledge on science. But my definition on a scientist is a mentally developed person with the capabilities such as imagination, visualization, and characteristics like curiosity and hunger for knowledge, said Pramith Ruwanpathirana of Royal College, Colombo, at the Award Ceremony of Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad held on 30 January 2012. Pramith scored highest marks at Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad and he became the island best student in A/L 2011 Biological Science stream. Based on the Biology Olympiad examination held last year 19 students were awarded Gold medals, while 25 Silver and 28 Bronze medals at this award ceremony held at National Museum Auditorium. Chief Guest for the occasion was Prof Gamini Samaranayake (Chairman, University Grants Commission) and Prof Sirimalee Ferenando (Chairman National Science Foundation), Prof Hiran Amarasekera (Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad Coordinator), Prof M J S Wijerathne (University of Keylaniya) and Prof H G Nandadasa (University of Sri Jayewardenepura) also attended the occasion.

Biology Olympiad 2011 best Gold Medalists - Pramith Ruwanpathirana -Royal College, D. P. Vithanage – Ananda College & P. L. S. Peiris - Ananda College with Prof Hiran Amarasekera and Prof Sirimalee Ferenando (Chairman National Science Foundation)

Pramith further said “Thomas Alva Edison who invented the electrical bulb first imagined and visualized the bulb, as similar product had never existed before.” Hence a scientist is someone who can build a hypothesis and experiment on it rather than memorizing all the facts that have already being discovered. Biology Olympiad is such an examination encouraging the students to think over and apply the knowledge they have learnt.

I thank the Institute of Biology for organizing this event and encouraging us to go to the greater heights of our education. I feel very proud of myself this very moment to address this kind of an audience, of people who have archived the greatest heights of their education in accordance to the age.

Lets join hands my friends, and deliver the message to the outside world. There are many who have the capability on innovation, but still follow the traditional ways of memorizing facts. I invite all my dear Teachers to encourage the students to be true scientists.

Summing up my speech i’d like to congratulate all my friends for their achievements, and wish all of you the very best of luck, and let’s hope that few from this audience will be fortunate enough to introduce new concepts to this world, explain to the unexplained and help science put one step forward.

Sri Lanka wins a Silver Medal at International Biology Olympiad 2011

Hiran — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 03:16:20 +0000

Arun Rajaratnam of Trinity College, Kandy won a Silver Medal at the International Biology Olympiad held at Taipei, Taiwan which concluded on 17 July 2011. There were 227 competitors participated for this competition from 61 countries.

Hiruni Gajanayake (Musaus College, Colombo), Nimeshika Mahaarachchi (Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo) and Shehan Ratnayake (D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo) also participated this completion. These students were selected out of 2500 students who participate in Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad competition, conducted by Institute of Biology, in Collaboration with Sri Lankan Universities and Ministry of Education in June last year. Prof Hiran Amarasekera and Prof H G Nandadasa from University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Prof M J S Wijeyaratne from University of Kelaniya also participated the completion as the Jury members.

International Biology Olympiad is an internationally conducted prestigious competition, in which bright students form countries all over the world compete for medals. The first International Olympiad was held in Eastern Europe in 1959 in Mathematics. The remaining disciplines quickly followed; Physics (1967), Chemistry (1968) and Informatics in (1989). Biology had its first Olympiad in 1990.

Some of the characteristics of the science Olympiads as compared with those for sports are that they are held annually and intended for secondary school students. The level of questions is above the standard for secondary school education in the world. The theoretical/practical questions are 5 hours long, each demands persistence and determination, as well as discipline. Gold medals are awarded not only to the top achiever but to the top 10% of participants. The Olympiad offers an opportunity for international exchange.

In Sri Lanka there are Olympiad competitions for Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Informatics and Astronomy. Usually Sri Lankan Olympiads for Physics and Biology are conducted June each year, but this year (2011) these competitions were postponed due to prevailing trade union action by University Teachers in Sri Lankan universities.

Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad 2011 examination postponed

Hiran — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:43:14 +0000

According to Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka web site, Sri Lanka Biology Olympiad examination will not be conducted on 26 June 2001. It is postponed until further notice, due to the ongoing trade union action by University Teachers.

You can download past examination papers and Marking schemes of past Biology Olympiad examinations from IOB web site.
Related:
Olympiad Competitions in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad
Informatics Olympiad of Sri Lanka

Google Body Browser, a Google Earth for the human body

Hiran — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:36:13 +0000

Google has an application called Body Browser, a detailed 3D model of the human body. It lets you explore the human body just like you can explore the world in Google Earth.

