Sept 2025 Entry
4 years (including 1 year with common curriculum)
120 credits plus training credits (subject to approval)
Prof. Zhao Yanxiang
BSc, PhD
Students will receive one of the following awards upon successful completion of the programme:
BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology
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.
The option of a Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship is available to students taking the BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology. Admission to the Secondary Major is competitive and subject to a different credit requirement for graduation. Please see the Secondary Major Details section below for further information.
Entry Scholarship
In recognition of high academic attainment, the Department will grant entry scholarships to eligible students with outstanding HKDSE scores admitted to the Scheme via JUPAS. The award criteria for the scholarship are listed on the information sheet. The criteria are subject to change, and awardees will be announced on the same website in due course.
What's New
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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
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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.
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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.
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Towards the end of year one, students wishing to change his/her departmental scheme/programme need to join a competitive process for another departmental scheme/programme within the Faculty of Science through a ranking assessment, which considers a combination of entrance qualification score, Year One GPA, and interview performance.
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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, China 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.
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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 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:-
Consumer Behaviour
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Economic Analysis for Process Technology
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Environmental Science
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Food Processing Technology
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Management & Organisation
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Medicinal Chemistry
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Natural Products Chemistry
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Principles of Quality Assurance
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.BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology with a Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The BSc (Hons) Applied Biology with Biotechnology with a Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship has been awarded interim accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology. -
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 a Common Year One curriculum, that covers basic biology, chemistry, statistics, laboratory techniques, and some subjects of the General University Requirements (GUR).
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 (with training credits) of Work-Integrated Education (WIE) before graduation.
The option of Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship is available to students of the BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology.
Selection Criteria
Studying a Secondary Major is not mandatory. Only students with a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or above may be considered for Secondary Major enrolment. Each Secondary Major may stipulate additional selection criteria for admission. To be admitted to the Secondary Major, students must apply to and obtain approval from the programme-offering Department no later than the commencement of the second year of study.
Credit Requirement
Students are required to attain 36 credits to complete a Secondary Major. The actual credit requirement for graduation for students of BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology with a Secondary Major of Innovation and Entrepreneurship depends on the number of double-counting credits.
Satisfy the University's General Entrance Requirements.
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:
2024/25 Average Score: Any Best 5 Subjects (with Subject Weighting) = 200.6
For further programme information, please contact us via email: abct.admission@polyu.edu.hk.
My four-year study in the BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology (ABB) programme was 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 – be it with my vivacious peers, dedicated professors, ever-helpful officers or the supportive staff. Each interaction was marked by their holistic approach and warmth, which fostered an environment of mutual respect and learning.
My four-year study in the BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology (ABB) programme was 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 – be it with my vivacious peers, dedicated professors, ever-helpful officers or the supportive staff. Each interaction was marked by their holistic approach and warmth, which fostered an environment of mutual respect and learning.
This nurturing ambiance at ABB was pivotal in helping me to forge a deep emotional bond with 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.
PolyU is a place for students to discover their interests and develop their strengths. Four years ago, when I went to the PolyU Education Info event, I had two burning questions: What can I gain? And what will I be?
I have gained a lot in the course of my studies. I have learned so much about chemistry – not only theoretical knowledge and practical lab skills, but also how to approach challenges in a logical way. Developing critical thinking skills has been important in other aspects of my life, too. During my work experience at McGill University in Canada, I made friends from other countries, and I tried my best to communicate in English. I became independent.
Life at university is totally different from life at high school. You have to study hard, sometimes late into the night, because of the workload of assignments, tests, examinations and presentations. However, there is also much more freedom at university, so it is important to foster time management skills to balance your academic life and social life. In this way, you can fully enjoy all of the valuable experiences that the university has to offer.
The Chemical Technology programme includes a lot of practical lab work. This experience has helped me acquire the technical skills and preparation for my future path. Within the scope of the many hands-on opportunities provided by PolyU, I studied at the Georgia Institute of Technology (USA) and worked as an intern at Tokyo City University (Japan). These experiences helped me to become more independent and will certainly make me a desirable candidate for future jobs.
Chemistry was my favourite subject at school. As a Chemistry Major, I learned that chemistry underlies many technological innovations that have improved the well-being of humankind. It is my aspiration to be a professional chemist and deliver innovative technologies for synthesising pharmaceuticals that will be affordable for underprivileged families in a sustainable manner.
However, for now, I have chosen to pursue a higher degree. To gain more research experience in organic synthesis, I have joined Prof. Wing-yiu Yu’s research team as a Student Assistant. Working closely with the research students, I developed a research platform for compounds that have extensive medicinal uses. The guidance and inspiration that I have received from Prof. Yu and the team have further enlightened me regarding the power of chemistry.
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.
