Diploma in Science in Laboratory Technology (DSLT)

Laboratory technology is a multidisciplinary programme that deals with acquiring knowledge and skills in the laboratory work related to disciplines such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Engineering. According to the scope of the laboratory, technical staff in the laboratory need the knowledge in organizing and managing the laboratory equipment and services, purchasing the chemicals and equipment depending on the requirement, maintaining them and also keeping records in a database. Therefore, well-trained and competent technical staff are required to run different types of laboratories and manage information systems.

The Open University of Sri Lanka initiated offering the Advanced Certificate in Laboratory Technology (ACLT) programme in 1999. The course material adopted and modified by commonwealth countries at a workshop held at the Indira Gandhi National Open University in 1996 is used for most of the courses of ACLT. The focus of the ACLT programme was to produce a person with knowledge and skills in laboratory management with practical experience. It included knowledge on basic theories and concepts related to laboratory work in Chemistry, Physics, Management, Computer, Biology and Mechanical engineering which would help them to make decisions in their workplace. Therefore, it shows that the purpose, characteristics, entry qualifications, credit requirements and level descriptors meet the requirements of a Diploma programme at SLQF Level 3.

In 2016, the Senate has recommended to upgrade the Advanced Certificate in Laboratory Technology programme to a Diploma programme because it fulfils the requirements of a Diploma at SLQF Level 3. The Diploma Science in Laboratory Technology Programme (earlier it was Diplom in Laboratory Technology from 2017/2018) was offered for the first time in the academic year 2022/2023 by the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Guide Book

General

This Diploma programme has been structured for persons who have professional qualifications in Laboratory Technology and for any other candidates who aspire to enter into the Laboratory Technology field;

to obtain necessary practical knowledge with related theoretical knowledge on Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Computer, and Laboratory Management and to develop initial arguments with basic theories and concepts related.
to obtain training on information systems and to use them for the purpose of storing and interpreting data and also for communication.
to develop personal responsibility and leadership in managerial and administration skills necessary to establish, improve and maintain laboratories while adapting to changing environments with new developments.
to develop research skills and to have competencies that help to deal with predetermined responsibilities.
To have positive attitudes to give the best possible service with limited resources and to undertake further training on new laboratory skills.

Admission

A person seeking admission to the Programme of Study leading to the award of the Diploma in Laboratory Technology shall be required to have.

A minimum of three (03) Pass grades at the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) Examination, Sri Lanka in three (03) science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Mathematics, Information & Communication Technology, Science for Technology, Engineering for Technology, Biosystem for Technology, Agricultural Science, Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, Botany and Zoology) OR,
Minimum of Pass grades in three (03) subjects from among the courses in Advanced Certificate in Science offered by the Open University of Sri Lanka, OR
Minimum of three (03) Pass grades in combination of above, OR
Successfully Completed the Certificate in Laboratory Technology Programme (CLT)or Advanced Certificate in Laboratory Technology Programme (ACLT) offered by The Open University of Sri Lanka, OR
Five years of accredited working experience in the field of Laboratory Technology, and the completion of 30 credits in the Advanced Certificate / Foundation in Science offered by the Open University of Sri Lanka, OR
An equivalent or higher qualification acceptable to the Senate.