The Open University of Sri Lanka

Transcription

1 The Open University of Sri Lanka Faculty of Natural Sciences Department of Health Sciences Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc. Nursing) Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (B.MLS) Programmes Student Handbook 2015/2016

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3 CONTENT Message from the Dean 01 Message from the Head of the Department 02 General information 03 The University 03 The Faculty of Natural Sciences 03 The Department of Health Sciences 04 Vision 04 Mission 04 Undergraduate programmes offered by the Department of Health Sciences 05 Bachelor of Science in Nursing 05 Bachelor of Pharmacy 05 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences 05 The study system 06 Important dates for academic year 2015/ Registration & proceed with studies 09 Orientation session and common counselling 09 Registering for courses 09 Changes to registered courses 09 Exemptions 10 Evaluation 10 Eligibility 11 Repeat students 11 Re-sit students 11 Postponement of final examination 11 Overall Mark (M) and grade 12 Course fee 13 Course fee for B.Sc. Nursing Programme 13 Course fee for B.Pharm & B.MLS Programmes 13 Financial assistance & Bursaries 13 Programme descriptions 14 Bachelor of Science in Nursing 14 Objectives 14 Admission requirements 15 Study leave for nurses 16 Programme structure 16 Award of the degree 18 Continuing education & stand alone courses 18 Venues of face to face classes (Day Schools) 18 Bachelor of Pharmacy 19 Aims 19 Objectives 19 Admission requirements 20 Study leave for Pharmacists 20

4 Programme structure 21 Exemptions 22 Venues of face to face classes (Day Schools) 23 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences 24 Aims 24 Objectives 24 Admission requirements 25 Study leaves for Medical Laboratory Technologists 25 Programme structure 26 Exemptions 27 Venues of face to face classes (Day Schools) 28 Academic & academic support staff Department of Health Sciences 29 Appendix 31 Appendix 1 Frequently asked questions 31 Appendix 2 Guidelines to complete the application form 34 Appendix 3 Samples of completed Application forms 37 3.a B.Sc. Nursing Programme 37 3.b B.Pharm Programme 39 3.c B.MLS Programme 41 Your responsibilities as a Student of OUSL 43

5 MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN Dear students, On behalf of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, the Open University of Sri Lanka, I warmly welcome you as a prospective student. I thank you for your interest in our degree programmes namely Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences offered by the Department of Health Sciences. After 20 years of success in offering the B.Sc. Nursing Degree Programme, The Open University of Sri Lanka proudly launched the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (B. MLS) and the B.Pharmacy (B. Pharm) last year providing an avenue for career development for yet another group of health professionals in the country. This programme is offered through the distance learning method which may easily suit the professionals from outside Colombo to study at OUSL, through its network of regional centers spread across the country. Please read this brochure carefully and find out more about the three programmes. It gives you general information about the university, open distance learning mode and details of the programmes. Information provided in this will suffice to develop your future career depending on your aspirations. With the committed and highly motivated staff at the Department of Health Science, you have ample opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills and work towards a qualification and develop your career, whilst indulging in a passion for life-long learning. On behalf of the Faculty, I wish you the very best in your future endeavors. Prof. (Ms.) Sithy Iqbal Dean/Faculty of Natural Sciences deannsc@ou.ac.lk, ,

6 MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT Dear Students, You are warmly welcome to the Bachelor of Science (Nursing), Bachelor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Medical laboratory Sciences Degree programmes at the Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences of the Open University of Sri Lanka. The Department of Health Sciences of the Open University of Sri Lanka was the first and foremost department to support university education for Registered Nurses for the last 20 years. With the past experiences of the department, it has introduced two other degree programmes of Bachelor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences since It is a pleasure to inform you that this intake will extend the existing B. Sc Nursing Degree programme to 04 academic years by opening venue for school leavers who were unable to enter the conventional university system in science stream. The Department makes all the effort to ensure and maintain the quality of higher education in the field of Health Sciences in par with international standards of renowned universities. I immensely appreciate your interest to become an undergraduate of one of the above degree programmes and look forward for the development of yourself as well as respective professions in Sri Lanka. You may already be aware that the bachelor degree is the basic qualification to be a qualified Nurse, Pharmacist or Medical Laboratory Scientist in most of the countries all over the world. It is therefore high time to upgrade your professional status and enter into these noble professions. Entering this degree program you are opening the pathway to achieve that target. The program content and learning activities are intended to broaden students' knowledge and theoretical base within the context of the above disciplines and to provide opportunities for you to enhance skills such as critical thinking and research applications. Taking into consideration of your strenuous working schedules, who are already working in the relevant field the department is always looking forward to provide you with the necessary support and guidance. The flexible learning methodology of distance education may help you to continue your studies with less stress and to achieve the best possible grades at the end. The department does not wish that you will end up with only a Bachelor Degree, but also wish to see you a lifelong learner who will rise beyond the doctoral level contributing to the development of your professional status in Sri Lanka. On behalf of the Department of Health Sciences, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Yours Sincerely, Mr. B. Sunil S. De Silva, Head / Department of Health Sciences. Contact No bssil@ou.ac.lk 2

