BMS School of Science offers full biomedical degree in Sri Lanka

Thursday, 20 November 2014 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Waruni Paranagamage The BMS School of Science is set to be opened on Friday, giving students the opportunity to complete their final year in biomedical degrees in Sri Lanka. While it has been traditionally offering business degrees, this is the first time BMS entered the science stream in Sri Lanka, by offering the Higher National Diploma in Biomedical Science in collaboration with Edexcel and Northumbria University. Previously students who were successful in this diploma had to travel to the UK in order to complete their BSc (Hons) degree in biomedical science at Northumbria.

From left: BMS Director Nizam Razzaq, BMS President W. A. Wijewardena and BMS School of Science Director Prof. Ravindra Fernando – Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe Strengthening BMS’ attempt to develop the profession of biomedical scientists in Sri Lanka from next year, students can now complete their final year studies here without going to the UK. Outlining how it obtained approval from Northumbria University to complete the degree here, BMS President W.A Wijewardena said that based on the success of BMS in assuring the necessary quality standards in offering the diploma program, the Northumbria was pleased to offer the final year in Sri Lanka via BMS at its new School of Science. The Northumbria University and BMS partnership has so far produced over 1,200 graduates in business and management. The new development, which provides an opportunity in the same field to science stream students who are not qualified to enter State universities, can now earn membership of the UK-based Institute of Biomedical Science. Wijewardena said the school had been so far passed graduates in various business areas and they could easily enter the employment market as well. He noted that the new biomedical degree would offer an opportunity for talented students to become biomedical scientists in Sri Lanka in line with international learning standards. BMS offers biomedical degrees in various areas, including food science, pharmaceutical and biological. BMS School of Science Director Prof. Ravindra Fernando said that the students who had passed science and chemistry subjects at the A/L s could explore their skills by entering the biomedical degree. “The A/L exam is not the best place to select the best students, but here they can get world recognition as biomedical scientists.” Several faculty members of BMS have completed research studies and had research publications to their credit apart from regular attendance at international conferences in business and science. BMS expressed pride in embarking on research to contribute to the community and the world at large. Based on its success in offering the HND in Biomedical Science for nine consecutive batches, BMS has now entered another rare field of study in the science stream, namely the HND in Biotechnology. The first batch of students was admitted in 2014 and these students too have the facility to travel to the UK and complete an Honours Degree in Biotechnology at the Northumbria University, having joined the final year of its degree program in this subject. In line with the Government’s objective of developing a vibrant pharmaceutical industry in Sri Lanka, BMS has been proactive in training and developing in-demand biomedical scientists, thus meeting industry needs. The Business Management School or BMS is a leading higher educational institution that offers diploma, undergraduate and graduate level program in management and science areas in affiliation with three reputed British universities, namely, the University of Leicester, Northumbria University and Edinburgh Napier University. The BMS graduation ceremony is scheduled to be held on 20 November at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall. At this Graduation Ceremony 2014, 125 Honours Graduands and 340 Diplomates will receive their respective academic credentials.