Sept 2027 Entry
4 years (including 1 year with common curriculum)
120 credits plus training credits
Dr Chartia Cheung
BSc, MPhil, PhD
In recognition of high academic attainment, the Department will grant entry scholarships to eligible students with outstanding HKDSE scores admitted to the programme via JUPAS. Please find the details here.
What's New
- Undergraduate
- Taught Postgraduate
- Undergraduate
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 within the Faculty. Those who wish to change need to participate in a competitive process involving a ranked assessment that considers a combination of entrance qualification scores, Year One GPA, and interview performance.
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.
Students will 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 and overseas.
Programme Characteristics
This 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 Studies 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.
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.
Students who have a strong interest in clinical laboratory work can enrol in the Clinical Laboratory Module in Year 3. The module consists of seven subjects, which offers them valuable experiences through lectures, practicals and clinical placements. All lectures are delivered by registered Medical Laboratory Technicians. Students who successfully enrol onto the module (subject to quota) and complete the seven subjects as their electives are eligible to apply for registration (Part II) under section 12(1)(b) of the Supplementary Medical Professions Ordinance (SMPO) with the Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLT) Board of Hong Kong.
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 and managerial positions. Graduates can also enrol in postgraduate programmes locally and overseas.
Students are required to complete at least 120 credits, which include:
A. 27 credits of the General University Requirements (GUR)
B. 93 credits of Major Study Requirement as follows:
(i) 66 credits of Major Subjects
| Subject | No. of Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Science Professionals in Society | 3 | 1 |
| Fundamentals of Modern Science | 3 | 1 |
| Quantitative Skills and Experimental Design for Scientists | 3 | 1 |
| General Biology | 3 | 1 |
| General Laboratory Techniques and Safety | 3 | 1 |
| General Chemistry I | 3 | 1 |
| Biochemistry | 3 | 2 |
| Molecular Biology | 3 | 2 |
| Cell Biology | 3 | 2 |
| Human Physiology | 3 | 2 |
| Microbiology | 3 | 2 |
| Organic Chemistry I | 3 | 2 |
| Immunology | 3 | 3 |
| Commercialisation of Biotechnology Products | 3 | 3 |
| DNA Technology | 3 | 3 |
| Biochemical Techniques | 3 | 3 |
| Biochemical Techniques Laboratory | 1 | 3 |
| Experimental Approach in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry | 3 | 3 |
| Immunotechnology | 3 | 4 |
| Protein Biotechnology | 3 | 4 |
| Recent Developments in Medical Biotechnology | 3 | 4 |
| Bioinformatics | 3 | 4 |
| English for Scientific Communication | 2 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 66 |
(ii) A 6-credit Capstone Project
(iii) Major Elective Subjects and Free Elective Subjects
Students must complete at least 15 credits of Major Elective Subjects and 6 credits of Free Electives.
Major Elective Subjects are listed in the table below.
| Subject | No. of Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|
| General Chemistry II | 3 | 1 |
| Analytical Chemistry I | 3 | 2 |
| Environmental Science | 3 | 3 |
| Advanced Molecular Biology | 3 | 4 |
| Metabolism and Diseases | 3 | 4 |
| Pharmacology of Drug Therapy | 3 | 4 |
| Microbial Biotechnology | 3 | 4 |
| Synthetic Biology Project | 3 | 4 |
| Case Study in Biotechnology Companies | 3 | 4 |
| Principles of Quality Assurance | 3 | 4 |
| Medicinal Chemistry | 3 | 4 |
| Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), and Sustainability Principles for Science Students | 3 | 4 |
| Management and Organisation | 3 | 2 |
| Consumer Behaviour | 3 | 3 |
| Chemical Pathology* | 3 | 3 |
| Haematology and Transfusion Science* | 3 | 3 |
| Anatomical Pathology* | 3 | 3 |
| Microbiology in Pathology Laboratory* | 3 | 3 |
| Molecular Diagnostics in Pathology Specialties* | 3 | 3 |
| Advanced Anatomical Pathology* | 3 | 3 |
| Laboratory Attachment (Clinical and Public Health)* | 0 | 0 |
* Elective subjects for students who enrolled in the Clinical Laboratory Module.
(iv) Work-Integrated Education (WIE)
Students are required to complete 2 training credits, each equivalent to 60 working hours. The grade for the WIE component will be either “Pass” or “Fail” and will not contribute to the GPA calculation.
Satisfy the University's General Entrance Requirements.
Please click here for the subject weightings for 2027/28.
There is no compulsory subject requirement. Preferred subject(s) with the highest weighting for admission score calculation include(s):
Relevant Applied Learning subject(s) that can be considered for meeting the University entrance requirement and admission score calculation is/are:
The average HKDSE score is listed for reference:
BSc (Hons) Scheme in Biotechnology and Chemical Technology (JS3011)
2026/27 Average Score: Any Best 5 Subjects (with Subject Weighting) = 226.9
For further programme information, please contact us via email: ls.prog@polyu.edu.hk.
My four years of study on the BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology (ABB) programme were nothing short of transformational. From day one, PolyU enveloped me in a warm embrace that resonated with positivity and growth. I am profoundly grateful for the myriad of connections I fostered: vivacious peers, dedicated professors, ever-helpful officers, and the supportive admin staff. Each interaction was marked by their holistic approach and warmth, which fostered an environment of mutual respect and learning.
This nurturing ambience at ABB was pivotal in helping me to forge a deep emotional bond with the PolyU. I always felt cherished, motivated and inspired. Moreover, the meticulously structured programme at ABB comprehensively equipped me for the challenges of my current post-graduate endeavours.
In retrospect, ABB was more than just a programme of study; it was a crucible where I was moulded, guided and prepared for the future, and I am immensely grateful for my time at PolyU.
The BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology programme equipped me with an extensive knowledge of biological science and a wide range of technical skills, which are the cornerstones of my future career and potential further studies.
In addition to the core subjects, which helped me grasp the fundamental concepts of applied biology, the elective subjects allowed me to explore the topics that I was most interested in. I thoroughly enjoyed every lab session, as the practical experience complemented my theoretical knowledge perfectly. Through hands-on lab work, I was able to train my problem-solving and critical thinking skills to explain experimental results that deviated from expectations.
In short, I benefited immensely from the programme, and I feel well-prepared for my future professional development.
To assess the suitability of candidates for the programme.
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.