7 GENERAL INFORMATION The University The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) was established in It has the same legal and academic status as any other national university in Sri Lanka. OUSL is the only recognized university in Sri Lanka, where one can pursue higher education solely by distance education techniques in keeping with the philosophy of OPEN DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL). OUSL is an attractive choice of study, especially for those employed. It has a student population of over 32,000. The OUSL offer courses/programmes from the Foundation and Certificate level through Bachelors to Masters and PhD degrees. The structure of study programmes provides opportunities for those who complete one programme to progress up the ladder and further improve their educational qualifications. Education at OUSL is thus a life-long experience. The OUSL functions through a network of centers spread throughout the island. The Central Campus and the Colombo Regional Centre of the Open University are located in Nawala-Colombo and are easily accessible by road and railway. The academic departments of the University are grouped into four faculties: Natural Sciences, Engineering Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences and Education. The Department of Health Sciences functions under the Faculty of Natural Sciences. The Faculty of Natural Sciences The administrative and academic head of the Faculty is the Dean. The faculty presently consists of six departments of study. Each department is under a Head. Departments are collectively responsible for the smooth functioning of academic activities of the faculty and for the quality of its academic programmes. The Faculty Board of Natural Sciences regulates all the academic activities of the Faculty, under the direction of the Senate of the University. The Faculty of Natural Sciences offers programmes of study leading to Degrees, Diplomas or Certificates. It also offers Foundation courses, Continuing education courses and Standalone courses. This hand book specifically focuses on the Degree Programmes offered by the Department of Health Sciences. 3

8 THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCIENCES The Department of Health Sciences was established in the Open University of Sri Lanka in It is one of the pioneer Departments of the University that offers three degree programmes as B.Sc. Nursing, B.Pharm and B.MLS at present. Vision To be a premier health sciences institution, contributing to global health through exemplary education, leadership, collaboration and social responsiveness.. Mission To uphold health equity through promoting professional standards in the delivery of quality health care by producing highly educated, motivated, as well as clinically, professionally, and culturally competent graduates through innovative education, research and practice using approaches that integrate the core areas of health sciences. 4

9 UNDER GRADUATE PROGRAMMES OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCIENCES Bachelor of Science in Nursing This post RN Degree programme was commenced in July 1994 and is being offered to registered nurses at the request of the Ministry of Health. It is presented through the distance mode as many similar degrees offered in other countries such as Canada, USA, UK, Australia and India. This programme was initiated with academic assistance provided by the Athabasca University in Canada and funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) for a period of five years ( ). With the recent revision of the Rules and Regulations, the programme widens its capacity to offer the degree to students who had completed their A/Ls in Science and Mathematics streams with 03 passes. Meanwhile, it is continuing the provision of the degree to the Nursing professionals in the Sri Lankan Health care system both in public and private sector. Bachelor of Pharmacy Bachelor of Pharmacy programme was launched in This programme is offered to the pharmacists who are having the registration in the Sri Lanka Medical Council and work in both public and private sector. The programme is conducted through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode and leading to award the Degree of Bachelor of Pharmacy. It is a four year Degree programme. Each academic year comprises of two semesters. Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences This is the first Degree programme offered by a national university for Medical Laboratory Technologists who are having the registration in the Sri Lanka Medical Council. It is offered through Open and Distance Leaning mode. The programme is offered by the Department of Health Sciences as a Degree and consists of four academic years. 5

10 THE STUDY SYSTEM The system of the study adopted by the Open University of Sri Lanka is based on a multimedia delivery system with strong emphasis on distance mode education. (Incorporating self-study and independent learning) using printed materials and audio-visual aids. These are supported by discussions/day schools, workshops, tutor clinics and laboratory work. Continuous Assignments/Assessment Tests (CAT), Home Assignments (HA), Practical examinations and Final Examinations also form an integral part of the learning and evaluation system. Overall study system of the university has been designed for you to assume your own responsibility to initiate your self-directed learning experiences. Printed Materials The central element in the teaching system is a series of printed course materials, which provide students with the primary materials for independent learning. These printed study materials are designed to motivate and promote self study, active learning, critical thinking, upgrading knowledge and self assessment. Medium of Instruction The medium of instruction is English. The examinations are conducted in English medium and the students are required to answer only in English. Day Schools Day schools are the opportunities where you have face to face contacts with your teachers to discuss the problems you may encounter across your studies. Attendance to such face to face classes is very strongly recommended. Library Facilities The main library of the University is located in the central campus at Nawala. The University also operates libraries at all regional centers. Libraries provide reference and limited lending facilities to students (Level 3 and above). Students also have access to the internet from the Library. Assessments and Examinations Your progress will be assessed continuously by means Examinations of assignments, assessment tests and also at the end of the course by means of a final examination. The Faculty operates a two semester system for its courses. Final examinations of first/second semester courses are held at the end of each semester. Eligibility to sit for the final examination at the end of each course will be based on obtaining a specified minimum mark in continuous assessments. Students who do not obtain eligibility to sit for the final examination for any course will have to re-register for that particular course in a subsequent year and will then be considered as repeat students for that course. Such repeat students are required to pay the normal tuition fee again. Students who are eligible, but unsuccessful at the final examination will be considered as re-sit candidates. They are not required to get registered or obtain eligibility for the particular course again and are not required to pay tuition fees for the particular course. 6

11 Regional Services The University has a network of Regional/Study Centers distributed throughout Sri Lanka. The Regional centers in Colombo (CRC), Kandy (KRC), Jaffna (JRC), Batticaloa (BRC), Matara (MRC) Anuradhapura (ARC), Kurunegala and Badulla provide you with facilities for face to face teaching. Temporary residential facilities and library facilities are provided to students attending academic activities in Colombo, Kandy (Polgolla) and Matara Regional centers. 7

