Sept 2026 Entry
4 years (including 1 year with common curriculum)
120 credits plus training credits
- Students will receive one of the following awards upon successful completion of the programme:
- BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology
- BSc (Hons) in Chemical Technology
- Students are subject to further selection criteria for admission to a major, i.e. their own preference, GPA and interview performance, during Semester 2 of Year One.
What's New
- Undergraduate
- Undergraduate
- Departmental Scheme-based admission
The following programmes are offered under this departmental scheme:
(1) BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology
(2) BSc (Hons) in Chemical Technology
All admitted students will embark on a Common Year One curriculum. Towards the end of year one, students can decide whether to continue with their initial choice or switch to another choice within the Faculty. Those who wish to change to another choice need to join a competitive process through a ranking assessment, which considers a combination of entrance qualification score, Year One GPA, and interview performance.
Characteristics
- Our BSc (Hons) Scheme in Biotechnology and Chemical Technology offers a comprehensive and flexible education in the sciences. In the first year, students follow a common curriculum shared with students from other departments within the Faculty of Science, which ensures a broad and solid foundation in scientific principles. After the first year, students can choose to specialise in one of the two majors. Both majors provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for diverse career opportunities in related industries. This scheme is designed to equip students with the expertise needed to meet future scientific challenges.
- The decision to admit a student to a Major will be made by the department in consideration of the student’s preference, GPA, and/or interview result. Students will be asked to rank their Major choices (in order of preference) during Semester 2 of Year One for the department’s consideration and approval.
- BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology (ABB)
Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes
This programme aims to produce competent professionals in biotechnology to meet the needs of related sectors in Hong Kong, the nation and the world.
In this programme, students gain a thorough understanding of the principles, concepts and applications of biotechnology. Through learning the principles of modern biotechnology, students develop analytical, creative and problem-solving abilities. Graduates from the programme are well-prepared for careers in the rapidly expanding global bioscience/biotechnology industry. They also have opportunities to pursue further study in postgraduate programmes locally or overseas.
Programme Characteristics
The ABB Programme is the first international degree programme accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), a recognised professional body that promotes and supports the advancement of skills and education in the biosciences. Focusing on the application of biotechnology, the programme consists of core subjects including Human Physiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Techniques, Molecular Biology, DNA Technology, Bioinformatics, and Immunotechnology & Recent Developments in Medical Biotechnology, as well as elective subjects, in which students can more deeply explore special topics such as Microbial Biotechnology, Metabolism and Diseases & Case Study in Biotechnology Companies. This programme integrates theory and practice, culminating in an individual in-depth scientific investigation in the final year. Students develop both local and global perspectives and have opportunities to experience practice in relevant industries, research centres and commercial organisations.
- BSc (Hons) in Chemical Technology (CT)
Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes
As the most well established applied chemistry programme in Hong Kong, our BSc (Hons) in Chemical Technology offers a broad and rigorous education in contemporary chemistry and training in laboratory practices. The programme emphasises the application of chemistry in technological innovation. Through this programme, students develop competence in problem-solving and communication, which are essential abilities for graduates to pursue careers in business and technical services in chemical and related industries.
Programme Characteristics
Focusing on the technological application of chemistry, this programme comprises core and elective subjects in chemical principles, applied/industrial chemistry and chemical process technology.
This is one of the most popular applied science programmes in Hong Kong, and it is designed to enhance graduates’ career prospects in the governmental, business and industrial sectors.
Elective subjects include
- Advanced Analytical Techniques
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Principles of Quality Assurance
- Polymer Chemistry and Nanotechnology
These subjects broaden and enrich students’ knowledge and skills, thus enhancing their career prospects in the commercial and industrial sectors. Our students gain further work experience through industrial visits and summer placements in local and overseas companies.
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BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology
Professional Recognition
Graduates qualify for membership of the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) in the UK. Degree accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology acknowledges academic excellence in the biosciences and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future.
