1. Introduction
This program has been designed for those who are interested in pursuing higher studies in the field of Computer Science. The curriculum of this program is designed to provide students with a good grasp of core contents of Computer Science which any professional in the subject is expected to know, to foster logical and analytical thought, independent study, self motivation and communication skills, to make aware of research results and latest trends in the key areas of the subject, to provide opportunities to gain practical experience of computing, using modern hardware and software, in order to provide motivation for and deeper understanding of material taught in formal lectures, to produce graduates with sound knowledge in both theory and practice in Computer Science, including current emerging technologies and experimental learning, to prepare students to contribute to the computing profession upon graduation and to provide the necessary background required to read for a Ph.D. in Computer Science.
2. Target Group
- Those who need academic qualifications in Computer Science.
- Those who are planning to start a career or already employed in a computing environment.
- Those who teach Computer Science or ICT in schools or universities or other educational institutes.
3. Eligibility
- Bachelors degree from a recognized university or any other equivalent qualication in the field of Computer Science or ICT that would be acceptable to the Faculty of Applied Science and the senate of the university.
- All lectures, practical classes and examinations are conducted in English. Therefore, the candidates must fluent in English.
4. Selection Procedure
A written examination and an interview will be held to select the candidates when the number of applicants exceeds the maximum number that can be accommodated. Analytical skills, logical skills and ability of English will be tested in the written examination. During the interview, eligibility requirements, ability to follow the MSc program and the spoken ability of English will be assessed.
5. Student Intake
Maximum 45 students per batch. However, the program will be started only if at least 30 candidates are registered.
6. Correspondence
Student should provide her permanent address, telephone number and the email address at the time of registration. The main mode of correspondence will be via email and the department website. Students are advised to check their email and the department website regularly, especially every Friday by noon.
7. Teaching Panel
Academic staff of the department and IT professionals from reputed institutes.
Academic staff
Prof.. T. G. I. Fernando
B.Sc.(Math)(SJP, Sri Lanka), M.Sc.(Industrial Mathematics)(SJP, Sri Lanka), M.Sc.(Comp. Sci.)(AIT, Thailand), Ph.D.(Intelligent Systems)(Brunel, UK)
Department of Computer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Courses: Mathematics for Computing, Data Structures and Algorithms, Nature Inspired Algorithms
Prof. R.G.N. Meegama
B.Sc.(Comp. Sci.)(Colombo, Sri Lanka), M.Sc.(Comp. Sci.)(AIT, Thailand), Ph.D.(Comp. Sci.)(NTU, Singapore)
Senior Lecturer
Department of Computer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Course – Computer Networks, Mobile Computing, Digital Image Processing
Ms. G.S. Makalanda
B.Sc.(Math)(SJP, Sri Lanka), M.Sc.(Stat)(SJP, Sri Lanka), M.Sc.(Comp. Sci.)(UK)
Senior Lecturer
Department of Computer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Courses – Computer Programming, Computer Programming Laboratory, Computer Graphics and Animations, Web Programming
Mr. P. Dias
B.Sc.(Math)(SJP, Sri Lanka), Postgraduate Dip.(Stat.)(Colombo, Sri Lanka), M.Sc.(Stat)(Aus)
Senior Lecturer
Department of Statistics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Courses – Statistics for Computing
Dr. E.A.T.A. Edirisuriya
B.Sc.(Math)(SJP, Sri Lanka), Postgraduate Dip.(Stat)(Colombo, Sri Lanka), M.Sc.(Comp. Sci.)(China), Ph.D.(Comp. Sci.)(Sweeden)
Head/Senior Lecturer
Department of Computer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Courses – Computer Programming, Computer Programming Laboratory, Database Management Systems, E-commerce
Mr. D.D.A. Gamini
B.Sc.(Math)(SJP, Sri Lanka), M.Sc.(Comp. Sci.)(AIT, Thailand)
Senior Lecturer
Department of Computer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Courses: Computer Architecture, Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Prasad Jayaweera
B.Sc.(Comp. Sci.)(Colombo, Sri Lanka), Ph.D.(Comp. Sci.)(Sweeden)
Senior Lecturer
Department of Computer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Courses: Object Oriented Analysis and Design, Academic Writing
Dr. Lochandaka Ranatunga
B.Sc. Sp(Hons), M.Sc., PGDip in DEd. (IGNOU), PhD (Malaya), MIPSL, MCSSL
Senior Lecturer/Head
Department of IT, Faculty of IT, University of Moratuwa, Katubedda, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Courses – Multimedia Technology
Dr. Sidath Liyanage
B.Sc. (Sp)(Kelaniya, Sri Lanka), M.Phil. (Peradeniya, Sri Lanka), Ph.D. (NUS, Singapore)
Senior Lecturer
Department of Statistics and Computer Science, University of Kelaniya
Courses: Software Engineering
Dr. K. G. H. D. Weerasinghe
B.Sc. (Special) (Kelaniya, Sri Lanka), M.Sc. (Oakland, USA), PhD (Oakland, USA)
Senior Lecturer
Department of Statistics and Computer Science, University of Kelaniya
Courses: Computer Security
Non-academic staff
Ms. Tharaka Chandrarathne
Secretarial Assistant
Mr. G.R.D.B. Perera
Labourer
8. Medium of Instructions
Medium of instructions shall be English.
