MSc in Plant Cell and Tissue Culture – UoC

Plant cell/tissue culture (or ‘in Vitro culture) involves culturing of plant cells, tissues, protoplasts, etc. on special nutrient media in glass / plastic vessels under aseptic and controlled environmental conditions, and has broad applications globally, in research and commercial applications. It is an essential tool for plant regeneration and micropropagation, particularly in modern biotechnology, agriculture, horticulture, and related industry. Applications of this technology include the elimination of viruses from plant tissues to obtain virus-free plants, micropropagation, clonal propagation, induction of genetic variability, crop improvement through genetic engineering, production of haploids, production of secondary metabolites through cell cultures, etc. The Department of Plant Sciences has been conducting the Master of Science (MSc) in Plant Cell and Tissue Culture for more than two decades.

Objectives

• to enhance the capacity of participants to advance their knowledge and research skills, and other abilities for higher degrees and to provide a post-graduate qualification 
• to produce experts in the field of Plant Cell and Tissue Culture for specialized professional employment, technological capacity, or entrepreneurship 
• to enhance employment opportunities in the areas of biotechnology/ agrobiotechnology, horticulture, and related research and/or training institutes
• to generate skilled human resources, thereby assisting the development of the biotechnology industry in the country

For whom

• Graduates who are expecting to pursue M. Phil/Ph.D. studies in a related field. 
• Research officers/scientists, extension officers, and educators in public and private institutions who require advanced training in Plant Cell and Tissue Culture.
• Qualified entrepreneurs and enthusiasts with an interest in the field

Eligibility to apply

The applicant should have a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university*, with Botany/ Plant Sciences/ Plant Biotechnology/Biotechnology/ Agriculture as a subject 

or

Any other equivalent qualification is acceptable to the Senate of the University of Colombo. The candidates will be selected based on academic merits, and an interview.

* Links for information on UGC recognized Universities/Higher Educational Institutes:

• Universities and Higher Educational Institutions (http://www.ugc.ac.lk/en/universities-and-institutes/universities.html )
• University Grant Commission (UGC) recognized foreign Universities (http://www.ugc.ac.lk/en/universities-andinstitutes/recognized-foreign-universities.html )
• UGC recognized other Universities (http://www.ugc.ac.lk/en/universities-and-institutes/other-recognizeddegrees.html)

Tentative dates

• Application deadline: 31 January 2022
• Selections: December 2021
• Date of commencement: January 2022

More information: https://science.cmb.ac.lk/academic/postgraduate-programs/msc-pg-dip-programs/msc-in-plant-cell-and-tissue-culture/