TTA1 student - ISTQB-BCS Certified Tester Advanced Level- Technical Test Analyst Updated: 2024

The April 2009 BCS Professional Examinations in IT are currently ongoing at the BMICH, and ESOFT is proud of the fact that we fielded more than 720 candidates for this exam sitting alone. That's a staggering four out of five students. This number is especially important considering that there are Seven (Registered) Course Providers in the country, and the balance 20% of students are dividing among all of the other course providers.

There are a number of reasons for the overwhelming confidence that the students have shown in us. Among these are:

1. ESOFT is the one and only Course Provider in the World to be Accredited by the BCS in the UK for delivering all three levels of their Professional Qualification. No other institution can claim such a feat.

2. With roots going back to the year 2000, ESOFT is headed by a dynamic team of academics who are constantly on the lookout for great opportunities to be presented to our valuable students.

3. The Learning experience at ESOFT is unique as students receive specially prepared text books for most modules, and have access to our dedicated full time academic panel and other valuable resources.

4. We supplement our Academic Panel with external lecturers from the industry, thereby giving a fine balance of Academic Knowledge together with Practical Know-how.

5. Our students stole the show at the last convocation by walking away with ten out of eleven prizes including five World Prizes. This was the best ever performance by our students at a single convocation.

6. We offer the BCS programme at our Branches in Colombo, Kandy, Kurunegala, and Matara thereby providing better accessibility.

Parents and students would indeed be making a wise choice by selecting ESOFT as their learning partner for BCS.

BCS Certificate classes are started on a regular basis and, and students and professionals that have other certifications, qualifications, and / or experience can obtain exemptions and enter into the other levels of the BCS Professional Exams as well. BCS is proving to be the most popular foreign IT qualification in Sri Lanka and ESOFT is proud to be at the pinnacle of this.

New Certificate, Diploma, and PGD classes have been scheduled for commencement in the 1st week of May, and students have already started to register even whilst doing their exams for the previous levels. Taking into consideration the current economic situation that some have to face, we have understood our responsibilities and have decided to invoke our Corporate Social Responsibility. Therefore, upto the 3rd of May we are offering our students discounted course fees by as much as 20% for those that register for the upcoming Diploma and PGD Levels. Students that are joining for these levels as freshers (non-ESOFT students) will be given the same discounts and will also walk away with a complementary 8GB USB Flash Drive while stocks last.

BCS is a favoured choice of many students as well as professionals due to the following reasons:

1. BCS is the fastest path to obtain a UK Degree Level Qualification - namely, the three levels of the qualification can be completed within 18 to 20 months which is half of the time that you would invest in a Degree Programme.

2. BCS is the most economical option - the total investment including course fees, textbooks, examination fees is approximately Rs. 225,000

3. The BCS Qualification is modular and students can choose the order in which they complete it. Some students do either the Certificate and Diploma levels in one sitting or the Diploma and PGD levels in one sitting, thereby reducing the time to complete the entire programme.

4. There are two examination sittings per year - April and October. This considerably enhances your opportunity to complete the qualification at your earliest.

5. Classes at ESOFT are held in part time mode on the weekends either only on Saturday and only on Sunday, and also on weekdays in the evenings after 5.45 pm. Full time classes are also available for those that would like to receive additional value through our popular BCS Plus programme.

6. At any given time, we have ten or more batches of the BCS Certificate Level classes, and three or more batches for the Diploma and PGD levels, thereby increasing your chances of finding a class that matches your schedule. Students are given the flexibility of choosing their classes / subjects from different batches to suit their busy schedules.

7. We have established links with Institutions in the UK thereby allowing a student that completes the BCS Diploma level here with us to proceed to the UK to complete the final year of a B.Sc (Hons) Degree in Computing at an affordable fee. Students can then obtain a two year working visa with the potential of earning back many times their investment.

8. ESOFT has established a separate company (ESOFT Education International Pvt Ltd) to better facilitate the international placement options that are provided to our students and customers via universities in the UK and Australia. This will be of immense benefit to our students as they will be guided in selecting the best programmes from world recognized Universities, whilst helping them to save on their course fees. Several International Scholarship opportunities will also be available from the Universities themselves.