12 IMPORTANT DATES FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2015/2016 Activity B. Sc. Nursing Scheduled date Venue Selection Tests 14 th February 2015 at 9.30am am CRC, KRC, MRC, BRC, JRC, ARC, Orientation Registration Add/Drop Drop 6 th April st, 22 nd & 30 th April 2015 CRC, KRC, MRC, BRC, JRC, ARC, CRC, KRC, MRC, BRC, JRC, ARC, 1 st September 2015 CRC, KRC, MRC, BRC, JRC, ARC, 15 th September 2015 CRC, KRC, MRC, BRC, JRC, ARC, B. Pharm Scheduled date Venue 14 th February 2015 at 1.30pm 2.30pm CRC, KRC, MRC, BRC, JRC, ARC, 7 th April rd April st September th September 2015 Only at CRC Only at CRC Only at CRC Only at CRC B.MLS Scheduled date Venue 14 th February 2015 at 11.30am pm CRC, KRC, MRC, BRC, JRC, ARC, 7 th April th April st September th September 2015 Only at CRC Only at CRC Only at CRC Only at CRC 8

13 REGISTRATION & PROCEED WITH STUDIES Orientation Session and Common Counselling During the pre-registration orientation session, students will be oriented to the OUSL and the Open Distance Learning system. In addition, there will be a common counselling session for selecting course subjects according to the students requirements. It is therefore compulsory to attend the pre-registration orientation session by students themselves. Registering for Courses Selected students for registration will be informed individually, according to the given activity schedule and will be required to register themselves on a specified date. The first time when you register for a programme at the OUSL, you are referred to as a new registrant. When you register for courses in the subsequent years, you are called as reregistrant. In the registration, students are able to register for each course individually as their desire. Students who will be registered for the first time (new registrants) should register for minimum of 9 credits and maximum up to 36 credits. Students who are selected, but fail to get their registration during the given time period will not be able to register for the programme for the particular year. Therefore new registrants are strongly advised to register on the due date. Only the re-registering students can decide not to register for any courses in a given year. However, it is mandatory that the student should obtain studentship within 5 months from the end of the registration period. Beyond this, renewal of registration is permitted only with a financial penalty. It is also important to emphasize that, if a student does not renew the studentship for five consecutive years, registration to the programme will lapse. A student who has obtained studentship will be informed for registration for the subsequent academic year. He/she will also be able to sit the examinations for the courses he/she has obtained eligibility, if any, within past three years. Changes to Registered Courses Students registered for the all three programmes, who wish to change/ add/ drop courses after the registration will be permitted to do as follows: (i) Both new registrants and re-registrants will be allowed to change/ add/drop courses within the given dates. There will be no academic or financial penalty for such changes. Students who wish to drop or change their courses must return the relevant course materials to the book distribution centre before change/add/drop dates. 9

14 (ii) Students will be allowed, to drop courses on the scheduled date of drop without any academic penalty. In this case, the fees (first instalment) which were already paid will NOT be refunded or carried over to the next academic year. However, such students will NOT be considered as repeat students when they register for the said courses in a subsequent academic year. (iii) Students who give up courses by themselves, after the scheduled drop date will be considered as repeat students, when they register for the dropped courses in next academic year. At this point, the fees already paid for last time will not be refunded or carried over for the next academic year. Such students will also be liable for payment of full fees for the current year and will be required to pay the normal (subsidized) tuition fee when they re-register as repeat students for those courses in a subsequent year. Repeat students are not entitled to receive study materials, which they have already obtained in the previous year. They will also not be eligible for any grade higher than a mere pass (C) in the repeat year. (iv) Students are requested to direct any queries in relation to admission/ registration/ choice of courses to the Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences or Head, Department of Health Sciences or Staff, in person, by telephone, or by a letter. Exemptions The Senate may grant exemptions to a student, either from specified courses (Specific credit exemptions) or from the requirement of obtaining a given amount of Credits at given levels (General credit exemptions) towards the award. The total credits exemption which may be so granted shall not exceed Seventy Two (72) Credits. No exemption will be granted for any of the course units at Levels 5 and 6. Evaluation A student's progress is assessed continuously throughout the course by means of Home Assignments, No Book Tests (NBT), Journals and Presentations and also at the end of the course by means of a final examination or a scholarly paper. (Specific details of the scheme of continuous assessments and final examination for each course will be given to the students at the commencement of the academic year) 10

15 Eligibility The eligibility mark to sit for the final examination will be based on obtaining a specified minimum mark in Continuous Assessments (CA). The eligibility marks for the respective courses are as follows: Nursing, B.Pharm and B.MLS in Department of Health Sciences 50% Science Courses in the Faculty of Natural Sciences 40% Students are permitted to carry forward eligibility only for three consecutive years from the year they obtain eligibility for a course. Repeat Students Students who are unable to obtain eligibility to sit for the final examination for any particular course, will have to re-register for that course in a subsequent year and will then be considered as repeat students for that course. They will also not be eligible for a grade higher than a mere pass (C). Students are strongly advised not to register for too many courses, which they cannot cope with and thereby, run the risk of becoming repeat students in a subsequent year. Please note that students who drop courses after the drop date also will be considered as repeat students. Re-sit Students Students who are eligible, but unsuccessful in the final examination will be considered as re-sit students. They need not register and obtain eligibility for the particular course again. However, like repeat students, they will not be eligible for a grade higher than a mere pass (C). Re-sit students are not required to pay any course fee, but only the re-sit examination fee. Postponement of Final Examination Eligible students are given the opportunity, if they so wish, to postpone sitting the final examination to a subsequent occasion without being considered as RE-SIT students. But it is advisable to use postponement only in any unavoidable circumstances such as ill health. However, students are strongly advised not to postpone sitting for final examinations unnecessarily since students' performances are definitely affected adversely when they appear for the final examination long after they gaining eligibility at the end of the course. Students who postpone sitting the final examination are given the grade RX. Medical or other letters/certificates are NOT required for students who postpone examinations in this manner. 11

