Sept 2025 Entry
4 years (including 1 year with common curriculum)
120 credits plus training credits (subject to approval)
- Students will receive one of the following awards upon successful completion of the relevant programme's graduation requirements:
- BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology
- BSc (Hons) in Chemical Technology
- Students are subject to additional assessment criteria in the selection of the award, i.e., their own preference, GPA and interview performance, during Semester 2 of Year One.
- The option of a Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship is available to students enrolled in the BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology. Admission to a Secondary Major is on a competitive basis and subject to different credit requirements for graduation. Please see the Secondary Major Details section below for further information.
What's New
- Admission to the Departmental Scheme
The following programmes are offered under this departmental scheme:
(1) BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology
(2) BSc (Hons) in Chemical Technology
Characteristics of Scheme-based Admission
- 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, ensuring a broad and solid foundation in scientific principles. After the first year, students can choose to specialise in one of the majors. Both majors provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for a variety of 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, taking into account the student’s preference, GPA and/or interview results. Students will be asked to rank their Major choices (in order of preference) during Semester 2 of Year One for consideration and approval by the department.
- Upon completion of Year One, students wishing to change departmental scheme/programme must participate in a competitive process for another departmental scheme/programme within the Faculty of Science through a ranking assessment.
- BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology (ABB)
Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes
The programme aims to produce competent biotechnology professionals to meet the needs of related sectors in Hong Kong, China and globally.
In this programme, students gain a thorough understanding of the principles, concepts and applications of biotechnology. By learning the principles of modern biotechnology, students develop analytical, creative and problem-solving skills. Graduates of the programme are well prepared for careers in the rapidly expanding global bioscience/biotechnology industry. They also have the opportunity to continue their studies in postgraduate programmes at home 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 comprises core subjects that include Human Physiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Techniques, Molecular Biology, DNA Technology, Bioinformatics, Immunotechnology and Recent Developments in Medical Biotechnology, as well as elective subjects, in which students can further explore special topics such as Microbial Biotechnology, Metabolism and Diseases and 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 the opportunity to participate in practical experiences in relevant industries, research centres and commercial organisations.
- BSc (Hons) in Chemical Technology (CT)
Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes
As the most established applied chemistry programme in Hong Kong, our BSc (Hons) in Chemical Technology programme offers a broad and rigorous education in contemporary chemistry and training in laboratory practices. The programme emphasises the application of chemistry to technological innovation. Through this programme, students develop problem-solving and communication skills, essential abilities for graduates to pursue careers in business and technical services in the 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 is specifically designed to enhance graduates’ career prospects in the public, commercial and industrial sectors.
Elective subjects include
- Consumer Behaviour
- Economic Analysis for Process Technology
- Environmental Science
- Food Processing Technology
- Management & Organisation
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Principles of Quality Assurance
These subjects broaden and enrich students’ knowledge and skills, thereby enhancing their career prospects in the commercial and industrial sectors. Our students also gain work experience through industrial visits and summer placements in local and overseas companies.
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BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology / BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology with a Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Professional Recognition
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology are eligible for membership of the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) in the UK. In addition, the BSc (Hons) Applied Biology with Biotechnology with a Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship has been granted RSB interim accreditation. Degree accreditation by the RSB acknowledges academic excellence in the biosciences and highlights degrees that are developing the research and development leaders and innovators of the future.
Career Prospects
Graduates are prepared 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 pursue postgraduate studies at local or overseas universities and research institutes.
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BSc (Hons) in Chemical Technology
Professional Recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Hong Kong Chemical Society (HKCS) and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) in the UK.
Career Prospects
Graduates can pursue careers in industry, business or the public sector. Our graduates work as chemists, technologists and chemical and/or biochemical process engineers. Employment opportunities are numerous in various industries, such as plastics and toys, cosmetics and fragrances, drugs and pharmaceuticals, pollution control and printed circuit board manufacturing. Graduates can also take on management positions in various fields, including sales and marketing.
Graduates can 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 continue their studies have excellent opportunities both in Hong Kong and overseas.
All students admitted to the Faculty of Science will follow a Common Year One curriculum, which covers basic biology, chemistry, statistics, laboratory techniques and some General University Requirement (GUR) subjects.
Students in this departmental scheme must choose a Major in Semester 2 of Year One. They follow the curriculum of their chosen Major from Year Two onwards. Upon successful completion of the four-year programme, students are awarded a degree in their chosen Major. Students must complete at least 120 hours (with training credits) of Work-Integrated Education (WIE) before graduation.
The option of a Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship is available to students enrolled in the BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology.
Selection Criteria
Studying in a Secondary Major is not mandatory. Only students with a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or higher will be considered for Secondary Major enrolment. Each Secondary Major may stipulate additional selection criteria for admission. Students must apply and obtain approval from the programme-offering department, no later than the commencement of the second year of study to be admitted to the Secondary Major.
Credit Requirement
Students must obtain 36 credits to complete a Secondary Major. The actual number of credits required for graduation for students enrolled in the BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology and a Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship depends on the number of double-counting credits.
120 credits plus training credits (subject to approval)
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.
- Phone/online interviews will be held for selected overseas applicants.
