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.