16 Students are permitted to carry forward eligibility up to three years from the year they obtain eligibility for a course and it is no longer valued afterward and then eligibility is considered as lapsed. Those who lapsed their eligibility are required to register as a new student in their course. Overall Mark (M) and Grade The OVERALL GRADE for all courses offered by the Department of Health Sciences will be determined as follows: The grade for each course will be determined by a combination of the continuous assessment mark "X" (CAM) and the final examination mark "Y" (FEM), in accordance with the following criteria. If Y > 50, then M = 0.5 X 0.5 Y If Y < 50, then M = Y Range of Marks Z% Grade Grade Point Value A A A B B B C C C D D E 0.00 Not eligible F 12

17 COURSE FEE As a general principle, fees are due on demand and must be paid promptly. The university reserves the right to revise fees and all other charges at any time without prior notice. All students must pay registration fees, facility fees and tuition fees. Course fee for one academic year of the programmes are as follows. Course fee for B.Sc. Nursing Programme 2015/2016 Registration Fee Rs Facility Fee Rs Library facility Fee Rs Tuition fees as per Credit Level 03/04 Rs Level 05/06 Rs Course fee for B.Pharm & B.MLS Programmes 2015/2016 Registration Fee Rs Facility Fee Rs Library facility Fee Rs Laboratory facility Fees Rs Refundable lab fee Rs Tuition fees as per Credit Level 03/04 Rs Level 05/06 Rs * Foreign students should be charged four (4) times tuition fees of local students. ** Those that fail in examinations and required for re- registration, need to pay for the course which they have repeated. Financial Assistance & Bursaries A limited number of bursaries as categorized below are available to students selected on the basis of academic merit and needs. Mahapola Bursaries Open University of Sri Lanka Bursaries As Health Science students are employees, not considered for awarding the Mahapola Bursaries. Merit for Open University Bursaries will be based on performance at all preceding examinations. 13

18 PROGRAMME DESCRIPTIONS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING Objectives The education of a professional nurse must contribute to the development of a graduate who will demonstrate a sense of commitment, social and personal responsibility, and sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs of others. As a nurse you have a major role in wellness and health promotion in every sector of the healthcare system. The diversity and complexity of professional nursing practice today, as well as projections of future trends, make it necessary for you to be prepared to think critically and creatively, and to have a solid education, not only in nursing practice, but also in the related sciences, in the social sciences and humanities. The person with a liberal education, who has had the opportunity to read and study in a variety of areas, will be best prepared to meet the challenges that lie ahead. Consequently, nursing education should include courses that will develop your ability to: 1. use concepts from the humanities and the behavioural sciences to understand one s self and others, the relationships between people, and the functioning of communities; 2. recognize social, political and economic factors and their relevance to social and professional problems; 3. use the available resources to play a leadership role in whatever sector you serve; 4. demonstrate fundamental concern, respect, understand and empathy in human relationships; 5. read and write English clearly and effectively so that you will have access to further knowledge that will enable you to share with the international nursing community; 6. use mathematical concepts, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data to understand the value of research in the search for solutions to problems; 7. articulate a personal philosophy that expresses the values and beliefs, which guide your personal and professional life; 8. understand and respect cultural traditions, and recognize similarities and differences among groups and the relationships between culture, behaviour, health, and healing. More particularly, we anticipate that the graduate of the Open University of Sri Lanka Bachelor of Science Nursing Programme will be able to: 1. use the nursing problem-solving process to promote, maintain and restore health, in co-operation with all clients; 2. synthesize knowledge from the physical and behavioural sciences, and from the liberal arts, and use this knowledge as a source for making nursing practice decisions; 3. use the research process as a basis for improving the quality of patient care, for implementing change in nursing practice, and for making nursing practice decisions; 4. demonstrate leadership and co-ordination abilities as a member of the interdisciplinary health team; 5. influence change as necessary in a variety of practice settings; 6. demonstrate skill in collecting and utilising epidemiological data for the improvement of provision of care to clients; 14

19 7. demonstrate an understanding of present and future factors affecting the health care delivery system; 8. use appropriate communication skills in the nurse client relationship, as well as with other members of the health team; 9. demonstrate, through direct advocacy, an understanding of the needs and rights of clients; 10. practice effective teaching skills to promote behavioural and attitudinal changes in clients and other members of the health team; 11. demonstrate an understanding of legislative, regulatory, ethical and professional nursing standards; demonstrate an appreciation of the need for continued learning Admission requirements Applicants should possess the following qualifications: Qualifications to enter in to Level 3 of the B.Sc. Nursing Degree Programme a) Obtained a minimum of three (03) Pass grades at the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination from among the subjects of Agriculture, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Combined Mathematics, Information & Communication Technology, Mathematics, Physics, Pure Mathematics and Zoology, or, b) Obtained a minimum of three (03) Pass grades from among the courses in Foundation in Science offered by the Open University of Sri Lanka, compatible to the subjects mentioned under section (a) above or, c) Obtained three (03) Passes in combination of a) and b) above. Qualifications to enter in to Level 5 of the B.Sc. Nursing Degree Programme Obtained a) or b) or c) above and in addition obtained; d) Diploma in Nursing offered by the Open University of Sri Lanka, or, e) General Certificate in Nursing or Diploma in Nursing offered by Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, or, f) Three year Diploma in Nursing offered by any other institution recognized by Ministry of Health or any other government regulatory body in Sri Lanka or any other country with minimum of two year working experience 15