Apart from BCS, ESOFT offers many other courses as well. The second programme that we lead in is the Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) External Degree of the University of Colombo School of Computing where we offer uninterrupted classes from semesters one to six, with the largest student numbers.

We have already produced two First Class Degree Holders. Semester 1 and 3 exams were just concluded and semester 5 exams are just around the corner. Semester 2 and 4 classes have been scheduled for commencement, and students can learn from the best ever panel of lecturers that ESOFT has presented to them.

One of the reasons for the success of ESOFT students is the unmatched quality of the resources that we offer. ESOFT has a dedicated full-time academic panel including those with Degrees and Masters, as well as professional qualifications. Students also have unlimited access to our state of the art computer laboratory with more than 50 workstations as well as high speed Internet Connectivity and Library facilities.

Our students are gainfully employed by some of the largest players in the ICT industry due to their high knowledge and skills in par with the paper qualifications that they possess.

We pride ourselves in offering high quality course material delivery, whilst the respective professional or academic body conducts the examination. This helps to ensure that the standards are maintained and only those that are truly worthy will receive the recognition and accolades that are due to them.

More information about the courses that we offer can be obtained by calling our Student Counselors on 077 309 9 301 or by visiting our website at www.esoft.lk

Genetics Curriculum

In the spring of 1999 the UAB Center for Community OutReach Development (CORD) in partnership with the Birmingham City Schools (BCS) initiated the development of an innovative genetics curriculum for high school students. Scientists, science educators, veteran science teachers, and representatives from the Board of Education worked together to develop the curriculum. The objectives for students completing this course are:

Content - Explain the composition and organization of DNA and the flow of genetic information from gene to protein.

Technique/Process/Inquiry - Understand, appreciate, and be able to perform the techniques of molecular biology. Design experiments employing the techniques of molecular biology.

Real-life Application - Understand and evaluate current events in research and biotechnology. State and defend a personal position regarding ethical issues in biotechnology and research.

The lecture and studying material originate from the textbook Concepts of Genetics by Klug and Cummings. This text is targeted to both high-end high school and college genetics courses and covers both classical and molecular genetics. To help teachers adapt this book to the high school classroom pertinent material has been identified.

In addition to the lecture and laboratory elements of the course, three dynamic components are part of the curriculum.

A large group discussion provides a vehicle for instruction, yet the students are encouraged to formulate their own opinions on genetic issues facing society. Currently, the large group discussions focus on Huntington's Disease and issues pertaining to the disease such as genetic testing, genetic privacy and discrimination, and the differences between having the mutation for a genetic disease and manifesting symptoms of the disease. An article printed in the Utah news, Generations of tears, genetic disease stalks a Utah family, (September 1999) is provided to the students. The instructors are provided with the article, as well as background material and questions to facilitate the discussion.

To learn more about noteworthy Topics in genetics, small group presentations are another component of the curriculum. Examples of the Topics covered include sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, breast cancer, genetic testing, agricultural genetic engineering, and the Human Genome Project. These presentations promote research and presentation skills, in addition to fostering discussions about issues confronting society.

The third component of the curriculum is the Science Enrichment Lecture Series. The Topics for the lecture series augment the curriculum and create a forum in which researchers and clinicians present the latest research developments in a student friendly environment, the classroom. Two examples of past lectures are "Genetic strategies for correcting sickle cell disease and other blood disorders" presented by Dr. Tim Townes, Chair of UAB's Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and "Prenatal detection of genetic disorders" presented by Dr. Paula Cosper, Director of Prenatal Cytogenetics at UAB. The interaction between UAB faculty and BCS students is designed to inform the students about research, as well as expose them to the research process, and the career path necessary to become a researcher or clinician. While the laboratory exercises and lectures provide content material, the interactive components encourage the students to apply the content material and formulate opinions regarding the impact of genetics in their lives.

For teachers interested in teaching this course UAB CORD and BCS provide training through the summer Genetics and Microbiology Institutes.

Grant support comes from a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) from the National Institutes of Health

Please contact UAB-CORD via e-mail at ccord@uab.edu or via phone at 934-5171 for more information about the Genetics Curriculum.

