Prospectus - FOS

Faculty of Science University of Ruhuna

Contents Library .................................................................................................................... 29 Student Affairs Branch............................................................................................ 32 Message from Vice Chancellor ................................................................................. 1 LMS and FOSMIS .................................................................................................. 33 Dean’s Message ........................................................................................................ 2 Research and Innovations...................................................................................... 34 University of Ruhuna ................................................................................................ 4 Career Guidance Unit.............................................................................................. 36 Faculty of Science..................................................................................................... 6 Student Life............................................................................................................. 38 Undergraduate programs offered by FOS ................................................................. 9 Recreational ............................................................................................................ 39 Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) General Degree ........................................... 13 Medical Center........................................................................................................ 41 BSc Hons (Fin. Math. & Ind. Stat.)......................................................................... 15 Student Counseling & Mentoring............................................................................ 42 Department of Botany ............................................................................................. 16 Clubs and Societies ................................................................................................. 43 Department of Chemistry ....................................................................................... 18 Scholarships ............................................................................................................ 44 Department of Computer Science ......................................................................... 20 Resent Success Stories ............................................................................................ 45 Department of Mathematics .................................................................................. 22 Department of Physics ........................................................................................... 24 Department of Zoology ........................................................................................... 27 Essential Skills ........................................................................................................ 29

Prof. Sujeewa Amarasena Sri Lanka is at crossroads at this juncture with an unclear and uncertain future. Most young people want to leave this country for Vice Chancellor greener pastures overseas. In this background, you have chosen to enter the University of Ruhuna, an “A” grade university in the country to engage in higher education. At the outset, as the Vice Chancellor, I wish to congratulate you for your choice and University of Ruhuna welcome all of you selected to the Faculty of Science of the University of Ruhuna (FOS-UOR). The next three to four years in your life will be a very challenging period. This time period will mould your character as a professional and also a responsible 1|Page citizen of this motherland. Hopefully, the motherland would be in much better shape than today at the time of your graduation. You have received a very rare privilege to be selected for one of the leading state universities in Sri Lanka, due to the blessings of free education at a time when most of us are facing multiple hardships daily. However, that challenge should get the best out of you as a person developing your personality and resilient character. You will have to be innovative, courageous and determined to go through this difficult period without disruptions in education. UOR will provide you with the necessary environment for education. Eligible students will receive hostel facilities, Mahapola scholarships and other support required to be a graduate with excellent academic knowledge and humane qualities. UOR is fully committed to providing you with the best knowledge that would be compatible with the needs of current national and international trends in your own selected fields. UOR prides itself on being a ragging-free University. As first-year students, it is your duty to report suspected attempts considered to be ragging of some sort to authorities. You are legally bound to do so. Failure of reporting such attempts will make you guilty under the prohibition of the Ragging Act for indirectly contributing to ragging.

“Life is about accepting the challenges along the way, choosing to keep moving forward, and savouring the journey.” During the last three years, we had to face a lot of challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic and socioeconomic crisis. Next four years, Sri Lanka is expected to recover from the current multiple crises. Please learn to be resilient to face these challenges. You will be able to graduate to a new country waking up after crises after having obtained a very valuable degree from FOS UOR. You will have to work hard to achieve this target with the support of this great institution. If you encounter any hardship, be it economic or educational, please inform the student counsellors and mentors. They will assist you in every possible way. Civil society in any country has both good and bad elements and trends. As undergraduates, you will see both. Last year we lost three young lives in accidents. Two of them drowned. They were intoxicated with alcohol and other substances. As an intelligent student, you should be able to avoid high-risk behaviours such as the consumption of such substances and engaging in violence and anti-social conduct. I would appreciate it if you could assist the university administration to eliminate or eradicate these trends. All of us have a social responsibility to do so. We in Sri Lanka are blessed with many social welfare programmes including free education. Please utilize the opportunities to fulfil the obligations to serve your motherland and the people after graduation. Remember you have a right to free education and then responsibilities and duties to fulfil thereafter to serve people who essentially were taxpayers for your education. UOR spends 5.0 billion rupees on undergraduate education for a year. Each student in the FOS gets approximately Rs 800,000.00 from public funds per year (taxpayers' money) for their higher education. Each student gets Rs. 2 million for general education for 13 years in the school. It is your duty to pay 5.2 million rupees back as taxes after graduation to help our country maintain free education and come out of the economic crisis. Please remember it. May your university life be a successful and joyous one! Senior Professor Sujeewa Amarasena Vice Chancellor University of Ruhuna 2|Page