20 Study leave for nurses Nurses who attached to the Ministry of Health and follow the B.Sc. Nursing Program are entitled to have 20 days study leave per academic year for attending day schools and for sitting final examinations. (Refer to the letter dated and circular No 4574 issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Health. Copies of this letter can be obtained from the Department of Health Sciences) Programme structure Level 3 - Continuing Education Courses Course code Course Title Credit Rating LSE3203 English for General Academic Purposes 6 NSE3119 Learning Management Skills 3 Regular courses Course Code Course Title Credit Rating Pre-requisites Level 3 NSU1101 Health Care Informatics 3 - NSU1102 Ethics, History &Trends in Nursing 3 - NSU1103 Health Communication 3 - NSU1104 Introduction to Psychology 3 - NSU1105 Sociology for Nursing 3 - NSU1206 Basic Anatomy & Physiology 6 - NSU1207 Medical Surgical Nursing I 6 - NSU1308 Fundamentals in Nursing I 9 - Pre-requisites to register for all courses at Level 4: EL/EX/CR for LSE3203 and NSE3119 Level 4 NSU2101 Microbiology & Parasitology 3 - NSU2102 Nutrition & Dietetics 3 - NSU2103 Pathology 3 NSU1206 (EL/EX) NSU2204 Medical & Surgical Nursing II 6 NSU1206 (EL/EX) NSU2205 Community Health Nursing 6 NSU1105 (EL/EX) NSU2206 Pharmacology for Nursing 6 - NSU2307 Fundamentals in Nursing II 9 NSU1308 (EL/EX) Pre-requisite to register for all courses at Level 5: EL/EX/CR for LSE

21 Level 5 Compulsory courses NSU3104 Concepts in Nursing 3 - NSU3105 Teaching & Learning for Health 3 NSU1104 (EL/EX) Professionals NSU3107 Introduction to Research 3 - NSU3109 Management & Professional 3 - Development NSU3110 Health Statistics 3 - Compulsory only for Level 3 entrants and OUSL Diploma holders NSU3211 Maternal, Neonatal Nursing and 6 NSU1206 (EL/EX) Gynecological Nursing NSU3212 Pediatric Nursing 6 - NSU3213 Psychiatry & Mental Health Nursing 6 - Compulsory only for Level 5 entrants other than OUSL Diplomates NSU3103 Psychology 3 LSE3203 (EL/EX/CR) NSU3108 Communication Skills in Nursing 3 Optional courses NSU3101 Anatomy & Physiology 3 - NSU3102 Sociology & Anthropology 3 - NSU3106 Nutrition 3 - NSU3114 Critical Care Nursing 3 - NSU3115 Pathophysiology 3 - NSU3116 Biochemistry 3 - NSU3117 Basic Laboratory Sciences 3 - NSU3218 Adult Nursing 6 - Pre-requisites to register for all courses at Level 6: C grades or EX for LSE3203 and a C grade for NSE3119 Level 6 NSU4104 Gerentological Nursing 3 - NSU4107 Palliative Care Nursing 3 - NSU4208 Trends & Issues in Nursing 6 - NSU4209 Management & Leadership in 6 NSU3109 (EL/EX) Nursing NSU4310 Research Project 9 NSU3107 (EL/EX) NSU4311 Primary Health Care 9 - EL: Eligibility; EX: Exemption; CR: Concurrent Registration 17

22 Award of the degree Award of the degree will be in accordance with the provisions of the Open University Regulation and Rule No Continuing education & stand alone courses The Department of Health Sciences offers five stand alone courses. Those are Sociology & Anthropology, Psychology, Nutrition, and Research in Nursing & Communication Skills in Nursing. Please see relevant section of the Prospectus of the Faculty of Natural Sciences for further details. Venues of face to face classes (Day Schools) English LSE Colombo, Kandy, Matara, Batticaloa, Jaffna & Anuradhapura Nursing Studies (All Courses) - Colombo Nursing Studies (Limited number of L5 & L6 courses) - Kandy, Matara, Batticaloa, Jaffna & Anuradhapura 18

23 BACHELOR OF PHARMACY Aims 1. To provide career and employment opportunities associated with pharmaceutical services and to have baseline interaction with other members of the healthcare team to have more meaningful role as a pharmacist. 2. To provide an opportunity to develop further knowledge and skills in pharmaceutical services for those already employed as pharmacists in healthcare sectors. 3. To provide scientific knowledge and practical skills necessary for the competent and successful practice in community pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, industrial pharmacy and relevant research and academic field. Objectives As Pharmacy students are expected to be competent in, Direction and administration of the pharmaceutical services. Drug regulation, control and procurement. Formulation and quality control of pharmaceutical products. Inspection and assessment of drug manufacturing facilities. Assurance of product quality throughout the distribution chain. Provision of drug information. Engage in teaching and research. Participation in national and institutional formulary committees. Training of other healthcare workers. Making decisions concerning quality control and quality assurance to assure accurate and precise results. Understanding the value and ethics of society and the profession. The B. Pharm Programme is for a period of 04 years and it is as follows; Level 3 - First Year Level 4 - Second Year Level 5 - Third year Level 6 - Fourth year The academic value of the courses for each of these years is 36 credits. 19