Around 200 students in Sri Lanka have graduated after taking Higher Education Qualifications run by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT which is equivalent to a UK Honours degree. Of them, two candidates achieved some of the highest marks awarded globally, for the Certificate in IT and Professional Graduate Diploma in IT. The worldwide prize for the PromsG also went to a Sri Lankan student who achieved the highest mark in the world for the Project Management module.
At the Graduation Ceremony the Chief Guest, the Honourable Minister Dr Sarath Amunugama pointed out this year being the ICT Year it is important that BCS Graduates take up the challenge and lead as human assets who will compete with other countries and make a real contribution to the economy of Sri Lanka.

Alan Pollard, BCS President says: "It is always a pleasure to mark the graduation ceremony. Every year candidates here put in an enormous amount of effort and the result is a testament to their hard work and perseverance to Excellerate their employability in a global economy."

He adds "Our Higher Education qualifications are extremely well regarded by both candidates and employers alike. IT is a global profession and, as the Chartered Institute for IT, we believe it is the profession of the future."

Last month, the Institute revealed details of new initiatives designed to enhance its value to its members, the IT profession, the academic community and the general public. These include:

A strategy for international expansion which will see the Institute extending its global reach and offering its qualifications to new countries including the Asia Pacific region, Germany and Spain.

A new BCS web site with increased functionality for BCS members, academics and the general public.
Alongside these initiatives, the Institute also set out its new vision and strategy for the organisation, highlighting six critical IT issues which it believes face society. These are:

1. The digital divide
2. Information vulnerability
3. Poor information management
4. 'IT project' failures
5. IT skills shortages
6. Improved career paths for IT professionals

BCS qualification is recognized by more than 50 Universities in UK, while Moratuwa and Colombo Universities too are recognizing this qualification for postgraduate level.

As the leading professional body for IT and Communication, the BCS itself has over 70,000 members around the world and Sri Lanka has been identified as the largest international sections, which has over 4500 members.

Being the 10th graduation ceremony to celebrate the victory of being the top awardees on the list, BCS Sri Lankan regional office played the initiative of organizing a Graduation Ball which was held on the same evening at the Cinnamon Lakeside with competitions and entertainment to celebrate the 10th anniversary.

BCS is keenly looking forward for another memorable year as we step into our 11th year in graduating students. The British Computer Society Regional office would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone who was a part of our organization and its activities in succession of 10 years and special thanks goes out to those who have contributed to promote ICT to create future business decision makers.

BCS CIIT Graduation Ball - 2009

Genetics Curriculum

In the spring of 1999 the UAB Center for Community OutReach Development (CORD) in partnership with the Birmingham City Schools (BCS) initiated the development of an innovative genetics curriculum for high school students. Scientists, science educators, veteran science teachers, and representatives from the Board of Education worked together to develop the curriculum. The objectives for students completing this course are:

Content - Explain the composition and organization of DNA and the flow of genetic information from gene to protein.

Technique/Process/Inquiry - Understand, appreciate, and be able to perform the techniques of molecular biology. Design experiments employing the techniques of molecular biology.

Real-life Application - Understand and evaluate current events in research and biotechnology. State and defend a personal position regarding ethical issues in biotechnology and research.

The lecture and studying material originate from the textbook Concepts of Genetics by Klug and Cummings. This text is targeted to both high-end high school and college genetics courses and covers both classical and molecular genetics. To help teachers adapt this book to the high school classroom pertinent material has been identified.

In addition to the lecture and laboratory elements of the course, three dynamic components are part of the curriculum.

A large group discussion provides a vehicle for instruction, yet the students are encouraged to formulate their own opinions on genetic issues facing society. Currently, the large group discussions focus on Huntington's Disease and issues pertaining to the disease such as genetic testing, genetic privacy and discrimination, and the differences between having the mutation for a genetic disease and manifesting symptoms of the disease. An article printed in the Utah news, Generations of tears, genetic disease stalks a Utah family, (September 1999) is provided to the students. The instructors are provided with the article, as well as background material and questions to facilitate the discussion.

