The Department of Biosystems Technology aimed at making graduates for productive professional careers in the industries related to Biosystems Technology at National and Global levels. It is intended to integrate biology and technology of production systems and train studets into three diciplines such as bio energy, drug discovery, and bio technology for sustainable production of bio-based products with minimal environmental impacts to guarantee a sustainable development of the country.

Degree programmes offered:

Department of Biosystems Technology offers the following degree.

• Bacholer of Biosystems Technology Honours degree: BBST(Hons)  BBST Curriculum

Aims and Objectives

Specific educational objectives of the Department of Biosystems Technology are as follows.

1. Develop the competence of students in methods of analysis involving use of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, biotechnology, microbiology, alternative energy generation systems and computing needed for the professional practice in the field of Biosystems Technology.   
2. Develop skills of students that are required to contribute to the design processes in Biosystems technology, including the ability to innovate, develop new systems and products while collaborating with the industry.
3. Inculcate the abilities of addressing issues of ethical considerations and safety in operations, environmental impact, and social and economic impact in professional practice.
4. Inculcate the ability to be a successful leader of multi-disciplinary teams that efficiently manage multiple activities in projects running concurrently that are applicable to Bio systems Technology.
5. Develop entrepreneurial abilities in order to promote venture creations in applied areas in Biosystems Technology.

Program Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this program student should be able to,

• Apply acquired science and technological knowledge and skills to create innovative solutions to pertinent real world problems.
• Create or improve equipment, processes, and systems for sustainable utilization bio-resources.
• Effectively perform as entrepreneurs, researches, technicians or communicators in numerous contexts applicable to Biosystems technology.
• Pursue lifelong personal and professional developments in the relevant field.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, professional and ethical practices among diverse disciplines in local and global context.

Curriculum

During the first two years students should follow the core course which is commen for all three specilization modules. At the third year of studyand onwards, students can selct one of the apecilization area accoring to their wish based on the results of the core course. During the 2nd semester of 3rd academic year, students will undergo a internship in a respective industry and 2nd semster of 4th year students are needed to do a research project. Students should earn minimum 120 crerdits to qualify for the Bachelor of Biosystems Technology which is equivalent to levels 6 of Sri Lanka Qualification framework (SLQF).

Students can specilize one of the following areas

• Bioenergy
• Biotechnology
• Drug Discovery

Academic Staff

Target Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Biosystems Technology Honours (BBST Hons) degree is a first of its kind, where a significant part of the program is developed towards production-based courses, related to biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, ecosystem protection, bio-machinery and alternative energy enterprises which are increasing in demand at national and international levels, so that the graduates will be moulded to fit into a wide range of industries and research institutes. 

Students are motivated and guided throughout the programme to develop entrepreneurial skills, where they could contemplate starting their own enterprises after successful completion of the degree. BST graduates can find rewarding careers in a variety of agricultural and environmental businesses.  They can focus on applying their knowledge of technology, agriculture and processing systems.  This ‘hands-on’ curriculum will enable the graduates to manage machines and equipment, biological processes, computers and other technologies to create new and improved products for the country, as well as products with export potential.  They have employment prospects at different executive and technical levels such as Production Managers, Process Controllers, Quality Controllers, Quality Assurance Officials, Product Development Officials related to plant-origin products (such as from tea, rubber, coconut, spices and tuber crops) and animal-origin products, Enterprise Resources Planners and Research & Development Officers.  These graduates will find employment opportunities in a range of industries including Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Bioenergy, Brewery, Cosmetic, Confectionary, Leather, Cloth, Dairy, Cereal, Fibre, Agricultural bioproducts etc.

There is a tremendous potential for outstanding graduates to join academia at national and international levels and pursue postgraduate studies, where they could expand their horizons of biosystems technology knowledge and experience.