You can use Google Body Browser using WebGL-enabled browser such as latest versions of Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer.

Goto Google Body Browser

Download Protype Model Papers for G.C.E. A/L Examination

Hiran — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:21:17 +0000

Department of Examinations published Model Papers (Protype Questions) and structure of the question papers and for G.C.E.(A.L) Examination from 2011 Onwards. These papers can be download from Examination Department web site.

These are available as different volumes (pdf books).
Volume 1 – Science Subjects
Physics, Chmistry, Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Biology, Combined Mathematics and Higher Mathematics
Volume 2 – Arts Subjects
Economics, Geography, Political Science, Logic & Scientific Method, History
Home economics, Communication & Media Studies
Volume 3 – Commerce Subjects
Business Statistics, Business Studies, Accounting
Volume 4 – Religions & Civilization Subjects
Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhist Civilization, Islam Civilization, Greek & Roman Civilization, Christian Civilization
Volume 5 – Aesthetic Subjects
Art, Dancing (Sinhala), Oriental Music. Western Music Drama & Theatre (Sinhala), Drama & Theatre (English)
Volume 7 – Technology Subjects
Civil Technology, Mechanical Technology, Electrical, Electronic & Infomation Technology, Food Technology, Agro Technology, Bio Resource Technology, Information & Communication Technology

Download Model Papers

Workshop on Molecular Genetics and biotechnology for Advanced Level Biology Teachers and Students

Hiran — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:23:14 +0000

Genetic society of University of Sri Jayewardenepura will be conducting a workshop on Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology with laboratory and theoretical knowledge.

This will basically provide a sound knowledge to Advanced level Genetics Course units like Heredity and continuity of life. The workshop will be conducted by highly skilled university lecturers.

The dates are as follows:

For teachers-2011/02/24

For students- 2011/ 03/03

Time- 8.30 a.m – 4.30 pm

Venue- Department of zoology- Sri Jayewardenepura

Medium- Sinhala and English

Workshop fee- Rs 1500/=

Please forward your applications before 20/02/2011 to the address given below

For more details please contact.

Varuni- 0714-478801

Maheeshi- 0716-279939

Genetic Society, Department of Zoology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

GCE O/L 2010 Science Model Papers – Science, Mathematics, Sinhala

Hiran — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 02:00:47 +0000

New (2011 December): 2011 Science Model papers Sinhala and English by Mr K Ariyasinghe

You can now download free model papers for GCE O/L (ordinary Level) by popular lecturers.

Science paper was prepared by most experienced O/L teacher in Sri Lanka: Mr K Ariyasinghe. Mr Ariyasinghe has been teaching O/L for more than 40 years, and has written many O/L science text books. He has been a popular writer for many Sri Lankan news papers, including Vidusara.

Mathematics paper was prepared by Mr Sanjeewa Wijerathna.

Sinhala paper was prepared by Mr Thiranjaya Gamlath.

Download Science Model Papers (pdf files):
Science Paper 1 MCQ by Mr K Ariyasinghge 467 K
Science Paper IIA by Mr K Ariyasinghge 1.8 MB
Science Paper IIB by Mr K Ariyasinghge 425 K

Mathematics Model Paper by Mr Sanjeewa Wijerathne (pdf)

Mathematics Model Paper 2 by Mr Sanjeewa Wijerathne (pdf)

Sinhala Model Paper by Mr Thiranjaya Gamlath (pdf)

You may also interested in:
GCE O/L 2010 Time Table සාමාන්‍ය පෙල කාල සටහන
Seminars for O/L 2010 examination by popular, experienced teachers
Download Sri Lankan GCE Ordinary Level Examination Papers
Download School Text Books free
Find O Level (O/L) Tuition Teachers, Classes, Educational Institutes in Sri Lanka
A/L Tuition classes for students after O/L

Career in Nursing – Enter a nursing school and become a Nurse

Kavidu — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 04:01:41 +0000

Nurses care for the sick and help people stay well. Nursing is a healthcare profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities.

You can follow a Nursing course to become a nurse in Sri Lanka.
Some National Universities (Colombo, Sri Jayewardenepura) also offer BSc Nursing for those who qualified from GCE A/L examination.

There are two categories of course available:

1. Government nursing courses – Conducted by Ministry of health
2. Private nursing institutions- Conducted by private private sector institutes

Government Nursing Course
In Sri Lanka, there are more than ten nursing academies. Some teaching schools are attached with government hospitals. They are called teaching hospitals. Nursing students have to follow a three year nursing course in these Schools. Both theoretical and clinical knowledge are provided during that period.

