The Division offers research-oriented graduate programs leading
to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
degrees in Life Science, with or without a concentration in
Molecular Medicine. In addition, the Division also participates in a
joint MD/PhD program with Peking University, the interdisciplinary
MPhil and PhD programs in Nano Science and Technology, Marine
Environmental Science and Atmospheric Environmental Science, as well
as the Master of Science (MSc) programs in Biotechnology, and in
Environmental Science and Engineering. Currently, the Division has a
total of 160 postgraduate students, 120 of whom are PhD students.
This degree program provides research training in major areas of
life science. It enables students to acquire the knowledge, skills,
and experience required for research. Students are expected to
conduct thesis research, undertake coursework, attend and present
research seminars. Submission and successful defense of a thesis
based on original research is required. The Program normally takes
two years of full-time study to complete.
The PhD program aims to train qualified PhD students who can
independently conduct advanced-level research projects, possess both
broad knowledge in modern life science and in-depth knowledge in
specialized areas, and contribute original knowledge to the life
science field by publishing their findings in peer-reviewed
international journals. The program usually takes four to five years
of full-time study to complete. Students are expected to conduct
thesis research, undertake coursework, attend and present research
seminars. They must also pass a qualifying examination set by the
Division. Submission and successful defense of a thesis is required.
MPhil/PhD Track in Life Science
For students with a Bachelor or MSc degree who are aiming for PhD,
the Division of Life Science recommends that they be normally
enrolled in the MPhil program (2 years) first. After writing up and
successfully defending an MPhil thesis as well as passing a
qualifying exam, the student can be re-admitted into the PhD program
(3 years). Thus, students under this track will require altogether
five years (i.e., 2+3 mode) to obtain two degrees. However, a
student may still opt for a straight 4-year PhD program with the
support of his/her thesis supervisor. Approval will be granted to
exceptional cases such as Awardees of the HK PhD Fellowships.
Multidisciplinary programs offered by the Nano Science and
Technology (NSNT) Program. The Division participates in this
program. For details, please visit nanoprogram.ust.hk.
This is a joint program with Peking University. Selected
graduates who have completed their bachelor’s degree in medicine
from the Health Science Center of Peking University are accepted to
this program. They are expected to fulfill all requirements for PhD
in 3-4 years and be granted this degree by HKUST. They will then
return to Peking University for clinical training leading to the MD
degree.
The Master of Science in Biotechnology Program is designed to
provide rigorous training to students for professional careers in
the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Since its inception
in 1993, the Program has been widely recognized by professional
practitioners in the relevant fields as a premier academic program.
Recently, the Program has undergone a major revision to meet the
growing and specialized demands of the biotechnology and
pharmaceutical industries. The revised Program is offered in
Part-Time mode with enrichments in various basic and advanced
biotechnological elements, including pharmaceutical, analytical,
transgenic and recombinant technology, bioprocessing, business
operations and management. All these elements are unique for
preparing our students to become scientific research leaders with
entrepreneurship in emerging bio-industrial areas. With this
training and exposure, graduates from the Program will be able to
initiate innovative solutions in biotechnology and rapidly advance
their careers.
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