The Faculty of Science is one of the pioneering faculties of the University of Ruhuna. It offers the Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Prof. (Mrs.) D.H.N. Munasinghe Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) General Degrees of three -year duration and the BSc (Honours), BCS (Honours), and Dean Bachelor of Financial Mathematics and Industrial Statistics (FM & IS) Honours degrees of four-year duration. Faculty students are free to choose well-designed course units that provide a solid knowledge of basic scientific concepts, scientific method Faulty of Science principles, and their applications. The students have an opportunity to learn subjects offered by different faculties to gain fundamental knowledge of other disciplines and should develop essential skills of communication in English, and ICT. The programs of the faculty help transform students into lifelong learners with the ability to thrive in an ever-changing world by providing the opportunity to learn effective and efficient communication methods and various extra-curricular and outreach activities in order to secure places in society as innovators and inventors, researchers, scholars, managers, and creative and global thinkers. The academic staff of the Science Faculty is engaged in innovative, high-quality research while being deeply dedicated to undergraduate and graduate-level teaching. Undergraduate and postgraduate research opportunities are available to work with nationally and internationally well-recognized scientists in the faculty. As the Dean of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, I invite you to explore the exceptional learning environment of the faculty and take advantage of the resources, services, and opportunities we offer. 3|Page

University of Ruhuna 4|Page

University of Ruhuna The University of Ruhuna was established on 1st September 1978, as Ruhuna University College by a Special Presidential Decree. Currently, the University of Ruhuna constitutes ten faculties, namely 1. Faculty of Agriculture, 2. Faculty of Engineering, 3. Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology, 4. Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, 5. Faculty of Management & Finance, 6. Faculty of Medicine, 7. Faculty of Science, 8. Faculty of Technology, 9. Faculty of Allied Health Sciences 10. Faculty of Graduate Studies. 5|Page

Faculty of Science 6|Page

Faculty of Science Vision “To be the outstanding internationally-respected academic center of excellence which proudly affirms its Sri Lankan identity and which is committed to rigorous scholarship, academic freedom, sound moral values and social responsibility” Mission “To produce outstanding internationally accredited graduates who are innovative, analytical, articulate, balanced and adaptable, with lifelong interest of learning; and to strive, through quality teaching, research and community service, to contribute to the advancement of scholarship and the enrichment of the education, cultural, economic and natural environments of the people we serve” 7|Page

The Faculty of Science (FOS) consists of the Departments of Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Zoology and offers several undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Undergraduate programmes consist of the following degree programs  Bachelor of Science (BSc) General (3 year) Degrees in Biological and Physical science streams  Bachelor of Science Honours BSc(Hons) (4 year) Degrees in Biological and Physical science streams  Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) General Degree  Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) Honours Degree  Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Financial Mathematics and Industrial Statistics The undergraduate programme comprises a large number of course units offered by individual departments. At present, the faculty admits about 250 students for Biological Science, 300 students for Physical Science, 100 students for Computer Science, and 50 students for Financial Mathematics and Industrial Statistics streams annually. 8|Page

 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Level I Level II Special Degree Selection All course units offered by the FOS in BSc. General Level III are optional. Level III Level I The Department of Physics offers Core Course Units in the Semester I of Level III, and students should follow these Core Course Units if they have selected Physics as a subject area. BSc General Degree Level II (3 Years) BSc Special Degree (4 Years) 9|Page