24 Admission requirements Applicants should possess the following qualifications: 1. Registration as a Pharmacist with the Sri Lanka Medical Council and 2. Two years of post-qualifying experience as a Registered Pharmacist and 3. Three passes at GCE A/L in Science stream (in any number of sittings) with a Credit pass in Chemistry or 4. Obtained a minimum of B - passes for Chemistry I & Chemistry II and passes in other 2 disciplines in Foundation Course in Science offered by the Open University of Sri Lanka or Diploma in Pharmacy offered by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo and 10 years working experience in pharmaceutical field. or 5. Combination of above 3 & 4 Study Leave for Pharmacists Pharmacists following the B.Pharm Programme are entitled to have 20 days study leave per academic year for attending day schools and for sitting final examinations. (Refer to the letter dated and circular No /2013 issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Health. Copies of this letter can be obtained from the Department of Health Sciences). 20

25 Programme structure Table 1- Courses in Bachelor of Pharmacy Programme Year1(L3) Course code Course Credits Total (hrs.) BPU1110 General Chemistry NSD1201 Human Anatomy and Physiology BPU1111 Pharmacognosy BPU1212 Pharmaceutics I BPU1213 Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry PCU1142 Biostatistics CSU1149 Computer Skills NSD1105 Health Communication BPU1114 Practical Training Total Year 2 (L4) Course code Course Credits Total (hrs.) BPU2120 Biochemistry BPU2221 Pathophysiology BPU2122 Pharmaceutics II BPU2223 Pharmaceutical Microbiology BPU2124 Pharmacology I BPU2125 Pharmaceutical Management BPU2126 Physical Pharmacy BPU2127 Forensic Pharmacy BPU2228 Practical Training Total Year 3 (L5) Course code Course Credits Total (hrs.) BPU3130 Pharmacoeconomics BPU3231 Pharmaceutical Analysis BPU3232 Pharmaceutics III BPU3233 Medicinal Chemistry I BPU3234 Pharmacology II BPU3135 Phytochemistry NSU3106 Nutrition BPU3136 Introduction to Health Research Total

26 Year 4 (L 6) Course code Course Credits Total (hrs.) BPU4140 Bio pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics BPU4141 Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering BPU4242 Pharmaceutics IV BPU4243 Medicinal Chemistry II BPU4144 Pharmacology III BPU4245 Clinical Pharmacy BPU4346 Research Project Total credits 3600 Continuing Education course LSE3203 * English for General Academic Purposes (EGAP) Note: * LSE 3203 is a 06 (Six) Credits course in English offered by the Language Studies Department. EL refers to eligibility, and CR refers to concurrent registration. Exemptions Table: Schedule of specific exemptions at Levels 3 and 4 Course Code Diploma in Pharmacy/Certificate of Proficiency in Pharmacy from Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka Diploma in Pharmacy from University of Colombo BPU1110 NSD1201 BPU1111 BPU1212 BPU PCU CSU BPU1114 BPU BPU2122 BPU BPU2125 BPU2127 BPU

27 Venues of face to face classes (Day Schools) English for General Academic Purposes (LSE 3203) Colombo, Kandy, Matara, Batticaloa, Jaffna & Anuradhapura B.Pharm Studies (All Courses) - Colombo 23

28 BACHELOR OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES PROGRAMME Aims 1. To provide career and employment opportunities associated with laboratory science and to have baseline interact with other members of the healthcare team to have more meaningful role as the clinical laboratory scientist. 2. To provide an opportunity to develop further knowledge and skills in testing technology in Medical Laboratory Science for those already employed as Medical Laboratory Technologists in healthcare sectors. Objectives As students of Medical laboratory Sciences they are expected to be competent in Developing and establishing procedures for collecting, processing and analyzing biological specimens for laboratory investigations. Performing analytical tests of body fluids and other biological materials. Integrating and relating data produced by various clinical laboratory departments and make decisions regarding discrepancies. Recognizing abnormal results and taking measures for confirmation and verification of such laboratory results. Making decisions concerning quality control and quality assurance to assure accurate and precise results. Preventative and corrective maintenance of clinical laboratory instrumentation. Applying the principles of management, supervision and laboratory safety. Understanding the value and ethics of society and the profession. In order to provide scientific knowledge and practical skills that is necessary for the competent and successful practice in Medical Laboratory Sciences, the Department of Health Sciences proposes a Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences (144 credits). In addition, the OUSL wishes to provide an opportunity of lateral entry for already qualified medical laboratory technologist at level four and proceed to level five and six and exit with a Bachelors Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences. The Bachelor of MLS Program is of four year duration as follows, Level 3 - First Year Level 4 - Second Year Level 5 - Third year Level 6 - Fourth year 24

29 The academic value of the courses for each of these years is 36 credits. In the first 2 years of the (otherwise 4 academic year) degree program at Level 3 and 4, 36 credits are exempted for MLTs who have completed the diploma program offered by the Ministry of Health. They are required to pursue 03 academic years of the program (with Level 06) to fulfil the Degree in Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (144 credits). Admission requirements Applicants should possess the following qualifications 1. Registration as a Registered Medical Laboratory Technologist with the Sri Lanka Medical Council and 2. Three years of post-qualifying experience as a Medical Laboratory Technologist and 3. Three passes at GCE A/L (in any number of sittings) with Chemistry as a subject or 4. Obtained a minimum of passes for Chemistry I & Chemistry II and passes in other 2 disciplines in Foundation Course in Science offered by the Open University of Sri Lanka or 5. Combination of above 3 & 4 or 6. Successful completion of the Advanced Certificate of Laboratory Technology (ACLT) offered by the Open University of Sri Lanka with at least a B - grade for PSC2322 Study leave for Medical Laboratory Technologists Medical Laboratory Technologists following the B.MLS Degree Program are entitled to have 20 days study leave per academic year for attending day schools and for sitting final examinations (Refer to the letter dated and circular No /2013 issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Health. Copies of this letter can be obtained from the Department of Health Sciences). 25

