1. What are the academic departments in the Faculty of Applied Science?
- Department of Physical Science
- Department of Bio-Science
2. What are the degree programs offered by the Faculty of Applied Science?
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and Computing
- Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Science
3. a. What are the admission requirements for Applied Maths and Computing degree program?
Students are admitted annually to the programmes by the University Grants Commission from the GCE Advanced Level Physical Science stream.
3. b. What are the admission requirements for the Environmental Science degree program?
Students are admitted annually to the degree programme by the University Grant Commission with the following minimum requirements:
At least ‘S’ grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the GCE Advanced Level examination;
- Agricultural Science
- Higher Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Combined Mathematics
- Physics
3. c. What are the admission requirements for the Information Technology degree program?
Students are admitted annually to the programme by the University Grants Commission. Students from all the GCE Advanced Level streams are eligible to apply for this degree programme and should pass three subjects with at least two passes in any of the following subjects in the advanced level examination.
- Higher Mathematics
- Mathematics / Combined Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Accounting
- Business Statistics
- Economics
- Business Studies
- Biology
- Political Science
- Logic & Scientific Method
- Geography
- Civil Technology
- Mechanical Technology
- Electrical, Electronic and Information Technology
- Information and Communication Technology
In addition, the student should satisfy the following criteria:
- Have at least a Credit Pass (C) in English at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination.
- Have at least a Credit Pass (C) in Mathematics at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination.
- Pass the Aptitude Test as the University of Vavuniya decided to become eligible for this degree programme.
4. How do I get information about the programme structure and syllabus for subjects each year?
That information can be found in the student handbook of the faculty. Students can download a copy of the Faculty Handbook from the faculty website using the following link:
Handbook of FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE—2019/2020
5. How can I find accommodation for my stay during my academic period?
The students who have registered for the degree programmes of the Faculty of Applied Sciences are eligible for hostel facilities provided by the university, except second-year students. You can contact the Student & Welfare Division via phone call or e-mail for further information. The details are given below:
Mr P. Krishnanathan
Assistant Registrar / Student & Welfare Division
Tel: 024 2228238
E-mail: welfare@vau.ac.lk
6. What financial aid is available in the faculty?
- Mahapola Scheme
- Bursary Scheme
- Vice-Chancellor welfare fund
- Late Mrs. Puvaneswary Memorial fund
7. Whom should I contact for Bursary/Mahapola Scholarships?
You can contact the Student & Welfare Division via phone call or e-mail for detailed information. The contact details are given below:
Mr P. Krishnanathan
Assistant Registrar / Student & Welfare Division
Tel: 024 2228238
E-mail: welfare@vau.ac.lk
8. Can I get the medical facilities when it is required?
The university health centre provides all the general medical facilities to all registered students. All university students and staff are entitled to get a free consultation and treatment at this centre. You can contact the health centre via phone call or e-mail for further information.
Dr.P.Sathiyalingam
University Medical Officer
E-mail: umo@vau.ac.lk Tel: 024 2224674
9. What kinds of facilities are available to improve my academic career in the Faculty?
- The University possesses a well-established library to support the teaching, learning and research in all disciplines with online access to e-books, scientific journals and other books in addition to the lending and reference section of the books and journals.
- All the course units offered by the Faculty of Applied Science are designed in such a way that accommodates the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) as a tool to facilitate the undergraduates to learn by means of a learner-centred approach. The VLE can be accessed through https://vle.fas.vau.ac.lk
- The Faculty has well-established Computer Laboratories with networking and Wi-Fi facilities for teaching and learning purposes. All the students have access to Internet facilities in the laboratories. Students can also access the eduroam internet connectivity inside the University premises.
- The Department of Bio-science has well-equipped laboratories for Environmental Chemistry and Environmental Biology related course modules.
- There are several discipline-specific laboratories (Manuscript writing, High-performance computing, Multimedia, Computer Vision, and Embedded System Laboratories) where the regular practice sessions are conducted for the students to improve their experimental skills. Advanced facilities and equipment are also available for research and development purposes.
- A separate language lab was established to improve the English language skills of the students.
- Field visits and industry visits are organized in connection with the curriculum to expose students to global knowledge and practices.
- A large sports ground located in a scenic environment and other indoor and outdoor sports facilities are available for the students.
- The students’ union of the faculty of Applied Science represents the entire undergraduate student community of the faculty. The students’ union organizes many events with the participation of all the students and the faculty administration. There are other student societies in the Faculty of Applied Science. These include ENSOC, ITCS, and IEEE Student Branch. Many events such as workshops and competitions are conducted through these student societies.
10. What are the additional services provided for the mental and physical improvement of the students?
- Student counsellors guide you in your transition from school to a university environment, assist in overcoming learning, financial, and emotional difficulties, and help to make your university life rewarding, pleasant, and memorable.
- Academic advisors are assigned to students at each level of the Faculty of Applied Science to guide them in academic planning.
- The Anti Ragging Committee consists of the Deputy Proctor, Senior Student Counsellor, Student Counsellors, Senior Lecturers, Warden, Marshal, and Sub-Warden of the University of Vavuniya. The Committee keeps a close eye on ragging and other related issues.
- Academic staff are well-trained in the mentoring process to improve and help students focus on their career goals and targets by providing necessary information and directions through a mentoring programme.