 BSc General Degree in Physical Science  The following subject combinations are offered for Physical Science General Degree Limitations: Only 130 students will be selected per year based on Advanced Level Z-score to study Computer Science (CS) as a subject. MAT MAT-Mathematics AMT-Applied Mathematics AMT IMT CHE IMT-Industrial Mathematics CS PHY CHE PHY CHE PHY CS CHE-Chemistry CS-Computer Science PHY-Physics 10 | P a g e

 BSc General Degree in Biological Science  Level I & II o Biological science students may choose to follow the optional course units offered by the Department of Physics in Level II of their degree programme. CHE ZOO CHE-Chemistry ZOO BOT BOT ZOO-Zoology BOT PHY PHY PHY BOT-Botany PHY-Physics 11 | P a g e

 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours Degree o Honors Degree Programmes are offered in Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Zoology. Students will be selected for these programmes based on their academic performance in their first two years. o Each Department will decide on the number of students to be enrolled in the Honours Degree Programme depending on its requirements, available facilities, and student performances. All Honours Degree Programmes have a duration of four years 12 | P a g e

Students admitted to the BCS will pursue a full-scale Computer Level I Science programme of three years leading to the degree of Bachelor of Computer Science (General). During the three Level II BCS General Degree years, students develop skills and confidence to provide LevelII (3 Years) software solutions that are both effective and efficient in LevelIV methodological ways utilizing the latest concepts. The practical sessions conducted during the program improve their hands-on BCS Honours Degree experience to develop reliable and creative solutions. Individual (4 Years) and group projects carried out throughout the degree course provide the students the opportunity to get exposed to the latest technologies, improve their adaptability to rapidly evolving tools, and improve soft skills necessary for their future careers. The industrial training in the final semester exposes the students to the software industry and provides the opportunity to engage in real-world projects in a corporate environment. 13 | P a g e

 Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) Honours Degree Based on the performance, a limitednumber of students (currently 10) will be selected from the BCS general degree to study an extra year leading to the degree of Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours). One of the prime objectives of the Honours degree is to offer in-depth knowledge in selected areas of computer science for those who wish to pursue academic and/or research careers. The course units in the program span a wide range from theoretical and algorithmic foundations to enterprise modeling, data mining for business intelligence, compiler design, high-performance computing, service-oriented computing, bioinformatics, and other exciting areas. The final year individual research project allows students to acquire skills in researching and students would be motivated to search for new knowledge to solve research problems using novel and innovative approaches. 14 | P a g e

 Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Financial Mathematics and Industrial Statistics (BSc Hons (Fin. Math. & Ind. Stat.))  Level I The objective of this program is to provide students with the required knowledge and experience in mathematical Level II Higher Diploma and statistical techniques that can be applied in the fields such as Financial Mathematics, Actuarial Mathematics, Operation Research, Scientific Computing, Quality Controlling, and Reliability Theory LevelII BSc General LevelIV BSc Honours 15 | P a g e

Department of Botany 16 | P a g e

 Department of Botany  Key Research Areas  Head of the Department o Molecular biology and plant systematics, Dr. (Mrs.) K. K. G. U. Hemamali  o Mangrove ecology and Plant ecology, o Biological control of plant pathogens, BSc (Ruhuna, SL), o Biological monitoring of water bodies, o Bioremediation MSc, PhD (Kyushu, Japan) Botany is the study of plants which stands central among  Facilities several disciplines. Knowing about plants is fundamental in maintaining a sustainable biosphere, as well as, securing o Two large elementary laboratories to cater to up to 130 the well-being of mankind in the long-term. The undergraduate students, Department of Botany has a legacy of producing renowned Botanists having national and international reputations. o Two well-equipped research laboratories, o One well-equipped molecular biology laboratory, 17 | P a g e o Botanical Garden, o Several pools with a collection of aquatic plants for field experiments, o Tissue culture laboratory, culture room, taxonomy room with a collection of herbarium, o Two Greenhouses

