MoU Signed between the University of Kelaniya and Dalian Ocean University &; Island Research
Center, Ministry of Natural Resources, People’s Republic of China.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the University of Kelaniya and Dalian Ocean University &; Island Research Center, Ministry of Natural Resources, People’s Republic of China. on the 23rd  of March 2023 online at 8.00 am in Sri Lanka time.

Course Code:  ZOOL 41612

Title:  Herpetology

Pre-requisite: ZOOL 12523

Co-requisite:  None

Status: Theory cum Practical.

Compulsory.

Learning outcomes:

After completion of the course unit, the student will be able to;

• describe the global distribution and diversity of herpetofauna,
• describe the general anatomy of amphibians and reptiles,
• explain the physiological processes of amphibians and reptiles,
• demonstrate competencies in identifying herpetofauna of Sri Lanka to the lowest possible taxon using field techniques in herpetology, and
• discuss the economic and ecological importance of herpetofauna.

Course content:

ntroduction to herpetology, Biogeography of herpetofauna, Systematics of amphibians and reptiles, Herpetofauna in Sri Lanka, General anatomy of amphibians and reptiles, Water balance and gas exchange, Thermoregulation, spacing movements and orientation, Communication and social behavior, Foraging ecology and diets, Defense and escape, Predators and parasites, Reproduction and life histories,  Threats, need for conservation and future of herpetofauna.

Laboratory sessions on systematics of amphibians and reptiles, field techniques in herpetological studies including marking and individual recognition techniques.

Method of teaching and learning:

A combination of lectures, laboratory and field practical sessions, computer based learning, self-studies, assignments and small group discussions.

Assessment:

In-course assessment and end of semester examination.

Recommended reading:

1. De Silva, P. H. D. H. (1980). Snakes of Sri Lanka. Department of Government Printing, Colombo.
2. Dutta, S.K. & K. Mamamendra-Arachichi (1996). The Amphibian Fauna of Sri Lanka. Wild life Heritage Trust of Sri Lanka, Colombo.
3. Pough, F.H., R. M. Andrews, J. E. Cadle, M. L. Crump, A. H. Savitzky & K. D. Wells (2004). Herpetology, 3^rdEdition, Pearson Prentic Hall.
4. Vitt, L.J. & J. P. Caldwell (2013). Herpetology; An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles. 4^th Elsevier

Course Code:  ZOOL 41622

Title:  Nematode Pest Management

Pre-requisite: ZOOL 12523

Co-requisite:  None

Status: Theory cum Practical.

Optional.

Learning outcomes:

After completion of the course unit, the student will be able to;

• identify plant parasitic nematodes as pests of agriculture and horticulture crops.
• describe the types of injury and the damage symptoms caused by plant parasitic nematodes with special reference to economically important crops in Sri Lanka,
• determine the threshold injury level and the crop loss due to nematode infestation,
• apply/recommend and suggest suitable management practices and preventive measures  against plant parasitic nematode infestations in a given crop,
• discuss quarantine regulations implemented in Sri Lanka against plant parasitic nematodes,
• demonstrate practical skills in morphological identification of plant parasitic nematodes and,
• quantify plant parasitic nematode population in a given field using the most suitable sampling technique.

Course content:

Introduction to nematodes and general characteristics of plant parasitic nematodes (2) nematode interactions with the host plant (1). Root-knot nematodes, lesion and burrowing nematodes, cyst nematodes (4). Ectoparasitic nematodes as plant virus vectors (1). Injury caused by plant parasitic nematodes to host plant and their symptoms (1). The economic threshold level of nematode infestation and calculation of crop loss (2). Nematode parasites of tea, rice, fruit and vegetable crops and other economically important crops in Sri Lanka and their management (5). Globally reported nematode parasites as regulated pests of Sri Lanka and quarantine practices adopted against them (1). Soil/plant sampling and extraction for accurate identification and population studies of parasitic nematodes (3).

Practical sessions on identification of root-knot, lesion, burrowing and cyst nematodes. Laboratory techniques and handling plant parasitic nematodes, preservation and slide mounting. Soil survey and extraction of nematodes; Visit to the National Plant Quarantine Services Centre (3 x 15 practical sessions)

Method of teaching and learning:

A combination of lectures, laboratory and field sessions, assignments, self-studies, computer assisted learning, and small group discussions.

Assessment:

In-course assessment and end of semester examination.

Recommended reading:

1. Laboratory Manual for nematology (2014). Department of Zoology, University of Kelaniya.
2. Luc, M., R. A. Sikora & J. Bridge (2004). Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Subtropical and Tropical Agriculture, CAB International, Wallingford, UK.
3. Nickle, W.R. (1991). Manual of Agricultural Nematology, Marcel Dekker Inc., New York.

Course Code:  ZOOL 41592

Title:  Zoology in Practice

Pre-requisite: All level 1, Level 2 & Level 3 ZOOL course units

Co-requisite:  None

Status: Practical.

Compulsory.

Learning outcomes:

After completion of the course unit, the student will be able to demonstrate;

• knowledge on the basic management procedures in a selected industry / institution related to Zoology,
• experience in practical applications of knowledge of Zoology in selected functioning area/s of the industry / institution, and
• generic skills needed to work effectively in a professional working environment

Course content:

The student will be placed in a selected industry/institution where practical applications of biological science knowledge preferably Zoology are applied, to undergo training to obtain experience at the professional working environment. It is intended that the student develops inter-personal and self-management skills to adapt to a professional working environment while gaining experience on selected functioning aspects of the industry/institute during the training period.

Method of teaching and learning:

Training under the supervision and guidance of competent personnel in an industry or institution related to Zoology.

 Assessment:

Evaluation of the progress report submitted by the trainer and the student’s technical report and oral presentation on student’s experience at the work place.

Recommended reading:

Reading and reference materials will be recommended/ provided by the relevant industry /institute where necessary.