- Students are facilitated to strengthen their physical health and enhance their special skills in sports activities in connection with the Physical Education Unit. Students who possess prior achievements in sports activities will be given special attention to improving their skills and achievements further at the university level.
11. What are the facilities provided for differently-abled students?
The Faculty has a ramp facility in the laboratories to support the differently-abled students. In addition, lecture halls are equipped with left-handed armchairs. Further, Faculty is taking the initiative to construct washrooms and elevators for the differently-abled students
12. What are the Awards and Prizes available for the students?
- Dean’s List and Faculty Award
- Late Mrs. Puvaneswary Loganathan Memorial Gold Medal (Only for Environment Science Students)
- Prof. Alagaiah Thurairajah Gold Medal
- Prof. Kanthia Kunaratnam Gold Medal
- University Prize (Thambiah Mudhaliyar Chatram Trust)
13. What is the medium of degree programmes?
All the degree programmes are offered in the English medium. Teaching, Examinations and all other assessments are conducted in English.
14. Is it compulsory to attend the lectures?
Yes, students are required to attend the regular lecture sessions conducted by their respective departments each semester. To sit for the end semester exam, students must fulfil the minimum requirement of 80% attendance for the lectures in their respective courses.
15. How long do I have to complete a course?
Usually, it takes 3 years for a general degree and 4 years for honours degree courses.
16. What is meant by ‘Effective Date’ of my degree?
The effective date of a Degree shall be determined as the last day of the Final Semester Examination.
17. Will I get credits for Auxiliary courses?
Yes, but credits for the auxiliary course units are not taken for the computation of the GPA. However, all the auxiliary course units shall be evaluated and considered for the award of degrees.
18. Is it compulsory to pass the English Course?
Yes. You should obtain at least a C grade for Compulsory English in order to qualify for a Degree.
19. Do I need to have a 4.0 GPA to be able to receive the First Class?
You should obtain a GPA of 3.7 or higher to receive the First Class. You can refer to the Handbook for the other classes.
20. a. How can I be eligible to follow Computer Science Honours Degree Programmes?
The requirements for the selection for the Honours in Computer Science degree programme are as follows:
- Obtaining Grade ‘C-’ or above in all the core course units (60 credits) offered in level 1 and level 2,
- Obtaining Grade ‘C’ or above in the auxiliary course units English Language I and English Language II and Grade ‘D+’ or above in the auxiliary course units other than English Language I and English Language II offered in level 1 and level 2, and
Obtaining an Overall Grade Point Average (OGPA) of not less than 3.00 for the course units offered in level 1 and level 2.
20. b. How can I eligible to follow Information Technology Honours Degree Programmes?
The requirements for the selection to the Honours in Information Technology degree programme are as follows:
- Obtaining Grade ‘C-’ or above in all the core course units offered in levels 1, 2 and 3,
- Obtaining Grade ‘C’ or above in the auxiliary course units English Language I and English Language II and Grade ‘D+’ or above in the auxiliary course units other than English Language I and English Language II offered in levels 1, 2 and 3, and
- Obtaining an Overall Grade Point Average (OGPA) of not less than 3.00 for the course units offered in levels 1, 2 and 3.
21. What do I do if I would like to drop or withdraw or opt from the course?
The student, who wishes to leave the degree program after completing level 1 or level 2, is advised to make a request to the faculty board the diploma or higher diploma will be awarded after the recommendation of the Faculty Board of Applied Science and the approval of the Senate.
During the fourth year of study, a student following an honours degree programme may opt for a three-year bachelor’s degree before the submission of the thesis of the research project with valid reason. The final acceptance to opt for the bachelor’s degree will be subjected to the recommendation of the Faculty Board of Applied Science and the approval of the Senate.
22. What is the procedure I should follow if I am unable to sit for an exam for medical reasons?
The students (staying in the hostel) who are unable to appear for an End-semester Examination of a course unit or a component of a course unit on the medical grounds during the examination period he/she should report to the University medical officer (UMO) and obtain a medical certificate from the UMO. If the student stays outside in Vavuniya and is unable to appear for an End-semester Examination of a course unit or a component of a course unit on the medical grounds during the examination period he/she should then he/she should obtain the government medical certificate and be certified by the UMO. If a student falls ill before the commencement of the examination, then he/she should obtain a medical certificate from the medical officer practising at his/her hometown and certified by UMO. In all the above circumstances, the Medical certificate recommended by the University medical officer should be submitted to the Deputy Registrar/Examination within 14 days of the conclusion of the examination. In these circumstances the candidate may be allowed as a proper candidate for the course unit or the component of the course unit when the examination held next based on the recommendation of the Faculty board and with the approval of the Senate.
23. What should I do if I miss practical or continuous assessments?
You should contact the lecturer in charge of the particular course before the final examination of that course unit.
24. Can I repeat an exam of a course unit? If so, how many times can I repeat the same course unit if I fail?
A student who obtained a grade of’C-’ or less for a core course unit may resit the end semester examination of that course unit or a component of that course unit in order to improve/pass his/her grade. The highest grade given to a repeat candidate is C. If a student obtained a lower grade while resitting a course unit or a component of a course unit, he/she is entitled to keep the previous grade. A student will not be allowed to resit a course unit or a component of a course unit more than two times. Thus, a student appears for a course unit or a component a maximum of three times. The maximum duration for completing the three-year bachelor’s degree programme shall be five academic years. The maximum duration for completing the Honours degree programme shall be six academic years.