Department of Chemistry 18 | P a g e

 Key Research Areas  Department of Chemistry o NFoaotudraClhPermodisutcryt Chemistry o Head of the Department Prof Chinthaka Sanath Gangabadage o Industrial Chemistry B.Sc. Chem Sp. (Ruhuna, SL), Ph.D. in Biophysical Chemistry (NL) o Organic Chemistry Chemistry is known as a central science because o Computational Chemistry knowledge of chemistry is needed in many disciplines such as medicine, engineering, environmental studies,  Facilities material science, physics, etc. The department of o Five elementary (teaching) laboratories with a total capacity chemistry produces graduates with a comprehensive knowledge and skills in Chemistry to cater the high of 240 to 300 undergraduates demand of emerging local and international job fields in chemical sciences. Most of the recent graduates who o Two advanced laboratories for students reading for B.Sc. completed the Special (Honours) degree in Chemistry Special Degree and postgraduate degrees in Chemistry. have been awarded scholarships to pursue PhDs and Master’s degrees in foreign countries such as USA and o A well-equipped special instrument center with modern Australia. UV-visible spectrophotometers, Fourier transform Infra- Red (FTIR) spectrometers, Gas Chromatography, High- 19 | P a g e performance liquid chromatography HPLC, etc. o A computer center for computational chemistry research and to facilitate learning

Department of Computer Science 20 | P a g e

 Department of Computer Science  Facilities and Services o IT Services for Faculty of Science / University of Ruhuna Head of the Department Dr. Sugandima Vidanagamachchi  Development and maintenance of the University B.Sc. in Computer Science (UCSC) , PhD in Computer Engineering (Pdn), of Ruhuna Website The Department of Computer Science offers degree  Maintaining the Faculty of Science Learning programmes to prepare the undergraduates for a career in Management System (LMS) Computer Science and Information Technology, which is ▪ Creating user logins and course units one of the major driving forces of the economic ▪ Supporting online examinations development of Sri Lanka. ▪ Supporting the conduct of the CCPDHE course - learning and submitting  Key Research Areas assignments o CKonnocwelpetdugael Representation, o Development and maintenance of the Faculty of Science o Modelling, Website. o Process Mining, o Two lecture halls (Mini auditorium & ICT Lecture Hall), two Meeting Rooms, one Conference Room, and one o Computational Systems Biology, Auditorium o Embedded Systems, o Three Computer Laboratories o Special Laboratory o Reconfigurable Computing, Text mining o Research Laboratory o E-Learning Center 21 | P a g e

Department of Mathematics 22 | P a g e

 Department of Mathematics  Key Research Areas Head of the Department o FMinualtnivciaarliamteatahneamlyastiiscstechniques S. Professor L.A.L.W. Jayasekara o MSc in Info: Sys: (Kyushu, Japan), PhD in Statistics (Kyushu, Japan) o Survival analysis Mathematics is highly regarded for its ability to train the o Actuarial science mind and is essential for shaping our modern technological society. Its applications extend across various fields, from o Mathematical biology physics and engineering to economics and computer science. Majority of the recent graduates who completed o Epidemiological and virus dynamic models the Special (Honours) degree in Mathematics from the0 department have been awarded scholarships to pursue o Operational research PhDs and Masters degrees at renowned universities across the world. o Complex systems and Networks 23 | P a g e o Quantum computation and information o Machine Learning o  Facilities o Mathematics Computer Laboratory TStwatoisLtieccstuLraebTorhaetaotrryes. o o o One Seminar Room