Graduates can pursue postgraduate studies at universities and research institutes worldwide.
Career Prospects
Graduates are equipped to work in the rapidly expanding global biotechnology industry. They can pursue careers in the industrial, commercial, education and public sectors in technical, executive or managerial positions. Graduates can also enrol in postgraduate programmes locally or overseas.
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BSc (Hons) in Chemical Technology
Professional Recognition
Graduates qualify for membership in the Hong Kong Chemical Society (HKCS) and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) in the UK.
Career Prospects
Graduates are able to pursue careers in industry, business or the public sector. Our graduates work as chemists, technologists and chemical and/or biochemical process engineers. Employment opportunities abound in various industries, such as plastics and toys, cosmetics and fragrances, drugs and pharmaceuticals, pollution control and the manufacture of printed circuit boards. Further career prospects for graduates can be found in sales and marketing or as management executives in various fields.
Graduates may work as chemical analysts or environmental protection officials for the government or public utility companies. A career in education to inspire future generations is another possibility. Graduates who wish to pursue further studies have excellent opportunities both in Hong Kong and overseas.
All students admitted to the Faculty of Science will follow the Faculty Common First-year Curriculum, which consists of two Faculty compulsory subjects, Science Professionals in Society, two free elective subjects and the General University Requirements (GUR) subjects.
Students in this departmental scheme are expected to have chosen a specific Major in Semester 2 of Year One. Students follow the curriculum of their selected Major programme from Year Two onwards. After successfully completing the four-year programme, students are awarded a degree in their selected Major programme. Students must complete at least 120 hours of Work-Integrated Education (WIE) (with training credits) before graduation.
120 credits plus training credits
Prof. Zhao Yanxiang
BSc, PhD
Please click here to view the entrance requirements for international applicants.
Other Information
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Applicants attaining good results in science subjects (Biology and/or Chemistry) are preferred.
For more information about the programme, please contact us via email: abct.admission@polyu.edu.hk.
The BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology provided me with a comprehensive and in-depth knowledge. The programme includes many practical laboratory sessions, which allowed me to apply the knowledge gained from lectures and develop my critical thinking and laboratory skills through first-hand experience. My summer exchange at the University of Stuttgart in Germany opened my eyes to other perspectives as I visited automobile factories to understand the elements that led to the success of the automobile industry in Germany.
During my time at PolyU, I held the position of Financial Secretary of a Chinese cultural club. By getting involved in organising social events for other students, I was able to make friends from different backgrounds. The service-learning programme in collaboration with Peking University and Xi’an Jiaotong University, as well as the Global Youth Leaders’ Summit, where our teammates included students from Zhejiang University, Sichuan University and UCLA, were instrumental in building teamwork and friendships.
During my last year of study, I completed an internship as a sales and marketing assistant at a biotechnology company specialising in cancer genetic testing. Through this internship, I learnt the basics of how a company operates and how biotechnology products relate to the market.
At PolyU, I learnt to be professional, critical, open-minded, humble and kind.
The Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology gave me many opportunities to broaden my horizons. One of them was a summer research exchange programme at Durham University, where I had the chance to experience life as a researcher.
To master chemistry, you need to have theoretical knowledge as well as laboratory skills. In addition to the core chemistry courses, this programme included many chemistry-related elective courses. There were also a variety of laboratory courses that complemented the core and elective courses, providing ample opportunities to hone these laboratory skills.
I am grateful to have had amazing mentors, professors and lecturers who inspired, supported and guided me throughout the bumpy but exciting journey of my undergraduate studies. Their help was invaluable.
To assess the suitability of candidates for the Scheme
About 30 minutes
Only selected applicants will be invited for interview, if necessary.
Required
To assess the suitability of candidates for the Scheme
About 30 minutes
- Only selected applicants will be invited for interview, if necessary.
Required
To assess the suitability of candidates for the scheme
About 30 minutes
- Only selected applicants will be invited for an interview, if necessary.
- Online interviews will be held for selected overseas applicants.