9. Program Structure
The duration of the MSc program in Computer Science is approximately two years. The program is divided into 4 semesters. Semester 1 consists of 3 foundation course units (non-credit) and 5 course units. Semester 2 consists of 9 course units. Semester 3 consists of 1 foundation course unit and 7 optional course units and a student needs to register for 5 course units from these optional course units. The total number of credits for these three semesters is 30 (one credit is equivalent to 15 hours of lectures and 3 hours of practical is equivalent to 1 hour of lecture). During semester 4, candidates who are eligible to do the thesis engage in at least 450 hours of independent research and submits a thesis.
Lectures and practical sessions are conducted on Saturdays (between 8.00 am to 5.30 pm) and Sundays (between 8.00 am to 12.15 pm). In addition, candidates must be able to spend a considerable amount of time for self-studies, homework and assignments, etc., throughout the program.
This program is primarily an MSc program. All candidates are recruited as MSc candidates and they are required to follow the course units offered in the first, second and third semesters. At the end of the third semester, those candidates who obtain a GP A (see 10-VII) not less than 3.0 and a ‘C’ or higher grade for each foundation course unit are eligible to do the MSc thesis. Those who satisfy the requirements mentioned in (10-X) are awarded the MSc degree in Computer Science. Those who satisfy the requirements mentioned in (10-XI) are awarded the postgraduate diploma in Computer Science.
10. Assessment process
I) Methods of continuous assessments
Students will be assessed during the program by written examinations, quizzes, assignments, viva voce examination, practical and tutorials as appropriate.
II) Eligibility requirement for an examination of a course unit
A student will be eligible to sit the end of semester examination of a course unit if she has maintained a minimum of 60% attendance at lectures/practical of the course unit. Any student who fails to fulfill the eligibility requirement for any course unit will be allowed to sit the examination of the course unit but the maximum grade she can earn for that course unit is restricted to ‘C’ (see the grading system defined in 10-VI).
III) Valid reasons for absence from an examination of a course unit
Excuse will be granted only for serious ill health or death of immediate family member or any other cause acceptable to the faculty board subsequently approved by the university senate. A candidate absent due to medical reasons shall submit a medical certificate from a registered medical officer within two weeks from the date of the examination. She may sit the examination with the next batch and is considered as a first time candidate. However, if the course unit is not available in the current MSc program, the candidate must sit the examination of an alternative course unit offered in the respective semester of the current academic year.
IV) Carrying forward continuous assessment marks
In case of a repeated candidate or an absentee of a course unit, marks obtained for the continuous evaluation of that course unit shall be carried forward for the next examination if the lecturer in charge of the course unit agreed.
V) Duration of a written/practical examination
Duration of an end of semester written/practical examination can vary depending on the requirements of each course unit.
VI) Grading system
The Grade point systems for course units and thesis/dissertation are given as in Table 1.
VII) Calculating the GPA of course units
The GPA of course units is calculated as follows:
where GPi and Ci are grade point and number of credits of the ith course unit respectively.
VIII) Completion of a course unit
A candidate needs a minimum of ‘C’ grade to pass the examination of a course unit. Those who do not meet the above criterion may repeat the final examination of the course unit and maximum grade in such an attempt will be limited to the grade ‘C+’.