Department of Physics 24 | P a g e

 Department of Physics  Facilities Head of the Department o ELalebmoreanttoarryy Physics Laboratories and Advanced Physics Dr. J. A. P. Bodhika, (Zeeman effect, fiber optics, Michelson BSc (Ruhuna, SL) MSc, PhD (Colombo, SL) interferometer, ESR experiment, UV experiment kit, etc.) Physics is a study of everything in physical existence from o A Smart Class Room for small group teaching the smallest subatomic particles to the entire universe. The Physics Department is committed to providing the latest o Well-equipped modern electronic laboratory knowledge and skills in physics to our undergraduate students. o Astronomy Research Unit with instrumentation, data analysis, and observation facilities o Acoustic Research Laboratory. o Mechanical Workshop (Lathe, CNC Lathe, Drilling, Milling, Grinding, Bending, Arc welding, spot welding, Gas welding, MIG, and TIG welding). o Prototyping Laboratory (3-D printing, fully automated plastic and wood LASER engraving, Plastic bending) 25 | P a g e

 Key Research Areas  Link Programs o CERN CMS Collaboration o High Energy Physics o Collaboration with Sivananthan Laboratories Inc., o Electronic and ionic conductivity measurements of Illinois, USA inorganic compounds o Lightning Research network with Colombo University o Modeling of ocean optical properties o Processing and Analysis of Remotely sensed data of and Upsala University, Sweden o Astronomy research program with Las Cumbers ocean waters o Deposition of thin films, including semi conducting thin Observatory ( LCO ) films and studying of their properties (structure, optical 26 | P a g e and electronic properties, etc.) o Fabrication and characterization of CdS/CdTe Solar Cells o Energy-saving devices o Acoustics (Noise and Noise Pollution, Acoustical Communication of animals) o Lightning Physics o Instrumentation Physics o Semiconducting Nanostructures o Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Astrobiology o Magnetic Resonance Imaging

27 | P a g e Department of Zoology

 Department of Zoology  Key Research Areas Head of the Department o Animal Ecology, Parasitology & Physiology S. Professor (Mrs) W.T.S.D. Premachandra o Aquaculture and fish nutrition BSc (Ruhuna, SL), o Aquatic Ecology MSc (Hanover, Germany), o Biodiversity & Conservation PhD (Hanover, Germany) o Biological effects of pollutants on animals o Chronic Kidney Disease (CKDu) Zoology is the study of animals, their behaviour, their physiology and o Conservation Genetics & Biology evolution, as well as their interactions with each other and with their o Environmental Biology of fishes environment. The Department of Zoology is dedicated to equipping the o Environmental Toxicology students with the knowledge, insight, and expertise required to make o Fish taxonomy, biology & fisheries valuable contributions to society as educators, zoologists, naturalists, o Insect eco-physiology environmentalists, administrators and scientists. o Insect taxonomy and diversity o Mammalian Reproductive Biology  Facilities o Molecular Genetics o Ornithology o Two elementary laboratories to cater about 140 students. o Well-equipped with three research laboratories and an instrument room, o Animal house, and indoor/ outdoor fish ponds (including indoor flow-through system) o A computer room 28 | P a g e

 Proficiency in English sPurcocfiecsise.nRcyeciongtnhieziEngngtlhisish, language holds significant importance for academic and professional the FOS offers a compulsory English programme consisting of three levels for the BSc undergraduates. The programme focuses on enhancing the four essential Essential Skills communication skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Classroom management adopts a student-centered approach with interactive teaching and learning as the primary mechanism. These initiatives aim to provide students with the necessary language proficiency to excel in their acadCemoimc ppuursuteitrs aLnditfeutruareccyareers. In today’s academic and professional landscape, computer literacy is an integral requirement. TdehvuTteshlweowpoCCimteohlemoentmmphtueectnpoeitunruartrLsetyeinetsletarirwobanLoictryhaoittCftoheorberiuoeaarossscsesttoiyi(snCctgaaCLntetCcohre)eua,obfrcfooostruhmeatelp1l(Du4Ctht0eeepLrsatfulirCirtdtsmeet)r-neayPtncesty.aroTroofshfgtCeurtoddhmaeeenpmptauusrntmtiedmnreeterShngcetriacFedonaunccaedut.uletcsy,tsotfaheSccoimFenOpcuSelswoofrhfyoerodsnoetnw-yooetaftroyclplooeuswrsoCef,oInmCapmTuetselkyrill Science as a subject. The course provides adequate ICT proficiency including fundamentals of programming necessary for a professional in either academia or industry.  Certificate Course of Information Technology (CCIT) Programme A selected number of students wofhoInffoolrlmowateidonthTeeCchLnColporgoygr(aCmCIaTre).pTrohveidceodurtshee opportunity to follow a two-year course, namely the Certificate Course consists of basic knowledge of database management, programming, web designing, and operating systems. Students who complete the course will be offered a valuable certificate. 29 | P a g e

