Programmes

PROGRAMMES

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Undergraduate Program (B.Sc.)

Course Information

Admission Requirements

Postgraduate Programs

Research Program

Taught Program

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Applied Biology

The Department of Biology has offered a three-year programme - the BSc/BSc (Hons) Degree Course - Applied Biology Major. There is a choice of two concentrations, either Environmental Studies or Biotechnology. In Environmental Studies, students gain knowledge of environmental issues, the biological and chemical basis of environmental problems and the adoption of appropriate technologies to remedy or restore degraded environments.

Students who elect to take Biotechnology will gain an understanding of the role of biotechnology in contributing to the benefit of mankind, and undergo training in the techniques of biotechnology and its applications including Molecular Biology, Immunology and Fermentation and Enzyme Technology.

Course Information

Programme Aims (Biotechnology)

To provide training in biological sciences to meet local needs in agriculture and fisheries, biotechnology, nature conservation, medical science and related industries;
To provide students with a foundation in botany and zoology;
To develop problem-solving skills; provide training in technical and analytical skills for laboratory and field work;
To train students in biotechnology, the basic and up-to-date knowledge and techniques in modern biotechnology, including molecular biology, immunology, fermentation and enzyme technology.

Programme Aims (Environmental Science)

To provide training in biological sciences to meet local needs in agriculture and fisheries, biotechnology, conservation, environmental monitoring and pollution control and public health issues;
To provide students with a foundation in botany and zoology;
To develop problem-solving skills; provide training in technical and analytical skills for laboratory and field work;
To train students in environmental science, the understanding of the biological and chemical basis of environmental problems, their control and management, as well as the restoration and remediation of degraded or derelict lands and ecosystems.

Course Characteristics

A 3-year programme.
All core courses in the first and second year are compulsory.
Students are required to do an independent study project in their final year.
Students are required to complete 96 units of academic courses.
Most courses are 3-unit based, i.e., 3 lectures per week.
In general, students are required to take about 18 units per semester.

Career Prospects

Prospects for graduates include the civil service: Agriculture, Fisheries and Conversation Department, Environmental Protection Department; commerce/industry: technical sales promotion/ technical advising; research and technical support; secondary school teaching and postgraduate studies.

Curriculum

Programme Structure

This is a three-year full-time degree programme, with considerable departure from traditional single discipline programmes. In addition to the courses of the main discipline, students will take supporting, interdisciplinary and complementary studies courses of their choices. In the final year of the study, students will be required to take up individual final-year projects, in which they can gain in-depth knowledge, basic research techniques, and training in writing thesis.

A 3-year programme comprises:

　

Main discipline subjects 60 units

Required courses/ electives 54 - 57 units

Final-year project/dissertation 3 - 6 units

　　

Complementary subjects 36 units

Core requirements 15 units

Distribution requirements 21 units

　　

Total 96 units