To learn more about noteworthy Topics in genetics, small group presentations are another component of the curriculum. Examples of the Topics covered include sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, breast cancer, genetic testing, agricultural genetic engineering, and the Human Genome Project. These presentations promote research and presentation skills, in addition to fostering discussions about issues confronting society.

The third component of the curriculum is the Science Enrichment Lecture Series. The Topics for the lecture series augment the curriculum and create a forum in which researchers and clinicians present the latest research developments in a student friendly environment, the classroom. Two examples of past lectures are "Genetic strategies for correcting sickle cell disease and other blood disorders" presented by Dr. Tim Townes, Chair of UAB's Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and "Prenatal detection of genetic disorders" presented by Dr. Paula Cosper, Director of Prenatal Cytogenetics at UAB. The interaction between UAB faculty and BCS students is designed to inform the students about research, as well as expose them to the research process, and the career path necessary to become a researcher or clinician. While the laboratory exercises and lectures provide content material, the interactive components encourage the students to apply the content material and formulate opinions regarding the impact of genetics in their lives.

For teachers interested in teaching this course UAB CORD and BCS provide training through the summer Genetics and Microbiology Institutes.

Grant support comes from a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) from the National Institutes of Health

Please contact UAB-CORD via e-mail at ccord@uab.edu or via phone at 934-5171 for more information about the Genetics Curriculum.

In the heart of the University's Gateway project, there will be a brand-new five-story structure designed to accommodate The College of Business. This building will incorporate adaptable outdoor areas and numerous entrances, promoting collaboration among students and faculty. It will provide modern learning spaces based on best practices in business education, including an auditorium, café, labs, study spaces and collaboration zones.

All visitors whose home institutions are not part of an exchange program may attend Concordia for one semester or one academic year by obtaining a letter of permission from their school.

International students currently studying at a University outside of Quebec in an Engineering or Computer Science Program and who would like to take courses at Concordia University must get prior approval from the Student Academic Services Office of the Gina Cody School  of Engineering and Computer Science.

To evaluate your request, please send us the following information:

1. Transcript from your school indicating clearly that you are in an Engineering or Computer Science program and in good academic standing
2. A letter from the Program Advisor at your home institution indicating the courses that you are approved to take
3. A complete Visiting Request Form
4. A copy of the first two pages of your passport
5. Scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or University of Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are to be sent directly by the examination board. Concordia University's institution code is 0956.The minimum acceptable score for IELTS is 7 and the minimum acceptable score for TOEFL is (577 for paper-based, 213 for computer based, and 90 for internet-based test)

Course Registration

When selecting your courses, please consult our class schedule to see the course offerings that are available by term and view our course descriptions.  

Please note that space in engineering courses is limited and priority for enrollment will be given to Concordia students. The Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science will not allow visiting students to register in any engineering courses without written permission from the student's home university.

Please note that the following courses are NOT open to visiting students:
BLDG 490, and CIVI 490;
COMP 490, COMP 492, COMP 495, and SOEN 490;
ELEC 430, ELEC 431, ELEC 432, ELEC 434, ELEC 435, ELEC 438, ELEC 490, and COEN 490;
ENCS 282;
ENGR 107, ENGR 108, ENGR 207, ENGR 208, ENGR 307, and ENGR 308;
INDU 490, MECH 490A, MECH 490B, and MECH 490C

Also note that undergraduate visiting students are not eligible to take graduate level courses.

Visiting students wishing to take courses offered in faculties or departments other than Engineering and Computer Science should contact the faculty or department offering the course directly.

Approval as to whether or not the courses can be taken will depend on receipt of the above items and whether or not there is sufficient space in the courses in question. Priority is to Concordia Students requiring the courses for their current program of study. For this reason it is important that all requests be submitted at least 4-6 weeks prior to the beginning of term.

Please note that submission of a Visiting Student form directly to the Office of the Registrar without prior approval from the Gina Cody School does not certain that you will be allowed to take courses in the School.

The above documents should be emailed to:

Sakib Shahid
Advisor, Student Academic Services
sakib.shahid@concordia.ca

A WELL-KNOWN British actor who has appeared in Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and Guardians of the Galaxy, is going back to his roots as a drama teacher to help students from Bournemouth Collegiate School during lockdown.