Library 30 | P a g e

The Library System of the University of Ruhuna plays a major role in providing access to information for the university community as well as researchers of the country. Web site: http://www.lib.ruh.ac.lk/  Library services  Opening hours Days of opening Hours of opening DescriptFioan coif ltihteiepesriod Monday to Friday 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. o SkillsFDaecvielliotpimesent Programs Semester Monday to Friday 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. o Inter-Library Loans (ILL) o Laptop Lending Service Study Leave and Monday to Friday 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. o Library Self-Learning Area Examination - Closed o Photocopying Service Long Vacation o Document Supply Service o Digital Document Delivery service Saturdays, Sundays, Public o Ask a Librarian Service holidays and Poya days  Book collections Lending collection, Reference collection, past papers collection, periodicals/Journals collection & online journals databases, Legal Deposit Collection, The Sri Lanka Collection (Ceylon room), and Colour Plate Collection. 31 | P a g e

Student Affairs Branch Proficiency in the English language holds significant importance for academic and professional success. Recognizing this, the FOS offers a compulsory English programme consisting of three levels for the BSc undergraduates. The programme focuses on enhancing the four essential communication skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Classroom management adopts a student-centered approach with interactive teaching and learning as the primary mechanism. These initiatives aim to provide students with the necessary language proficiency to excel in their academic pursuits and future careers. Web site: http://paravi.ruh.ac.lk/stuaffair/ 32 | P a g e

 LMS LMS and FOSMIS fLreieanrndilnygoMnlainneagseymsteenmt.SIytsatellmow(LsMteSac)hiserasrtoobuesatsipllyatmfoarnmagtheact lhaossldess course content, materials, and administration in one user- and track their students' progress, highlighting areas of strength and weakness for ongoing performance improvement. LMS creates an environment where students can interact with content, collaborate with other learners, and communicate with their teacher outside the classroom. Staff members and students can obtain a User Name and a Password from the LMS Administrator of the Department of Computer Science.  FOSMIS The FOSMIS serves as the primary system for managing information within the faculty. Within FOSMIS, the students have access to various facilities such as  The ability to view the course units they have registered for  The ability to monitor their attendance in classes  The ability to check the eligibility for examinations  The ability to access their results and GPA information  The ability to view notices and announcements relevant for students Upon, registration, each student is provided with a username and password to access the system, and it is mandatory for students to change their initial temporary password when logging in for the first time. FOSMIS also plays a crucial role in the registration process for course units and examinations. All students are required to utilize the system for these purposes. If you need any assistance on LMS and FOSMIS please contact Ms Lakshika Jayarathne [email protected]. 33 | P a g e

Research and Innovations The Faculty of Science serves as a thriving center for research and innovation in the Southern Province. In collaboration with the Sri Lanka Invention Commission and other esteemed institutions, the faculty has established the Southern Technology Incubation Center to nurture student inventions. Our students, equipped with their foundational knowledge in basic sciences, have emerged as trailblazers, taking the lead in ground-breaking innovations across the globe. They are driving progress in the exciting realms of Artificial Intelligence, Optics, and the food production industry, contributing significantly to advancements in these fields. All sky camera unit Innovative mirror fabrication technology to build Reconfigurable designed to capture day telescope mirrors. Convolutional Neural and nighttime sky Network Processor imaging. 34 | P a g e

