UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

This new programme offered by the Department of Biology, with the first intake in September 2019, is the first professional, multidisciplinary degree programme in Hong Kong that explores the key issues shaping the outlook of agricultural science and the management of bioresources from the perspective of sustainability. This internationally competitive programme focuses on the integration of agriculture with bioresource management — a new and unique approach not found in other degree programmes in Hong Kong.

Bioresources, which refer to any resource of biological origin including all living organisms and its derivatives that have actual or potential use or value for humanity, are being depleted at an alarming rate due to overexploitation and environmental problems such as the contamination of land and water, and the effects of climate change, all which influence food security and food safety. Thus, it is important to cultivate an understanding of sustainable resource management via sustainable agriculture practices and bioresource conservation.

Locally, the redevelopment of agriculture in Hong Kong has great potential as highlighted in the recent Policy Addresses from the Hong Kong SAR Government. The New Agriculture Policy and the Hong Kong 2030+ initiatives have endorsed the future increase in agricultural activities in Hong Kong, which aim to diminish the stress on local food security. The recent development of the “One-Belt-One-Road” and the Bay Area in South China also addresses the demand on professionals and experts in bioresource and agricultural science.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Provide students with essential knowledge and a solid foundation for the study of bioresource and agricultural science;
• Deepen students’ appreciation of how sustainability could contribute to nature and humanity and understanding of the science of sustainable agriculture and bioresource management;
• Develop students’ ability to utilise research methodologies, field skills and statistical tools to identify and critically analyze agriculture, bioresource and conservation issues in the local, regional and international contexts; and
• Heighten students’ sensitivity to conflicts and challenges in current issues concerning the interfaces of agricultural practices, nature conservation, urban development and bioresource management.

Special Features of the Programme

• First multidisciplinary degree programme in Hong Kong covering agriculture, landscaping, social, environment, economic and sustainability;
• Internship experience in the industry for all students;
• Basic farm training at the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) Experimental Station;
• Local / overseas technical and practical training, e.g. Organic Certification and Inspector Training Course by International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA).

DOWNLOAD THE LEAFLET HERE

• For JUPAS applicants with Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Qualification, applicants must fulfill the following HKDSE requirements for admission to the programme:

   

  • Level 3 in
    • English Language, Chinese Language and
    • Any Two elective subjects (preferably good results in science-related subjects)

   

  • Level 2 in:
    • Mathematics 

   

  • Attained in:
    • Citizenship and Social Development

   

  For Non JUPAS applicants:

  • International qualifications
  • Local applicants
  • Mainland Applicants

Admission from Common First Year in Science to Second Year in BSc (Hons) in Bioresource and Agricultural Science:

Students will be admitted on a Faculty basis with broad-based education in all scientific fields in Year One.

It allows students to explore and experience various scientific disciplines before choosing their major study programme in Year Two.

Introductory science courses in Year One Curriculum:

• Mandatory Science Courses
  • Big Data and Smart Technology
  • Molecular Science in Daily Life

• Science Year 1 Elective Courses
  • Introduction to Biology
  • Introduction to Chemistry
  • Essence of Computing
  • Understanding Mathematics and Statistics
  • Introduction to Green Energy and Smart Technology

Students are free to choose 3 out of the 5 Science Year 1 Elective Courses in their Year 1 curriculum.

Criteria for Major Programme Assignment:

• A minimum cGPA of 2.2 attained by the end of Year One;
• A grade of C in BIOL1005 Introduction to Biology; and
• Interview performance, if applicable.
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DOWNLOAD THE LEAFLET HERE

Structure of Four-Year Undergraduate Degree Programme

Total (minimum) units required for graduation

– 129 units:

• Science Common Core – 15 units
• Major Core and Major Electives – 53 units
• University Core – 13 units
• General Education (GE) – 18 units
• Free Electives – 30 units

The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Bioresource and Agricultural Science will provide graduates with the knowledge and practical skills required for a wide array of bioresource, agriculture, and environmental-related professions.

• Agribusiness (agricultural produce e.g. crops, agrochemicals, animal feeds, and equipment and services)
• Businesses (production, processing, distribution and retailing in the food sector)
• Professionals in agrotechnology
• Research and development (crop and soil science, environmental science, food science, animal science)
• Environmental consultancy
• Government (e.g. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Environmental Protection Department)
• Non-governmental organizations
• Green groups
• Tree management professionals (e.g. Arborists, Tree Risk Assessors, and Tree Work Supervisors)
• Urban Forestry Support Fund - Trainee Programme
  (https://www.hkic.edu.hk/en/partners/others/ufsf-tp)

The programme is supported by the Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture (IBA) which was newly established under the Faculty of Science. The Institute serves as a knowledge hub that actively engages in research in sustainable agriculture and bioresource management, and promotes bioresource conservation, sustainable consumption, and organic agriculture to the general public.

BSc (Hons) in Bioresource and Agricultural Science students are provided with diversified opportunities to nurture your personal developments ranging from internships, exchange opportunities to study tour.

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