List of Government Nursing Schools

• Hmbanthota – 0472220261
• Kaluthara – 0342222264
• Ragama,Kadana – 0112959260
• Anuradhapura – 0252222536
• Badulla – 0552222532
• Galle – 0912234452
• Jaffna -0212222736
• Kandy – 0812222821
• Mulleriyawa – 0112256891
• National Nursing School, Sri Jayawardhanapura, Thalapathpitiya – 0112779487
• Batticalo – 0652222261
• Rathnapura – 0452222261

Private Nursing Training Institutes

There number of private training schools in Sri Lanka. Some training institutes obtained permission from tertiary and vocational educational commission. Training period vary acording to the authority. Normally it’s one year.
Particular qualified schools should get permission from provincial councils.

List of some Private Nursing Schools

• New Medicare (pvt) Nursing School
• Path Medical Academy, Nugegoda.
• Siyana Nursing School, Weyangoda.
• Pvt Nursing School Kurunegala.
• Meth Sewana Nursing School Kuliyapitiya.
• Co-Operative Nursing School, Galle.
Nursing Schools are also situated at Anuradhapura, Kandy(4), Rathmalana, Colombo and Rathnapura.

A/L educational television lessons on Sirasa TV

Hiran — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:38:56 +0000

(Updated September 2009) Sirasa TV started an educational program series for GCE Advanced Level students, telecast early morning from 5.00- 6.00 am. Leading professional teachers conduct lessons in this 30 minute program series, which started from third week of July 2010. The program is titled as A3.

Time table:

Monday -
5 am Combined Mathematics (Dushyantha Mahabaduge); 5.30 am Physics (Amith Pusella)
Tuesday -
5 am Chemistry (K Siri Vithanage); 5.30 am Biology (Hiran Amarasekera)

Wednesday-
5 am Accounting (Kumudu Liyanage); 5.30 am Business Studies (Bandara Dissanayake)
Thursday -
5 am Economics (Bandara Dissanayake); 5.30 am General English (Pujitha Wijesinghe)
Friday -
5 am Sinhala (Senarathna Kariyawasam); 5.30 am Political Science (Dinesh Idruse)
Saturday -
5 am Geography (Leonard Kumaragamage); 5.30 am History (Venarable Rahula)
Sunday -
5 am Logic (Anuradha Abeysekera); 5.30 am Buddihist Civilization- BC (Venarable Malimbada Pannasara)

Scholarship for Genetic Engineering and Genetically Modified Organisms Training at Norway

Hiran — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 06:19:01 +0000

The course is designed to provide policy makers, regulators, scientists and NGOs/civil society leaders, specifically from developing countries (ODA-countries), the knowledge and training necessary to develop a holistic view on the issues surrounding GMOs. The goal is to empower the participants with transdisciplinary information on GMOs, in order to critically evaluate the issue from their own perspective and country needs. Lectures, laboratory demonstrations, group work on case studies and discussions will form the basis of the course, which aims to offer biosafety capacity building within a holistic framework. Participants will also be required to submit a GE/GMO/biosafety country report in order to more broadly share their local experiences of the current status of GMOs/biosafety with other participants.

Eligibility and selection process
The course application form must be filled out entirely and with as much detail as possible. The applicant must provide information about the type/level of position they are holding, and state the basis for their interest in the course. In addition, a brief CV is required for consideration.

The working language of the course will be English only, and as such, applicants should be able to work sufficiently well in English in both oral and written communications.

Sponsorships will only be given to applicants from developing (ODA) countries. Gender, occupation and regional criteria are also used in the selection of participants in order to achieve representational balance. The selection committee usually completes the selection by 1 May.

Applications are due by 1 April 2010.

Costs and expenses
Full sponsorship will be offered to 40 selected applicants from developing (ODA) countries only. The sponsorship will cover curricular materials, course-associated travel, visa-fees, accommodation and meals.

How to apply:

Online (electronic) application form (remember to e-mail your CV): http://www.genok.no/application
or
download (word-format) from: http://felles.siteman.no/genok.org/filarkiv/File/Course_2010/applicationformGenok.doc

E-mail application form/CV to: biosafety10@genok.org

Contact information – GenØk:

E-mail to the biosafety team : biosafety10@genok.org

Phone: +47 77 64 55 46
Fax: +47 77 64 61 00
Web: english.genok.org

Further information about ODA-countries: www.oecd.org/dac/stats/daclist