FOS encourages and supports all undergraduates to voluntarily involve in research activities under the supervision of senior academics. Research activities help them to develop their careers as future scientists and academics. Undergraduates can present their research work and innovations at the following annual events  Undergraduate research - undergrad research symposium Website: https://rusrec.sci.ruh.ac.lk/index.html  Mini-symposium of the Department of Mathematics Website: https://www.math.ruh.ac.lk/minisymposium/  Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RISTCON) Website: https://www.sci.ruh.ac.lk/conference/ristcon2023/index.php  Ruhuna Invention and Innovation Exhibition New inventions of undergraduates can be presented at this annual exhibition. Website: https://www.ruh.ac.lk/index.php/en/textnews/532-ruhuna-invention-innovation-exhibition 35 | P a g e

Career Guidance Unit 36 | P a g e

The Career Guidance Unit (CGU) plays a vital role in assisting undergraduate students in the development of essential skills and abilities necessary for navigating the complex world of work. The CGU focuses on facilitating self-assessment, information- seeking, and decision-making processes, equipping students with lifelong learning capacities. To provide comprehensive career and employability support, the CGU organizes various initiatives such as job fairs, interactive events, and training sessions. These activities aim to create inclusive and accessible opportunities for students to explore potential career paths, interact with employers, and enhance their employability skills. By engaging with the CGU's offerings, undergraduate students can gain valuable insights, guidance, and practical resources to make informed decisions about their future careers. The unit's commitment to empowering students and fostering their professional growth underscores its importance within the Faculty of Science. Visit the website https://cgu.ruh.ac.lk/ for more details Contact Ms Pubudu Mallawarachchi 37 | P a g e

Student Life  Sports & Gym The University boasts a spacious Gymnasium which is the third best in Sri Lanka with a seating capacity for 3000 spectators. Training facilities for many indoor sports activities are available for students after 12.00 pm. on weekdays. The University playground supports numerous outdoor sports activities. Overall, the University ensures that students have ample opportunities to engage in physical activities and sports, fostering a well-round and active campus life. 38 | P a g e

39 | P a g e Recreational

 Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Auditorium sTyhme bRoalboifnednradnuartihngTfargieonrdesMhiepmanodriathl eAcuudlittuorrailuhmeriintatgheebUetnwiveeernsitthyeotfwRouchouunnatr,igesif,tiesdthbeyltahregeGstoavuedrnitmoreinutmoifnInthdeiaStooutShreirLnaPnrkoavianscae as well as in any of the Universities in Sri Lanka.  Open Theatre The opentheatre in the University of Ruhuna is open for the students to show cast their aesthetic talents. This area is allocated for the students to engage in activities related to the cultural centreactivities including the “pedura” musical program  Faculty Day F(AaccuadlteymDica,yNisoann-aacnandueaml iecv,eanntdoArgcaandizemedicbySuthpepoFrOt)Sawndhitchhe focuses on enhancing the social lives and relationships among the staff students through a wide range of activities that leads to strengthening the social harmony within the university community. Faculty day event contains a number of sports, games, and other entertaining activities including the “pedura” musical program 40 | P a g e

The Medical Centre at the University of Ruhuna is dedicated to providing Medical Center the highest quality care to all students of the university. To receive medical attention, the students are required to register at the Medical Center prior to consulting the university doctor and getting treatments. Registration can be done by providing the students' records book or identification card to the medical center office. The medical center operates from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm on weekdays, offering treatment for both students and staff members. 41 | P a g e

Student Counseling & Mentoring The student counseling service of the University of Ruhuna provides services and programmes which promote the personal development and psychological well-being of students. It also helps to develop a conducive environment to maximize students` educational attainments. Students will have the opportunity to privately and confidentially discuss their various psychological, social, and financial issues or any other difficulty they face during their university education with the student counselors and obtain advice. Students will be directed to the professional psychological counselor of the University whenever needed. Contact: Deputy Senior Student Counsellor of the Faculty Dr. Manjula. De Silva (Department of Physics) 42 | P a g e

o Birders’ Club Clubs and Societies o Botanical Society o Chemical Society o Computer Science Students Community o Kala Hawula o Infocuor Photography Society o Physics Society o Mathematics and Statistics Society o Zoological Society o Buddhist Society o Innovation Clubs 43 | P a g e

