UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

The Department of Biology at HKBU offers a four-year undergraduate degree programme for BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology. The programme provides students with comprehensive training in biological sciences with specialties in biotechnology and environmental sciences. The courses are designed to assist students in understanding the theories of biology and to provide training in technical skills for research and applications.

The BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology programme provides professional training in two concentrations of biology.

1. 1. Biotechnology Concentration – Students in this concentration will develop an understanding of the theories of biology as well as biotechnology applications by taking courses in the fields of cellular/ molecular/ developmental biology, organismal biology, genetics, molecular biotechnology, and other biological fields. In addition, various laboratory courses in these fields are provided to equip students with technical skills for biological and biomedical research and biotechnology industry.

1. 2. Environmental Science Concentration – Students in this concentration will develop understanding of the theories of biology as well as environmental science by taking courses focusing in the fields of biodiversity, ecology, environmental impact assessment and waste management, biological resources management and other environmental management skills. Students will learn practical skills, including sample collection, analyses of water and soil samples from the field, and instrumental analyses in the lab, and various management tools and their applications to address current and topical environmental and human health-related issues and challenges.

The Environmental Science Concentration has recently received HKIQEP full accreditation in FIVE areas. Graduates from our environmental science concentration are provided with a shorter route to become a professional member of HKIQEP, a pathway for Qualified Environmental Professionals. Please visit "Career Prospects" for details.

Students selecting environmental science concentration are also eligible to apply for the Double Degree programme between HKBU (Department of Biology) and the University of Lincoln (UoL) (School of Life Sciences), UK to earn an additional BSc (Hons) in Ecology and Conservation from UoL.

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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 Applied Biology:

Students will be admitted on a Faculty basis with broad-based education in all scientific fields in Year 1.

It allows students to explore and experience various scientific disciplines before choosing their Major study programme in Year 2.

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 include:

Students who have attained a 5* in relevant science subjects will be guaranteed for admission to the relevant major programme; or

• A minimum cGPA of 2.4 attained by the end of Year 1;
• A grade of C+ in BIOL1005 Introduction to Biology; and
• Interview performance, if applicable.

Many of our graduates gain employment after graduation in a variety of careers that requires a solid background in applied biology such as:

1. Biotechnology marketing and management,
2. Biological science education,
3. Nature conservation,
4. Environmental monitoring,
5. Pollution control,
6. Public health and sanitation, and
7. Environmental hygiene
8. Arboriculture and tree management work
9. Urban Forestry Support Fund - Trainee Programme (https://www.hkic.edu.hk/en/partners/others/ufsf-tp)

HKIQEP Accredited Programme

The BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology (Environmental Science Concentration) has been accredited by the Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals Limited (HKIQEP) 香港合資格環保專業人員學會 (香港環專會) under the HKIQEP Accreditation Scheme for Environmental Degree Programmes – Undergraduate Level, for the following FIVE areas (consisting of two Fundamental Areas and three Specific Areas of the HKIQEP Syllabus):

Students admitted to the HKIQEP Full Accredited Environmental Science programme from AY2021/22 are on the shorter route to paving their way to becoming Qualified Environmental Professionals. This qualification is recognized by Environment Bureau and Development Bureau, and 45 reputed companies in Hong Kong!

[Biotechnology & Environmental Science]

Structure of Four-Year Undergraduate Degree Programme

Total (minimum) units required for graduation

– 128 units:

• Science Common Core – 15 units
• Major Core and Major Electives – 50 units
• University Core – 13 units
• General Education (GE) – 18 units
• Free Electives – 32 units

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Applied Biology students are provided with diversified opportunities to nurture your personal developments ranging from internships, exchange opportunities to study tour.

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