Bachelor of Science (Honours) Scheme in Biotechnology, Food Safety and Chemical Technology
生物科技、食物安全及化學科技(榮譽)理學士組合課程


Sept 2023 Entry

Programme code: JS3010

Duration & Credit Requirement

Duration and Credit Requirement


Mode of Study
Full-time
Normal Duration

4 years (including 1.5 years with common curriculum)

Credits Required for Graduation

Minimum of 122 credits. The number of credits required is dependent on individual attainment.

Scheme/Programme Intake
100 (JUPAS and non-JUPAS)
Fund Type
Government-Funded
Scheme/Programme Leader(s)

Prof. Yu Wing-yiu, Michael
BSc, PhD

Remarks
  • 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
    • BSc (Hons) in Food Safety and 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 1 of Year Two.
  • 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 Secondary Major Details for further information.

Aims & Characteristics

Aims and Characteristics

  • Scheme-based Admission

The following programmes are offered under the above scheme:

(1) BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology
(2) BSc (Hons) in Chemical Technology
(3) BSc (Hons) in Food Safety and Technology

 

Characteristics

  • This Scheme-based admission serves as an undeclared track offering flexible major selection. The 1.5-year common curriculum gives students an opportunity to identify their area(s) of interest and career aspirations. The subjects in this common curriculum provide science foundation for the three major programmes which prepare students for the proceeding years of study. 
  • 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 1 of Year Two for the department’s consideration and approval.

 

  • BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology

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 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.

 

  • BSc (Hons) in Chemical Technology

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, enhancing their career prospects in the commercial and industrial sectors. Our students gain further work experience through industrial visits, Work-Integrated Education schemes and summer placements in local and overseas companies.

 

  • BSc (Hons) in Food Safety and Technology

Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes

This programme aims to provide a unique and profession-oriented education for aspiring food technologists and food safety officers to meet the needs of the community.

 

The objective is to develop all-round graduates whose intellectual abilities, professional knowledge and skills meet the international standards for Bachelor's degrees in the field of food technology. The programme emphasises language and communication, social responsibility, analytical and critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, teamwork and a global outlook. Graduates achieve the ultimate goal of contributing to the well-being of Hong Kong society at large, particularly to its economy, and to the assurance of food safety for the community.

 

Programme Characteristics

This programme meets the international undergraduate degree standards of both the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST). It is an applied and practical programme. Balancing the development of core competency and breadth, the programme emphasises the professional, intellectual and all-round abilities of students. This is achieved through a specially designed curriculum, modern learning/teaching methodologies, multiple assessment tools, workplace learning experience, a caring and supportive learning environment and extra-curricular activities. Students benefit from experienced academic staff and modern equipment and instruments.

 

Upon successful completion of the programme, students are ready to embark on careers in the food industry or enter into postgraduate programmes. Graduates utilise the skills and knowledge that they have gained from the programme for personal career development as well as for the benefit of the community. 

Curriculum

Curriculum

The three BSc Major programmes offered under this Scheme share some common subjects. Students are required to follow 11 common DSR Core Subjects in the first three semesters (excluding the Summer Term) as a minimum. These are

  • Basic Statistics *
  • Biochemistry
  • Chinese Communication for Science Professionals
  • English for Scientific Communication
  • Freshman Orientation for ABCT Students
  • General Biology *
  • General Chemistry I *
  • General Laboratory Techniques and Safety
  • Organic Chemistry I
  • Physics for Chemical and Biological Sciences
  • Quantitative Skills for Chemical and Life Sciences

 

Students may be required to take additional foundation subjects depending on their HKDSE results.

 

In addition to the above subjects, first year students may take some subjects under the General University Requirements or the Discipline-specific Requirements to prepare for their selected Major programmes.

 

Students are expected to have chosen a specific Major from the Scheme’s programmes by the end of Semester 1 of Year Two. Students follow the curriculum of their selected Major programme from Semester 2 of Year Two onwards. After successfully completing the four-year programme, students are awarded a degree in their selected Major programme.

Secondary Major Detail

Secondary Major Details

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

The students of the BSc (Hons) Applied Biology with Biotechnology (ABB) with a Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE) are required to complete 141 credits for graduation.
 

 

* Six credits from the core subjects of the Major [i.e. Commercialisation of Biotechnology Products (ABCT3104) and Recent Developments in Medical Biotechnology (ABCT4104)] can be double counted as the discipline-specific elective for the Secondary Major.

 

Professional Accreditation

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. 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.

Recognition & Prospects

Recognition and Prospects

  • BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology
     

Professional Recognition
Graduates qualify for membership of the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) in the UK.

 

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 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.

 

  • BSc (Hons) in Food Safety and Technology


Professional Recognition
This programme is accredited to the undergraduate degree standards of both the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST). Graduates with 3 years of work experience in the food safety/technology area can apply for certification as food scientists under the IFT. In addition, students may seek the HACCP Intermediate Certificate upon completion of the core Food Sanitation and Safety Management module.

 

Career Prospects

Graduates of this programme can work for local food manufacturers and traders, food testing laboratories, government departments (including the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Government Laboratory, and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department), catering companies, chain restaurants, supermarkets, hotels and education/research institutions. Graduates who wish to further explore food science may choose to pursue postgraduate studies at local or overseas universities.

Entrance Requirements

Entrance Requirements

Please click here to view the entrance requirements for non-JUPAS applicants.

 

Other Information

  • Applicants attaining good results in science subjects (Biology and/or Chemistry) are preferred.

Enquiries

Enquiries

For further programme information, please contact us via email: abct.admission@polyu.edu.hk.

Student Message

Student Message


As a food lover, I had always wanted to study a food science related subject at university. My dream came true when I joined PolyU’s Food Safety and Technology (FST) programme.As a non-JUPAS student, I benefited from credit transfer from my previous programme. This has given me more flexibility in my study plan. I only registered for physics and three other subjects in my first semester, to give myself enough time to master these subjects. The physics course was probably the most challenging I have taken in my life, and I am glad to have invested substantial time in it, to get good results.

Studying FST also taught me patience. Whilst I was anxious to start studying subjects related to food science, I had to take many basic science subjects in the first year. I was impatient at first. But these basics form an important basis for the programme’s more difficult food science subjects, preparing our way for the coming years. If students are unable to handle basic knowledge, they will not be able to master more advanced knowledge later. I am looking forward to learning, applying what I have learned, and eventually becoming a food safety expert. 


Ngor Wai Ki, Year 4 student of BSc (Hons) Food Safety and Technology



My last year of study was an unforgettable experience. This was my first year as a BSc(Hons) Applied Biology with Biotechnology (ABB) student at PolyU. 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 person.

I am looking forward to more adventures and face-to-face lectures in my next few years of study at PolyU! Best wishes and good luck to all prospective applicants!


Chloe Lee, Year 3 student of BSc (Hons) Applied Biology with Biotechnology



Additional Documents Required

Additional Documents Required


Transcript / Certificate

Required


Interview Arrangement

Interview Arrangement


Date: Between December and August, if necessary
Mode:Individual or group interview
Aims:

To assess the suitability of candidates for the Scheme

Medium:English
Duration:

About 30 minutes

Remark:
  • Only selected applicants will be invited for interview, if necessary.