IX) MSc thesis
At the end of the third semester, those candidates who obtain a GPA (see 10-VII) not less than 3.0 and a ‘C’ or higher grade for each foundation course unit are eligible to do a research project and submit an MSc thesis based on the research project. It is student’s responsibility to provide a suitable research topic before the beginning of fourth semester. Students should discuss with academics in any university or qualified personnel in the industry to choose a research topic and students are encouraged to select a topic from her work environment.
Research project will be evaluated on the basis of written MSc thesis and the oral presentation (viva-voce examination). The examination panel consists of supervisor(s) of the research project and two other examiners as recommended by the Board of Study in Physical Sciences and approved by the Senate of University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
X) Completion of the MSc program
To award the MSc degree, a candidate should obtain
(a) A GPA of not less than 3.0 for all credit course units at the end of the third semester of the program and
(b) A ‘B’ or higher grade for the MSc thesis and
(c) A ‘C’ or higher grade for each foundation course unit.
XI) Completion of the PGDip program
To award the postgraduate diploma, a candidate should obtain
(a) A GPA of not less than 2.0 for all credit course units at the end of the third semester of the program and
(b) A ‘C’ or higher grade for each foundation course unit except CSC 601 0.0.
XII) Postgraduate diploma or MSc but not both
Any student who fulfils the requirements given in 10-XI has the option of exiting at the postgraduate diploma level and obtaining the Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science. However, such student is not allowed to proceed for the Masters Program, i.e. No student can receive both Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science and the Masters Degree in Computer Science form the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
XIII) Merit pass
Those who obtain a GP A of not less than 3.5 in the MSc program and obtain a ‘B+’ or higher grade for her thesis and obtain a ‘C’ or higher grade for each foundation course unit will be awarded a merit pass.
XIV) Repeating a course unit
A candidate is allowed to repeat a course unit only two times. A separate repeat examination will not be held under any circumstance. The maximum grade that could be obtained for a repeated course unit is restricted to ‘C+’ (see the grading system defined in 10-VI). If a student obtains a lower grade at a repeat attempt than the grade received in an earlier attempt, the better will be used to compute the GP A. However, if the course unit is not available in the current MSc program, the candidate must sit the examination of an alternative course unit offered in the respective semester of the current MSc program and the maximum grade that could be obtained for this alternative course unit is also restricted to ‘C+’.
XV) Release of results of examinations
The result of each course unit will be reported to each candidate with the grade earned as indicated in the grade system in (10-VI). The examination results sheet signed by the course coordinator will be issued to each candidate after the release of results of each semester.
XVI) Effective dates of certificates
(a) PGDip in Computer Science
The last date of the final end of semester examination of semester 3 will be considered as the effective date of the PGDip.
(b) MSc in Computer Science
The date of viva voce examination of the MSc thesis will be considered as the effective date of the MSc.
XVII) Course structure
The following course units are offered for the MSc program in Computer Science (see Table 2). However, course units given in the list could be replaced by other suitable course units, without prior notice, depending on the availability of visiting lecturers and/or with the intention of improving the program.
11. Fees
I) Course fee for local candidates – Rs. 200,000/-
II) Course fee for foreign candidates
- SAARC countries – US$ 2500/-
- Non SAARC countries – US$ 3000/-
The payments can be made by credit cards also.
Note: Students are not allowed to attend lectures or sit examinations if the payments were not made on time. Those who haven’t paid will not be considered as postgraduate students of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
12 Important notes
I) The program will be started only if at least 30 candidates were registered, if the program is not started due to any reason, the payments (except for the application fee) will be refunded to those who were registered.
II) Students are not allowed to sit lectures or examinations if they have not paid the required fees on time. Those who have not paid in full will not be considered as postgraduate students of University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
III) Fees will not be returned after the commencement of the program.
IV) A candidate is only eligible to receive either the Postgraduate Diploma or the MSc Degree. One cannot receive both certificates.
V) Guest lectures will be organized to give the students the necessary exposure to the computing industry and to relate the theoretical knowledge gain in the program to industrial applications.
13. For Further Information
Mr. DDA Gamini
Coordinator – M.Sc. in Computer Science
Department of Computer Science,
University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
Office: (+94)-011-2758913, (+94)-011-2758911
Email: gamini@dscs.sjp.ac.lk