Sept 2025 Entry
4 years (including 1 year with common curriculum)
120 credits plus training credits (subject to approval)
Students will gain 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 the 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.
What's New
- 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
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 specialize in one of 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 for 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.
- 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.
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BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology (ABB)
Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes
The 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 the opportunity 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 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, 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 specifically designed to enhance graduates' career prospects in the governmental, business 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 base, 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.
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BSc (Hons) in Chemical Technology
Professional Recognition
Graduates qualify for membership of 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 admitted students of Faculty of Science will follow a Common Year One curriculum, which covers basic biology, chemistry, statistics, laboratory techniques, and some subjects of the General University Requirements (GUR).
Students of 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 on 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. Students must apply to 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 are required to attain 36 credits to complete a Secondary Major. The actual credit requirement for graduation for the 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.
120 credits plus training credits (subject to approval)
Prof. Zhao Yanxiang
BSc, PhD
Please click here to view the entrance requirements for non-JUPAS applicants.
Other Information
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Applicants attaining good results in science subjects (Biology and/or Chemistry) are preferred.
For further programme information, please contact us via email: abct.admission@polyu.edu.hk.
My first year of study was an unforgettable experience. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I studied remotely at home via online platforms such as Learn@PolyU (Blackboard) and Microsoft Teams.
Despite these difficult circumstances, the lecturers and tutors at PolyU did everything they could to enhance our online learning experience by encouraging interactions between students, as well as between students and teachers, and by giving us assistance and suggestions whenever we encountered difficulties.
To sum up, PolyU’s ABB programme is equipping me with the skills and knowledge I will need to proceed further with my studies and develop myself as a well-rounded person.
Best wishes and good luck to all prospective applicants!
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.