30 Programme structure Table 1-Courses in Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences Programme Course Code Course Title Credits Total (hrs) Year 1(Level 3) MLU1141 Health Statistics 3 75 MLU1142 Anatomy & Physiology 3 75 MLU1143 Basic Principles of Laboratory Instrumentation 3 75 Medical Terminology, Communication & 75 MLU1144 Ethics 3 Basic Chemistry for Medical Laboratory 75 MLU1145 Science 3 MLU1246 Principles of Laboratory Management MLU1247 General Microbiology MLU1148 Basic Hematology 3 75 MLU1249 Histological Techniques & Cytology Total Year 2 (Level 4) MLU2241 Parasitology & Entomology MLU2342 Clinical Biochemistry MLU2243 Clinical Hematology MLU2144 Blood Bank Serology & Blood Transfusion 3 75 MLU2345 Systematic & Clinical Microbiology MLU2146 Microbial Analysis of Food and Water 3 75 Total Year 3 (Level 5) MLU3141 Application to Medical Statistics MLU3242 Cell Biology & Basic Biochemistry MLU3143 Applied Nutrition MLU3144 Immunology MLU3245 Advanced Clinical Hematology MLU3146 Research Methodology MLU3147 Diagnostic Parasitology & Entomology II MLU3248 Analytical Techniques MLU3149 Histopathology

31 Year4 (Level6) MLU4241 Advanced Clinical Biochemistry MLU4242 Transfusion & Transplantation Science MLU4143 Clinical Microbiology II MLU4144 Laboratory Administration & Quality Management MLU4245 Cytogenetics & Molecular Genetics MLU4146 Immunohistochemistry MLU4347 Research Project credits 900 Total 144credits 3600 Continuing Education course LSE3203 * English for General Academic Purposes (EGAP) Note: (a) * LSE 3203 is a 06 (Six) Credit course in English offered by the Language Studies Department. (b) EL refers to eligibility, and CR refers to concurrent registration. Exemptions Students, who have completed the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology offered by the Ministry of Health successfully, will be given exemptions at Level 3 and Level 4 courses as given in the table below. Year1(L3) Course code Course Credits Total (hrs.) MLU1143 Basic Principles of Physics and Laboratory 3 75 Instrumentation MLU1145 Basic Chemistry for Medical Laboratory 3 75 Science MLU1246 Principles of Laboratory Management Cell MLU1247 General Microbiology MLU1148 Basic Hematology 3 75 MLU1249 Histological Techniques & Cytology Credits

32 Year2(L4) Course code Course Credits Total (hrs.) MLU2243 Clinical Hematology MLU2144 Blood Bank Serology & Blood Transfusion credits Credits 900 Venues of face to face classes (Day Schools) English for General Academic Purposes (LSE 3203) Colombo, Kandy, Matara, Batticaloa, Jaffna & Anuradhapura MLS Studies (All Courses) - Colombo 28

33 ACADEMIC & ACADEMIC SUPPORT STAFF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCIENCES Mr. B. Sunil S. De Silva Head/Senior lecturer Ms. A.V. Pramuditha Madhavi Senior lecturer Ms. P.W.G.D.P. Samarasekara Lecturer Ms.W. N. Priyanthi Lecturer (Probationary) B.Sc. Nursing (OUSL), MN (RES) (Melbourne), R.N., P B. Dip B.Sc. Nursing (OUSL), MN (Toronto), R.N., R.M., P B. Dip B.Sc. Nursing (OUSL), PGDDE (OUSL), R.N., R.M. P B. Dip B. Sc. Nursing (OUSL), R.N., R.M. (On Leave) Ms. K.A. Sriyani Lecturer(Probationary) B.Sc. Nursing (OUSL), R.N., R.M., P B. Dip (On Leave) Ms. P. Munidasa Lecturer(Probationary) B.Sc. Nursing (OUSL), R.N., R.M., P B. Dip (On Leave) Ms.R.B.Janani Buddhika Lecturer(Probationary) B. Pharm (USJP) Ms. G.G.W.Chamali Wijesekara Lecturer (Probationary) B. Sc. Nursing (USJP), R.N Mr. Harith Eranga Yapa Lecturer(Probationary) Ms. B.M.C. Randika Wimalasiri Lecturer(Probationary) Ms. I.M. Senarath (MRC) Lecturer- on contract Ms.D.S.Dissanayake (ARC) Lecturer- on contract B. Sc. Nursing (USJP) B Sc. MLS (Peradeniya) B. Sc. Nursing (USJP) B.Sc. Nursing (Peradeniya) Ms. N.K.S.M. Nissanka Lecturer - Temporary Ms. K. Saranguhewa Consultant Ms. D. Ubeywarna Consultant Ms K. Aloysious (BRC) Consultant B.Sc. Nursing (OUSL), R.N, P. B. Dip B.Sc. Nursing (OUSL), H.V.,H.E. (New Delhi), R.N., R.M., P.B. Dip B.Sc. Nursing (OUSL), R.N., R.M., P B. Dip B.Sc. Nursing (OUSL), R.N. R.M, P B. Dip 29

