Sept 2025 Entry
2 years
60 (minimum)
The credit requirements of this programme are indicative only and subject to review.
The exact study duration and number of credits to be transferred will depend on the entry qualification of individual AD/HD admittees.
Two one-off entry scholarships of HK$10,000 each will be granted to students admitted into the Senior Year places of the programme who graduated from an Associate Degree or Higher Diploma with a graduation/award GPA of 3.60 or above (or equivalent). Students’ performance in the admission interview will be taken into consideration.
The recipients must obtain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in the first semester of study and are not allowed to concurrently hold more than one Entry Scholarship awarded by the Department.
PolyU reserves the right to change or withdraw the scholarship at any time. In case of any dispute / disagreement, PolyU’s decision is final.
What's New
Programme Aims
The programme aims to produce competent professionals in biotechnology to meet the needs of biotechnology-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 bioscience/biotechnology industries in Hong Kong, the region and around the world. They can also pursue further studies in postgraduate programmes locally or overseas.
Characteristics
The ABB Programme is the first international degree programme accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), a recognized professional body that promotes and supports the advancement of skills and education in the biosciences. Focusing on the application of biotechnology, the programme is comprised of core subjects that include Human Physiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Techniques, Molecular Biology, DNA Technology, Bioinformatics, Immunotechnology & Recent Developments in Medical Biotechnology, and 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 the opportunity to experience practice in relevant industries, research centres and commercial organisations.
Professional Recognition
Graduates are qualified for membership of the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) in the UK.
Graduates are recognised by universities and research institutes worldwide for postgraduate studies.
Career Prospects
Graduates from this programme are qualified to work in the rapidly expanding biotechnology industries in Hong Kong, the region and around the world. They pursue careers in the industrial, commercial, education and public sectors in technical, executive or managerial positions. Graduates can also pursue further studies in postgraduate programmes locally or overseas.
Students entering the 4-year scheme programme through senior year admission will follow a reduced curriculum. The number of credits required for graduation is dependent on their academic performance in AD/HD programmes.
In addition to the requirement for the General University Requirement (GUR) and Discipline-specific Requirement (DSR) study credits, all students must undertake 120 training hours of Work-Integrated Education (WIE). WIE provides a work-based learning experience that helps students to develop generic skills valuable to their professional careers. WIE training hours include internships or part-time employments outside PolyU.
Students are expected to have completed Foundation Subjects in mathematics, chemistry, biology, Chinese language and English language. Depending on individual academic backgrounds, they may be required to take selected Foundation Subjects in addition to the normal credit requirement for graduation.
General University Requirement (9 credits)
- Cluster-Area Requirements (6 credits)
(also fulfilling the English and Chinese Language Reading and Writing Requirements) - Service-Learning (3 credits)
- Essential Components of General Education E-modules on (Non-credit-bearing):
- Academic Integrity
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- National Education
- Language and Communication Requirements (LCR) [Students not meeting the equivalent standard of the Undergraduate Degree LCR (based on their previous studies in Associate Degree/Higher Diploma programmes and their academic performance) will be required to take degree LCR subjects on top of their normal curriculum requirement.]
Discipline-Specific Core Subjects (Minimum of 36 credits)
- Basic Statistics / Basic Mathematics - An Introduction to Algebra and Differential Calculus
- Biochemical Techniques
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Cell Biology
- Chinese Communication for Science Professionals
- Commercialization of Biotechnology Products
- DNA Technology
- English for Scientific Communication
- Experimental Approach in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
- General Biology
- General Chemistry I
- General Laboratory Techniques and Safety
- Human Physiology
- Immunology
- Immunotechnology
- Introduction to Calculus
- Lab techniques in Biological Sciences
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Organic Chemistry I
- Physics for Chemical and Biological Sciences
- Protein Biotechnology
- Recent Developments in Medical Biotechnology
- Research Project
Discipline-Specific Elective Subjects
(Students must complete at least 18 credits of Discipline-Specific Elective (DSE) Subjects.)
- Advanced Molecular Biology
- Analytical Chemistry I
- Case Study in Biotechnology Companies
- Consumer Behaviour
- Environmental Science
- General Chemistry II
- Introduction to Food Science
- Management and Organization
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Metabolism and Diseases
- Microbial Biotechnology
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Pharmacology of Drug Therapy
- Principles of Quality Assurance
(The curriculum for senior year admittees is under review and it is subject to change.)
60 (minimum)
Dr Chartia Cheung
BSc, MPhil, PhD
Entrance Requirements
An Associate Degree or a Higher Diploma in a relevant discipline (e.g. Biology, Biotechnology), or the equivalent discipline.
Selection Criteria
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Applications are considered based on academic performance. Strong emphasis is placed on academic performance in the core subjects of AD/HD studies as well as on English proficiency.
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The number of transferable credits is also a key criterion for selection. Applicants are expected to have completed around 60 transferable credits in relevant subjects in their AD or HD studies. Applicants with excellent academic results but an inadequate number of transferable credits may be considered for non-JUPAS Year 1 admission to the programme.
For further programme information, please contact:
The General Office (tel: 3400 8690; email: candy.cy.leung@polyu.edu.hk).
Required
To evaluate the suitability of shortlisted applicants for the programme and to test their language proficiency and communication skills
About 60 minutes