Scholarships There are several financial assistance programmes available to support students in financing their education when their own family resources are inadequate. In addition to the Mahapola Higher Education scholarships and Student Bursaries, there are several other scholarship opportunities offered. . By offering a range of scholarship options, the university strives to ensure that deserving students have access to financial assistance, promoting equal opportunities and fostering academic success. Contact Details: Prof K.Masakoralla, Department of Botany 44 | P a g e

45 | P a g e Resent Success Stories

 Kalana Dasunpriya Graduate student, Pennsylvania State University, USA Motivated by an unwavering curiosity about the complexities of the natural world, I embarked on an enriching voyage as a Chemistry major at the University of Ruhuna. Guided by brilliant professors and immersed in a community of passionate scholars, I was able to explore the captivating intricacies of chemical phenomena. Equipped with a profound understanding of atomic structures, chemical reactions, and advanced spectroscopic techniques, I ventured beyond the boundaries of conventional knowledge. Today, as a graduate student at Pennsylvania State University - USA, I attribute my transformative journey to the unparalleled education and endless opportunities that propelled me toward groundbreaking advancements in the ever-evolving landscape of chemistry.  Hashan Rajapaksha, Software Engineer, Creative Software Guided by a deep passion for programming, I embarked on a transformative journey as a Computer Science major at the prestigious University of Ruhuna. Through rigorous education and unwavering support, I honed my skills and expanded my knowledge. Armed with a strong foundation, I seamlessly transitioned into a thriving career as a Software Engineer. Today, I credit my journey of growth to the exceptional education and opportunities that propelled my success in the dynamic world of technology.\" 46 | P a g e

 Heshan Malinda Graduate student in Engineering Physics, Aalto University, Finland With an interest in exploring physics from a very young age, I embarked on an enriching voyage as a Physics major at the University of Ruhuna. With immense guidance and teaching from the academic staff of the Department of Physics, I have successfully completed my first task as a Bachelor in this voyage to the exploration of Physics. In addition to the academic activities in the University, I was involved in a lot of extracurricular activities such as sports. I was a member of the University basketball team as well as the university Taekwondo team. Engaging insports provided me with invaluable experiences that have had a profound impact on my life. I learned about team work, planning, hardworking, importance of taking correct decision at the correct time and how it affects the winning or defeating of a team. I believethese experiences can positively influence one’s development as a researcher. For the performance I had in both academics and sports, I was nominated and awarded the Dean’s Award presentefor the best student of the year. And also, I was awarded the Sri Lanka Universitycolors which is awarded for the best sports personals from all the state Universities in Sri Lanka. Today, being selected to Aalto University in Finland as a Master’s student in Engineering Physics, I have been successful throughout the journey I have been through my life. My sole ambition is to explore the field of Physics and serve the world with to fullest ability. 47 | P a g e

 Ruvindu Marisha Perera PhD candidate, University of Arkansas My inner desire of contributing to alleviating the suffering of those diseased from birth was brought to life via being selected to pursue a Zoology major with a specialization in physiology and molecular biology at the University of Ruhuna. Guided academically by a plethora of lecturers, alongside opportunities (societies, workshops) geared towards the development of soft skills, and developed myself into a graduate student, possessing distinguished awards and the determination to accomplish a notable career in molecular biology. Starting off with human cleft lip and palate syndrome research as an undergraduate at UOR, today I am a Graduate Research Assistant and a Ph.D. student at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA, researching the application of electron beam technology for vaccine development against human foodborne pathogens. UOR has my undying gratitude for the exposure bestowed on me, and best wishes to create better graduates for the betterment of the world. 48 | P a g e