34 Ms. N.K.R.D. Wickramasinghe Consultant B.Sc. (Kelaniya), M.Sc. (Colombo) Ms. M. I. Nirmalie Consultant Graduate Chemist (Institute of Chemistry, Ceylon), A.M.I. Chem, M.Sc.(Peradeniya), Dip. Pharm (Colombo.) Mr. N.S.K.M.Liyanage Applied Psychologist Consultant B.Sc. (OUSL), M.Sc.(Applied Psychology,Colombo), M.Phil/PhD.(Rea., Col.), Dip.OT.(SL), SROT(UK) Ms. E.A.R. Dhammika Kumari Consultant B.Sc. Nursing (OUSL), RN, RM, P.B. Dip Mr. N. Vilvanathan Consultant Ms. I.P.T.M. Nandasiri Consultant(Administrative) Ms. N. Isurudisi Demonstrator Ms.A.M.P.D.Abeykoon Project assistant B.Sc. Nursing (OUSL), RN, P.B. Dip BB. Mgt(Mkt)(Kelaniya), DBF(IBbL) B. Sc. Nursing (USJP) B. Sc. Nursing (Peradeniya) Ms.E.A.R.T.De Alwis Project assistant Ms. S. A. C. S. Mendis Project assistant Ms.R.P.P.J.Rajapakshe Project assistant Ms.K.S.D.Premarathne Project assistant B. Sc. (OUSL) B. Sc. (OUSL) B. Sc. (OUSL) B. Sc. (Kelaniya) Ms.D.M.S.N.Suriyabandara Project assistant B. Sc. (OUSL) Mr. K.L.S. Dilhan Technical Officer Ms. D.W.S. Damayanthi Computer Application Assistant B.A. (USJP) Mr. M.D.D. Kumarasiri Laboratory Assistant Mr. Tharaka Office Assistant Ms. Nadeeshani Kumburegedara Office Assistant 30

35 APPENDIX Appendix - 1 Frequently Asked Questions Your entry to the Open University provides you with the opportunity to experience a new and exciting way of learning, and naturally you may have many questions. We have put down some of the frequently asked questions from the past students and our answers and hope that you find them useful in making decisions. 1. What is distance mode learning? Distance mode learning is a method where you are able to pursue your learning while at home or at work in your own time and at your own pace. Within the distance mode, the numbers of face-to-face teaching sessions are minimal. We do not usually have lectures as in conventional universities. Lectures are replaced by study material, in the form of written texts & audio/visual aids. In addition, we have day schools (for discussions), tutor clinics (for clarifications) and assignments to facilitate your process of learning. Although attendance for day schools are not compulsory, you are strongly advised to attend them, as this gives you the opportunity to interact with your facilitator and colleagues and discuss any problem areas that you may be having. In addition to the day schools, if you wish to meet your facilitator/s of learning, you must make an appointment in advance. This enables your facilitator to prepare and set aside time to spend with you to discuss any problems or queries that you may be having in relation to the course or otherwise. 2. Can I study while being employed? Yes, our university has been established primarily to cater to adults and the employed. You are entitled 20 days study leaves per academic year Please refer to: - the circular dated (Cir.No. 4574) issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Health. (for B. Sc. Nursing) - the circular dated (Cir.No /2013) issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Health. (for B.Pharm & B.MLS) Therefore, it is your responsibility to economically manage your study leave for your academic activities. 3 Will I therefore be an EXTERNAL student? No. All Open University students are internal students because we provide the study material, tutorial support and other academic assistance to all our students. Our students use the distance learning method, but they are not external students. 31

36 4 How long will the degree Programme take? This will depend on the number of courses you register for a given academic year.you are permitted to register for maximum weight of 36 credits for academic year and you are free to decide your work load within this maximum credit weight. But, we strongly advise you to take less than the maximum permitted "36 credits" as the workload is quite heavy. However, you should complete the required number of credits for the award of the degree within 10 academic years from your initial registration to the degree programme. And when you obtain eligibility for subjects, within 3 years you have to finish final exams for these subjects. 5. What is a credit? A "credit" is the academic value of an Open University course. 6. Why do you advise me to register for less than the maximum credit during my first year? Will that not delay my graduation? Being a student in the Open University you may encounter with new learning experiences with open and distance learning that you would not familiar with before hand. This is a new and different learning experience where you assume the major responsibility of your own learning and therefore you may struggle to cope with. Hence taking lesser number of credits for the first time may be a help for you to cope with your work load while adjusting to the new system. Therefore, you are advised to register for lesser number of credits for the first time. It may be an advantage for you to achieve a good result at the final grading even within a relatively longer time period, rather than going for poor results within shortest time period. 7. If I registered for a lesser number of courses in the first year can I register for more number of courses in the second year? Yes. Once you have got used to the distance mode learning system and if you feel confident and capable of handling more, then you will be able to register for more credits in your second and subsequent years within the maximum permitted. 8. Can I have advice to plan my program of study? Yes, before registration, a common orientation session will be held at the Department of Health Sciences to make you aware of the programmes.therefore, your participation in this session is essential. Other than that, if you are having any personal problems in selecting courses, you can meet your lecturers in the department and get their advice as necessary. 9. Do I have to come myself for registration? Yes, it is essential that you come yourself for the registration, since there will be many personal decisions that made by yourself. However, in extreme and unavoidable circumstances you may send all the relevant documents (including the original certificates 32